Фотогалерея ‒ Kyiv, Ukraine

Guide to Kyiv

Trip to Kyiv - the capital of independent Ukraine

Since 1991, Kyiv has proudly held the status of being the capital of Ukraine, a position it also held during the times of Kievan Rus, the UNR, and the USSR. Throughout its history, Kyiv has endured multiple enemy invasions and attempts at conquest, but it has consistently withstood these challenges, reviving itself time and again.

Kyiv boasts a history spanning over 1500 years. Legend has it that the city was founded by three brothers (Kiy, Shchek, Horiv) and their sister Lybed, and it was named after the eldest brother, Kiy.

The capital of Ukraine is a magnet for visitors due to its grandeur and warm hospitality. Tourists flock to explore this ancient city, visiting historical landmarks like Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, St. Andrew's Descent, and St. Vladimir's Cathedral, which are never overlooked by guests.

No tourist can leave Kyiv without savoring hearty dishes of Ukrainian cuisine, including borscht, varenyky, stuffed cabbage, and many others. The welcoming locals are always ready to create an unparalleled atmosphere of home comfort.

In addition to its numerous historical sites, Kyiv offers a plethora of entertainment options for both adults and children.

Tips for tourists

In Kyiv there is a law prohibiting smoking in public places, but there are special smoking areas. In restaurants and cafes the halls are divided into 2 parts: smoking and non-smoking.
In catering establishments, the staff may have a poor command of English, and menus may be available only in Ukrainian. In elite restaurants there will be no problems with this.
The main attractions are placed in different places, we advise you to buy a tourist map at any newsstand or tourist office.
It is most convenient to move around the city by metro (working hours - 06:00-24:00); trolleybuses and streetcars are convenient for short distances.
Population
2 936 628
Time zone
UTC+2,
in summer UTC+3
Language
Ukrainian
Currency
UAH

Tours to Kyiv

Known as the city on the river, the city of a thousand churches, and the city of chestnut alleys, Kyiv goes by many names. This haven for sightseers offers the finest tours year-round, ensuring you can find a trip to Kyiv that suits your preferences.

Indulge in the famous Kyiv cake, wander along the shady Khreshchatyk, ascend the paths of St. Vladimir's Hill, and explore the charming alleys near the Green Theater. By purchasing a guide to Kyiv, you can easily plan your tourist route around the city, as all the main attractions will be conveniently marked on the map.

It's worth noting that tour prices for Kyiv can be quite reasonable, not only through last-minute deals. A well-organized trip to Kyiv can help you save money, which you can then spend on a leisurely boat ride along the verdant banks of the Dnieper River or indulging in the museums and restaurants of Ukraine's capital.

Kyiv welcomes visitors throughout the year. The cost of last-minute packages typically ranges from 150 to 300 EUR. Prices may increase slightly during the summer and closer to New Year and Christmas, but you can discover something unique in this city at any time of the year.

If you're interested in an unconventional vacation, come and explore the legends of Bald Mountain or visit the house where Bulgakov lived. Perhaps you're curious about the natural history museum or the organ hall. Many affordable sightseeing tours in Kyiv, whether on foot or by bus, include these and other captivating sights.

Rest assured, the cost-effectiveness of a trip to the capital does not mean that your visit to Kyiv will be lacking. On the contrary, your wise savings will enable you to see, learn, and experience more fascinating places.

Interesting places in Kyiv

Kyiv is the oldest city in Ukraine and one of the oldest in Europe. The city holds many secrets, and thousands of tourists come to Kyiv every year to unravel them and learn about its majestic history. In addition to architectural monuments in Kyiv, there are wonderful, cozy recreation areas, which will especially appeal to young travelers. A Kyiv tourist guide will always tell you about the best places for relaxation. After a long walk, you can easily find a good cafe or restaurant for a snack or a full dinner.

Sights

Travel budget

Flight ticket prices

To make your trip to Kyiv comfortable, you should plan your route and book your air tickets in advance. This way, you can buy tickets at a very favorable price. The Ukrainian capital has two international airports, Borispol and Zhulyany, which make it easy to get to Kiev from many cities in Europe, as well as other parts of the world.

If you are planning a flight from a major Eastern European city to Kyiv, keep in mind that there are currently no direct flights. You will need to take at least one connecting flight. The cheapest ticket to Kyiv and back will cost around 190 USD.

Getting to Kyiv from Europe is straightforward. For example, a flight from a major Western European city like Hamburg will cost about $250 USD. However, tourists from China will have to pay about USD 1,000 for the cheapest airfare to Kyiv.

The best hotels in Kyiv

There are a lot of hotels in Kyiv and every guest of the capital can choose a suitable option, depending on his tastes and budget.

