Airline tickets to Kiev reveal Ukraine's energetic capital. The Old Town is home to chic bars and stone buildings, Pechersk and Lypky have historic sights, and central Kreshchatyk never sleeps.

Things to do

Several flights up, Kiev's Rodina Mat statue reveals great city views from the top. The tranquillity of the Kievo-Pechersk Monastery is a welcome respite from bustling Kreshchatyk street, while the leafy lanes of the Old Town are perfect for a walk during Kiev city breaks.

Shopping

Andriyivskiy Uzviz has antiques and galleries, while main shopping street Kreshchatyk offers everything from subway kiosks to international chains. End your Kiev holiday with a visit to Bessarabsky Market, at its southern end.

Restaurants

Kiev city breaks are an ideal introduction to Ukrainian cuisine, from bargain buffets at Puzata Hata to upmarket elegance at Khutorok. The Old Town is the perfect location for snack stops, and the buzzing Kreshchatyk area feeds the hungry round the clock.

Nightlife

Neon-lit Kreshchatyk has everything from underground bars to full-on glitz at Arena City. A trip to Kiev Old Town offers upmarket bars, and summer dance venues cluster around Pechersk and Lypky. A ticket to Kiev's Taras Shevchenko National Opera House of Ukraine is a must.

When to go

KLM has frequent flights to Kiev. Time your Kiev holiday to celebrate Orthodox Christmas in January, the Kiev Days city-fest in May, or the Molodist International Film Festival in October.