The official name of the city has long been Kyiv, a transliteration from the Ukrainian Київ. A common alternative English name of the city, Kiev, is a transliteration of the Russian Киев. While the two names were formerly used interchangeably in English, since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the choice of name has assumed political connotations; supporters of the Ukrainian government tend to use "Kyiv" as a sign of solidarity, while supporters of the Russian invasion tend to use "Kiev".

See also: Ukraine#History, Vikings and the Old Norse, Russian Empire, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, Soviet Union

The Ukrainians are understandably very proud of their capital's role in establishing European civilization in Eastern Europe.

Kyiv, one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe, traces its origins to at least the 5th century, though archaeological evidence shows settlements in the area existed much earlier. By the late 9th century, Kyiv emerged as the heart of a burgeoning Eastern Slavic state. From the 10th to the early 13th centuries, it enjoyed a golden age as the capital of Kievan Rus’—a powerful medieval state also known as Kyivan Ruthenia or Rus-Ukraine. This entity laid the religious and cultural groundwork for the modern East Slavic nations of Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus. Russia’s claim to Kievan Rus’ as its historical origin remains a contentious issue between Ukrainians and Russians to this day.

In 1240, Kyiv faced catastrophic destruction at the hands of the Mongols, led by Batu Khan of the Golden Horde. After a brutal siege, the city was razed, its fortifications demolished, and much of its population massacred. This devastation marked the end of Kyiv’s political and economic prominence. By the late 13th century, the weakened city came under the control of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. In 1569, it was incorporated into the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.

Kyiv’s fortunes shifted again in 1654, when Hetman Bohdan Khmelnytskyi liberated the city from Commonwealth rule during a Cossack uprising for independence. However, his subsequent decision to sign the Treaty of Pereyaslav with Muscovy is widely viewed as a dark chapter in Ukrainian history, as it initiated a gradual process of Russian colonization. Full annexation by Russia followed in 1775, and Kyiv remained under Russian dominion for centuries, with a brief period of Ukrainian independence from 1918 to 1920 amid the turmoil following the Russian Revolution. Over this time, Russification efforts intensified, accompanied by significant Russian immigration.

Following the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991, Kyiv became the capital of an independent Ukraine, embarking on a journey to redefine itself as a major European city. In 2004, widespread protests against government corruption and election fraud sparked the Orange Revolution, also known as the First Maidan. A decade later, in 2013–2014, outrage over political corruption and police brutality fueled the Revolution of Dignity, or Second Maidan, which ousted the corrupt Yanukovych government. Both were called after Maidan Nezalezhnosti square where the protests took place.

In 2014, Russia launched an invasion, annexing Crimea and occupying parts of eastern Ukraine. By 2022, Russian forces mounted a large-scale offensive, reaching Kyiv’s outskirts, but the city’s heroic defense earned global admiration. Since then, active fighting has shifted to eastern Ukraine, sparing Kyiv from direct conflict.

Average temperatures are maximum 26°C (79°F), minimum 15°C (59°F) in summer and maximum -2°C (28°F), minimum -8°C (17°F) in winter. Spring and autumn (fall) can be very brief. Heat waves featuring temperatures as high as 38°C (100°F) are rare but not unheard of in the summer months, and brief but potent cold spells with temperatures as low as -20°C (-4°F) are not uncommon in winter. Wintery precipitation can begin as early as October, and snowfall is fully expected by late fall and the winter months, when it can become intense enough to affect travel. However, snow cover is not always constant and even in the winter there can be periods when the ground lies barren. Warm clothes are a necessity from November through March, but dressing in removable layers will help travelers stay comfortable in any situation.

	Note: Due to the state of war, Ukraine's airspace remains closed to civil aviation.
	(Information last updated 28 Jan 2024)

The closest operating airports are in Moldova and Poland. From the airport, take a train or a bus to Kyiv, that will bring you into Ukraine across the border.

• 46.92777828.9308331 Chisinau Airport (KIV ^IATA) (Take 20 hour-long direct train from central train station to Kyiv.). (updated Feb 2025)
• 52.16583320.9672222 Warsaw Airport (WAW ^IATA) (Take 17 hour-long direct train from eastern train station to Kyiv.). (updated Feb 2025)
• 50.1122.0188893 Jasionka International Airport (RZE ^IATA) (Take 14 hour-long connecting trains to Kyiv.). (updated Feb 2025)
• 51.23194422.6902784 Lublin Airport (LUZ ^IATA) (Take 12 hour-long connecting trains to Kyiv.). (updated Feb 2025)

See also: Ukraine#By train

On most Ukrainian trains tickets become available 20 days ahead of the departure date. Tickets must be purchased online ahead of time as they get sold out fast.

Popular International Trains

From	Country	Direct / Connecting	Trip Duration	Link to Book a Ticket
Przemysl	Poland	Direct	9 hours	Ukrzaliznytsia
Chelm	Poland	Direct	11 hours	Ukrzaliznytsia
Rzeszow	Poland	Connecting	13 hours	RegioJet
Krakow	Poland	Connecting	14 hours	RegioJet
Lublin	Poland	Direct	14 hours	Ukrzaliznytsia
Warsaw	Poland	Direct	16 hours	Ukrzaliznytsia
Chisinau	Moldova	Direct	19 hours	Ukrzaliznytsia
Budapest	Hungary	Direct	20 hours	Ukrzaliznytsia
Vienna	Austria	Connecting	22 hours	Ukrzaliznytsia

Overnight sleeping trains may be more comfortable for the trips across long distances in Ukraine. Look for the "Flagship" trains that typically offer the power socket next to each berth and cleaner bathrooms.

