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What to See in Kyiv in One Day – Ultimate Guide

Key Takeaways

MorningStart with the golden domes of St. Sophia’s Cathedral.
MiddayExplore the vibrant Andriyivskyy Descent and enjoy local cuisine.
AfternoonVisit the historical Kyiv Pechersk Lavra.
EveningStroll through Maidan Nezalezhnosti and enjoy a panoramic view at the Parkovy Pedestrian Bridge.
Transport TipsStroll through Maidan Nezalezhnosti and enjoy a panoramic view of the Parkovy Pedestrian Bridge.
Dining SuggestionsTry the borscht and varenyky at a traditional Ukrainian restaurant.

Table of Contents:

Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, is a city of rich cultural and historical diversity. Whether interested in museums, parks, beaches, nightlife, or food, you will find something to suit your taste in this vibrant metropolis. 

However, Kyiv is also a large city, covering an area of 839 km2. This means you must plan your trip carefully to ensure you see the places of interest in Kyiv. To help you with that, you can consult a Kyiv travel guide or use online resources to discover the most amazing sights and experiences that Kyiv has to offer.

Private tour guide in Kyiv – Victoria gives insider tips on what to do in Kyiv if you’re visiting for a short period. If you are visiting Kyiv quickly and want to see the most essential sights and local attractions, this article will certainly help you.

Map for Spending a Day in Kyiv

This map shows you how the attractions are arranged in the city. The Old Town area has violet pins, while the Upper Town area has blue pins. You can also see some red markers for places to enjoy food and drinks. To view the full version of this map, you can click here on Google Maps.

❗️Important to Know for Traveling to Kyiv

One of the most distinctive features of Kyiv is its hilly landscape on the right bank of the river. Unlike many European cities, Kyiv has many slopes and descents that create a unique visual effect, offering a different perspective on what to see in Kyiv.

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However, this also means you must be prepared for some uphill and downhill walking when you explore the city.

Wear comfortable shoes and leave your heavy luggage in a safe place.

Kyiv in a Day Itinerary

Kyiv city has three important historical areas :

  • Old Town: This is the spiritual heart of Kyiv, where you can find ancient temples, monuments, and museums. It is also the downtown area where you can enjoy shopping, dining, and entertainment, perfect for those wondering what to do in Kyiv. Old Town Kyiv Tour with a private guide.
  • Upper Town: This is Kyiv’s administrative and political centre, where you can see government buildings, the parliament, and the presidential palace. It is also home to some of the city’s most beautiful parks and gardens and the sacred Lavra monastery, a must-add to your things to do in Kyiv list.
  • Lower Town: This is the oldest district of Kyiv, where you can experience the charm of the past. It is also known as Podil, famous for its cultural and artistic life and vibrant nightlife.

Start with the Old Town, which is full of ancient temples, if you want to experience the spiritual essence of Kyiv. These magnificent religious buildings are not only the city’s main attractions but also the whole country’s historical pride.

Main attractions of the Kyiv Old Town:

Golden Gate (Volodymyrska St, 40A)

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Golden Gate, Kyiv

Standing as a majestic testament to the ancient city of Kyiv, the Golden Gate is a triumphal stone archway that once served as the main entrance to the city. Erected in the 11th century by Grand Prince Yaroslav the Wise, this remarkable structure is a testament to the architectural prowess of Kyivan Rus and its admiration for Byzantine traditions, as exemplified by the Golden Gate of Constantinople.

Bearing witness to centuries of history, the Golden Gate endured the ravages of time, including a devastating attack by the Mongols in 1240. Despite its partial destruction, it remained in use as a vital passageway into Kyiv until the mid-16th century.

In the early 1980s, meticulous archaeological excavations brought the Golden Gate back to life, revealing its grandeur and historical significance. Today, it stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a museum that houses artefacts and exhibits that chronicle the rich history of Kyiv and its iconic landmark.

Just a few meters away, you may see a red, gothic-style building in the form of a medieval castle.

Castle of Baron Steingel (Yaroslaviv Val St, 1)

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Castle of Baron Steingel, Kyiv

One of Kyiv’s most intriguing and mysterious buildings is the Castle of Baron, a neo-Gothic mansion resembling a medieval fortress. 

