Kyiv Travel Guide

The striking Ukrainian capital of Kyiv is one of Eastern Europe's oldest cities and its fortunes have risen and fallen with the tides of history. The city is believed to date back to the 5th century and was a key player in the expansion of the medieval East Slavic nation, as well as serving as a major centre for trade between the Mediterranean and the Baltic.

By the 1200s, Kyiv was one of the world's largest cities, but fell foul to invading Mongols in 1240, really only fully recovering in the 19th century during the Russian Revolution. Much of the city and its treasures were again damaged during World War II, but Kyiv still boasts a rich cultural heritage and a range of spectacular attractions.

Many interesting museums, theatres, opera houses, historical buildings and gardens wait to be discovered in Kyiv, laid out on either side of the picturesque Dnieper River. The western bank is home to the older part of the city and was, pre-urbanisation, characterised by its forested hills, as well as steep ravines and winding rivers, which serve as ice-rinks in winter. Watched over by a statue of the historic protector of Kyiv, Michael Archangel, the city also boasts a successful blend of the old and the new. Modern buildings nestle against historical gems and cultural wonders rub shoulders with trendy, buzzing nightclubs, bars and restaurants.

Any visit to the Ukraine is bound to start with an exploration of its capital, and visitors will need to ensure they give themselves ample time to explore all it has to offer. From the Golden Gate of Kyiv, built in 1037, to a funicular ride up the steep western bank, Kyiv has something for all tastes and certainly will not disappoint.

Things to do in Kyiv

Although the city has seen many highs and lows in its long history, Kyiv's cultural attractions are a constant, guaranteed to occupy sightseeing travellers. A leafy capital city, filled with old domed buildings and evidence of new wealth, Kyiv is still largely untapped as a tourist destination (by European standards) and promises some surprises, part old-school Russian and part 'New Ukrainian'.

Highlights in the city include St Cyril's Monastery, a tiny, 12th-century church with some incredible restored frescoes; the UNESCO-listed St Sophia Cathedral; the Great Patriotic War Museum and the Motherland Monument that looms above it; the National Chernobyl Museum, which details the tragic events of the nuclear accident that shook the country in 1986; the riverside Mariyinsky and Khreschatyk parks, perfect for a stroll or a jog; and the fascinating Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Monastery. On hot summer days, visitors will enjoy boating and other watersports and games at Kyiv's popular Hydropark.

St Sophia Cathedral photo

St Sophia Cathedral

Dating back to the 11th century, the exquisite green and gold-domed St Sophia Cathedral was an important power centre for the Soviet Union. It has been damaged and repaired many times over the years, and today is a blend of architectural styles from nine different centuries. Perhaps one of the most striking aspects of the cathedral is its impressive collection of Byzantine mosaics and frescoes that date back to its inception. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the St Sophia Cathedral also serves as a living text: hundreds of pieces of graffiti relating to political and historical events spanning the centuries can be read by visitors today.

Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra (Caves Monastery) photo

Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra (Caves Monastery)

Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra (the Caves Monastery) is a fascinating living piece of history dating back to 1051. The Venerable Anthony, a devout monk, settled in a cave on the western bank of the Dnieper River and was soon joined by his followers, their numbers swiftly beginning to outgrow the caves. Prince Izyaslav and other Kievan aristocracy were frequent visitors to the Venerable Anthony and donated money to build a church and aboveground monastery. Since that period, the monastery has continued to grow and is still active today, serving as an important centre of Orthodox Christianity and reflecting a fascinating way of life.

National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World
War photo

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 is dominated by the enormous Motherland Monument, which looks like the sword-wielding sister of the Statue of Liberty. The museum houses a fascinating collection of World War II artefacts in a Soviet-built building. Decommissioned tanks sit outside, symbolically painted with flowers and nearby another interesting statue entitled 'To the Fallen' serves as a memorial to all those who fought and died in the war. Although most of the museum notes are in either Russian or Ukrainian, the exhibitions are well laid out and the displays are fascinating.

Hydropark photo

Hydropark

Summers in Kyiv can be notoriously hot, and locals know that the best way to beat the heat is a trip to Hydropark Island. Less an amusement park than an entertainment development, Hydropark is located on the Dnieper River and offers attractions such as sandy beaches, water rides, riverboat trips, paintball, bungee jumping, an ice rink, casino, and more. At night the island is a jungle of neon lights, with restaurants, bars and nightclubs playing music until early in the morning. The Metro, Rusanivka, and Venetian bridges connect Hydropark to the mainland.

Getting Around

Kyiv has an extensive public transport system, including buses, trams, trolleys and a metro, which is still the fastest way to get around. Privately owned minibuses (known as marshrutkas) can be flagged down anywhere along their routes and will usually list their stops on their windows. Official taxis can be pre-booked by phone or hailed on the street; private, non-metered cars are also an option, though travellers should be sure to negotiate a price up front when choosing them. Uber and other ride-hailing services are available and it is well worth taking the funicular on the steep western bank for fantastic views.