• 50.4404530.489045 Kyiv Central Railway Station (Kyiv Pasazhyrskyi, Київ-Пасажирський), 1 Vokzalna Square (just west of city center), ☏ +380 44 239 8951, +380 44 503 6050. All mainline trains arrive here. The station is wide, with a bridge across the tracks between the north and south terminal buildings - each has its own ticket offices and other facilities. The north side is the main entrance facing city center, with M1 "Vokzalna", Pivnichna suburban train station, and buses and taxis into town, all in the square just outside. South side has the bus stops for both airports. (updated Oct 2018)

Direct trains from Crimea (under Russian military occupation) remain suspended as of 2024.

Tickets can be purchases on Omio, BlaBlaCar and other bus apps.

Popular International Buses

From	Country	Direct / Connecting	Trip Duration	Link to Book a Ticket from Bus operator
Chisinau	Moldova	Direct	10 hours	FlixBus
Warsaw	Poland	Direct	12 hours	FlixBus
Rzeszow Airport	Poland	Connecting	14 hours	FlixBus

• 50.4064930.519726 Central Bus station (Автобусний вокзал «Центральний»), 3 Demiivska Square (M2 "Demiivska"), ☏ +38 095 444 44 44, [email protected]. 09:00-21:00. International buses stop at the central station, which is a squalid place that is anything but central. There are frequent direct buses of variable quality from Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Moldova, Germany, Czech Republic and Austria. Some of the popular operators include FlixBus, INFOBUS, AutoLux, euroTICKET and others. (updated May 2023)
• 50.44244630.4924017 Kyiv Bus Station (Автостанція «Київ»), 32 Symona Petliury (at Central Train Station). (updated Sep 2023)
• 50.5219430.449418 Polissia Bus Station (Автостанція «Полісся»), 2 Tarasa Shevchenka Square (from M2 "Kontraktova Ploscha" take nortbound tram), ☏ +380 44 430-3554. For northern directions. (updated Jan 2024)
• 50.3778130.471069 Pivdenna Bus Station (Автостанція «Південна»), 3 Akademika Hluskova Avenue (M2 "Ipodrom"), ☏ +380 44 257-4004. To/from Vinnytsa and other southbound destinations. (updated Sep 2023)
• 50.4605630.6372310 Darnytsia Bus Station (Автостанція «Дарниця»), 1 Leonida Kadeniuka Avenue (M1 "Chernihivska"), ☏ +380 44 559-4618. (updated Sep 2023)
• 50.4553130.3502411 Dachna Bus Station (Автостанція «Дачна»), 142 Beresteiskyi Avenue (M1 "Zhytomyrska", 700 m), ☏ +380 44 424-1503. Western directions. (updated Jan 2024)
• 50.4019130.5591412 Vydubychi Bus Station (Автостанція «Видубичі»), 3 Naberezhno-Pecherska Road (M3 "Vydubychi"), ☏ +380 44 524-2182. To Kaniv and Cherkasy. (updated Sep 2023)

Before 2022 war, it was possible to organize trips down the River Dnipro to the Black Sea in summer.

The curfew in Kyiv is every day since 00:00 until 05:00. During that time, only people with the special document (e.g. police and ambulance) are allowed to go outside on the streets, so plan your trip back to the hotel in time.

For shorter distances, there is no better way of getting around Kyiv than hitting the sidewalk, especially in the areas of the city center like Maidan Nezalezhnosti, Kontraktova Ploshcha, Arsenalna. The city center area consists of many hills, so be prepared and plan accordingly. The underground pedestrian crossings are ubiquitous and let you cross the busy streets without waiting for the traffic lights, many of them connect to the underground malls, being a specialty of Kyiv. Keep in mind they are often not equipped with elevators, just the stairs.

Kyiv Digital public transport card

Back of Kyiv Digital card

The base fare per trip is 8 грн with no difference for the length of the trip. Additional discounts apply for journeys paid in bulk. Each transfer means another trip (unless in the metro). E-Ticket guide can be found on the website^{[dead link]}.

There are 4 ways to pay for public transport trips:

1. The most tourist-friendly: Users of Google Pay, Apple Pay and contactless credit/debit cards can pay directly without the need for a separate ticket; just tap your card or phone on the gates reader. (look for orange-marked gates)
2. Single-journey paper tickets called QR tickets (not to be confused with the digital payment method listed below) can be purchased at the ticket office or ticket machines and scanned at the turnstile. These have replaced the old token system on the Metro.
3. Tap the prepaid Kyiv Digital (Київ Цифровий) multi-journey plastic card. The card can be purchased for 50 грн at all metro stations, and in T-Kiosks all around the city. You can top up the card at metro stations, via the Kyiv Digital app (iOS, Android), on EasyPay^{[dead link]}, and at EasyPay, PrivatBank, City24^{[dead link]} terminals.
4. A digital version of the single-journey QR ticket can be purchased through the Kyiv Digital (Київ Цифровий) mobile app (iOS, Android) and used by scanning your phone screen at the turnstile.

