Things to do in Kyiv
Although the city has seen many highs and lows in its long history, Kyiv's cultural attractions remain a constant, and are sure to captivate sightseeing travellers. A leafy capital filled with centuries-old domed churches and signs of modern development, Kyiv remains relatively underexplored as a tourist destination by European standards, and promises plenty of surprises, blending deep-rooted Ukrainian identity with contemporary flair.
City highlights include St Cyril's Church, a small 12th-century church featuring remarkable restored frescoes; the UNESCO-listed Saint Sophia Cathedral; the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War (formerly known as the Great Patriotic War Museum) with the towering Motherland Monument above it; the National Chernobyl Museum, which documents the tragic 1986 nuclear disaster; and the scenic Mariinsky and Khreshchatyk parks, ideal for a stroll or jog. Visitors can also explore the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, a historic Orthodox monastery complex. On hot summer days, locals and tourists flock to Hydropark on the Dnipro River for boating, swimming and other leisure activities.
St Sophia Cathedral
Dating back to the early 11th century, St Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv is a stunning example of Byzantine architecture, later enriched with Baroque additions from the 17th and 18th cen…
St Sophia Cathedral
Dating back to the early 11th century, St Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv is a stunning example of Byzantine architecture, later enriched with Baroque additions from the 17th and 18th centuries. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990 (and placed on the endangered list in 2023) it houses the largest surviving collection of original 11th-century mosaics and frescoes, covering over 3,000 square metres. The cathedral also preserves more than 7,000 historic graffiti inscriptions, offering unique insights into political, religious and everyday life across the centuries.
Website www.kiev.info/culture/sofia_cathedral.htm
Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra (Caves Monastery)
Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, also known as the Caves Monastery, traces its origins to 1051, when the monk St Anthony of Kyiv returned from Mount Athos and settled in a cave near the Dniepe…
Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra (Caves Monastery)
Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, also known as the Caves Monastery, traces its origins to 1051, when the monk St Anthony of Kyiv returned from Mount Athos and settled in a cave near the Dnieper River in the Berestovo district. His ascetic lifestyle quickly drew followers, and as their numbers grew, the original caves became overcrowded. Around 1057, Anthony appointed Barlaam as the first abbot and moved to a new cave nearby. By approximately 1062, Grand Prince Iziaslav I donated the land above the caves, allowing for the construction of a wooden church and the establishment of an above-ground monastery. Over the centuries, the complex continued to expand with additional caves, churches and fortifications, evolving into one of the most important centres of Eastern Orthodox Christianity. Still active today, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra stands as both a spiritual landmark and a living testament to centuries of monastic tradition in Ukraine.
Website lavra.ua/en/general-information/
National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War
The National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War opened in 1981, and is centred around the towering 102-meter Motherland Monument: a striking figure holding a …
National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War
The National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War opened in 1981, and is centred around the towering 102-meter Motherland Monument: a striking figure holding a sword and shield that dominates Kyiv's skyline. Inside the Soviet-era complex, the museum houses more than 400,000 artefacts that chronicle Ukraine's role in World War II and more recent conflicts. Outside, a large memorial park features decommissioned tanks, artillery, helicopters, and fighter jets on display. Visitors can also ascend to an observation deck inside the monument's pedestal for panoramic views of the city. While most exhibit labels are in Ukrainian and Russian, the museum is thoughtfully organised and offers a powerful, immersive experience of wartime history and remembrance.
Website warmuseum.kyiv.ua/en
Hydropark
Summers in Kyiv can be sweltering and Hydropark offers the perfect escape. This sprawling recreation park spans two islands in the Dnieper River, linked to the city by the Metro, R…
Hydropark
Summers in Kyiv can be sweltering and Hydropark offers the perfect escape. This sprawling recreation park spans two islands in the Dnieper River, linked to the city by the Metro, Rusanivka and Venetian bridges. It features sandy beaches, boat and catamaran rentals, river excursions, sports courts, paintball, and an open-air gym, all complemented by restaurants, cafes, bars, and night-time discos with neon lights and live music. A casino on the beach adds to the entertainment; visitors occasionally engage in informal bungee-style jumps off a pedestrian bridge.