Kiev sights. What interesting places to see in Kyiv

Kyiv is an ancient city, the capital of Kievan Rus. It is a city with a centuries-old history, ready to surprise its guests and unveil its great secrets, showcasing unknown, famous, and interesting places and sights that have accumulated over the years. Experienced travelers and specialized companies offer popular places for tourists to visit the main historical sights and architectural monuments. This free guide will allow you to explore many atmospheric and fascinating places to visit in Kyiv, even in just one day.

Main Kyiv Attractions

When traveling to Kyiv for 2 days or just a day, it's essential to plan your itinerary. There is something to see and a place to go for everyone: history and architecture enthusiasts, young people, and teenagers. The top 10 best places to visit in Kyiv are consistently popular with all visitors:

Park of Eternal Glory: This is an incredibly beautiful ensemble located on a vast area of 18.3 hectares. In this famous Kyiv location, numerous man-made sculptures find their place. In one of the most beautiful parks in Kyiv, not far from the Stella, there is an observation deck that offers a breathtaking view of the city.
Maidan Nezalezhnosti: It is a whole street that is visited by thousands of tourists every year and is a renowned Kyiv location for all city visitors. On weekends and holidays, you can even walk along the roadway, admiring the city's best architectural sights. Located in the heart of Kyiv, on its main square, modern history was made, and it was once a market and a hub for folk festivities. Kyiv exhibitions are frequently held here. The main square of the capital is the first place you should take your guests, making it an excellent location to showcase to foreigners.
Marian Palace: An entire complex, a historical architectural monument in Kyiv, dating back to the 18th century and erected during the reign of Elizabeth. A must-see architectural marvel, not only because the famous architect Rastrelli worked on it, but also because it was formerly used as a temporary residence for royalty.
"Golden Gate": When considering where to visit in Kyiv, it's impossible to ignore this historical location, as it is first mentioned in the "Tale of Bygone Years." After its construction, the Golden Gate served two purposes - as a defensive barrier and a ceremonial entrance to the city.
"Motherland": A majestic construction and one of Kyiv's primary attractions that you should definitely explore. "Motherland" captivates with its monumental appearance and location, but most importantly, it symbolizes the defender of the homeland. The monument's impressive height of 102 meters was erected in honor of the Great Patriotic War. There is an observation deck that offers a marvelous view of the most significant Kyiv landmarks.

"Babi Yar": A place of grief and memory left by the Great Patriotic War. This renowned, yet simultaneously lesser-known location in Kyiv is nestled in the vast metropolis between the metro stations "Lukyanovka" and "Syrets." It serves as the final resting place for more than 100 thousand Kyiv residents. A memorial stands here, commemorating those who were not spared by the war.

Botanical Garden named after N. N. Grishko: A Kyiv tourist destination that captures the close attention of all visitors year-round. The territory is vast, encompassing 130 hectares filled with the finest botanical "exhibits" from around the world. Irises and lilacs, daffodils and crocuses, roses and magnolias await guests in Kyiv's Botanical Garden. In spring, everything here bursts into bloom, while in summer, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shaded alleys. In autumn, the vibrant scarlet foliage is a sight to behold, and in winter, snow-covered alleys create a peaceful atmosphere in this cozy Kyiv spot.

Funicular: You should not miss this landmark of the capital. Although the ride is short, it allows you to conquer a steep ascent and admire the greenery from the cabin's window. Young people will particularly enjoy this fascinating Kyiv location.

Museum of Folk Architecture and Life: Wondering where to escape to nature from Kyiv? The answer is Pirogovo. This complex is located right near Kyiv in the village of Pirogovo. It occupies a vast territory and is one of the most popular places in the capital, offering a unique atmosphere that should not be overlooked when deciding what to see in Kyiv.

Kievo-Pechersk Lavra: This is not only a religious heritage but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's an extensive complex featuring numerous churches and residences for monks. Founded in the 11th century by Athonite monk Anthony and his disciple Theodosius, this Kyiv monastery complex allows free exploration of its grounds and access to some of its temples. It can rightfully be considered Kyiv's premier attraction, a must-visit for every tourist.

When deciding what to visit for yourself, where to take your guests, or what to show a foreigner, consider exploring not only the popular attractions but also hidden gems. Be sure to get a Kyiv guidebook, which includes all the main attractions on the map, complete with addresses, photos, and detailed descriptions of each site.

The Most Interesting Places in Kyiv

When pondering what's interesting in the capital, don't forget that the primary attractions are concentrated in the very heart of Kyiv. Kyiv offers a plethora of fantastic free places for tourists to explore.