All 4 are supported across the municipal transport network, including the funicular.

Tap / scan your preferred way of public transit payment only once when entering at the turnstile or at a ticket validator inside (depending on the mode of transport) and wait for a few seconds for confirmation. There is no need to scan again before exiting, since the price doesn't depend on the duration of the trip.

Buses and trams do not accept cash payment or sell tickets onboard, so remember to get a ticket or transit card ahead of time before boarding, if not using contactless payment. The modernised light-rail trams depart from dedicated platforms with turnstiles and ticket machines so there is no need to validate your ticket onboard; remember to choose the correct platform if catching a tram at the main railway station.

You can track public transport on the official website and EasyWay.

By metro

[edit]

The Metro (Метро) is one of the pleasures of Kyiv. It is a clean and fast subway system, and it is easy to navigate once you realize that all three metro lines (red, blue and green) go through the city center. There are 52 stations operating, and ambitious plans for the lines' extensions. The official website can be found here.

All stations support contactless credit card/digital payment, but not necessarily at every turnstile - look for those marked with the corresponding logos, often indicated by bright yellow/orange color. A green arrow will appear, indicating that the payment has been successful. When passing through a turnstile, make sure you walk through the correct side of the turnstile i.e. scanning the ticket on your right, not to be hit with a metal gate that will slam shut.

The cost of using the contactless payment is the same as a single-ticket, and discounts are automatically applied if you travel frequently. You can also associate your contactless card with a monthly/half-monthly unlimited travel plan for further discounts.

Most maps and signposts in the metro are translated into English. Every station has a unique three-digit number, with the first digit showing the number of the line (M1 for red, M2 for blue, and M3 for green). Once on board, every station is announced by loudspeakers and screens. These screens show a lot of weird ads between the stations, but flag an impending station before arrival. Upon departure, they then show the next station.

Metro stations where you can interchange have two different names - one for each line. If you are changing lines, the other station can be reached by an overpass in the center or near one of the ends of the platform.

Trains run every 30 to 150 seconds during business hours, every 5 min after 20:00, and every 10–15 min after 22:30. The last trains depart from the terminal stations around midnight, so your last chance to catch a train in the city center is between 00:15 and 00:25 (check the timetable of late departures, which is signposted on each station). Trains are often very crowded. Be prepared to push, as this may be the only way you get on the train during peak hours.

The Kyiv metro has some of the deepest stations in the world. The M1 "Arsenalna" is the deepest metro station in the world, at 107 m deep, and the M1 "Universytet" has one of the longest escalators (87 m long). Many stations have two long and intimidating escalators in a row.

Spend some time looking at the stations. The red line features impressive architecture, similar to that seen in the Moscow and Saint Petersburg metro systems. Elaborate mosaics in the "Zoloti Vorota" (Золоті ворота) station depict rulers and other historical characters of the medieval Kyivan Rus.

Note that as of 2022, several metro stations' names have been changed (for ex, Druzhby Narodiv is now Zvirynetska and Ploshcha Lva Tolsoho is now Ploshcha Ukrainskykh Heroiv); therefore, be careful when using maps of the city's public transit system that were printed before the war.

By bus / trolleybus

[edit]

Public transport ticket validator

There are two types of city-run buses available – bus (автобус) and trolleybus (тролейбус) – as well as slow and moribund trams. Tap your phone (Google/Apple Pay compatible) at the orange ticket validator upon entering the vehicle. The message will signify the payment complete.

Unlike the buses in Western Europe, in Ukraine there is no need to neither wave for the bus to stop as it approaches, nor push a button to ask for a stop. They will always stop on every designated stop, which are marked by an inconspicuous sign on a telegraph pole.

The buses are often very crowded during peak hours, but the norm is to push your way in.

By funicular

[edit]

• 50.4586430.5243613 Funicular (Фунікулер), 3 Petra Sahaidachnoho Street (lower station near M2 "Poshtova Ploscha"), ☏ +380 44 425-1252, +380 44 254-6590. Summer: 06:00-23:00, winter: 07:00-22:00. A historic way constructed in 1905 to get from the upper city down to Podil (or, naturally, the other way around) is to catch the funicular from Mykhaylivs’ka Ploscha to Poshtova Ploscha in Podil. You can enjoy views of the Dnieper and left bank on the way down. 8 грн. (updated Jul 2021)

You can also travel on so-called route taxis or minivans called marshrutky (маршрутки). These are privately run vehicles that travel assigned routes, which are listed on the front of the bus. They are easy to be confused with the public city buses, as both are shown on the apps like Google Maps. Marshrutka routes can be hard to figure out, but they have a list of stops on the window and a Metro logo for the metro stops. The best way to figure out where these go is to ask some of the locals. City maps usually picture all public transport, normal buses, trolleybuses, trams and marshrutky. The one downside to using marshrutky is that they tend to be a little overpacked (understatement) and very warm or cold, depending on season.

You can hail a marshrutka at the assigned bus stops. When you board, you pay the driver directly in cash or, if you're not near the driver, pass the money to the nearest passenger who will pass it to the driver. Your change will be returned in reverse order, but it is unwise to pass big bills. Kyiv Tsyfrovyi card / QR code can not be used in marshrutkas. The fare ranges for about 5 грн, and is usually stated on the front and sidewalk-side of the vehicle, so you will know how much you pay in advance. It is good to have some change, so you can pay exact amount.

