Kyiv: Where to Go and What to See

Every corner of Ukraine can surprise, enchant, or leave unforgettable memories and impressions. Kyiv is especially interesting and colorful for an unforgettable break. The capital of Ukraine can impress and inspire; there are many interesting places, worth visiting at least once in a lifetime. So we suggest looking through a list of locations that are a must for every Kyiv resident or visitor to the city.

What to see and where to go in Kyiv

To see all the most famous and notable places in Kyiv, you need to spend at least several days. So for those who do not have much time at their disposal but want to learn about the main historical gems of the Ukrainian capital, we recommend visiting the most impressive and truly notable places in Kyiv.

Andriivskyi Descent

Andriivskyi Descent — 735 m of Kyiv history, where almost every building is part of important historical events. So this is not just a place worth going to for impressions, but the historical part of the city that will help reveal the capital from an unusual angle. On the hill stands St Andrew's Church, and nearby is the monument From Two Who Loved, which reminds us of the film whose characters were filmed 70 years ago near the church entrance. Going down the descent, passing rows of stalls with handmade souvenirs, paintings, vyshyvankas and antique items, you can easily miss the sculptures by the outstanding sculptor Ivan Kavaleridze: the sketch-monument to Yaroslav the Wise, the remains of the original monument to Princess Olha, and the concrete sculpture of T. Shevchenko. Behind them stands the house where their author-sculptor lived. The bronze sculpture of M. Bulgakov is located by house No. 13, where the famous writer once lived. On the other side is one of the city’s most controversial sculptures — the monument to Mykola Hohol. The monument to Vertynskyi became no less discussed, its sad look displeasing most admirers of his work. One of the main decorations of Andriivskyi Descent is the mural Revival, and the most striking building is Teatr na Podoli. The descent is no less interesting not only for its cafes, but also for its museums, which can tell not only the history but also the most interesting facts about this street itself.

Volodymyrska Hill

If you are looking for a cozy place where you can go for a walk with friends or simply stroll alone, choose Volodymyrska Hill. Here you can enjoy a walk under century-old trees, admire the magnificent views of the left bank of the Dnipro, and simply rest. Volodymyrska Hill is a truly remarkable place, and it is no accident that it became the subject of descriptions by Bulgakov, Nechui-Levytskyi and other creative personalities. The main landmark of Volodymyrska Hill is the monument to Prince Volodymyr, which is already almost 170 years old. You can get to Volodymyrska Hill only by funicular or on foot. We recommend combining this route with the pedestrian and cycle bridge.

Pedestrian and cycle bridge

One of Kyiv's youngest bridges — the pedestrian and cycle bridge (Volodymyrskyi Bridge, Klitschko Bridge), which leads from the Arch of the Freedom of the Ukrainian People (renamed from the Arch of Friendship of Peoples on 14 May 2022) to Volodymyrska Hill. The bridge is 216 m long. In places, its surface has glass sections, allowing you to watch cars passing below and hurried pedestrians from above. The bridge's main advantage is its excellent observation deck, from which a remarkable view of central Kyiv opens up. So if you do not know what to see in Kyiv, look around the surroundings from the height of the bridge and choose your spot for a walk.

St Michael's Golden-Domed Cathedral

If you dream of seeing and visiting the oldest cathedral in Ukraine, then be sure to walk from Independence Square to Mykhailivska Square, where you will find not only the monument to Archangel Michael but also St Michael's Golden-Domed Cathedral. It is known not only for being the first place where gilding was used on a church dome, but also for becoming the burial place of many Kyiv princes. Some come here to venerate the relics of Saint Barbara, admire the beauty of the image of Archangel Saint Michael, presented to the cathedral by Alexander I, or look at Kyiv from the height of the cathedral bell tower.

Golden Gate

An equally impressive and visited defensive monument of Kyiv is also located right in the very center of the capital — the Golden Gate. For almost 80 years the ruins of this structure were underground, and only in 1832 did its excavations begin. Until 1240, these were Kyiv's main gates, which reliably protected the city from enemies. The name of the gate comes not from the materials used, but from the toll for entry, which was charged in gold coins. The Golden Gate acquired its modern appearance in 2007. Near the Golden Gate, in a cozy square, stands the monument to Yaroslav the Wise, whose sketch is still preserved on Andriivskyi Descent. The bronze figure of the prince holds a model of St Sophia's Cathedral, and Yaroslav's figure is turned toward the place where the already built landmark now stands — another location worth seeing in Kyiv. Another small sculpture in the square is the monument to the cat Panteleimon. It has no historical value. The cat figure is a reminder of the friendly animal that was an integral part of the local restaurant. However, the gray Persian cat died in a fire. In his memory, tourists raised funds and installed a monument. They say that if you rub the ears and hold the cat by the tail, your wish will come true.

Ideas for where to go in Kyiv from bodo

Kyiv is a city of contrasts, where you can combine the pace of a metropolis with an atmospheric break. It is easy to turn a weekend here into an event if you choose not a random place but a well-planned leisure scenario. With bodo, it is especially easy to find ideas where to go in Kyiv: you can choose an activity in advance to suit your mood — romantic, active, gastronomic or creative — and make the day truly full.

Today, more and more Kyiv residents are choosing experiences over things. According to Kantar, Ukrainians are increasingly preferring new experiences to improve their emotional state. And it is short breaks from routine — dinner, a master class or a small adventure — that become a way to reset without long trips.

Ideas for where to go in Kyiv from bodo

• A romantic dinner in a restaurant with a panorama;
• SPA for two;
• Wine or whiskey tasting;
• Painting master class;
• Hot air balloon flight near Kyiv;
• Extreme driving;
• Horseback ride;
• Shooting at a shooting range;
• Photo shoot in a studio;
• Cooking master class.

