If you’re planning a visit to Kyiv, there are some things you should not miss. These include the city’s incredibly picturesque parks and islands hidden from the bustle, historical sights and unique architectural sights, lots of museums, great restaurants, bars and original art places.
You can spend days exploring Kyiv’s many interesting and unique places, and there is no doubt that you will find something for every taste. In fact, this Ukrainian capital is so dynamic and unique that it might just be the best place in Europe to be if you want to get a taste of something truly different!
One of the most popular attractions in the city is Victory Park. Located on the bank of the Dnieper, it was built in honor of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany and is one of the most visited areas in Kiev. The park contains a statue of the Soviet President, as well as the ruins of a Soviet war memorial, a museum, and a large garden.
Across from the well-known area of Podil in the middle of the Dnieper sits Trukhaniv Island, one of Kyiv’s favorite hotspots. It features a number of cafes, resorts, clean beaches, and sports complexes. It is also home to the beautiful St Sophia Cathedral, one of Ukraine’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a must-see when visiting the city.
It is worth spending a bit of time exploring this island, especially during the warmer months. The island is a great place to relax and take in the scenic views of the Dnieper and the city.
There is also the chance to view a number of monuments and statues dedicated to the people of Ukraine. These monuments are a perfect way to get a feel for the history and culture of this country, and they’re a must-see on any itinerary in Kyiv.
The most famous street in the capital is Khreshchatyk, which stretches down a sharp slope from the Upper Town to the Podil district on the Dnieper river. It is an essential part of any itinerary, and it’s where you’ll find all the main retail outlets in the city centre, as well as plenty of stylish cafes and restaurants.
Another major attraction is the Maidan Nezalezhnosti, or Independence Square, which was the scene of much of the city’s historical happenings. It’s the place where people have rallied in recent years and is a must-see on any Kyiv itinerary, whether you’re a local or a visitor.
You’ll need to fill out a form in advance to visit this monument, but it is well worth doing. Its marble plaques pay tribute to 11,600 soldiers and 200 workers who were killed during the Soviet Union’s war with Nazi Germany. It is also home to a “Flame of Glory” and a series of marble plaques displaying the names of other Soviet cities that were instrumental in the war’s battle against Nazism.
A few streets from the Maidan is the House with Chimeras, an Art Nouveau masterpiece designed by Wladyslaw Horodecki, a Polish-Ukrainian architect. Its facade is covered in a series of bizarre animal shapes, from dolphins and deer to elephants, frogs and rhinoceroses.