When you are reaching your destination, simply yell out to the driver to stop "Na zupyntsi" with stress on "-pyn-"', which literally means "on the stop" in Ukrainian (some 100 m in advance to the bus stop you need). If you overshoot, you get a nice walk and a driver gets a little extra stress a day.

Taxis are the easiest way to get around the city, with low fares by Western standards. Marked taxis that can be hailed on the street are relatively rare compared to ridesharing app drivers. An Uber trip within the inner city (i.e. between any two of the major downtown attractions) should normally cost between 100 and 200 грн, exceeding 300 грн only during rush hour (as of Jan 2024); prices may differ with other services.

• Uber (Убер). (updated Sep 2023)
• Bolt (Болт). (updated Sep 2023)
• Uklon (Уклон). (updated Sep 2023)
• OnTaxi (ОнТаксі). (updated Sep 2023)
• Opti (Опті). (updated Sep 2023)
• Shark (Шарк). (updated Oct 2023)

Kick scooter is a funny way to shorten your time while getting around the city.

• Bolt (Болт). (updated Sep 2023)
• JET.UA. (updated Sep 2023)
• Scroll (Скролл). (updated Sep 2023)
• Zelectra (Зелектра). (updated Sep 2023)

There are more than 200 km of infrastructure for bicycles in Kyiv. While you can use your own bike, you can also rent one using one of the following companies:

• BikeNow (БайкНау). (updated Sep 2023)
• Veliki (Велікі). (updated Sep 2023)

With the taxi app rides ubiquitous and cheap, there is generally little reason to rent a car unless exploring outside the city. Kyiv city traffic is known to be quite heavy unless on weekends.

Traditional car rental apps like Booking or Kayak let you compare the options across multiple locations for the car to rent for multiple days and has to be returned to the same location (unless paying extra fees).

Car-sharing apps like Getmancar may be a better choice for short trips and let you save money in comparison to the taxi apps, the cars can be picked-up and dropped off in minutes flexibly in the zones all over the city (including the airports). Make sure to sign up on the app a day before - as the validation is not instantaneous.

• 50.4502530.5238891 Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Майдан Незалежності) (M2 "Maidan Nezalezhnosti"). Independence Square or Maidan is the place where opposition to pro-Russian governments gathered at different points between 2004 and 2013. This is a central meeting place in Kyiv. (updated Jan 2024)
• 50.44722230.5219442 On the weekend, go and people watch on Khreshchatyk (M1 "Khreschatyk"). Start at Ukrainskykh Heroiv Square and head underground. Walk through the Metrograd shopping center, always sticking to your left. Head above-ground at Tarasa Shevchenka Boulevard (бульвар Тараса Шевченка), from where the council shuts down Khreshchatyk on the weekends. The main drag of the city center is closed to traffic on some weekends and full of entertainers and people wandering around. A big, happy crowd and very conducive to people watching. Walking up the street to Maidan, you will be treated to the sight of numerous street performers and animal handlers, or you can simply enjoy seeing families out and about for a weekend stroll. (updated Jan 2024)

  

• 50.45986130.5151393 Andriyivsky Uzviz or Andrew's Descent (Андріївський узвіз) (Andrew's Descent winds down to Kontraktova Ploshcha in Podil. M2 "Kontraktova Ploscha"). At the top of this charming but rugged cobblestone street stands St. Andrew’s Church. It’s a steep climb, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. Along the way, you’ll pass souvenir stalls, cozy restaurants, art galleries, and small museums. While it’s a popular spot with tourists, the street still retains its authentic charm. (updated Jan 2024)
• 50.46717130.5136264 Podil (M2 "Poshtova Ploscha"). Stroll around. Start at St Michael's Cathedral in the Upper Town. Catch the funicular behind it down to Poshtova Ploscha, and wander around the grid-like streets of Podil. The area was the merchant's quarter, and was completely rebuilt in the 19th century after fires destroyed the area. It was mainly untouched during WWII and is emerging as a hip restaurant district and is rapidly being gentrified. Walk along the Sahaidachnoho street. Finish your stroll by walking up Andriyivsky Uzviz, which will get you back to St Michael's Cathedral. (updated Jan 2024)
• 50.44394430.5453615 Arsenalna. Busy restaurants with many options. (updated Mar 2025)

	Note: As of January 2024, the Perchersk Lavra cave system is closed to all visitors, including resident monks, due to a political dispute between the Ukrainian branch of the Russian Orthodox Church and the municipal government.

