Kyiv

Understand

In 2020, it was home to 3 million people. It is in the north of central Ukraine on the Dnieper River (Ukrainian: Дніпро, Russian: Днепр).

Correct city name spelling The official name of the city has long been Kyiv, a transliteration from the Ukrainian Київ. A common alternative English name of the city, Kiev, is a transliteration of the Russian Киев. While the two names were formerly used interchangeably in English, since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the choice of name has assumed political connotations; supporters of the Ukrainian government tend to use "Kyiv" as a sign of solidarity, while supporters of the Russian invasion tend to use "Kiev".

History

The Ukrainians are understandably very proud of their capital's role in establishing European civilization in Eastern Europe. Kyiv, one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe, traces its origins to at least the 5th century, though archaeological evidence shows settlements in the area existed much earlier. By the late 9th century, Kyiv emerged as the heart of a burgeoning Eastern Slavic state. From the 10th to the early 13th centuries, it enjoyed a golden age as the capital of Kievan Rus’—a powerful medieval state also known as Kyivan Ruthenia or Rus-Ukraine. This entity laid the religious and cultural groundwork for the modern East Slavic nations of Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus. Russia’s claim to Kievan Rus’ as its historical origin remains a contentious issue between Ukrainians and Russians to this day. In 1240, Kyiv faced catastrophic destruction at the hands of the Mongols, led by Batu Khan of the Golden Horde. After a brutal siege, the city was razed, its fortifications demolished, and much of its population massacred. This devastation marked the end of Kyiv’s political and economic prominence. By the late 13th century, the weakened city came under the control of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. In 1569, it was incorporated into the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Kyiv’s fortunes shifted again in 1654, when Hetman Bohdan Khmelnytskyi liberated the city from Commonwealth rule during a Cossack uprising for independence. However, his subsequent decision to sign the Treaty of Pereyaslav with Muscovy is widely viewed as a dark chapter in Ukrainian history, as it initiated a gradual process of Russian colonization. Full annexation by Russia followed in 1775, and Kyiv remained under Russian dominion for centuries, with a brief period of Ukrainian independence from 1918 to 1920 amid the turmoil following the Russian Revolution. Over this time, Russification efforts intensified, accompanied by

Getting there

By plane

The closest operating airports are in Moldova and Poland. From the airport, take a train or a bus to Kyiv, that will bring you into Ukraine across the border.

Chisinau Airport KIV IATA is a 20-hour-long direct train from central train station to Kyiv. Warsaw Airport WAW IATA is a 17-hour train trip to Lviv. Jasionka International Airport RZE IATA is a 14-hour train trip to Lviv. Lublin Airport LUZ IATA is a 12-hour train trip to Lviv.

By train

On most Ukrainian trains tickets become available 20 days ahead of the departure date. Tickets must be purchased online ahead of time as they get sold out fast.

Overnight sleeping trains may be more comfortable for the trips across long distances in Ukraine. Look for the "Flagship" trains that typically offer the power socket next to each berth and cleaner bathrooms. Meals are not served on the train, so make sure to bring enough of your own food and water for the whole trip.

1 Kyiv Central Railway Station (Kyiv Pasazhyrskyi, Київ-Пасажирський), 1 Vokzalna Square (just west of city center), ☏ +380 44 239 8951, +380 44 503 6050. All mainline trains arrive here. The station is wide, with a bridge across the tracks between the north and south terminal buildings - each has its own ticket offices and other facilities. The north side is the main entrance facing city center, with M1 "Vokzalna", Pivnichna suburban train station, and buses and taxis into town, all in the square just outside. South side has the bus stops for both airports. (updated Oct 2018) Direct trains from Crimea (under Russian military occupation) remain suspended as of 2024.

By bus Tickets can be purchases on Omio, BlaBlaCar and other bus apps.