Streets and Squares

The most beautiful streets in Kyiv include the following fascinating places:

Kreschatyk and Independence Square: The enchanting center of Kyiv, where the city's most captivating and famous places are located. It's a delightful spot for an evening stroll, where you can enjoy street performances and entertainment.
Obolonskaya Embankment: A great Kyiv location to visit in the evening, where you can walk along the water's edge, ride a bike or rollerblades on designated paths, and even rent a boat. The embankment is considered one of Kyiv's coolest places, perfect for teenagers.
Park Pedestrian Bridge over the Dnieper: A trendy and intriguing location for young people in Kyiv, where you can take a walk amid spectacular lighting once night falls.
Taras Shevchenko Boulevard: Lined with lime trees, comfortable benches, and surrounded by centuries-old buildings that exude a sense of history. It's an atmospheric and delightful spot in Kyiv for a leisurely stroll.

Museums and Exhibitions

Kyiv is brimming with captivating museums and exhibitions that will enthrall every tourist. Here's a list of the best places in the capital:

National Museum of History of Ukraine: This museum boasts archaeological collections, unique books, and historic coins. When wondering what to see in Kyiv as a tourist, visitors never leave without exploring this attraction, which vividly narrates the city's past.
Bulgakov Museum: A fantastic place in Kyiv, especially appealing to young people. The entire house on Andreevsky Spusk, where the writer's family resided in 1919.
Water Museum: Located within the old water towers, this is one of the most intriguing museums in Kyiv, offering valuable insights into the Earth's hydrosphere.
Pyrogovo Open Air Museum: Considered a wonderful spot in Kyiv for outdoor leisure activities, definitely worth a visit.
National Museum of Art.
MWC: This attraction hosts a diverse range of exhibitions in Kyiv, both nationwide and international.

Temple Architecture

All the temples, churches, and cathedrals in Kyiv deserve special attention. These landmarks of the capital were constructed at different times, each bearing an undeniable sense of sanctity. It's essential to visit such historical places in Kyiv:

Monastery Complex "Kievo-Pechersk Lavra".
Vladimir Cathedral.
St. Sophia Cathedral.
Mikhailovsky Golden-Domed Monastery.
Choral Synagogue of Brodsky.
Orthodox Cyril's Church.
Nikolayevsky Church.
Svyato-Vvedensky Monastery.
The Orthodox Church of St. Andrew.
The Church of St. Nicholas on the Water.

Parks

There are numerous splendid places to explore in Kyiv. When deciding where to immerse yourself in nature, consider these beautiful and highly interesting parks in Kyiv:

Park Pobedy.
Holoseevsky Park.
Fomin Botanical Garden.
Hidropark.
Botanical Garden named after N. N. Grishko.
Park "Theophany" and Park Kyoto.

Monuments

Kyiv is adorned with numerous historical landmarks that bear witness to its rich past. Among the most captivating architectural monuments to explore are:

"Babi Yar".
"Motherland".
St. Vladimir.
Bogdan Khmelnitsky.
Taras Shevchenko.
Founders of Kyiv.
Mikhail Bulgakov.
Monument to the victims of the Holodomor in Ukraine.

What else piques the interest of young people and teenagers in the capital? Kyiv boasts some quirky places that will bring a smile to your face. The top monuments in Kyiv include such whimsical sights:

Nose of Nikolai Gogol
Panteleimon the Cat
Pronya Prokopovna and Golokhvostov
"The Hedgehog in the Fog"

Theaters

Kyiv offers a diverse array of theaters, encompassing drama, musical, gypsy, opera, and more, all eagerly awaiting visitors. Here are some of the most intriguing theaters to explore:

The Ivan Franko Drama Theater.
The Puppet Theater.
The Theater of Opera and Ballet.
Operetta Theater.
National Philharmonic and Drama Theater.

Castles

When determining which historical sights are a must-see in Kyiv, we highly recommend exploring the following captivating places:

The fortress "Kosoy Kaponir".
Richard's Castle.
The Weeping Widow's House.
The House of the Knight.
Klovsky Palace.

Viewpoints

Getting a bird's-eye view of the capital of Ukraine is a must for every tourist visiting the city for a day. Free observation decks in Kyiv can be found at the following locations:

Castle Hill.
Mount Shchekovitsa.
Vladimirskaya Hill.
Mariinsky Park.
Park of Eternal Glory.
Kreshchaty Park.
Uzdychalnitsa Mountain.

Kyiv boasts a vast array of historical, fascinating, and interesting places, waiting to astonish visitors with their charm, narrate tales of their illustrious past, and offer panoramic views of the capital. Whether you're interested in beautiful parks, intriguing monuments, temple architecture, castles, theaters, or museums, Kyiv has attractions to cater to every taste. You can effortlessly select the top places to visit in Kyiv in 1 or 2 days by acquiring a map of Kyiv and a guidebook featuring comprehensive descriptions and photographs of all the finest sites in the city.