Things to do

Things to do in Kyiv: must-sees and where to stay

Published on · 2 min read

Ideal for: CouplesSoloFamiliesSeniors

The Kyiv Pechersk Lavra and its golden domes above the Dnipro
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In short: Central Kyiv is explored on foot and by metro. Discover St Sophia’s Cathedral and the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, St Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery, walk down Andriyivskyy Descent to Podil, and pass through Khreshchatyk and Maidan. You arrive by train from Poland; follow instructions in case of an air-raid alert.

St Sophia’s and St Michael’s

St Sophia’s Cathedral, with its thousand-year-old frescoes and mosaics, faces St Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery, with its golden domes and sky-blue walls. Between them lies a large pedestrian square.

The Caves Monastery

On the hills above the Dnipro, the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra brings together golden-domed churches and caves where monks are buried. Cover up in places of worship; women often cover their hair.

Andriyivskyy Descent and Podil

A steep cobbled street lined with artists, Andriyivskyy Descent runs from St Andrew’s Church down to Podil, with its cafés and student life. A funicular also links Podil to the upper town.

Khreshchatyk and Maidan

The city’s main avenue, Khreshchatyk, leads to Independence Square (Maidan), central to the country’s recent history.

The Dnipro hills

The hillside parks, such as Volodymyrska Hill, offer wide views over the Dnipro and the left bank.

Day trips from Kyiv

  • Lviv, in the west, by train, for its UNESCO-listed old town.

Getting around

  • The metro and walking in the centre; a funicular links Podil to the upper town.
  • To get there, there are no civilian flights: you arrive by train from Poland, notably from Przemyśl.
  • Air-raid alerts: install the official alert app, find the shelter nearest your accommodation, and ask about any curfew.

All our tips for the country: Travel in Ukraine.

Where to stay in Kyiv?

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  • Centre (Khreshchatyk, Maidan). The main avenue and Independence Square, in the heart of the city. Ideal for: first visit.
  • Podil. A historic district near the river, with cafés and restaurants. Ideal for: couples, local life.
  • Pechersk. Around the Caves Monastery, more residential. Ideal for: quiet stays.

The areas and useful services are on our Kyiv page.

Frequently asked questions

How do you get to Kyiv?

There are no civilian flights: you reach Kyiv by train from Poland, notably from Przemyśl. Details are in our Travel in Ukraine guide.

Do I need a visa for Ukraine?

EU citizens can enter visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, with a valid passport. Check the current rules for your nationality.

How many days do you need in Kyiv?

Two to three days for the cathedrals, the Caves Monastery, Podil and the centre.