Top-7 unique tours around Kyiv
Ancient Kyiv
The tour for those willing to understand why Kyiv is believed to be the centre of the Kievan Rus. Before starting out you should refresh your basic knowledge of history and leaf through a beginner’s guide to Medieval History with bright pictures of old Kievan Rus architecture. Then go ti see the Golden Gate and Saint Sophia Cathedral, walk along Vladimirska street to discover remnants of the Batu Khan Wall or spend some time in “Starokyivska Gora” archaeological park. True secret lovers can try their luck and search for the groundworks of Fedorivsky Monastery in the yard of Vladimirska street 3 or hunt out a cross standing on the place of the ruined Georgiivsky Monastery(intersection of Georgiivsky lane and Zolotovoritska street).
Old Kyiv
A walk around Kyiv of XIX century that will show you “the essential Kyiv” - a classic and modern city with eclectic architecture, a city of industrial tycoons, poets of the Silver Age and a genuine urban resort. Start your journey from Yaroslavov Val, Volodymyrska and Olesya Honchara streets, then take a promenade about Velyka Zhytomyrska street and Shevchenko Boulevard, visit Opera House, The Red Building of the Taras Shevchenko National University, museums at Tereshenkivska street, the House with Chimeras and walk down Gorodetskogo street. Delicious dinner at a national cuisine restaurant(for example “Opanas” situated right in the centre of Shevchenko Park) would be a perfect end for such kind of expedition.
Mysterious Kyiv
Locals love to nourish and cherish city tales about witches, numerous horror stories and fables. They say there are about 5 or 7 places of force called “bald mountains” were witchcraft were practiced in the city. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to climb each and every one -some were devoured by urban development, but you can feel the real mystical power of Kyiv on Zamkova Gora with its barren woods and spooky abandoned cemetery or on Andriivsky descent with notorious Bulgakov’s House no 13. And what is more, you should find yourself a guide to Lysa Gora which is on the spur of Zamkova Gora, who will show you fancy creations of “Fictitious gallery Expedition” or grim cross in Yurkovitsa district standing at the place where the old cemetery used to be. And may force be with you!
Kyiv Street Art
A man with an airbrush creates the world – it’s the main message of the painting on the wall in the courtyard in 24Velyka Zhytomyrska Street. Make it your starting point and go to the Fashion Park on the Landscape Alley – a place that locals defended from developers related to the Ministry of the Internal Affairs in 2012. Another must see spots are the works of sculptor Skretutsky and “Landscape Initiative”: “Ballerina” , “Match”, “Kitten” that is made of disposable forks , “Crocodile” and other numerous pieces of art scattered in Kyiv. If you like graffiti, then search for the works left after Muralisimo 2012 and the works of the most famous Ukrainian artist band "Interesni kazki". Fans of the concept art can enjoy the works of “Fictitious gallery Expedition” collaboration on Zamkova and Schekavitsa hills.
Podol
Podol is the most bourgeois of all districts of Kyiv that keeps a lot of secrets and surprises. You can start discovering them by going down from Vladimirska Hill to Poshtova Square by funicular, which is the first funicular that was built in the Russian Empire. In the end of the ride you’ll find yourself at Poshtova Square where the Church of Christ's Ascension is situated. Taras Shevchenko’s funeral ceremony was hosted in this church and his death mask is kept here. Then walk along Sagaydachnogo street, the street without a single tree but overloaded with cozy shops and nice cafés. Once you reach the Kontraktova Square that are used to be one of the biggest fairs in Russia in the past, pop in the yard of the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy to see the renovated sundial. Podol is a perfect place for the lovers of authentic city yards and local non-filtered beer.
Parks of Kyiv
55% of Kyiv is a green zone. If you don’t believe this fact, start your tour with Landscape Alley, walk uphill to the monument to St. Vladimir, pass along the European square, and starting from the Arch of Friendship of Peoples continue your journey along the Dnieper River. As you walk past the stadium of Lobanovskiy, you'll find yourself in the Mariinsky Park with a palace designed by Rastrelli, Vatutin’s grave and monument to the revolutionaries. You can also go to Luk'yanovski park and try to find Khrushchev’s and Postyshev’s summer houses, or set out to “Kin’ Grust” park to find yourself ending a trip with swimming and sunbathing near the lakes in Pusha Voditsa for a couple of hours. Editorial tip: check out the destinations of Kytaevo, Feofania and Pyrogovo Landscape Park.
Kyiv nightlife
If you want to party, start the night in Arena, dine in Foodtourist, have a couple of shots at Bibique Bar and dance the night out in "Boom boom room". If your heart desires glamour, have a swell dinner in ”Ohota na Ovets” and then head to “Dynamo Lux” , “Dante” or “Skybar” right over the Pinchuk Art Centre. If you do not like the sound of 160 Bpm and find all that fashion stuff too pretentious, democratic places such as “Docker's Pub“ or ”Divan” with live performances will be your night harbor.
Welcome to Kyiv!
