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Sightseeing Places to Visit in Kiev
Ukraine

27 Unmissable Tourist Attractions to Visit and Things to Do in Kiev (Kyiv)

Mustafa Natalwala 2170 Views

Kiev or Kyiv is the national capital city of Ukraine. The city is situated on the banks of Dnieper River. The city is known for its rich history and culture. Some of the best places to visit in Kiev, Ukraine are historical landmarks. The city began as a Slavic settlement on the route between Scandinavia and Constantinople. The city had been ruled under Khazars, Vikings, Mongols, Lithuania, Poland and the USSR. You will see several Kiev attractions attributed to each of these period. The city is named after Kyi, one of its 4 founders. It is one of the oldest city of Eastern Europe with recorded history going back to 5th century.

The city is about 2 hours away from the infamous Chernobyl. One of the top things to do in Kiev, Ukraine is tour of Chernobyl site. You can book the tour from city itself. Under Kiev sightseeing, you can explore the various historical monuments. The city has some of the finest monastery and churches in terms of architecture, design and interior decor. It has equally beautiful palaces built by different rulers. Many of the churches and palaces have been inspired by iconic architectures of Constantinople. The city also has a variety of museums to explore as well. One of the most fascinating things to see in Kiev is the Museum of Microminiatures. It has the largest collection of smallest items of the world.

Alongside its history, it is also recognized for its modern infrastructure and for being one of the greenest cities in Eastern Europe. The culture, historical and contemporary, are also worth exploring. Another major aspect inclines people to visit Kyiv is the friendly and welcoming people of the city. You will experience this as you explore public places in the city like parks, bars, clubs and cafes.

The Best Tourist Places to Visit in Kiev in 5 Days (Trip Itinerary)

Day 1

1. Babyn Yar Memorial

This memorial commemorates the tragic event of mass shooting on 29th and 30th September 1941 by Nazis. It is one of the most important historical places to visit in Kiev. The shootings caused death of 34,000 Jewish people. You will need 10 to 15 minutes to learn about the event and pay your respects at this memorial.

Babyn Yar Memorial

2. St. Cyril’s Monastery

This medieval monastery is a very significant historical and cultural landmark. This church is one of the most wonderful things to see in Kiev for its Kiev Rus architecture. You will need about an hour for this monastery.

St. Cyril’s Monastery

3. Ukrainian National Chernobyl Museum

This museum is dedicated to the people who lost their lives in the 1986 nuclear accident. This is among Kiev tourist attractions which give a sombre and humbling experience. You will need about 2 hours for this museum.

Ukrainian National Chernobyl Museum

4. Mikhail Bulgakov Museum

This museum is dedicated to Mikhail Bulgakov, who was one of the greatest literary figures hailing from the city. It is among important cultural Kiev attractions. You will need about an hour to explore this museum.

Mikhail Bulgakov Museum

5. Andriyivskyy Descent

This street connects Upper and Lower Story. It is perfect for Kiev sightseeing on foot as there are numerous historical buildings, restaurants, cafes, shops and more. You would need an hour for this street.

Andriyivskyy Descent

6. St. Andrew’s Church

One of the most architecturally beautiful places to visit in Kyiv. The baroque style architecture and green colored rooftops wasily make this 18th century church stand out. You will need about an hour to explore this church.

St. Andrew’s Church

Day 2

1. Khreshchatyk Street

You will definitely come across this street when you visit Kiev. It is the central street of the city and stretches for over 1.2 kilometers. It is a happening place for shopping, dining, sightseeing and nightlife. You will need 30 to 45 minutes for this street.

Khreshchatyk Street

2. St. Sophia’s Cathedral

This is the oldest church in the city and is renowned for its Byzantine architecture.  It is named after the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople and draws several elements of design and architecture from it. It is also one of the most culturally significant places to go in Kiev. You will need an hour to explore this cathedral.

