What to do in Kiev

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Kiev: A Friendly, Bustling City

Kiev is an interesting city. It is huge, it is busy, and the people are unbelievably friendly and kind. But the city has also struggled throughout history. From Nazi and Soviet occupation, to recent revolutions, there has always been some sort of turmoil. Yet the city remains hopeful. So visiting Kiev is quite the experience. It is a city that I highly recommend to anyone that wants to explore Eastern Europe. Here are some reasons why Kiev has captured the hearts of so many, and quickly became my favorite.


10. St. Vladimir Hill: Kiev is an incredible city for being built on a hill. At one of the highest points, overlooking the river, is St. Vladimir looks over the park, the river, and the city. The park is a great place in the city center to relax and enjoy the day. But it is also a great place just to see how steep the descent down really is.


9. Park of Eternal Glory: if you are looking for another lovely view of the city, this park is worth it. With a few monuments scattered throughout, you are bound to learn about Ukrainian history. But across from the park is the river, and on the other side, Kiev continues for miles. However, the other side of the river is covered with Soviet architecture, giving you the true feeling of what life looked like under communism.


8. St. Michael's Monastery: this beautiful blue monastery is one of the most important locations in the city for the religious significance. The monastery is always busy with locals and tourists admiring its beauty. But the monastery also aided the student and civilians during the 2014 revolution by sheltering some and also showing solidarity with the people.


7. St. Andrew's Church: this beautiful baroque church is also one not to be missed if on a religious tour of Kiev. The city is full of churches and each one has its own unique beauty. With beautiful green and gold domes and a blue hue at night, this church is absolutely beautiful, inside and out.


6. House of the Chimaeras: this art nouveau building has become one of the symbols of the city. With beautiful architecture and a museum inside, this building is worth the stop. While the museum is currently closed to the public, it is still worth going to see the beautiful building.


5. Golden Gate: this was once the main gate of the city. Built after the one in Constantinople, the gate served to intimidate and protect once upon a time. Today, it is admired for its unique architectural contribution to the city as it stands out. You can admire it from afar or you can visit it.


4. St. Sophia's Cathedral: this beautiful complex has plenty of things to see and do. The beautiful cathedral is worth wandering around in and admiring the beauty. But the blue bell tower is what truly stands out. You can climb to the top and get a great view of the city or you can sit back in the park and admire its architecture.


3. Kiev Pechersk Lavra: this monastery on a hill is worth the workout. Climbing to the top is quite the feat, but it is beautifully decorated with golden domes and monks are constantly walking past you. It is quite the cultural experience and one of the most treasured sites in Kiev by the locals.


2. National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War: while the name of this complex is quite a mouthful, it is absolutely worth the stop. From the impressive museum detailing the war, to an explanation of the situation in Crimea, this museum is very informative. But the Motherland Monument is the main attraction. Overlooking the river and dominating the skyline, this monument gives an appreciation for Ukrainian patriotism.


1. Maidan Nezalezhnosti: this monument in the center of the city center has always been the center of everything. From the center of the 2014 revolution to many other protests, Maidan has great historical significance. The monument stands tall and the square is always busy with street performers and people hanging around. It is a great place to people watch. Today, you can visit and learn about the 2014 revolution as they have plaques installed all throughout the square.