Recreation and entertainment in Kyiv

The vibrant European metropolis of Kyiv beckons people from all corners of Ukraine. If you're planning to visit the capital, we recommend learning about the best places to explore in Kyiv and how to make the most of your weekend for a satisfying vacation.

Where to Explore in Kyiv

Streets and Landmarks

Podol is an enchanting and picturesque neighborhood, making it an ideal starting point for your exploration of Kyiv. Within its boundaries, you'll find renowned landmarks such as Kontraktovaya and Pochtovaya Squares, Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, and the Samson Fountain.

Embankment: If you happen to visit Kyiv during the summer, the answer to your question about what to see and where to go on the weekend is simple - head to the embankment. Along with its romantic ambiance, you'll encounter attractions like Poshtova Square, the river station, and the Pedestrian Bridge.

Trukhanov Island: During the summer, a visit to Trukhanov Island is a must for a Kyiv experience that captures the heart of its residents. Here, you'll find not only bustling riverbanks along the Dnieper but also serene lakes, pristine forests, and even steppe sandstone formations. If you're a fan of outdoor activities, this is the place to be.

When it comes to landmarks to explore as a tourist in Kyiv, don't miss these well-known places: Kievo-Pechersk Lavra, St. Andrew's Church, Golden Gate, and Independence Square. Additionally, we recommend a visit to:

Central Synagogue: This historic building was constructed in 1898 but was confiscated by Soviet authorities in 1926. It was only returned to the Kyiv Jewish community in 1997, and they have made significant contributions to the city. Adjacent to the synagogue, you'll find a monument dedicated to the renowned Jewish writer Sholom Aleichem.

Ethnographic Museum "Pirogovo": An ideal destination for a weekend trip from Kyiv, located just 20 kilometers away from the city. Here, you can explore ancient architecture, including a hut dating back to the 16th century, among other fascinating exhibits.

Chocolate House: An unusual attraction in Kyiv that appeals to both adults and children. This architectural marvel combines Baroque, Gothic, and Art Nouveau styles, giving the impression of a building made of giant chocolate bars with figures from the same treat. Inside, you'll find a children's art gallery.

Kyiv's Rooftops and Observation Decks

If you're a fan of natural landscapes or a photography enthusiast, here's what to do in Kyiv on the weekend to enjoy the city's best panoramas:

Monumental sculpture Motherland: Offers two viewing platforms - one at a height of 37 meters and the other at the top of the shield, situated 91 meters above the ground. Access to these platforms is limited to individuals over 18 years old.

Kyiv Botanical Garden: Features an unusual observation deck known as the Red Court, which has been the backdrop for some of the most beautiful photos of Kyiv.

Housing Complex "Alexandrovsky": Enjoy breathtaking views of the right-bank part of Kyiv from the roof of this 25-story building, considered one of the most romantic spots in the city.

Arka of Friendship of Peoples: Provides mesmerizing views of the Dnieper River, Obolon, Podol, and Trukhan Island.

Parks of Kyiv

Exploring the parks is a must for any tourist visiting Kyiv:

- Vladimirskaya Gorka: Named after the famous monument to Vladimir, this park offers a serene escape.

- Shevchenko Park: At the heart of the city, adjacent to Kyiv National University of the same name. Within the park, you'll find a unique monument featuring a boy and the Black Sea, as well as the iconic statue of Taras Grigorovich Shevchenko.

- Maryinsky and Khreshchaty Park: Known for their romantic ambiance, these parks are favorites among lovers. They feature the Bridge of Lovers, Lobanovskyi Stadium, Mariinsky Palace, and more.

- VDNKh: This complex offers a wide range of entertainment for people of all ages, including a vast park area. Notably, it houses the world's largest swing park and the SkyPark VDNKh with routes suitable for visitors as young as 3 years old and adults alike.

- Hydropark: Situated on islands in the middle of the Dnieper River, Hydropark offers various active and unusual entertainment options for adults, including bungee jumping, trampolines, shooting galleries, and extreme attractions.

Cafes and Restaurants

For those wondering where to spend their time in one of the popular places in Kyiv, we present a detailed list of the best restaurants and cafes in the capital:

Alchemist Bar: A must-visit not only for cocktail enthusiasts but also for those who appreciate excellent cuisine. This is one of the finest bars in the capital, offering a relaxing experience in Kyiv with live music in the evenings.

Arbequina: Despite its small size, this restaurant located in the heart of Kyiv is considered one of the city's best establishments. It features a menu with traditional Spanish dishes, predominantly focused on fish with spicy herbs and seafood. If you plan to dine at this restaurant in Kyiv over the weekend, it's advisable to make a reservation in advance.

