Kiev, Ukraine

The striking Ukrainian capital of Kiev (or Kyiv) is one of Eastern Europe's oldest cities and its fortunes have risen and fallen with the tides of history. The city, once capital of Old Rus, 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, Kiev was one of the world's largest cities, but fell foul to invading Mongols in 1240, really only recovering in the 19th century during the Russian Revolution. Much of the city and its treasures were again damaged during World War II, but Kiev still boasts a rich cultural heritage and a range of spectacular attractions.



A plethora of museums, theatres, opera houses, historical buildings and gardens are to be found, 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 Kiev, 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 Kiev, built in 1037, to a funicular ride up the steep western bank, Kiev has something for all tastes and certainly will not disappoint.

Kiev Attractions St Sophia Cathedral Dating back to the 11th century, the exquisite green and gold-domed St Sophia Cathedral was an important centre for the Soviet Union. It has been damaged and repaired over the years, and today is a blend of architectural styles from nine different centuries. Perhaps...  see full details Kiev-Pechersk Lavra (Caves Monastery) Kiev-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. He was soon joined by his followers and their...  see full details Great Patriotic War Museum Dominated by the enormous, towering statue of the Motherland (looking like the sword-wielding sister of the Statue Of Liberty) above it, the Great Patriotic War Museum houses a fascinating collection of World War II artefacts in a Soviet-built building. Decommissioned tanks sit outside the...  see full details Ukrainian National Chernobyl Museum The 1986 Chernobyl disaster is one of the most grisly and infamous events in the Ukraine's history. While few tourists make the trek to see the actual site of the former nuclear plant, visitors in Kieve can tour the Ukrainian National Chernobyl Museum, which...  see full details Hydropark Summers in Kiev 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 like...  see full details

Kiev Events

Kiev Day

The national day of the capital city of this proud and fascinating nation is a carnival of parades, performances and an all-round good time, usually celebrated on the last weekend in May every year. The two-day festivities are concluded with a firework performance. ...  see full details