St. Sophia’s Cathedral

3. Golden Gate

This UNESCO World Heritage Site was built in the 11th century. It has been named after the Golden Gate of Constantinople. The gate once held a dominating presence as the entrance to the old city and is among historically significant places to see in Kiev. You would need 20 to 30 minutes for this monument.

Golden Gate

4. St. Volodymyr’s Cathedral

This Neo-Byzantine church was built in the 19th century. It is easily recognizable among Kiev tourist places owing to its yellow exterior. It was built to honor the 900th anniversary of Kievan Rus. You will need 30 to 45 minutes for this place.

St. Volodymyr’s Cathedral

5. A.V. Fomin Botanical Garden

This is the oldest botanical garden in the country and is spread over 22.5 hectares. It is a wonderland for those interested in botany and plant life with over 8000 species of flora to showcase. You will need about 2 hours to explore it fully when you visit Kyiv.

A.V. Fomin Botanical Garden

Day 3

1. Feofaniya Park

This park is known for its beautiful alleys and wonderful landscape which is spread over 1.5 square kilometers. It is one of the best places to visit in Kiev for a leisurely stroll. You will need about an hour to explore this park.

Feofaniya Park

2. Pyrohiv Open-Air Museum (National Museum of Folk Architecture and Life of Ukraine)

This museum portrays Ukraine as it was between 16th and 20th century. The museum extensively talks about folk architecture and pastoral life in Ukraine during this time period. It is one of the most fascinating things to see in Kiev. You will need about 2 hours for this museum.

Pyrohiv Open-Air Museum

3. Hryshko National Botanical Garden

This garden is named after a famous Soviet Botanist named Mykola Hryshko. It has a wide variety of plants and tree species. You will need about an hour for this garden.

Hryshko National Botanical Garden

4. Vydubychi Monastery (St. Michael’s Vydubytsky Men’s Monastery)

Exploring historical architecture is among top things to do in Kiev. This monastery is a wonderful example of 11th century architecture. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this monastery.

Vydubychi Monastery

5. National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War (The Ukrainian State Museum of the Great Patriotic War)

This museum exhibits artifacts from German Soviet battle during second world war. It is one of the biggest museums in the country and also one of the popular Kiev tourist attractions. You will need about an hour for this museum.

National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War

6. The Motherland Monument

This monument was built as a symbol for Ukraine’s Victory over the Soviet Union. It won’t take you much time here, you will need about 10 to 15 minutes to admire this statue before you can move on to other Kiev attractions.

The Motherland Monument

Day 4

1. Kiev Pechersk Lavra

This orthodox christian monastery complex over 28 hectares. It is also known as Monastery of Caves and was built in the 11th century. It is an interesting place for Kiev sightseeing. The complex is well known for its network of underground tunnels and chapels. You will need about 2 hours to explore this place.

Kiev Pechersk Lavra

2. Mariinsky Park

This park is 144 years old and is one of the nicest places to visit in Kyiv to get away from hustle and bustle of the city. The garden also has several historical monuments and statues. You will need about an hour to explore this park.

Mariinsky Park

3. Mariyinsky Palace

This baroque style palace is the ceremonial house of the President of the Country. It was originally constructed for Empress Elizabeth in the 18th century. You will need about an hour to explore this palace when you visit Kiev.

Mariyinsky Palace

4. House with Chimaeras (Gorodetsky House)

This house is one of the unique places to see in Kiev. It was built in 1903 by Polish architect Vladislav Gorodetsky. Owing to its unique Gothic and baroque style architecture, it is also known as the House of the Mad Architect. You will need 20 to 30 minutes to see this house.

House with Chimaeras

5. PinchukArtCenter

This art gallery is dedicated to the contemporary arts of the country. The art center is spread over 6 floors and is one of the best places to go in Kiev to explore this cultural aspect of the country. You will need about an hour to explore it.

PinchukArtCenter

Day 5

1. Park Landscape Alley

This park is popular among Kiev tourist places for in its offbeat artworks, sculptures and murals. You will need an hour or so to explore this park.