BAO: The restaurant's concept is the creation of the well-known Ukrainian chef Hector Bravo. The venue boasts an open kitchen and a vibrant, eye-catching interior. Its menu includes a variety of traditional Chinese dishes, including noodles, duck, seafood, and various vegetable side dishes.

BEEF Meat&Wine: This is one of the city's top spots for meat lovers. The restaurant offers traditional American steaks and quality wines. True gourmets can book the Chef's Table, situated right in the kitchen, featuring a special menu prepared by the restaurant's chef for selected guests.

Bigoli: An Italian cuisine restaurant known for using primarily Italian-imported ingredients. While here, don't miss the signature dish - pasta bigoli with duck. It's worth noting that the local pasta is prepared according to all the rules and techniques, using Italian durum wheat flour.

Mall Entertainment Centers

If you're unsure about what to do in Kyiv on the weekend, we recommend going shopping with the whole family at one of the shopping and entertainment centers. Among the most popular ones:

- Dream Town: This center offers a variety of stores, cafes, restaurants, and opportunities for free active entertainment, including a skating rink, bowling alley, and a rollerdrome.

- Lavina Mall: An ideal destination for a weekend getaway in Kyiv with the entire family. You can watch a movie in the virtual reality hall or visit the Galaxy entertainment park for children, featuring mazes and thrilling roller coasters.

Active Recreation in Kyiv

In the capital, you can experience an array of active adventures, including rolling down a mountain in a large transparent ball, testing your skills on a rock-climbing wall, or taking on one of the go-kart tracks. For water enthusiasts, there are options like water skiing and wakeboarding. If you want to surprise your loved one with a special gift, consider a hot air balloon ride, which also provides a bird's eye view of Kyiv.

Water Activities and Spa Vacations

Olmeca Plage: Offers guests a relaxing beach experience, swimming pool, a restaurant, café, and even a nightclub within the Kyiv complex.

Aquapark Terminal: Located in Kyiv, this aquapark features its own spa center and a dolphinarium for additional relaxation and entertainment.

Beaches in Kyiv

When the hot days arrive, both visitors and locals head to their favorite spots for relaxation. Among the best beaches in Kyiv, where you should spend your weekend, consider the following:

"Children's": A spacious sandy strip with many visitors, offering all necessary amenities.

"Golden": Ideal for those seeking a secluded retreat, although there are no nearby cafes.

"Venice": A clean and sizable beach, conveniently located near "Molodezhny" with numerous cafes. It's a perfect choice for young people seeking active recreation.

Cultural Vacation

There are numerous places in the capital of Ukraine that promise cultural enrichment. For theater enthusiasts, the best venues in Kyiv include the National Opera, Kiev Academic Operetta Theater, and the National Academic Drama Theater named after I. Franko.

If you prefer museums, make sure to visit the National Art Museum of Ukraine and the Museum of Medicine, which was formerly an anatomy museum. In the Park of Eternal Glory, there's a museum dedicated to the Patriotic War.

The Room of Fear

Insomnia Haunted House is one of the most unique and thrilling attractions in Kyiv that you should definitely experience. If you're seeking an adrenaline rush, want to feel like the protagonist in a horror movie, and test your nerves, this is the place to be. It's not your typical "room of fear" found in children's rides; this is a mature experience.

Live actors will immerse you in a full-fledged performance with elements of a quest. Your mission is to navigate through a spine-chilling maze filled with obstacles and, most importantly, survive. There are three show variants to choose from, each varying in fear level and duration, suitable for both beginners and thrill-seekers. Prepare for real adrenaline, fear, and unforgettable emotions.

P.S. Only half of the visitors to the Fear Room manage to reach the finish line.

Quest Rooms

In Kyiv, you can find unique entertainment options for groups of young people. Many enjoy challenging and mystical quest experiences in Kyiv. This active pastime allows you to foster better communication, boost self-confidence, and showcase creativity and problem-solving skills.
The most popular quest rooms to explore over the weekend in Kyiv include:

- Venetian Detective: Designed for fans of puzzles and those who, during their childhood, immersed themselves in the adventures of the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes. You have just 60 minutes to solve the crime and bring the culprit to justice.

Mind Horror: When you enter here, you unknowingly become a cyber detective tasked with investigating a spine-chilling case. Your mission is to delve into the criminal's memory to uncover the whereabouts of the kidnapped child. The catch is that the brain is deteriorating, and such interventions are far from its liking. Ideal for a large group.

Maya: The End of an Era: This adventure is perfect for inquisitive minds. You may have thought you survived the end of the world in 2012, but it appears that a new threat looms. You stumble upon an ancient script revealing that the Mayans have repeatedly saved the planet and prolonged life on Earth. Now, the fate of the world rests on your shoulders, and you have just 60 minutes to decipher the mystery.