• 50.43222230.5622226 Kyiv Pechersk Lavra (Cave Monastery--Печерська лавра), 9 Lavrska Street (M1 "Arsenalna" is a couple of blocks away from the main entrance; you can take a trolley from the subway station - 2 stops), ☏ +38 44 280-3071. Winter 09:00-18:00, summer 08:00-19:00. One of the oldest and most important monasteries in Ukraine and in the territory of the former Soviet Union. Only the most important monasteries were designated as Lavras; there were only four, of which this Cave Monastery is the oldest. It was founded in 1077 by St Antoniy. The caves were dug out by priests who lived there as hermits. Nowadays, the caves are venerated by the faithful and tourists who visit the mummified monks, and pilgrims are still allowed access to the underground church there. There are two parts to the modern complex: the upper lavra, owned by the state and consisting of a number of museums (entry fee); and the lower lavra, owned by the Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarch) and consisting of the caves (you'll need 1 грн to buy a candle to enter). Do not miss the display of micro-miniatures in the Upper Lavra. It sounds lame, but it is fascinating. You can enter the caves in the lower part if you dress correctly (women must cover their hair and wear skirts, no shorts. Expensive scarves are for sale there). Women can only just get away with pants in the winter. Start at the Lower Lavra, visiting the caves, before the crowds descend for the day. There are two cave complexes, each housing the mummified remains of monks, as well as religious icons and other relics. Both caves are accessed through churches, with the entrance to the shorter caves at the end of a boardwalk. While it is free to enter the caves, you must purchase a taper candle in order to light your way. The caves are not recommended for the claustrophobic or overly tall. Once you're in there, it's hard, even impossible to turn around and go back out - you have to keep going. Without visiting expositions: 3 грн; including visiting exhibitions and guided tour: Adult 50 грн, pupil or student 25 грн. (updated Sep 2023)
• 50.43469130.5564557 Great Lavra Bell Tower (Велика Лаврська дзвіниця), 15 Lavrska Street. Climb upstairs the Lavra Bell Tower to enjoy a charming view of Lavra church area that used to be known as the religious center of Ukraine historically. The main bell tower of the ancient cave monastery. Built in 1731–1745. It was designed by the architect Johann Gottfried Schädel. Its total height, with the Christian cross, is 96.5 meters. A neoclassic construction with a total of four tiers, surmounted by a gilded dome. The diameter of the tower's lowest tier at its base is 28.8 m, and the thickness of the first tier walls is 8m. The tower's foundations exceed 7m meters. The tower is decorated with many architectural columns: the second tier with 32 Dorian columns, the third with 16 Ionic columns, and the fourth with 8 Corinthian columns. On the fourth tier there is a chiming clock, made in 1903, which has a total weight of 4.5 tonne. 60 ₴ ($2). (updated Jan 2024)
• Pechersk Lavra fortification (Фортечні мури Києво-Печерської лаври). A system of walls, towers and other constructions built for the protection of the Cave Monastery. The fortifications consist of Upper Lavra: the Southwest Tower, or the tower of Ivan Kuschnik (Вежа Іоанна Кущника); the South Tower (Південна (Годинникова) вежа), or the Horlogium, 1818; the North Tower (Північна (Малярна) вежа), also called the Painting Tower; the East Tower containing the church of Saint Onufry (Онуфріївська вежа), Economic Gate and the Church of All Saints, West Gate Holidays to Holy Trinity Church, South (lower) gate 1792-95; North Gate, 19th century; Eastern Gate, 19th century; Wall with a gate at the Great Lavra Belltower, 18th-early 19th century and a retaining wall terraces with viewing platform. The Lower Lavra fortification parts are: The defensive walls of the Near and Far Caves, 19th century; entrance gate, 1840s; the lower gate at the entrance to the Near and Far caves, 1852-53; Retaining Wall of D. de Boskhuets, 18th century. Belfry Far Caves; Western gate of the lodge, 1883. (updated Sep 2023)
• 50.43483330.5580568 Refectory Church (Трапезна Палата), 9 к29 Lavrska Street. A refectory and an adjoining church of Saint Anthony and Theodosius. Built in 1893-1895. The sturdy dome of the church incorporates some aspects of ancient Byzantium. The interior decoration of the building was designed by Aleksey Shchusev. The marble icons are in the Neo-Russian style. The paintings in the refectory and the church, painted in the beginning of the 20th century. In 1973-1977, the Refectory interior was thoroughly renovated. (updated Jan 2024)
• 50.43733330.5550019 Church of the Saviour at Berestovo (Церква Спаса на Берестові), 5 Lavrska Street (Out of the Walls 100 m). Berestovo was a suburban residence in the 11th century. - Its vaulting may have been unusually complicated, probably echoing the trefoil roofing of the porches. The outside of the church formerly displayed intricate brick patterns: double and treble niches, the meander, and decorative crosses. (updated Sep 2023)
• 50.43471530.55523710 Gate Church of the Trinity (Троїцька Надбрамна церква), 9 к27 Lavrska Street (Atop the Holy Gates, which houses the main entrance to the monastery). In 1108 being built as a Kievan Rus' style church, the Gate Church of the Trinity is now decorated in the Ukrainian Baroque style, having been reconstructed many times through its history. Inside: a three-story wooden gilded iconostasis, (1735); a large sixteen-candle chandelier (1725); The church's frescoes were based on Biblical scenes, and the exterior decor was based on Ukrainian folklore, including: "Faces of the Holy Martyr," "The Traders Cast Out of the Temple," and "The Council of Nicaea." Interior frescoes: Allegorical and historical Biblical topics are given in a noncanonical way; some of them are made with Ukrainian national ornaments. Wood-carved chairs, are installed along the western wall. The chairs are covered with oil paintings. (updated Jan 2024)
• 50.43430.561411 Near Caves or the Caves of Saint Anthony (Ближні печери), 15 Lavrska Street. Are historic caves and a network of tunnels with a total length of 383 m and depth of 5-20 m with the width reaching 1.5 m and the height 2.5 m. Here is buried the founder of the Cave Monastery of Saint Anthony. Of the three existing entrances to the Near Caves, the original was probably the western one, in which you can enter from the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. A candle is required to enter the caves. Candles are available for purchase for 3 грн, Free. (updated Sep 2023)
• 50.4363530.5562512 All Saints Church (Всіхсвятська церква), 9 к82 Lavrska Street (Northern part of the complex). Founded in 1696–1698. Its style is Ukrainian baroque. The church facades are richly decorated with architectural elements. In 1905, local artists painted the interior walls of the church. The carved wooden iconostasis is multi-tiered and was made in the early 18th century. (updated Jan 2024)
• 50.4323330.5630913 Far Caves (Дальні печери), 15 Lavrska Street (Southeast corner of the complex). Relics of 49 saints, accompanied by plates with names and icons. The total length of underground corridors is 293 m. There are three underground cave churches: Annunciation, Nativity and Reverend Theodosius. (updated Jan 2024)
• 50.4351930.5574514 Dormition Cathedral (Успенський собор) (Opposite the man entrance (Gate Church)). The main temple of Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. Built in 1073–78. The cathedral consisted basically of one story built on a cruciform plan with a cupola supported by six columns. It had three naves, which on the outside terminated in many-faced apses. In the 17th century with more cupolas and decorative elements, in the Cossack baroque style were decorated. Inside was decorated with mosaics and frescoes. (updated Sep 2023)
• 50.4357230.5577615 Museum of Historical Treasures of Ukraine (Музей історичних коштовностей України), 9 к12 Lavrska Street. In the Kovnirivskyi building, which was a convent bakery built in the 17th century and reconstructed in 1744-1745. The main facade of buildings made in the same manner as the cell of the Old Cathedral. One of the leading museums of Ukraine and the world, the subject of the exhibition - historical and artistic monuments of precious metals and precious stones. The museum collection includes 56,000 pieces of archeology and applied art. Here you can find the 'Martynivka Treasure' (Мартинівський скарб), which is a hoard consisting of about 120 silver items of 400-900 probe found in Martynivka village (now Cherkasy Oblast) in 1909. (updated Sep 2023)
• 50.4354830.558516 Book and print history museum (Музей книги та друкарства України), 9 к9 Lavrska Street. W-M 10:00-17:00. The museum contains a rich treasure book culture of the Ukrainian people (about 56 thousand units). The exhibition highlights the story of the book and of books from Kievan Rus to the present day. (updated Jan 2024)
• 50.43432230.55701317 Museum of Ukrainian folk art (Музей народного декоративного мистецтва), 9 к2 Lavrska Street, ☏ +380 44 280-1343. W-M 10:00-18:00. The collection is more than 75,000 works of traditional folk and decorative arts from the 15th to the 20th centuries. It's housed in the former Metropolitan's residence. (updated Jan 2024)
• 50.4351930.5546618 Theatre and Cinematographic Arts Museum (Музей театрального, музичного та кіно-мистецтва України), 9 к26 Lavrska Street, ☏ +380 44 280-1622. There is various documentary material that reveals the formation and development of Ukrainian drama and theatrical presentation. Here are Ukrainian folk musical instruments which afford the opportunity to deepen your knowledge of the history of Ukrainian culture, literature and ethnology. The museum has a branch - the house-museum of M.K. Zankovetska, where an exhibition reflects the life and career of the famous Ukrainian actress. (updated Jan 2024)
• 50.43527830.55472219 National Historical Library of Ukraine (Національна історична бібліотека України), 9 к24 Lavrska Street, ☏ +38 44 290-4617. More than 800,000 books, manuscripts and maps. (updated Sep 2023)

