Kiev
A city full of history and hope
Flights 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 Eastern European cuisine, from bargain buffets at Puzata Hata to traditional Georgian specialities at Mimino. 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. Tickets to Kiev's Taras Shevchenko National Opera House of Ukraine are 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.
Upcoming events
- Kiev PhotoFairMay 2012 (annual)
- Kiev International Tango FestivalOct 2012 (annual)
- Show all events
Things to do
SpotlightKievo-Pechersk Monastery
South of the centre, in the parkland lining the River Dnieper, the Kievo-Pechersk Monastery ( Lavra ) dates from 1051. While its More about this item
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SpotlightBessarabsky Market
While its 1912 Style Moderne building is somewhat worse for wear, the Bessarabsky Market at the southern end of Kreshchatyk More about this item
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SpotlightBar on 8
On the eighth floor of the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Bar on 8 offers an unsurpassable view of St Sophia's Cathedral More about this item
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