Kiev

Kiev Travel Guide

Russia invaded Ukraine on 24th February 2022 and so currently The FCDO advises against all travel to Ukraine. The Russian invasion of Ukraine is ongoing, with attacks against a number of major cities, including Kyiv.

Kiev is situated in the north of central Ukraine along the Dnipo River. Kiev is the capital city and has a long and important history dating back to the 5^th century. Ukrainians are very proud of Kiev, which has seen much change over the years. It played an important role in establishing European civilization in the eastern region of Europe and has some stunning architecture that appeals to its growing band of tourists.

Some great tourist attractions located in Kiev include the Chernobyl Museum but because the signage is not in English it is advised that you organise an English-speaking tour with a guide. The Motherland Statue is a stunning tribute to the country’s role in WWII. The War Memorial surrounding the statue has an array of military hardware on show in its museum.

Kiev Tourist Attractions

In recent decades, Kiev’s downtown area has been transformed with Western style design; many new residential complexes, five-star hotels, nightclubs, fine dining restaurants and boutique shops are now present. Many of the original buildings have been restored to their former beauty, which has given the city its own style, mixing the old with the new.

Kiev is very green with many parks and gardens available for everyone to enjoy. Close to the centre of town, the Botanical Gardens are home to numerous exotic plants and fauna. Close by, the Kiev Zoo features cute native animals. Another fun family-orientated attraction is Hydropark, which features water activities and other forms of recreational entertainment. Kiev has a long and interesting history and its architecture reflects this. One of Europe’s oldest cities, Ukraine has some fantastic buildings such as the St. Sophia Cathedral and the Kiev Pechersk Lavra, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Mariyinsky Palace built during the mid eighteenth century, St. Michael’s Cathedral the giant Mother Motherland statue made of titanium standing at the Museum of the Great Patriotic War on the Dnieper River.

Transport Around Kiev

Boryspil International Airport is situated around 40 minutes by car from the city centre and has an array of daily flights to and from most major European cities. Kiev’s railway station is positioned in the centre of town and is well serviced by trains from all over Ukraine and also some close European countries. Driving is possible but road rules and traffic conditions can be tricky for foreign drivers.