Independence Square

Kyiv

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DESTINATIONS ukraine kiev Do & See Independence Square

Independence Square

Seat of the Orange Revolution, Kyiv’s big social heart hosts many concerts, performances and festivals, and it is thus known for its vibrant and lively atmosphere. Surrounded and embellished with fountains, monuments and an underground shopping mall, this is where real life happens.

Do & See

Walking along Kyiv streets, one can witness many eras collide: Soviet architecture alongside orthodox cathedrals, and imperial palaces define the Ukrainian capital that has recently been shaken by quite a bit of political turmoil. Kyiv has now embraced modernity and has a lot to offer – its eclectic art and cultural scene can keep busy for days on end, so make sure to plan your route ahead.

Golden Gate of Kyiv

Golden Gate of Kyiv

Restoration of the Golden Gate Monument was initiated on the occasion of Kyiv's 1500-year anniversary in 1982. This was met with some criticism, since this decision implied the structure's original ruins had to be removed to erect the new monument. The has now been rebuilt in a combination of brick and …

Independence Square

Independence Square

Seat of the Orange Revolution, Kyiv’s big social heart hosts many concerts, performances and festivals, and it is thus known for its vibrant and lively atmosphere. Surrounded and embellished with fountains, monuments and an underground shopping mall, this is where real life …

Khreshchatyk

This tree-lined boulevard, the main street of Kyiv, is dominated by Stalin Empire architecture and upmarket shops. It stretches over one kilometer through a valley, that is thronged at weekends when it’s closed to …

Kyiv Pechersk Lavra

Kyiv Pechersk Lavra

This monastery is a historic pilgrimage place and an UNESCO World Heritage Site, housing amazing churches, museums and eerie monastery caves. In 2007, it was also elected as one of the Seven Wonders of …

Andriyivsky Uzviz

Andriyivsky Uzviz

The picturesque and steep cobblestone hill Andriyivsky Uzviz, meaning "Andrew’s Descent", is lined with souvenir sellers and artists. Historic landmarks, for example the Castle of Richard Lionheart, are spread out along the descent and they all a great …

Saint Sophia's Cathedral

Saint Sophia's Cathedral

This 11th-century cathedral, now being a museum, is adorned by stunning mosaics and impressive frescoes. Together with the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, this one is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage …

The National Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War

The National Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War

The National Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War is a great place for getting a profound understanding of Kyiv´s history and the impact it has made on the country today. This museum has both an indoor section and a big outdoor section with monuments and …

St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery

St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery

St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery lies on the Dnipro river bank and it boasts soaring domes, mosaics and memories. It was built in 1713 and it has been complemented as well as rebuilt and reconstructed several times …

National Opera House of Ukraine

National Opera House of Ukraine

As one of the oldest building of the Ukraine, this historic Opera House invites you to an evening of classic opera or ballet, and the fabled mastery of its performing artists along with the stately ambiance of the building itself will make for a decidedly unique night out in Kyiv. Prices are reasonable and …

St. Volodymyr’s Cathedral

St. Volodymyr’s Cathedral

St Volodymyr’s Cathedral is a busy, boldly frescoed 19th-century church in the city center and a memorable landmark. It is the most important cathedral for the Ukrainian Orthodox …

Kyiv Funicular

The funicular, connecting the district Podol with the upper part of the city, is an authentic and functional monument to Kyiv's historic past and just another means of public transport for locals. Get in on the lower station (Poschtova Ploscha) and up to Andrew's descent and the upper station (Mykhailivska Ploscha) to save yourself …

Babi Yar

The Babi Yar ravine is a sobering memorial to the people massacred during the Nazi occupation. It is estimated that – at this very place – more than 100.000 people lost their …

The House with Chimaeras

The House with Chimaeras

The House with Chimaeras – also called the Gorodetsky house, after its creator – is mainly used by the government but even though it is closed to visitors, the facade alone makes it worth the trip: its exterior is generously decorated with sculptures of various animals and even sea monsters, and it gives the …

Mystetskyi Arsenal

Mystetskyi Arsenal

One of the most ambitious projects on the Ukrainian art scene, Mystetski Arsenal, is a former military factory turned into National Art and Culture Museum Complex. Although contemporary art is in focus here, past exhibitions have already featured works of great masters such as Chagall or Picasso as …

Mariinsky Park

This fabled park bears traces of its imperial heritage, and it is most certainly worth a visit: apart from a leisurely stroll, you can enjoy one of the best views over the Dnipro river and also take a look at the Mariinsky Palace, the baroque ceremonial residence of the Ukrainian …

National Museum of Ukrainian Architecture and Culture

National Museum of Ukrainian Architecture and Culture

The National Museum of Ukrainian Architecture and Culture is Europe's biggest open air museum. Here you will get an insight in Ukraine's culture, history and all of its historical ethnographic regions in a fun and interactive …

Mezhyhirya Residence Museum

Mezhyhirya Residence Museum

Also known as the "Museum of Corruption", this former president's home gives visitors a good idea of the obscene opulence of Ukraine's former leader. This is a slightly alternative day trip but a must-see, for an insight into Ukraine's turbulent political past and …

Landscape Alley

Landscape Alley

The Landscape Alley is a area located in the historical centre of Kyiv, boasting a great playground and a 30 meter long mosaic as well as sculptures of cats, rabbits and other figures. While children will love to play around, art lovers will also enjoy this beautifully arranged quarter, as this is a real …

One Street Museum

One Street Museum

This institution is one of the most popular museums in Kyiv, as it gives a fascinating insight into the history of the old Andrew's Descent. One name, which is explored through historical documents and photos, is the famous writer Mikhail Bulgakov who used to live in building number …