Kyiv Climate and Weather

Kyiv's climate is continental, with hot summers and cold winters. July to August is the hottest period, when temperatures range from about 57F (14C ) to 77F (25C), whereas December to February is the coldest period, with temperatures averaging between 24F (-4C) and 30F (-1C). In winter, the city's rivers tend to freeze over, creating a winter wonderland and allowing for ice-skating and ice fishing. Snow cover is common from November to March.

Ukraine travel info

Electricity

Electrical current is 220-240 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs are the round two-pin variety.

Language

Ukrainian is the official language, but Russian is also widely spoken.

Money

The official currency is the Ukrainian hryvnia (UAH), which is divided into 100 kopiyka. US Dollars and Euros are exchanged easily at banks and currency offices and, while other currencies can also be exchanged, they are not as widely accepted. ATMs are widely available in all major towns and cities, and most shops, hotels and restaurants accept Visa, MasterCard, and EuroCard. The Ukraine is still very much a cash-based society for many locals, particularly in remote areas and smaller establishments, so it's advisable to carry a supply of local currency outside the main cities.

Tipping

Tipping is common in Ukraine but not obligatory. It's generally fine for patrons to round up to the nearest 10 or 50 UAH if they want to show their appreciation for the quality of service.

Health

Tap water is best avoided but it's easy to find still and sparkling bottled water. There is a serious issue of widespread HIV and the level of sexually transmitted diseases is high. Vaccinations are recommended for hepatitis A, hepatitis B and, for travellers who plan on taking long trips to remote areas, rabies. State medical facilities are generally poor and private institutions, though better, do not always meet western standards. Comprehensive travel insurance is advised and it's recommended that visitors bring a supply of personal medication.

Safety

Most visits to Ukraine are trouble free but foreigners are considered lucrative targets for petty theft and street crime. Valuables should be kept out of sight, especially in crowded areas and at tourist spots. Particular care should be taken on public transport and overnight trains.

Ukraine has experienced serious political unrest in the recent past and continues to do so, and most governments have instituted travel warnings for parts of the country. The eastern part of Ukraine and Crimea are particularly to be avoided. Travellers are advised to research the current situation and to stay up to date on travel alerts for various regions.

Visitors are advised to avoid all demonstrations and take care around public gatherings.

Local customs

Homosexuality is legal but there is a high level of intolerance towards the LGBT+ community.

Doing business

Ukrainian business people are generally less formal than in other countries. English isn't widely spoken so the use of interpreters may be necessary; knowledge of German, Russian, or Ukrainian will be useful. During meetings formal attire is customary for both men and women, although women are not traditionally part of the business world and visiting businesswomen may be subjected to chauvinism. Business cards should have one side translated into Ukrainian and presented with the Ukrainian side facing the recipient. Meetings often include informalities and sociable questions, and will regularly begin with a welcoming alcoholic drink, which it is considered rude to refuse. These are often used for character evaluation and it is considered impolite to delve straight into business matters. Typical business hours are 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Duty free

Travellers to Ukraine can bring in 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco products; 1 litre of spirits and 2 litres of wine; and goods for personal use, as well as goods with a total value of €200, without incurring customs duty. Prohibited items include items that can have an impact on the environment, and agricultural goods and live animals.

Communications

The international dialling code for Ukraine is +380. Mobile phone network coverage is fairly extensive, but international roaming can be expensive. Local SIM cards are a cheaper option and are compatible with European and Australian phones. Visitors from the US and other regions should consider purchasing cheap Ukrainian mobiles. Free WiFi is the norm in cafes, hotels and restaurants across the country, and is often available at bus stations, train stations and airports, and on intercity trains and long-distance coaches.

Passport & Visa

EU citizens and some other nationalities do not require a tourist visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. All visitors must possess return/onward tickets. It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry requirements

US nationals require a passport that is valid on arrival, but no visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days.

UK nationals require a passport valid for duration of stay, but no visa is required for a touristic stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Holders of British passports with endorsements other than 'British Citizen' should confirm these requirements before travel.

Canadian passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the departure date, but no visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Australian passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the departure date. Australian nationals need a visa to enter Ukraine for stays longer than 90 days.

South Africans require a visa and a passport valid for six months after the departure date to enter Ukraine.

Irish nationals require a passport valid for duration of stay, but no visa is required for a tourist stay of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

New Zealand nationals require a visa and a passport valid for six months from date of arrival to enter Ukraine. Nationals are exempt for a maximum stay of 90 days.

Useful contacts

102 (General), 103 (Ambulance)

Embassies / consulates in other countries

Ukraine Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 (202) 349 2920.

Ukraine Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7727 6312.

Ukraine Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 230 2961.

Ukraine Embassy, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 (0)2 6230 5789.

Ukraine Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 460 1946.

Ukraine Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 668 5189.

Embassies / consulates in Ukraine

United States Embassy, Kyiv: +380 (44) 521 5000.

British Embassy, Kyiv: +380 (44) 490 3660.

Canadian Embassy, Kyiv: +380 (44) 590 3100.

Australian Consulate, Vienna, Austria (also responsible for the Ukraine): +43 (0)1 506 740.

South African Embassy, Kyiv: + 380 (44) 289 8870.

Honorary Consul of Ireland, Kyiv: +380 (44) 279 3200.