2 Central Bus station (Автобусний вокзал «Центральний»), 3 Demiivska Square (M2 "Demiivska"), ☏ +38 095 444 44 44, [email protected]. 09:00-21:00. International buses stop at the central station, which is a squalid place that is anything but central. There are frequent direct buses of variable quality from Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Moldova, Germany, Czech Republic and Austria. Some of the popular operators include FlixBus, INFOBUS, AutoLux, euroTICKET and others. (updated May 2023) 3 Kyiv Bus Station (Автостанція «Київ»), 32 Symona Petliury (at Central Train Station). (updated Sep 2023) 4 Polissia Bus Station (Автостанція «Полісся»), 2 Tarasa Shevchenka Square (from M2 "Kontraktova Ploscha" take nortbound tram), ☏ +380 44 430-3554. For northern directions. (updated Jan 2024) 5 Pivdenna Bus Station (Автостанція «Південна»), 3 Akademika Hluskova Avenue (M2 "Ipodrom"), ☏ +380 44 257-400

Getting around

Curfew The curfew in Kyiv is every day since 00:00 until 05:00. During that time, only people with the special document (e.g., police and ambulance) are allowed to go outside on the streets, so plan your trip back to the hotel in time. Taxi prices can get very expensive around the time of the last Metro trains (~22:30 at the central stations). Subway trains do not cross the Dnipro River during air raid sirens. Be careful about staying out later in the evening if you are staying on the left (eastern) bank of the river and are counting on the Metro to get home.

On foot For shorter distances, there is no better way of getting around Kyiv than hitting the sidewalk, especially in the areas of the city center like Maidan Nezalezhnosti, Kontraktova Ploshcha, Arsenalna. The city center area consists of many hills, so be prepared and plan accordingly. The underground pedestrian crossings are ubiquitous and let you cross the busy streets without waiting for the traffic lights, many of them connect to the underground malls, being a specialty of Kyiv. Keep in mind they are often not equipped with elevators, just the stairs.

By municipal public transport

The base fare per trip is 8 грн with no difference for the length of the trip. Additional discounts apply for journeys paid in bulk. Each transfer means another trip (unless in the metro). E-Ticket guide can be found on the website. There are 4 ways to pay for public transport trips:

The most tourist-friendly: Users of Google Pay, Apple Pay and contactless credit/debit cards can pay directly without the need for a separate ticket; just tap your card or phone on the gates reader. (look for orange-marked gates) Single-journey paper tickets called QR tickets (not to be confused with the digital payment method listed below) can be purchased at the ticket office or ticket machines and scanned at the turnstile. These have replaced the old token system on the Metro. Tap the prepaid Kyiv Digital (Київ Цифровий) multi-journey plastic card. The card can be purchased for 50 грн at all metro stations, and in T-Kiosks all around the city. You can top up the card at metro stations, via the Kyiv Digital app (iOS, Android), on EasyPay, and at EasyPay, PrivatBank, City24 terminals. A digital version of the single-journey QR ticket can be purchased through the Kyiv Digital (Київ Цифровий) mobile app (iOS, Android) and used by scanning your phone screen at the turnstile. All 4 are supported across the municipal transport network, including the funicular. Tap or scan your public transit payment only once when entering at the