• 50.45277830.51444420 St Sophia's Cathedral (Собор Святої Софії), Sofiivska Square (M3 "Zoloti Vorota"). 09:00-16:00. The oldest remaining church in Kyiv. Parts date from the 11th century. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and has the world biggest ensemble of frescoes and mosaics dating from the 11th century, including the Virgin Orans mosaic. Several green-robed ladies maintain order and will shout at you if you look like you are planning to take a photo. The gatehouse and other restorations were completed in the 17th century. Outside the gates, there is a statue commemorating hetman Bohdan Khmelnytskyi, who liberated Kyiv in the 17th century... then gave the city to the Russian Empire. 53 грн for admission to the complex and church (23 грн for children). Additional charges to climb the bell tower, visit the museum and have a guided tour. (updated Sep 2023)
• 50.45555630.52277821 St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery, 8 Trokhsviatytelska Street (a short distance and easily visible from St. Sophia's cathedral). A working monastery that goes back to the 12th century. Destroyed during the Soviet era, with many of its art works hastily removed, some of which were transferred to the museums in Moscow and St Petersburg, some were moved to St Sophia Cathedral. Some mosaics housed in St Sophia subsequently fell into the hands of the Nazis but were returned... to the Hermitage in St Petersburg. Rebuilt in 1997-98. Impressive gold domes, best visited on a sunny day. Behind the complex is a pleasant park with views of the Dnieper and, to the left, the entrance to the funicular. (updated Jan 2024)