Instead of long searches and doubts — ready-made solutions with expert selection. This saves time and gives confidence in quality. That is why weekends in Kyiv with bodo are not a spontaneous pastime, but a thoughtfully planned experience that leaves a pleasant aftertaste.

Where to go with children in Kyiv

Would you like to pleasantly surprise a child with a walk around the city? Or do you simply not know where to go with children in Kyiv so they won't be bored? Then do not limit yourself to well-known pizzerias and cafes. Choose unusual, but truly impressive places that will give a child pleasant memories for life.

Landscape Alley

One of Kyiv's most popular children's playgrounds — Landscape Alley — is a must-visit place for the whole family. The place resembles part of a children's fairy tale, full of whimsical characters. The creator of the children's square is Kostiantyn Skretutskyi. According to his plan, it was meant to be a grand architectural complex, only part of which could be brought to life. Nevertheless, locals and city guests enjoy spending time here, admiring the whimsical sculptures: a 30-meter cat-centipede, an elephant fountain, a giant hare, a princess on a pea, loving zebras and incredible benches.

National Palace of Arts "Ukraine"

The National Palace of Arts "Ukraine" — an epicenter of creative events, located near Palats Ukraina metro station. Leading singers, musicians, comedy shows and various performances are constantly held here. The audience ranges from small children to elderly people. There is a unique event for everyone that turns everyday life into a small celebration. For children at the Palace of "Ukraine". In winter, the "Winter Town" opens next to the Palace of Arts — a place for active and energetic recreation for children. Many different entertainment programs are organized here, and they are sure to lift your child's mood. So when looking for fun entertainment, it is worth taking this place into account, where you can go with a child in Kyiv.

Kyiv Planetarium

Kyiv Planetarium is a place where you learn a lot of interesting things about the universe, our planet, and can watch educational films and cartoons. Unlike museums or cinemas, each session in the planetarium is an opportunity to experience the beauty of the starry sky in three-dimensional space. In addition, the Planetarium has a permanent ArtSpace arts program, which allows you to enjoy the incredible sound of organ, classical or sacred music for at least an hour. Children's performances, musicals and entertainment programs for children are held periodically.

Kyiv Zoo

A true wonder for children and adults alike — the renovated Kyiv Zoo, a must-visit place where to go with children in Kyiv. It is located at 32 Peremohy Ave., almost in the very center of the capital. The place is popular with children, who are happy to come here to see its friendly inhabitants. On the territory of the zoo, which covers about 34 hectares, more than 2170 animals live. There is a separate contact zoo, a pavilion with exotic animals that love the heat, a lake with a large number of fish, as well as shops with sweets and souvenirs. In such a place, it is hard for children to get bored.

Museum of Water

If you do not know where to go with a child in Kyiv, but want to give them good emotions, then pay attention to one of the capital's unusual museums. Right in Khreshchatyi Park, on Hrushevskoho St., there is an unusual three-story tower, a true wonder for children — the Museum of Water, which tells everything connected with water. Even adults will hear a lot of interesting things here, and children will be pleasantly shocked by the exhibits and will be able to look at big fish and visit a soap bubble.
The tour lasts about 45 min. During this time, you will learn a lot of information not only about water itself, but also about how it was used, how much it costs in different countries, you can look at and turn some of the exhibits, and simply spend time usefully

Where to go with a girl in Kyiv

If thoughts keep circling about where to go on a date with your girlfriend or simply spend time well in Kyiv, you can use our selection of places. Some of them may reveal the capital from a different angle and become new ideas for a pleasant walk or a place to rest.

Kyiv Paris

Want to find yourself for a moment in the center of the French capital? Then visit Horodetskoho Street, where buildings in the style of Vienna Secession are still preserved. Each of them has its own unique history. The building with arched windows is the former choir synagogue, Solovtsov Theater is now the well-known Franko Theater. Next to it is Kyiv’s tallest building in 1904, the Ginzburg Building, and the Baron Hesselbeig House, a vivid example of early modernism. Nearby is the home of the architect himself, who became the author of almost all the buildings of
Kyiv Paris

Kytaiiv

In the Holosiivskyi district of Kyiv is located an amazing place, which has spiritual power and historical heritage — Kytaiiv. Architectural monuments, parts of ancient settlements, as well as old caves have been preserved here. Kytaiiv is exceptionally cozy and beautiful. It is ideal for romantic walks in nature, when you want to get away from the crowd of tourists and simply spend time well, wandering the reserve’s paths among centuries-old trees.

Kyiv Sahara

Despite the noisy and fast pace of life in the capital, there are also unusual, peaceful locations here that are ideal both for a walk and for an energetic quad bike ride. Such is the Kyiv Sahara — a remote area in Pozniaky, behind the Metro hypermarket, near Kolektorna Street. Just imagine clouds, sun and sand. Here you seem to find yourself in a real desert, one that distracts you from stray thoughts and lets you reset, forgetting your worries. It is hard to call the desert sparsely populated, because it is often used for bloggers’ photo shoots, picnics and simple family recreation near the river, but in autumn and spring there are far fewer people here.

National Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet

The National Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet is an architectural landmark of 1901, built to a design by Viktor Schroeter. It captivates with the beauty of its neo-Renaissance architecture, functionality and lavish interior design. Despite repeated reconstructions and restoration work, the building still impresses with its flawless appearance.
The Academic Theater is one of the centers of cultural life, well worth seeing on a walk along Volodymyrska Street or by attending one of its creative events: an opera, ballet or concert. Thanks to its carefully planned acoustics and refined interior decoration, every visitor, from any seat in the hall, has the chance to enjoy the performers’ professional artistry. A romantic date that includes a theater performance will truly be unforgettable in your life.