See

Explore neighbourhoods 1 Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Майдан Незалежності) (M2 "Maidan Nezalezhnosti"). Independence Square or Maidan is the place where opposition to pro-Russian governments gathered at different points between 2004 and 2013. This is a central meeting place in Kyiv. (updated Jan 2024) 2 On the weekend, go and people watch on Khreshchatyk (M1 "Khreschatyk"). Start at Ukrainskykh Heroiv Square and head underground. Walk through the Metrograd shopping center, always sticking to your left. Head above-ground at Tarasa Shevchenka Boulevard (бульвар Тараса Шевченка), from where the council shuts down Khreshchatyk on the weekends. The main drag of the city center is closed to traffic on some weekends and full of entertainers and people wandering around. A big, happy crowd and very conducive to people watching. Walking up the street to Maidan, you will be treated to the sight of numerous street performers and animal handlers, or you can simply enjoy seeing families out and about for a weekend stroll. (updated Jan 2024) 3 Andriyivsky Uzviz or Andrew's Descent (Андріївський узвіз) (Andrew's Descent winds down to Kontraktova Ploshcha in Podil. M2 "Kontraktova Ploscha"). At the top of this charming but rugged cobblestone street stands St. Andrew’s Church. It’s a steep climb, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. Along the way, you’ll pass souvenir stalls, cozy restaurants, art galleries, and small museums. While it’s a popular spot with tourists, the street still retains its authentic charm. (updated Jan 2024) 4 Podil (M2 "Poshtova Ploscha"). Stroll around. Start at St Michael's Cathedral in the Upper Town. Catch the funicular behind it down to Poshtova Ploscha, and wander around the grid-like streets of Podil. The area was the merchant's quarter, and was completely rebuilt in the 19th century after fires destroyed the area. It was mainly untouched during WWII and is emerging as a hip restaurant district and is rapidly being gentrified. Walk along the Sahaidachnoho street. Finish your stroll by walking up Andriyivsky Uzviz, which will get you back to St Michael's Cathedral. (updated Jan 2024) 5 Arsenalna. Busy restaurants with many options. (updated Mar 2025)

Kyiv Pechersk Lavra complex

6 Kyiv Pechersk Lavra (Cave Monastery--Печерська лавра), 9 Lavrska Street (M1 "Arsenalna" is a couple of blocks away from the main entrance; you can take a trolley from the subway station - 2 stops), ☏ +38 44 280-3071. Winter 09:00-18:00, summer 08:00-19:00. One of the oldest and most important monasteries in Ukraine and in the territory of the former Soviet Union. Onl

Do

1 Attend Ukrainian Orthodox church. Even if you'd never do so at home: Orthodox services are strangely moving even to unbelievers. They are also mighty long and there are few if any seats in church, but it's perfectly acceptable to come and go as you please, as locals do. Women must cover their heads before entering the church. Pick any church you please, but St Volodomyr's (on Tarasa Shevchenka Blvd, listed above) is a good choice. 2 Go kayaking in-between the islands of Dnipro river or countless river bays. There are several places in Kyiv to rent SUP board or kayak for an hour or two. It’s great way to explore the birds and nature of Kyiv newbies with no previous experience needed. Operating April to September. Pick the days with the nice weather and low wind conditions. Make sure to apply plenty of sunscreen as there is no shade on the open water. ~300 ₴ ($7) per hour. (updated Mar 2025) Pysankarstvo workshop. Sign up for a workshop lasting 1-2 hours to decorate your own pysanka. Ukrainians are known to create some of the most beautiful Easter eggs with this ancient decorative technic. (updated Mar 2025) Petrykivka drawing workshop. Go for a workshop to learn this unique Ukrainian decoration style. (updated Mar 2025)

Sports 3 Palace of Sports. Indoor complex in the center of Kyiv. The hall hosts ice hockey, basketball and boxing competitions. Apart from sporting events, it's also the venue for Eurovision Song Contest and other concerts (updated Feb 2021) Kyiv has many recreational running routes with different road surfaces. If you like plain terrain, opt for Mariinskyi Park in the city center. You can even extend your route and run across the Lovers’ Bridge to the Puppet Theatre. If you fancy moderate hills, go for Spivoche Pole, with lots of open air and field tracks for those who do not like blacktop surface. For moderate mountainous lovers, there is Hryshko Botanical Garden with views to Paton Bridge and the Dnipro River. Kyiv Shooting Club offers firearms shooting, providing different kinds of weapons available even for non-licensed travelers. Ice skating is possible inside the city’s shopping centers. The largest indoor rink is at the Kosmopolit Shopping Center with an area of 1,800 m2 (19,000 ft²). You can of course find outdoor and covered skating rinks, such as Katok. It is a spacious “ice rink bubble”, just 15-minute walk from the M2 "Pochaina".