• 50.44494230.50871722 St Volodymyr's Cathedral (Патріарший кафедральний собор св. Володимира), 20 Tarasa Shevchenka Boulevard, ☏ +380 44 235-0362. Seven domed Ukrainian Orthodox brick cathedral in neo-Byzantine style, built in the 19th century. It barely escaped demolition by the Soviet authorities. Dome height (outer) 49 m (161 ft). (updated Jan 2024)
• 50.45888930.51805623 St Andrew's Church (Андріївська церква), 23 Andriivskyi Descent (M2 "Kontraktova Ploscha"), ☏ +380 44 278-1221. Closed for restoration since 2011; the best external view is from terrace of War Museum opposite. Baroque church, constructed in 1747–1754. Length 31.7 m (104 ft). Width 20.4 m (67 ft). Height 50 m (160 ft). Both the external and internal decoration on the church was carried out at the same time. Cast iron floor slabs were delivered from Moscow. Also, forms were made for the church's windows, doors, walls, and for space under the cupola. The planned iconostasis, designed by the Italian architect Rastrelli, was also added. The wood for the iconostasis, altar canopy, pulpit, and tsar's place were carved out in Saint Petersburg in order to save time. The iconostasis' icons were carried out by Petersburg artists. For gilding, 1,028 slabs of gold were used in the interior. (updated Jan 2024)
• 50.48309130.47177224 Saint Cyril's Monastery (Кирилівський монастир), 103 к10 Kyrylivska Street (Take to Stadion Spartak stop a tram No.12 or 19 from M2 "Kontraktova Ploscha"), ☏ +380 44 417-2268. A medieval monastery. Founded in 1140. Reconstructed by the Ukrainian architect Ivan Hryhorovych-Barskyi during 1750–1760. Saint Cyril's Church, including the medieval interior frescoes and the 1880s murals by the famous Russian painter Mikhail Vrubel, were fortunately preserved. The remaining constructions of the complex, the rest of the monastic walls, one corner tower (see picture), and two buildings constructed by Barskyi were also preserved. Of the monastery's cemetery, only two 18th-century graves remained. (updated Jan 2024)

• 50.44833330.51305625 Golden Gate of Kyiv or Zoloti Vorota (Золоті ворота), 40a Volodymyrska Street (M3 "Zoloti Vorota"), ☏ +380 44 278-6919. Tu 10:00-17:00, W-Su 10:00-18:00, in winter, closed. Originally built in the 11th century and destroyed in the 17th, the Golden Gate was reconstructed in 1982. Today, it stands as a striking crenelated tower, 14 meters tall. The entrance is flanked by a metal-covered wooden portcullis on one side and intricately patterned doors on the other. Buy a ticket to explore the interior, climb to the roof, and learn about the ancient city walls. The area also features some beautiful nearby buildings worth seeing. From there, take a stroll along Yaroslaviv Val — a lively street where locals love to hang out. You’ll find plenty of great restaurants and cozy spots to relax. Fee. (updated Sep 2023)
• 50.35453930.51223126 Pyrohiv / Open-Air Museum of Folk Architecture and Rural Life (Музей народної архітектури та побуту), 1 Akademika Tronka Street (Bus #156 or #172 from M2 "Olimpiiska", M2 "Lybidska" or M2 "Vystavkovyi Tsentr" goes there for 8 грн. About 30-40 minutes), ☏ +380 44 526 5765. Daily. Covering 160 ha, the area shows how people used to live in different parts of Ukraine. Six restored rural Ukrainian villages, with old huts, wooden mills and churches from all over Ukraine have been carefully restored and function as living museums. English-speaking (sort of) guides with expertise on the whole site are available and well worth-it. Ukrainians come on sunny days to relax in the grass. (updated Sep 2023)
• 50.45833330.51611127 National Museum of History of Ukraine (Національний музей історії України), 2 Volodymyrska Street (M2 "Poshtova Ploscha"), ☏ +380 44 278-4864, +380 44 278-65-45. Th-Tu 10:00-17:00. Museum represents different times from ancient till nowadays. (updated Sep 2023)
• 50.4603930.5144428 Blacksmithing and metalworker's museum (Музей Ковальського та слюсарного мистецтва), 20B Andriivskyi Descent (M2 "Kontraktova Ploscha", 10-min walk). (updated Jan 2024)
• 50.46075230.51466429 Literary and Memorial Bulgakov Museum. House of Turbiny (Дім Турбіних. Літературно-меморіальний музей Булгакова), 13 Andriivskyi Descent (M2 "Kontraktova Ploscha"), ☏ +380 44 4253188. Tu Th-Su 10:00-18:00 (ticket office open till 17:00). The legendary Andriyivsky Descent was the street where the great writer lived with his family and where he "lodged" the heroes of his immortal novel "The White Guard". 10 грн, cost of excursion 30 грн per person. (updated Sep 2023)
• 50.466430.517230 Chornobyl Museum (Національний музей Чорнобиль), 1 Khoryva Lane (M2 "Kontraktova Ploscha"; Tram : 12, 14, 18, 19), ☏ +380 44 417-5422. M-F 10:00-18:00; Sa 10:00-17:00. A fascinating and moving museum. No signage in English. The cost of audio-tour in English or German - 50 грн. 10 грн. (updated Sep 2023)
• 50.45815830.51902231 'Cultural wealth of Ukraine' Ukrainian icon museum (Міський музей української ікони "Духовні скарби України"), 12 Desiatynna Street (M2 "Poshtova Ploscha"), ☏ +380 44 278-8357. Tu Th Sa Su 11:00-19:00. The exhibition presents about 300 icons late 15th - early 20th century. (updated Jan 2024)
• 50.46222230.517532 One Street Museum (Музей однієї вулиці), 2B Andriivskyi Descent, ☏ +380 44 425-0398. The collection of the One Street Museum is dedicated to the history of the Andriyivskyi uzviz (Andrew's Descent) and its famous residents. Tu-Su 12:00-18:00. 20 грн. An excursion in Ukrainian or Russian - 100 грн, in English - 150 грн. (updated Sep 2023)
• 50.459330.525833 Museum of the Magdeburg law, Museum of Self-Management of Kyiv (Музей Магдeбурзького права, Музей історії київського самоврядування), 2 Poshtova Square (M2 "Poshtova Ploscha"), ☏ +380 44 463-6796. A very interesting permanent exhibition about "On the history of government in Kyiv", devoted to 500th anniversary of providing the city of Magdeburg law. (updated Jan 2024)
• 50.4694830.4540134 Luk'yanivs'ke Cemetery (Лукянівське кладовище), 7 Dorohozhytska Street (M3 "Dorohozhychi"), ☏ +380 44 440-13-22, +380 44 440-14-87. Daily. By the administration building has a museum room, telling stories about the cemetery and its famous "Dwellers". (updated Sep 2023)
• 50.4577930.5008335 Pushkin Museum (Київський музей Пушкіна О.С.), 9 Kudriavska Street (M3 "Lukianivska"). W-M 10:00-17:00. The main part of the museum's collection are exhibits first half of the 19th century - a period called the "Pushkin". Among the most valuable items - books with author signatures of friends and contemporaries Pushkin political writings of famous public figures. The pride of the museum, editions of the works of the poet, including some sections of the novel Eugene Onegin. (updated Jan 2024)
• 50.44475830.51351236 Pedagogical Museum (Педагогічний музей), 57 Volodymyrska Street (M3 "Zoloti Vorota". Across from the building of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine), ☏ +380 44 234-3688, [email protected]. M-F 10:00-17:00, closed 13:00-14:00. Former the meeting place of the Ukrainian Club, Rodyna, and the Ukrainian Scientific Society. The museum of Lenin, which was here until 1982. The first floor of the building now houses the escalators leading to M3 "Zoloti Vorota". (updated Jan 2024)
• 50.43444430.52777837 Kyiv Fortress also known as the Pechersk Fortress (Київська фортеця), 24a Hospitalna Street (M3 "Klovska" — 1 km, M3 "Palats Sportu" — 1.3 km, trolley No.14 'muzey Kyivska phortetsya' stop, 100 meter). A 19th-century fortification building, that once belonged to the system of western Russian fortresses. Some of the buildings are restored and turned into a museum called the Kyiv Fortress, while others are in use by various military and commercial installations. It is semi-underground. (updated Sep 2023)

