We have selected the most interesting excursions in Kyiv for adults and children for every taste.
Beautiful Kyiv is the capital and pride of Ukraine, the cradle of Kievan Rus. The city boasts a history of more than 1500 years, and there is an abundance of things to see in Kyiv. One could live in this metropolis for a lifetime and still not explore it all. That's why guided tours in Kyiv are not only informative but also valuable for both the city's guests and its residents. Whether you're visiting the capital for the first time or looking for interesting and hidden gems, Kyiv has plenty to offer.
The Most Interesting Kyiv Tours
While wandering the city, admiring its buildings, and stumbling upon unexpected places is enjoyable, taking a guided tour of Kyiv is a more engaging and informative way to explore. An experienced guide will lead you to the must-see landmarks, unveil the city's hidden gems, and share captivating legends and historical facts.
Overview Tour
Kyiv, as the Ukrainian capital, boasts an abundance of historical and cultural landmarks, too numerous to cover in a single tour. Consequently, any sightseeing tour of Kyiv, whether by bus or on foot, will only capture a portion of the iconic locations. Each tour guide may have their unique interpretation of the "must-see" list. However, in any case, you can expect to visit the following landmarks:
The Golden Gate.
The House with Chimeras and The Weeping Widow's House.
Vladimir and St. Sophia Cathedrals.
Mikhailovsky Monastery.
Andreevsky Descent with its magnificent church and Bulgakov's house.
The city's main avenue, Khreshchatyk, and Independence Square.
The monumental complex of Motherland and the Museum of the History of Ukraine in World War II.
Kievo-Pechersk Lavra - the most significant Orthodox shrine (a whole day is recommended for this visit).
These city tours are suitable for schoolchildren from Kyiv and other cities, as well as for all visitors, including foreigners exploring Kyiv for the first time.
Prices for Kyiv sightseeing tours start at 200 UAH per person (the cost may vary based on the duration, number of participants, entrance tickets, and transportation means within the city).
Bus Tours
If you want to visit as many places as possible, pay attention to bus tours in Kyiv. Basically, they come in two types: daytime sightseeing and evening tours. Especially popular are sightseeing tours on double-decker buses.
Prices for bus tours around Kyiv: from 250 UAH per person (on a double-decker bus - 350 UAH, for children aged 7-14 - 200 UAH, under 7 years old - free of charge).
Walking Excursions
"On your own" is the most popular way to explore tourist Kyiv because you can reach any destination on foot without missing any interesting sights along the way.
Prices for walking tours in Kyiv: from 170 UAH per person.
From the Railway Station
Many sightseeing buses (and walking guides) start their tours of Kyiv from the railway station, and you can also book this service. Starting the tour right from the station is very convenient, as most tourists arrive in Kyiv by train. In the station square, you can arrange both an overview tour of Kyiv and more specialized routes.
Prices for excursions from the railway station in Kyiv: negotiable.
Walks along the Dnieper River
Kyiv is situated on the banks of the majestic Dnieper, one of Europe's largest rivers. If you've already explored all the main attractions of Kyiv, you can see the city from a different perspective. Most Dnieper River boat tours start from the River Station and offer you the opportunity to enjoy:
The panoramic view of Kyiv.
Views of Obolon or Osokorki.
A trip to the "Kyiv Sea" with passage through locks.
A journey to the mouth of the Desna or Mezhyhirya.
Prices for Dnieper River excursions in Kyiv: 150-400 UAH per person (duration ranging from 1 to 7 hours). Additionally, you can book interesting yacht or canoe excursions for a full day, as well as options for "gastronomic" tours and romantic getaways on motor ships, although the prices for these can go up to several thousand hryvnias.
Bus Tours
If you want to visit as many places as possible, pay attention to bus tours in Kyiv. Basically, they come in two types: daytime sightseeing and evening tours. Especially popular are sightseeing tours on double-decker buses.
Prices for bus tours around Kyiv: from 250 UAH per person (on a double-decker bus - 350 UAH, for children aged 7-14 - 200 UAH, under 7 years old - free of charge).
Walking Excursions
"On your own" is the most popular way to explore tourist Kyiv because you can reach any destination on foot without missing any interesting sights along the way.
Prices for walking tours in Kyiv: from 170 UAH per person.
From the Railway Station
Many sightseeing buses (and walking guides) start their tours of Kyiv from the railway station, and you can also book this service. Starting the tour right from the station is very convenient, as most tourists arrive in Kyiv by train. In the station square, you can arrange both an overview tour of Kyiv and more specialized routes.
