The capital of Ukraine is a place about freedom and choice, where energy is in full swing and it is almost impossible to stay away from the million events that fill the city with life. So what does it offer? Long quiet walks, loud parties, old districts, and blooming parks. Read our travel guide to Kyiv to feel like a local during your trip!
Travel guide to Kyiv: Hotels
Sosnovel – the main feature of the Sosnovel complex is Scandi Park, where you’ll find several pretty chalets in the forest (it is definitely not a luxurious type of accommodation, but the view from the window is alluring. In addition, it provides several forms of entertainment to choose from – from salt rooms and aroma fonts to paintball. The hotel is located very close to Kyiv – only 30 km in the direction of Vyshgorod. You can find more information on the website or IG.
Shelest – is located practically on the shores of the Kyiv Sea in a luxurious pine forest. Renting a family cottage for 4-6 people costs from UAH 9,500 (283 euro) per night. Such a house will have two bedrooms, a small kitchen, a fireplace, and a terrace, and the price also includes breakfast and a visit to the pool in the warm season. You can (and should) come to Shelest with pets. And if you just want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city for a while, you can drive here for a quiet dinner. You can find more information here:
Restaurants & others:
“Любимый дядя” (20 Pankovskaya st.,). Breakfast is served from 8:00 to 12:00 on weekdays and from 9:00 to 14:00 on weekends.
In this restaurant the atmosphere is great, it is cozy at home: carpets, sofas, bookcases and, in general, an atmosphere of soft comfort – especially on the semi-secret second floor. The morning menu includes a green omelet, shakshuka with pita bread, and polenta with fried mushrooms and spinach. In general, there is definitely something to choose from. The locals love this restaurant, it is better to book a table in advance.
Blur Coffee – a trendy coffee shop that serves delicious and photogenic toast in addition to excellent coffee all day. During warmer months, you can sit out on the simple and cozy terrace. And literally, next door is the gorgeous store Good Wine.
Kachorovska atelier – a coffee shop and also a showroom for shoes and bags from Ukrainian designers. It’s easy to meet influencers here. Breakfast is served all day, and there is also a small menu with main courses.
Travel guide to Kyiv: Attractions
Mystetskiy Arsenal – the museum complex located on the territory of the 17th-century monastery. Important exhibitions of contemporary art and music, theatre shows, and other cultural events take place here. It is the largest art center in the city and the main exhibition changes every few months. In May, the Book Arsenal is held hereю It’s one of the two largest book fairs in Ukraine, along with the Forum of Publishers in Lviv.
Pinchuk Art Center – the main place with contemporary art in Kyiv since 2006. There are personal exhibitions of many world stars of contemporary art and important Ukrainian artists. Once a year, the nominees for the Future Generation Art Prize take place here, a special competition for young artists under 35.
Shopping:
Vsi Svoi & Vsi Svoi Home – perhaps the most famous and largest store with a huge collection of clothes from Ukrainian designers. Recently, across the road (34 Khreshchatyk St.), another store has opened, run by the same company, but with dishes and home accessories. In addition, they do not forget about where they come from and continue to organize large markets. Leaving without shopping is unrealistic.
Hvoya Store – Handmade bags, shoes and accessories from Ukrainian designers on one of the most beautiful streets of the city.
Travel guide to Kyiv: Bars
Dogz & Burgerz – opening hours: from 10:00 to 22:00
Prices: almost everything for 29 UAH (apple liqueur, apple cider, punch, hot dogs, pies, oysters)
A full-fledged fast-food format along with a fast drink: the time for serving burgers and cocktails barely exceeds a few minutes! Neon signs, twilight inside, posters on brick walls, huge chandeliers from glasses, and in the institution on Khreshchatyk there are also DJ parties every Friday. It is almost impossible not to start dancing after the third shot for one euro.
Naprosecco. Oyster & Co – opening hours: from 12:00 to 00:00
Prices: a glass of red/white wine – 33 UAH; a glass of prosecco – 44 UAH; oyster, langoustine – 33 UAH, envelope of mussels – 44 UAH; French fries – 33 UAH.
The bar, which has already become a favorite place in the pedestrian part of Podil. Here for 1-1,5 euro, you can taste seafood with a glass of wine or prosecco. It is difficult to take a seat in the hall, but it is possible – there are many tables of different shapes for companies of different sizes.
To continue reading, learn more about Ukraine here.