Park Landscape Alley

2. National Museum of History of Ukraine

This museum is among Kiev must see as it gives you an insight into the history and cultural of the country. It has an extensive collection of ethnographic and archeological exhibits. You will need 2 hours to explore this museum.

National Museum of History of Ukraine

3. St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery

This monastery was one of the most beautiful things to see when you visit Kyiv. The golden domes of the monastery are an incredible sight. The interior of the church are equally fascinating to see. You will need about an hour to explore this monastery complex.

St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery

4. People’s Friendship Arch (Friendship of Nations Arch)

This monument was built in honor of the 60th anniversary of USSR and the 1500th anniversary of Kiev. This monument is beautifully lit up at night. You will need 10 to 15 minutes to admire this monument.

People's Friendship Arch

5. National Art Museum of Ukraine

This art museum is home to 20,000 works of art by some of the most renowned Ukrainian and international artists. The museum is housed in a beautiful Neo classical building. It will take about 2 hours to explore this museum.

National Art Museum of Ukraine

If you are looking for more interesting things to do in Kiev Ukraine, check out this section below. We have prepared an exhaustive list of attractions and activities to explore in and around the city.

Things to do in Kiev

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Kiev

  1. St. Sophia Cathedral
  2. Kiev Pechersk Lavra
  3. Motherland Monument
  4. St. Andrew’s Church
  5. Golden Gate
  6. St. Michael’s Golden Domed Monastery
  7. St. Volodymyr’s Cathedral
  8. Pinchuk Art Center
  9. National Museum of Folk Architecture & Life of Ukraine
  10. The Ukraine State Museum of the Great Patriotic War
  11. Mariyinsky Palace
  12. Ukrainian National Chernobyl Museum
  13. National Art Museum of Ukraine
  14. Gorodetsky House
  15. Mezhyhirya Residence
  16. Friendship of Nations Arch
  17. Oleg Antonov State Aviation Museum
  18. Mystetskyi Arsenal National Art and Culture Museum Complex
  19. Khanenko Museum
  20. National Museum of the History of Ukraine
  21. Bulgakova Museum
  22. Holodomor Genocide Museum
  23. Kiev Founders Monument
  24. National Opera of Ukraine
  25. One Street Museum
  26. Water Museum
  27. Museum of Toilet History
  28. Kyiv Fortress
  29. Bohdan Khmelnytsky Monument
  30. Kyiv Art Gallery
  31. Mykola Siadrystyi Micro Miniatures Museum
  32. St. Michael’s Vydubytsky Men’s Monastery
  33. Ukrainian Treasures Museum
  34. Holy Dormition Cathedral of Ukrainian
  35. St. Cyril’s Church
  36. The National Taras Shevchenko Museum
  37. Kyiv History Museum
  38. Tithe Church
  39. Ivan Honchar Museum
  40. Mamyeva Sloboda
  41. National Sanctuary Complex
  42. Volodymyr The Great Monument
  43. Natsional’nyy Muzey Ukraine
  44. National Science and Natural History Museum
  45. Museum of Modern Art of Ukraine
  46. Chocolate House
  47. National Museum of Literature of Ukraine
  48. National Kyiv Pechersk Historical and Cultural Reserve
  49. Great Lavra Bell Tower
  50. Gate Church of the Trinity of Ukrainian
  51. Museum of Jellyfish
  52. Kyiv City Teacher’s House
  53. Museum of Book and Publishing Ukraine
  54. Askold’s Grave
  55. Victoria Museum
  56. Princess Olga Monument
  57. Museum of the Formation of the Ukrainian Nation
  58. Pirogovo Museum
  59. National Memorial Complex of Heroes of Heavenly Hundred
  60. Baron Steingel House
  61. Oblique Caponier Fortress