Locals are captivated by the Golden Gate’s romantic allure, particularly the pair of sculptures adorning its façade. With their clawed hands and feet, these winged devils possess a bestial visage that casts a menacing gaze upon passersby.
A baron never owned the castle, but a famous winemaker, Maxim Steingel, lived in a simpler house beside it. Why is it called the Castle of Baron, then? You may learn on a private tour with a local expert guide!

As you approach the Golden Gate, you will be greeted by a majestic Grand Prince Yaroslav the Wise statue. In his hands, he holds a replica of St.Sophia Cathedral. The cathedral is a Byzantine and Ukrainian architectural masterpiece and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You can walk to the cathedral from the Golden Gate in just 7 minutes and admire its stunning frescoes, mosaics, and domes.

Saint Sophia Cathedral (Volodymyrska St, 24)

St.Sophia, Kyiv, Image courtesy: https://holeinthedonut.com/

St.Sophia Cathedral is a must-see attraction in Kyiv, as it is the oldest surviving Christian church in the East Slavic region. It dates back to the 11th century and boasts an impressive collection of original mosaics and frescoes covering over 3000 square meters.

These artworks are considered masterpieces of world art and reflect the Byzantine and Ukrainian styles and traditions. St.Sophia is a UNESCO World Heritage site, operating as a museum, not as a church.

You will be amazed by the beauty and spirituality of this place.

⭐️ Here is a tip from me: if you stand on the spot where you can see both the Mother of God – Oranta mosaic in the main altar and the Jesus Almighty image in the dome above you, you can make a wish, and it will come true.

Across Sofiyska Square, about 500 meters away, you will find another important and magnificent temple of Kyiv and Ukraine: St.Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery.

St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery (Triokhsviatytelska St, 8)

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St.Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery, Kyiv

The sky-blue cathedral with its golden domes is a replica of the 12th-century cathedral demolished by the Soviet regime. It is now a working monastery and the seat of the Metropolitan of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

To the right of St.Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery, you will see a massive grey building – the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This is where the diplomatic relations of Ukraine are conducted.

A short walk from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will take you to St.Andrew’s Church, one of Kyiv’s most stunning and distinctive churches. This church is a masterpiece of Ukrainian baroque art created by the renowned Italian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli.

St.Andrew’s Church (Andriivs’kyi descent, 23)

St.Andrew’s Church, Kyiv, Image courtesy: reddit.com

The church was built in the mid-18th century by the order of Empress Elizabeth, who planned to have a summer residence in Kyiv. The church stands on a hill overlooking the Dnipro River and the Podil district, the oldest part of the city. St.Andrew’s church has a fascinating history and legend. It survived wars, fires, and earthquakes and was never consecrated.

⭐️ You can enjoy a breathtaking view of the river, the city, and the sky from the observation deck around St.Andrew’s Church. 

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View on Podil from St.Andrew’s Church

Andriyivsky Descent 

At the bottom of the church sprawls a paradise for tourists – a souvenir and craftsmen market. The street, often called “Montmartre of Kyiv”, is a site of museums, galleries, art workshops, antique and souvenir shops.

This is where tourists can always buy Ukrainian souvenirs – figurines, pottery, embroidery, wooden caskets, and other things made by Ukrainian artisans and craftsmen.

At Andriyivskyy Descent, you can stop for lunch in a Ukrainian cuisine restaurant, a cafe, a beer pub, or a wine bar. In the afternoon, I suggest you move to the Upper Town area of Kyiv.

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Afternoon Itinerary: Spiritual Reflections

After a morning of exploring Kyiv’s historical and cultural attractions, you can spend the afternoon more contemplatively and peacefully. Visit the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most sacred places in Eastern Orthodoxy.

The Lavra, which means monastery, was founded in the 11th century by monks who dug caves and lived in them as hermits. You can enter these caves and see the mummified bodies of the saints, who are revered for their miracles and wisdom. 

The Lavra is not only a place of solitude but also a place of beauty and glory. The complex includes several stunning churches, such as the Dormition Cathedral, the Trinity Gate Church, and the Refectory Church. 

You can also see the Motherland Monument, a colossal statue commemorating the Soviet victory over Nazism in World War II. The view from the tower is breathtaking and serene, and it will make you appreciate the harmony between nature and human creation.

Main attractions of the Upper Town Kyiv:

If you want to get from the Old Town to the Upper Town in a fast and fun way, you can take the metro. Just walk to the main street of Khreschatyk from any street in the Old Town and hop on the metro for one stop to Arsenalna station.