Other Watch football at FC Dynamo Kyiv, who play soccer in the Premier League, the Ukrainian top tier. Their home ground is Olimpiyskiy National Sports Complex, capacity 70,000, one km sout

Buy

For more information on currency, see Ukraine#Money Banks and exchanges booths are very easy to find, with most of them displaying their rates outside the shop. Simply go around at least 2 blocks and compare rates. While a few of them are open 24 hours, those that do remain open at night may display bad buying rates. Rates at the airport are not as good as in the city center. Not all hotels will change money and if you arrive in the evening or on a Sunday you could find yourself with no money for dinner if you don't change at least some at the airport. Most banks operate on Saturdays as well as Mondays to Fridays. ATMs are everywhere and generally work with international credit and debit cards. Like in most places in Ukraine, having plenty of small change will prevent hassle from shop staff who perpetually lack small money.

Markets

1 Market at Andriivskyi Descent, Andriivskyi Descent (M2 "Kontraktova Ploscha"). Saturdays, Sundays. For a nice collection of traditional things, old communist goods (real goods as well as some that are fake and mass-produced) etc. (updated Jan 2024) 2 Zhytniy Market (Житній ринок), 16 Verkhnii Val Street (M2 "Kontraktova Ploscha", 300m), ☏ +380 44 4176571, +380 44 4173426, [email protected]. Tu-Su 07:00-21:00, M 07:00-14:00. Covered food market. Already in the 15th century was this market an important shopping center. There met twice yearly fair. Then remained one of the major shopping centers, because of proximity to the Dnieper River and harbour. (updated Sep 2023) 3 Besarabsky Market (Бессарабський ринок), 2 Bessarabska Square (M2 "Ploscha Ukrainskykh Heroiv", 10 min walk). Covered food market on base level a Novus supermarket. Offers a wide variety of grocery products. The building is a protected monument. Constructed in 1910-1912. (updated Sep 2023)

Shopping malls

Respublika Park (Республіка Парк), 1 Kiltseva Road (M2 "Teremky"). (updated Jan 2024) 4 Ocean Plaza (Оушн Плаза), 176 Antonovycha Street (M2 "Lybidska"). (updated Jan 2024) Blockbuster Mall (Блокбастер Молл), 36 Stepana Bandery Avenue. (updated Jan 2024) Lavina Mall (Лавіна Молл), 6D Berkovetska Street. (updated Jan 2024) Sky Mall (Скай Молл), 2T Romana Shukhevycha Avenue. (updated Jan 2024) River Mall (Рівер Молл), 12 Dniprovska Embarkment. (updated Jan 2024) 5 Retroville (Ретровіль), 47 Pravdy Avenue. (updated Jan 2024) Mega City (Мега Сіті), 19 Kharkivske Highway. (updated Jan 2024) Cosmo Multimall (Космо Мультимолл), 6 Vadyma Hetmana Street (M1 "Shuliavska"). (updated Jan 2024) Dream Yellow (Дрім Йеллоу), 1B Obolonskyi Avenue (M

Eat

Enjoy the Ukrainian cuisine. Grab a Ukrainian meal with borshch, varenyky, kholodets, holubtsi or mlyntsi. In general, it is very cheap to dine in Kyiv by Western European or US standards. So long as you stay away from the places that totally pander to tourists or to the Porsche Cayenne-driving "elite", the food is great and cheap. Baked goods are cheap and great too. Even the ice-cream on the street is great. Try, for example, the one to the right from M1 "Khreschatyk" - blue kiosk with varying length of queues. Drink some nastoyanka (alcoholic) or kvas / uzvar (non-alcoholic). When you see vendors selling some liquid from big yellow/blue tanks on the street, you can be sure that it is "Kvas," which is a brewed bread drink. Some people like it and others hate it. It tastes a bit like malt, and the alcohol content is so low (0.05-1.44%) that it is considered acceptable for consumption by children. Try "Odyn Malenkyi" (one small) drink. Get a medovyk or napoleon cake for dessert. You should not drink the tap water (for reasons both chemical and microbial). It is advisable to buy bottles in the supermarkets. You can always order "Bonaqua" (a brand of sparkling mineral water), but beer is just about as cheap.