Prices for excursions from the railway station in Kyiv: negotiable.
Walks along the Dnieper River
Kyiv is situated on the banks of the majestic Dnieper, one of Europe's largest rivers. If you've already explored all the main attractions of Kyiv, you can see the city from a different perspective. Most Dnieper River boat tours start from the River Station and offer you the opportunity to enjoy:
The panoramic view of Kyiv.
Views of Obolon or Osokorki.
A trip to the "Kyiv Sea" with passage through locks.
A journey to the mouth of the Desna or Mezhyhirya.
Prices for Dnieper River excursions in Kyiv: 150-400 UAH per person (duration ranging from 1 to 7 hours). Additionally, you can book interesting yacht or canoe excursions for a full day, as well as options for "gastronomic" tours and romantic getaways on motor ships, although the prices for these can go up to several thousand hryvnias.
Excursions for Schoolchildren
Classical sightseeing tours of Kyiv for children will be shorter than those for adults, as children tend to tire quickly and lose interest. However, there are numerous exciting options that will undoubtedly captivate schoolchildren and younger kids:
National Toy Museum or a Christmas tree factory.
A visit to a strawberry farm, horse farm, zoo, or oceanarium.
Exploration of a bakery, apiary, banana farm, or Coca-Cola plant.
A trip to the firehouse and the Chernobyl museum.
Visit to the museum of the railroad and the hangar of NAU (National Aviation University).
"Kiev in Miniature" and various reconstructions of national life.
Exploration of Kyiv film studios, universities, and more.
Prices for excursions in Kyiv for schoolchildren: ranging from 5 to 150 UAH per person. Some museums offer free admission to children on weekends or during Open Doors days.
Guided or Self-guided Tours
This is a common dilemma, and to solve it, it's important to define your preferences. When you explore on your own, you're not limited by time, you can choose any route and mode of transportation, and you typically don't pay for a guided tour (except for entrance fees, if applicable). You can also take breaks, visit cafes or shops, use restrooms, or return home at any time. You can find information about the sights online as well.
However, it takes time to research this information, and you may not discover truly unique and hidden gems because you might not know what to look for. In this case, a Kyiv guide can be invaluable because they:
Know what to show to first-time visitors.
Provide facts and legends about each building, staircase, or tree.
Show you unusual monuments that you won't easily find on the internet.
While the first point can be achieved on your own, the second may require effort, and the third can often only be accomplished with a guide's expertise. It's a matter of deciding whether you want to casually explore Kyiv and read articles online or delve deeper into the city without the hassle of searching for information. Additionally, the guide's personality can add a unique and personal touch to the experience, with their distinctive speech, gestures, and anecdotes from their own life. You can easily book an individual Kyiv tour or join a group tour with a guide.
Where to Go from Kyiv
You can explore the incredible city of Kyiv for years and continuously discover new things, but sometimes it's refreshing to venture outside of it. Excursions from Kyiv throughout Ukraine can be fascinating not only for locals but also for foreigners who typically visit the capital but wish to see more of the country. In such cases, you can book interesting one- or two-day tours or weekend trips to explore the Kyiv region and other parts of Ukraine. Here are some of the main attractions across the country that are worth visiting:
Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant and the abandoned town of Pripyat.
Sophiyivsky Arboretum in Uman and "reconstructions" of ancient Tripillya culture settlements.
Buksky Canyon.
The Tunnel of Love in Klevan, Cockroach Fort, and numerous castles in Volyn.
Chernivtsi University.
The fortress in Kamyanets-Podilskyi.
Pochayiv Lavra.
Askania Nova Steppe Reserve.
Zaporizhzhya's Khortytsya Island.
From Kyiv, you can purchase hundreds of one-day excursions within the region and weekend tours to explore Ukraine further. Additionally, if you have the opportunity, consider visiting the vibrant city of Odessa, the artistic city of Lviv, and the breathtaking Carpathian Mountains. Climbing the highest peak, Hoverla, and visiting the stunning blue lake Synevir are must-do experiences for every traveler. Naturally, the cost of such captivating excursions varies, starting from 500 UAH per person, depending on the distance and duration of the trip.
If you desire diversity and have the travel bug, you can book excursions within Kyiv, the Kyiv region, and throughout Ukraine. These can range from budget-friendly options to more luxurious experiences. There's also a separate category of travel, where you organize the trip yourself, which has its own advantages and charm. You just need to know where to go, and in our country, there are plenty of such places. The key is to keep moving and exploring!