Mother Ukraine Statue and WWII memorials

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Kyiv was pretty much destroyed during the invasion in World War II. The memorial near the motherland statue is pretty gripping. Lots of examples of classic Soviet-era memorial statuary, as well as some amazing exhibits of military hardware. The National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War located in the base of the statue is a must-see for visitors interested in the impact the German invasion had on the Soviet Union. Well worth the visit even if you don't speak or read any Russian or Ukrainian (several English language tours are provided daily). It's well curated and full of artifacts (including weapons, battle maps, hundreds of original photographs, and a moving installation at the end of the exhibit symbolizing the great losses suffered). There is also a small museum of the Afghan conflict nearby. Try to enter coming from the top part of the Pecherska Lavra. This way you get submerged with old soviet music and dark statues. M1 "Arsenalna".

• 50.42685930.56369638 The National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War (Національний музей історії України у Другій світовій війні), 24 Lavrska Street, ☏ +38 044 285-94-52, [email protected]. Tu-Su 10:00-17:00. A fairly large museum, starting with World War II, going through Nazi occupation until Ukraine's independence. The monument is 92 m tall, and for 200 ₴ ($6) you can take an elevator to the middle of it, and climb all the way to the top of the statue to enjoy the beautiful view of Kyiv from over there. The museum is at the base of the massive statue of Mother Ukraine. While the displays are mostly in Ukrainian. The museum has laminated cards in each room with varying languages including English, German and French. The museum also offers guided tours in several languages. 15 грн/adult, 5 грн/student, 1 грн/child, 30 грн to take photos within the museum, 50 грн to take videos for up to 1 hr. (updated Mar 2015)
• 50.4714530.4491939 Babyn Yar Monument (Національний історико-меморіальний заповідник "Бабин Яр", Babi Yar), Dorohozhytska Street (M3 "Dorohozhychi"). A ravine which was the site of massacres of Jews, Gypsies, and other civilians by the Nazis and their local puppets during World War II. Approximately 60,000 civilians were shot dead at this site during the war (over 34,000 Jews in the first two days alone). Now a memorial to Soviet citizens murdered by the Germans. (updated May 2019)
• 50.2972430.369340 German Military graveyard (on the road to Odesa, about 20 km away from Kyiv). About 10,000 German soldiers are burie