In this article, you will find a list of TOP 11 amazing things to see in Kyiv!
A-Z Kyiv Guide is a series of articles to give you the best tips for traveling to the Ukrainian capital
Ukrainian capital stands out from the rest of big European cities in its uniqueness. Kyiv boasts a great selection of sights but they are not situated compactly together. Its core is very eclectic and diverse. Let me share with you 11 amazing things to see in Kyiv!
1. St. Sophia Cathedral
Address: Volodymyrska St, 24
Why: UNESCO-protected ancient golden-domed cathedral that once has been the most prominent church of the Eastern Slavic civilization
Website: http://n.sophiakievska.org/en/home/
2. Kyiv Pechersk Lavra
Address: Lavrska St, 15
Why: splendid monastery complex boasting examples of the finest religious architecture in the world
Website: http://www.kplavra.kiev.ua/
3. Andriyivskyy Descent
Address: Andriyivskyy Descent, 1
Why: the most picturesque street in the city with a rich history, interesting legends, quirky places and artistic atmosphere
4. St. Andrew’s Church
Address: Andriyivskyy Descent, 23
Why: beautiful Baroque church designed by the architect of the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg Bartolomeo Rastrelli. One of the iconic symbols of the old Kyiv
Website: http://n.sophiakievska.org/en/museums-en/st-andrews-church/st-andrews-church/
5. Golden Gates
(Things to see in Kyiv)
Address: Volodymyrska St, 40А
Why: once the main entrance to the medieval capital of Kyiv Rus Empire, the Golden Gates are a great reminder of glorious past and an unconventional sight right in the middle of the busy city
Website: http://n.sophiakievska.org/en/museums-en/golden-gate-en/golden-gate/
6. St. Volodymyr Cathedral
Address: Tarasa Shevchenko Blvd, 20
Why: breathtaking interior and picturesque exterior make St. Volodymyr Cathedral one of the most beautiful churches in Ukraine and a highlight of the capital
7. St. Michael Golden-Domed Monastery
(Things to see in Kyiv)
Address: Triokhsviatytelska St, 8
Why: once completely destroyed by the communists, today the golden domes of St. Michael Cathedral are shining brighter than ever
8. St. Nicholas Cathedral
Address: Velyka Vasylkivska St, 75
Why: a little piece of Paris-inspired architecture in Kyiv. Bizarrely standing surrounded by much newer architecture, this Neo-Gothic masterpiece of Horodecki is one of the most beautiful Kyiv buildings. Also, it is an Organ Hall with concerts organized daily
Website: http://www.organhall.kiev.ua/
9. National Opera of Ukraine
(Things to see in Kyiv)
Address: Volodymirska St., 50
Why: opera buildings are the highlights of the majority of the European cities. With its Neo-Renaissance design and splendid interior, Kyiv Opera is not an exception!
Website: https://www.opera.com.ua/en
10. Rodina Mat Statue
Address: Lavrska St, 24
Why: New York has Statue of Liberty, Paris has the Eiffel Tower and Kyiv has… well a giant Soviet-built statue of a woman with a shield and a sword. Love it or hate it, it is still epically standing on a hill overlooking Kyiv and being an interesting sight
11. Kyiv Street Art
Address: check out this map for the location of all the murals of Kyiv
Why: not a particular sight but more than 100 different murals painted on the old and new walls of Kyiv buildings. The quintessence of Kyiv street art scene can be found around the Golden Gates
Check out other articles of A-Z Kyiv Guide series:
- Getting to Kyiv by plane: airports guide
- Kyiv Public Transport Guide: Essentials
- TOP 5 Theaters in Kyiv, Ukraine
- Kiev Metro Map Guide: travel tips
- 3 great cheap eats in Kyiv, Ukraine
- Top 5 Beautiful Churches of Kyiv, Ukraine
- Getting to Kyiv by train: practical guide
Thank you for reading!
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Pavlo is an experienced travel writer published by CNN, BBC, The Guardian, The Independent, The Irish Times, Time Out, DK Eyewitness and Lonely Planet. He’s been writing about Poland for 9+ years.