Luxury hotels are located in the center of Kyiv and offer their guests high-class service and exclusive services. Among them are international hotel chains such as InterContinental Kyiv, Hyatt Regency Kyiv, Fairmont Grand Hotel Kyiv, Hilton Kiev and others. Room price starts from 250 USD per night.

Middle-class hotels with a standard set of services (bathroom, refrigerator, TV, daily cleaning) will cost from 20-30 USD per room. Three-star hotels such as Verkhovyna, Tourist, Ambassador Plaza and Bratislava are among the best.

When choosing an inexpensive hotel should pay attention to areas away from the center. Hotels on the Left Bank are cheaper than on the Right Bank. Rates start at $5 USD per bed.

The cost of vacation

The cost of a trip to Kyiv typically includes expenses such as airfare, accommodation in a hostel or mini-hotel, meals in cafes or restaurants, city transportation, and sightseeing tours of Kyiv. To save money, you can opt for accommodation outside the city center and explore on foot to avoid additional transportation costs. Additional expenses may include shopping or entertainment.

Compared to the capitals of other countries, a vacation in Kyiv is generally considered quite affordable. Transportation costs are relatively low, making dining in cafes accessible to most tourists.

The primary cost component is accommodation. Prices for hotels in Kyiv start at around 120 UAH per day. If you prefer room service for breakfast, the cost may rise to about 200 UAH.

When it comes to dining, Kyiv has a wide range of options, from small cafes to cozy restaurants. An average dinner for two at a Kyiv restaurant might cost around 500 UAH, but the price range can vary widely, accommodating both budget and upscale dining preferences.

The prices for city tours depend on the tour's duration and the number of participants. Walking tours are among the most popular and cost-effective options, requiring only your desire to explore numerous interesting places.

It's recommended to use the subway for getting around Kyiv. This not only puts most sights near metro stations but also helps you avoid the typical traffic jams in the city.

The budget for a trip to Kyiv
Flight From 3500 UAH Accomodation From 1200 UAH
Average check in a restaurant From 150 UAH Transportation fare From 8 UAH
Excursion From 100 UAH
Total: about 10000 UAH for four days

Kyiv: tips for tourists

tripmydream has collected the most useful information for you, thanks to which your stay in Kyiv will be pleasant and carefree, and the city will leave the most pleasant emotions and memories.

Visa to Kyiv

No visa needed for European citizens

Airport

There are two airports in Kyiv - Boryspil and Kyiv (Zhulyany).


Boryspil Airport (29 km from the city) has a car rental store, duty-free stores, currency exchange, restaurants and cafes, airline ticket offices, a hotel, and a room for passengers with children. The airport has several terminals: D (for international flights), F (budget and charter flights), B (the main passenger terminal).


In "Zhulyany", in addition to two terminals, there are also: car rental services, currency exchange, free Wi-Fi, cafes and much more. The airport is designed for low-cost domestic flights and transit flights to Europe.


Airport is designed for low-cost domestic flights and transit flights to Europe.

Transfer

From Boryspil to the city center you can take a bus or a cab. The bus fare will cost about 70 UAH, and the travel time will not exceed 1 hour.


Taxi from Boryspil can take you to the city center for about 180 UAH or use the Shuttle Taxi service, when a cab takes several passengers at once. The price of such a trip is 110 UAH per person.


The most convenient way to get to the city center from Kiev airport is by cab. The trip will cost about 70 UAH and its duration will not exceed 15 minutes. You can also get to the city by trolleybus № 22. The fare is 8 UAH.

Car rental

You can rent a car in Kyiv 24 hours a day upon arrival at one of the city's airports.

If your budget for your independent trip to Kyiv is limited, you can cheaply rent an economy-class car with manual transmission (850 UAH per day). Another opportunity to rent a car cheaply is to rent it for a long period (550 UAH per day).


Be aware that you cannot rent a car in Kyiv without a deposit. The amount of deposit depends on the class of car and can be from 7000 UAH to 70 000 UAH.


Transportation

The most convenient mode of transportation in Kyiv is the metro, as the metro stations are close to the main attractions and you will save yourself from standing in traffic jams. The subway works from 5:30 to 00:00. The cost of one trip is 8 UAH.


Muter buses are no less popular public transport of the capital, for which you will have to pay 8-12 UAH. Fare in buses, trolleybuses and streetcars will cost 8 UAH.

Buses, trolleybuses and streetcars cost 8 UAH.

Safety

To avoid risking your safety, you should stay away from the outskirts of Kyiv and stay close to tourist areas. Especially in the dark. When walking around the city, don't take valuables with you. Change currency only in official exchange offices. Also in Kyiv you should beware of pickpockets and scammers.


The Dniprovskyi takes the first place in the list of the most dangerous districts of the capital. It is followed by Obolonskyi and Desnyanskyi.

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