Budget 1 Celentano (Челентано), 23A Velyka Vasylkivska Street (M2 "Ploscha Ukrainskykh Heroiv"), ☏ +380 44 2356687. M-F 09:00-22:00, Sa Su 10:00-22:00. Italian food and wine, pizza, salads. Favorite for local youngsters. A couple more places near to metro stations Khreschatyk str., 10; (M1 "Khreschatyk"); Heroiv Stalinhrada ave., 24A,(metro: ?) ; Dovzhenka Oleksandra str., 1 (M1 "Shuliavska"); Yaroslaviv Val str., 37/1 (M3 "Zoloti Vorota"); Velyka Vasylkivska str., 111/113 (M2 "Palats Ukraina"); Vokzalna sq., 2 (M1 "Vokzalna"); Telihy Oleny str., 13/14 (M3 "Dorohozhychi"); Kotsiubynskoho Mykhaila str., 14 (M1 "Universytet"). Course from 440 грн. (updated Sep 2023) 2 Korchma Budmo (Корчма Будьмо), 22a Mykhailivska Street (M2 "Maidan Nezalezhnosti", 5 mins by walk), ☏ +380 44 279-61-93. Daily 09:00 to 23:00. National Ukrainian cuisine, simple, but tasty and cheap, pleasant atmosphere. All the major credit cards are accepted. (updated Jan 2024) 3 Mister Snack (Містер Снек), 18 Hetmana Pavla Skoropadskoho Street (From M1 "Vokzalna" first on Vul. Vokzal than turn on Vul. Tolstogo, 10 mins by walk.), ☏ +380 44 2343040, [email protected]. Cheap sandwich and salad chain, hamburgers. More places exmpl. Sakcaganskogo St., 88. Sandwiches from 160 грн. (updated Sep 2023) 4 Potato House (Картопляна Хата), 37/20 Nyzhnii Val Street (M2 "Kontraktova Ploscha"), ☏

Drink & nightlife

Shed any stereotypes you have about poor quality alcohol in Ukraine. Particularly since the Revolution of Dignity in 2014, there has been an explosion of excellent craft beer, wine, and liquor to rival any in Europe. Downtown Kyiv is full of excellent brew pubs, wine bars, and cocktail spots where you can enjoy excellent drinks for far cheaper than elsewhere in Europe. Notable craft beer brands include Varvar, Tsypa, Mova, Pravda, and Underwood. A standard, mass-market pint should be less than 2 EUR (unless the place is particularly exclusive). A craft-y, expensive beer can run as high as 4 EUR.

Coffee houses

If you are not keen about alcohol, try one of the abundant coffee houses. They are always neat places with similar menu featuring all imaginable versions of coffee, a good choice of tea, fancy milk shakes and smoothies, and a selection of cakes. Their main advantage is free Wi-Fi, while on the downside are the prices that are rather high on Kyiv standards. Coffee and piece of cake start from 20 грн each. Kyiv is famous for its coffee culture. Capu-orange drink, a mix of espresso and orange juice, is a local Ukrainian specialty, served in every coffee shop. When you urgently need a shot of espresso, you can also try coffee sold on the street. Basically, every second kiosk will offer some kava (Ukrainian word for coffee), but its quality is at best iffy. A safe choice would be special cars equipped with coffee machines. These cars can be found in most public places and next to entrances to the metro stations. They offer decent take-away coffee for 8-10 грн. If you prefer places that do not look the same in each town and are not owned by big companies, you should try the café "Living-Room" in the vul. Spas'ka, 6, near M2 "Kontraktova Ploscha". The small but cozy place is organized by some enthusiasts and musicians. Two pianos and some other instruments can be used by the staff or guests! While most cafés would close at 22:00 this one is open as long as the staff wants to work. Besides excellent coffee they offer a wide range of very tasty teas, original cakes (e.g. beetroot-chocolate cake!), Beer and so on (no vodka). The kitchen will help you out for the small hunger.

