If you have not been to Kyiv, this city will surprise you. One of the most underrated European cities, Kyiv is a mix of architectural masterpieces, amazing food, bustling nightlife, and modern art.
This Kyiv travel guide just scrapes the surface of what can be found in the vibrant city!
Getting Around in Kyiv
Language: The official language is Ukrainian, naturally. People working in tourism widely speak English.
Climate: Kyiv has a humid continental climate. Snow cover usually lies from mid-November to the end of March. We recommend visiting Kyiv between April and November.
Currency: The national currency of Ukraine is hryvna, UAH. 1UAH= 0.026$ (2024). You may exchange currency for Ukrainian hryvnia at any bank or currency exchange office. US Dollars and Euros are accepted for exchange everywhere.
Credit Cards and Banks: The majority of retailers and restaurants accept credit and debit cards. Nevertheless, there might be problems when paying with American Express. There will also be no problem with cash withdrawal.
Airport: Kyiv is served by two international passenger airports: the Boryspil Airport located 30 kilometers away, and Zhulyany Airport located 7 km away. Boryspil Airport is connected to the city by Kyiv Boryspil Express and shuttle bus.
Public Transportation: The metro is very easy to navigate; it has three lines and 52 stations. A single electronic ticket is valid for all public transportation, eliminating the need to search for various tickets or tokens for buses, trolleybuses, trams, and the metro.
It is sufficient to purchase the Kyiv Digital transport card or a QR ticket. QR tickets have replaced the purchase of tokens and separate single-ride tickets. They are valid for 15 days and are designed for those who use public transport infrequently.
A one-time QR ticket can be used in printed form or displayed on a smartphone screen. You can purchase QR tickets through:
- The Kyiv Digital app
- Kyiv Digital terminals
- Metro ticket booths
- Self-service kiosks and the EasyPay portal.
Walking + Biking: Kyiv’s city center is very walkable and accessible to bikes. Nextbike has 8 public sharing bike stations in Kyiv.
By Car: Parking is a difficult task in Kyiv’s city center, city traffic tends to be congested. Kyiv has all the main rental companies and several car-share companies
Taxi: We recommend using a taxi app like Uber or its Ukrainian version Uklon.
Kyiv is separated into two parts by the Dnieper River. The most popular places to visit are located on the right bank.
UNESCO Sites
Kyiv has two UNESCO World Heritage sites—the Kyivo-Pechers’ka Lavra, also known as the Kyiv Monastery of the Caves, and the Saint Sophia Cathedral. Both are Orthodox Christianity icons of the city.
The city is home to an abundance of churches and cathedrals and many are worth your time. Saint Sophia Cathedral, Saint Michael’s, and Saint Andrew’s are among the most popular.
Andriyivskyy Descent
Andriyivskyy Descent is a historic sight and one of the most amazing tourist attractions of Ukraine. Surrounded by legends, Andriyivskyy Descent is 720 meters long; it offers many amazing structures along with its rich history: several art galleries, museums, fashion boutiques, and Saint Andrew’s Church.
Motherland Monument
The Statue monument “Mother Motherland” is part of the Museum of the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945. The height of the monument is 102 meters; it is visible from various points in Kyiv.
It is a unique opportunity to rise to the observation decks located at a height of 36.6 and 91 meters and to look at a panorama of Kyiv.
Parkovy Pedestrian Bridge
This bridge connects Kyiv city center at the Right Bank with the recreational area and beaches of Trukhaniv Island, it offers panoramic views of the Dnipro River and Podil district. This is the only bridge constructed specifically for pedestrian traffic over the Dnipro River; no vehicles are allowed on it. Various extreme sports are practiced at the bridge, including the Bungee jumping.
New pedestrian-bicycle bridge
The 212-meter bridge, which costs $16 million, connects People’s Friendship Arch and Saint Volodymyr Hill. From a height of 22–32 meters, it offers panoramic views of parks, the Dnipro River, the left bank skyline, and the historic Podil neighborhood.
Where and What to Eat
One of the best things about Kyiv’s food scene is its sheer diversity. With such an amazingly multicultural population comes a culinary landscape that offers a potential trip around the world every time you go out to eat: Georgian cuisine, Vietnamese, Chinese, Jewish, Turkish, Middle-Eastern, Italian. No matter what type of cuisine you’re craving, you most likely find it in Kyiv.
Cheap Eats:
Puzata Hata
Puzata Hata is the largest chain of Ukrainian cuisine restaurants. You can find it in the most popular districts of the city.
Perepichka
Perepichka – the legendary sausage in fried dough. You will certainly find this place by the long queue (Bohdana Khmel’nyts’koho St, 3).
Bilyi Naliv
Ukrainian sideria with a very interesting price policy- everything is 1 euro (29 UAH): pies, oysters, hot-dogs, and cider.
Some tips:
Mama Manana. Georgian restaurant with very friendly staff.
TinTin. Vietnamese. Nice location, and tasty.
Titka Klara. Pies and patties. Yummy!
Where to Stay
There are about 400 hotels and hostels in Kyiv; you can find accommodation for every taste and budget.
I stayed at ibis Railway Station Kyiv in the center of Kiyv. Opened in 2018, ibis Railway Station Kyiv provides a comfortable stay within a reasonable budget.
Located next to Kyiv’s Central Railway Station, it is very convenient for those who will continue to travel in Ukraine by rail. The Metro station is several minutes walk from the hotel.
The Boryspil International Airport Express departs from Kyiv’s Central Railway Station; the Airport’s shuttle bus stop is also located within walking distance.
The hotel features a 24-hour front desk and restaurant. I was impressed with a generous breakfast in buffet format with a wide range of teas, coffees, juices, cereals, and changing hot and cold dishes, plenty of options to keep everyone happy.
There are many 24/7 open restaurants and cafes around the hotel, two big supermarkets, and a pharmacy.
Very convenient location, good breakfast, and comfy bed – a great hotel for a reasonable price!
Check Kyiv’s new hotel openings here.