You will have the chance to experience the world’s deepest metro station, which is 105.5 meters (346 ft) below the ground. 

This is because Kyiv is located on the high bank of the Dnipro River, which rises above the rest of the city. The metro ride is an adventure in itself, and it will take you to the historical and spiritual centre of Kyiv.

Kyiv Pechersk Lavra Monastery and Caves (Lavrska St, 15)

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Kyiv Pechersk Lavra

The Kyiv Pechersk Lavra is a unique monastery complex that is part of the UNESCO World Heritage list and one of the seven wonders of Ukraine. It is the only sacred place in the Eastern Orthodox world that you can only find in Ukraine.

The first monks were true ascetics; they lived and died in the caves, dedicating their lives to praying for humanity. You can visit these caves and see the relics of the saints, who are believed to have miraculous powers.

If you want to see the whole complex, with all the cathedrals, monastery buildings, and the Grand Bell Tower, you must buy an entrance ticket for 80 UAH. For a better experience, book a private Kyiv Pechersk Lavra Tour.

You will be amazed by the beauty and splendour of these structures, which reflect the Eastern Orthodox faith and Ukrainian history.

If you only want to see the caves, you can do it for free. Just walk about 400 meters past the main entrance to the Lavra complex and look for the striped fence barrier on the left.

This is the way down to the caves. You will need a candle to light your way, as the caves are dark and narrow. You must also dress modestly and cover your head as a sign of respect.

Near the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, you will see a striking contrast between Kyiv’s religious and military aspects. There is a memorial complex of the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War.

National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the WWII (Lavrska St, 24)

Motherland monument

If you are fascinated by WWII history on the Eastern Front, you should not miss the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War. This museum will give you a comprehensive and chronological overview of the war, from its causes to its consequences.

You will see the main battles on the Soviet-German front line, the heroism and suffering of the Ukrainian people, and the victory and liberation of the country.

The museum has 16 halls with various exhibits, such as documents, photos, weapons, uniforms, medals, and personal belongings of the soldiers and civilians.

The museum also has an impressive outdoor exhibition, where you can see different types of military equipment, such as tanks, helicopters, artillery guns, and rocket launchers.

You can also admire the sculptures that depict the spirit and courage of the Ukrainian people who fought against the Nazi invaders.

The most prominent feature of the museum is the Motherland Monument, a 102-meter statue of a female warrior holding a sword and a shield. This statue is a symbol of the motherland and its defenders.

⭐️ If you are adventurous, climb to the observation deck in the statue’s shield. You will have a stunning view of the city from above. Doing it is not very difficult if you wear comfortable sports clothes and shoes.

You will be accompanied by a guide, who will instruct you and lead you up to the deck. You must take two small elevators and two ladders to reach the top. It is a thrilling and rewarding experience.

How to Get Around Kyiv – Transportation

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View on Podil from Old Town Hill

Kyiv is an easy city to get around. For much of this itinerary, you can travel on foot, and then use Kyiv public transport to get to the Upper Town.

I would suggest a metro. The metro network is easy to use. It consists of red, green, and blue lines, 52 stations, and three interchange nodes. Kyiv subway is contactless. Your metro travel can be paid for with contactless payment bank cards.

You can also buy a Kyiv Smart Card, put in as much money as you need, and pay for travel on any public transport. In the cabin of land transport, you need to bring a card or ticket to the validator and pay for trip. 

Add Kyiv to your bucket list right now!

Kyiv is big, diverse, and unspoiled by the tourist masses. Without a doubt, it can satisfy the most demanding travellers. Ancient history, authentic various architecture, vibrant food culture, friendly and hospitable citizens.

On top of that, Kyiv is a fabulously green city in spring and summer. You can’t walk far without passing through a park.

When peace returns to Ukraine, and it is safe to travel to Kyiv, prepare for an unforgettable trip. Whether you want to discover it with a private tour guide or alone, I guarantee you will not regret it!

Travelling to the capital of Ukraine can be a real offbeat European adventure like nowhere else.

About the Author:

Victoria Deshko Avatar

Dear Reader! My name is Victoria, and I’m a private tour guide in Kyiv and fingers and lens behind this blog. If you feel for that, do not hesitate to contact me via email at myukraine4u@gmail.com. You can also check out the blog on my website, www.bestkievguide.com, for more interesting posts.

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