Discover Kiev, Ukraine!

Though it may not receive as much attention as its more glamorous Western European neighbors, Kiev has long been a gem of a city well hidden between the flashier tourist draws of Russia and Europe.

Thanks to a combination of metropolitan sophistication and historical roots, Kiev has something to offer to every visitor.

Shopping in Kiev

Downtown Kiev spirals out from a large central plaza, Independence Square, in rings of restaurants, Internet cafes, and European boutiques. Despite its initial resemblance to other large capitals, Kiev offers an interesting twist on Western fashions. Visitors can find nearly all the same brands available in Paris or London (often at a lower price depending on exchange rates) but with the added benefit of discovering local innovative designers. A massive shopping mall lies underneath Independence Square and is a great place to start (note that the mall spreads across several city streets and you may emerge blocks from where you started!)

Another great shopping destination is Khreschatyk Street, the main avenue leading from Independence Square, which boasts several blocks of clothing and shoes stores. You’ll also find small vendors selling ice cream, salty snacks, athletic scarves, hats, pins, jewelry, everything! An added plus – the street shuts down to road traffic for the weekends. Before you run out of steam, check out the Besarabsky Indoor Market at the end of Khreschatyk Street (in Besarabsky Square). This enormous covered food market of fresh fruits, vegetable, meat, and fish will enchant you with its myriad smells and sounds fighting for attention. Don’t leave without a sample of Ukrainian caviar (often offered free by the vendors!)

Kiev landmarks and cultural attractions

Kiev has more to offer than just great shopping or fashion. With a history stretching back over a millennium (1500 years), the city is rich with cultural and historical sites.

Kiev’s most striking attraction may be its network of Orthodox churches whose golden spires tower over the entire city. Must see locations include the cluster of sparkling churches and underground catacombs on the Dnipro Hills and the St. Sophia Cathedral. Both sites boast ornate and dramatic frescoes; the grounds at Dnipro Hills include an impressive miniatures museum.

The transportation system itself is a historical relic. The extremely deep metro stations (some over 100 meters deep) stretching throughout Kiev are holdovers from the Cold War, when a secret underground city was built to serve as an atomic shelter. According to local hearsay, metro employees that worked on this underground city were forbidden from leaving the country for five years after.

The Museum of the Great Patriotic War, Kiev’s memorial to World War II, should also be on every history buff’s agenda. Although the memorial is a bit out of the way (situated on the outskirts of Kiev in the district of Pechersk), it is well worth a visit. Weighty stone monuments built into the hillside, memorials marked by the names of fallen soldiers, and rows of preserved tanks, guns, and helicopters serve as a reminder of this dark period in Ukraine’s past.

Kiev Funicular

Other attractions worth investigating include the Funicular. Not only does this classic cable car offer an incredible view of Kiev, but also it provides a free adrenaline rush as you trundle your way to the top. Once there, you’ll be treated to a bird’s eye view of downtown Kiev and the winding path of the Dnieper River. The Dnieper is also a must-see visit. Be it winter or summer, Ukrainians make the most of this natural attraction, indulging in either ice-skating or swimming.

Kiev is a relatively short flight from many major European cities. Thanks to the ease of visa restrictions since 2005, the city is easier to visit and much more tourist friendly. What are you waiting for?!

Top 5 Kiev Hotels & Apartments:

• Kiev Hotel Rus – Central Kiev – Double room from €72.9 per night
• Hotel Oselya – Oselya District – Double room from €81 per night
• Apartment Shuta Rustavelli 44/2 – Downtown Kiev -  €77.8 per night
• Apartment Shuta Rustavelli 44/2 – Downtown Kiev -  €73.7  per night
• Apartment Saksahanskoho 12 – Downtown Kiev – €77.8  per night

Photo of the World War II Memorial, Kiev, Ukraine, by Loranchet

Topic:  General Travel | 1 Comment
Tags:  Eastern Europe, shopping

About the author

Lara Bensenia is a freelance writer and perpetual student living in Lyon, France. Lara calls both the United States and Tunisia home and hopes to achieve EU citizenship to top it all off. In the meantime, she enjoys playing up French clichés, especially fancy chocolate, berets, and French men.