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Kiev

  1. Holosiivskyi National Natural Park
  2. Lysa Hora
  3. Hora Zamkova
  4. Kytayiv Forest

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Kiev

  1. Hydropark
  2. Kiev Zoo
  3. Kyiv National Botanical Garden
  4. Expo Center of Ukraine
  5. Park of Eternal Glory
  6. E.V. Fomin Botanical Garden
  7. Kiev Miniature Park
  8. Kyiv Planetarium
  9. Park of Partisan Glory
  10. Protasiv Yar Ski Complex
  11. Hryshko Kyiv National Botanical Garden
  12. Experimentanium
  13. Kyvian Rus Park
  14. Akvapark Terminal
  15. Underground Tour
  16. Chernobyl Tour

Shopping in Kiev

  1. Bessarabian Market
  2. Gulliver Mall
  3. Manufactura Outlet
  4. Khreshchatyk Street
  5. Metrograd
  6. Velyka Vasylkivska Street
  7. Lesi Ukrainky Boulevard
  8. Besarabsky Market
  9. SkyMall
  10. Ocean Plaza
  11. Dream Town
  12. Zhytniy Market
  13. Volodymyrskyi Market

Beaches & Islands in Kiev

  1. Trukhaniv Island
  2. Muromets Beach
  3. Venice Beach

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Kiev

  1. Kiev Funicular
  2. Skiing
  3. Kayaking
  4. Hiking
  5. River Boating
  6. Swimming

Sightseeing in Kiev

  1. Independence Square
  2. Khreschatyk Street
  3. Andriivs’kyi descent
  4. Park Landscape Alley
  5. Vladimiro Kalva Hill
  6. Babin Yar Park
  7. Taras Shevchenko Park
  8. Feofaniya Park
  9. Kontraktova Square
  10. Mariinskyi Park
  11. Park Bridge
  12. Park Natalka
  13. Syretskyi Park
  14. Khreshchatyy Park

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Kiev

  1. Kanapa
  2. Paravoz
  3. Odessa
  4. Loggerhead
  5. Imbir
  6. Puzata Hata
  7. Whisky Corner
  8. Hutorets na Dnipri
  9. Pizzeria Napule
  10. Favorite Uncle
  11. Chi Chiko
  12. Ostannya Barykada
  13. Shoti
  14. Musafir
  15. Milk Bar
  16. Vero Vero
  17. Tsarske Selo
  18. Osteria Pantagruel
  19. Dogs & Tails
  20. Klukva & Brukva
  21. Bao
  22. Spotykach
  23. Naprosecco
  24. Barvy
  25. Carpaccio Bar
  26. Cafe Nikala
  27. Vino e Cucina
  28. Antwerpen

How to Reach Kiev?

By Air

There are 2 airports for Kiev travel namely Kyiv Boryspil Airport (KBP) and Igor Sikorsky Kyiv International Airport (IEV). You can get direct flights from Frankfurt, Stockholm, Alicante, Amman, Warsaw, Amsterdam, Kharkiv, Istanbul, Lviv, Dubai, Bologna, Vienna, Riga, Nice, Prague, Geneva, Doha, Rome, Munich, Dusseldorf, Zurich, Odesa, Cairo, Berlin, Tel Aviv, Baku, Paris, Barcelona, Naples, Dublin, Krakow, Milan, Tbilisi and many more. You can get train, bus and cabs from KBP airport. From IEV Airport you can catch cabs and buses to get around for all the things to do in Kiev Ukraine.

By Road

There are several places in Europe from where you can get trains to visit Kyiv including Belgrade, Budapest, Przemysi, Bratislava, Prague, Minsk, Chisinau, Sofia, Bucharest, Vienna, Warsaw, Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Berlin, Nur Sultan, Baku, Murmansk, Venice and more. The bus network is even more widespread, there are numerous cities and towns from where you can get direct buses for Kiev tour.

If you are planning to reach there by car, you should pick between routes E95, E373 or E40.

By Water

There are no water routes to visit Kiev, so you would need to pick between air and road travel only.

Image Reference

Mustafa Natalwala

Mustafa is a content writer and digital marketing expert at WideWorldTrips.com His mainly interests are into travelling, photography, film-making