Bars Like a Local's Wine Bar, 26 Sichovykh Striltsiv Street, ☏ +380 93 682 2626. 16:00-23:00. The place specialises on Ukrainian wine and cichetti-style Ukraine-sourced snacks to which the menu mistakenly refers as tapas; also wine-paired pies. Ask staff for other meal options available, as well as for wine guidance. A small, lively place with great music and friendly staff. Fr

Sleep

Budget 1 Kyiv Central Station Hostel, 25 Hoholivska Street, Apt. 11 (In between the train station and the Independence Square, it's about 1.2km from train station), ☏ +380 93 7587468, [email protected]. The hostel staff speaks English, Russian, Ukrainian, Polish, Spanish and Portuguese. Fully equipped, discounts for tours and different activities. Age-limit: 40, no families & no long-terms. (updated Sep 2023) 2 Magic Bus Hostel Kiev, 31 Saksahanskoho Street, 2nd floor, apt. 3 (M2 "Ploscha Ukrainskykh Heroiv"), ☏ +380 97 3360303. Check-in: 13:00, check-out: 12:00. Hostel within walking distance to the main street Kreschatik and railway station. Uniquely designed room. Professional & friendly staff. From 160 грн. (updated Sep 2023) 3 The Hub Hostel Kyiv, 5A Tereschenkivska Street (M1 "Teatralna"), ☏ +380 44 2291266. A hostel in a freestanding building in the center with a huge yard. Privates and 4-12 bed dorms, including female only dorms; free Wi-Fi, linen, tea and coffee. A 24-hr reception, free lockers. Big, soundproof social area with variety of board games, movies and books, well-equipped kitchen. Different activities every day of the week: movie nights, guided tours, pub crawling. Can accommodate groups and provide lodging for all sorts of events. From 560 грн. (updated Sep 2023) 4 TIU Kreschatik, 8b Khreshchatyk Street, Apt. 11 (On the Main Street next to the Independence Square), ☏ +380 66 9323676. Fully equipped kitchen, free Wi-Fi access, friendly English speaking staff, common rooms with big-screen TVs and DVD libraries, private rooms, frequent pub crawls, security lockers and digital coded front door locks. From 400 грн. (updated Sep 2023) 5 Really Central Hostel, 10 Bohdana Khmelnytskoho Street, Floor 2. Apt. 50 (access via second courtyard) (M1 "Teatralna"), ☏ +380 98 2636506. Very friendly, one communal dorm, two private twin rooms. English speaking staff, Wi-Fi and communal kitchen. From 320 грн. (updated Sep 2023) 6 St. Sophia Hostel Kyiv, 2 Reitarska Street, Apt. 2, ☏ +380 93 6423006, [email protected]. Located in the very center in a quiet green area, with a view on Sophia Cathedral. From 400 грн. (updated Sep 2023) 7 Hotel Saturn, 2b Heroiv Kosmosu Street (Borshagivka train station 1km or M1 "Beresteiska" and bus No.429 9 stops.), ☏ +380 44 4033263. Check-in: 13:00, check-out: 12:00. From 1200 грн. (updated Sep 2023) 8 Hostel United, 9 Kostelna Street, apt. 5 (right bank of the Dnipro, 3-min walk from The Independence Square underground), ☏ +380 63 4349666, [email protected]. Check-in: 13:00, check-ou

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