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5 Reasons Why You Need a Private Guided Tour in Kyiv

When traveling to the Ukrainian capital, you may need a Kyiv private tour guide

Key TakeawayDetails
Unique ExperienceKyiv offers a unique blend of history, traveling to Kyiv is like nowhere else.
Chornobyl AttractionAdventure seekers are drawn to the Chornobyl exclusion zone, a trendy hotspot for exploration.
Architectural and Culinary DelightsKyiv boasts various architecture and a diverse range of affordable cuisines.
Language BarrierEnglish is not widely spoken, with basic knowledge primarily in customer service areas.
Cultural MentalityUkrainians have a distinct mentality shaped by historical events.
The Importance of GratitudeUnderstanding and expressing gratitude is key to connecting with the local culture.
Rich HistoryKyiv’s 1500-year history is best explored with a knowledgeable guide for a deeper understanding.
Benefits of a Private GuideA private tour guide provides an insider’s view of Kyiv, efficient planning, and logistics management.
Local InsightsLocal guides offer valuable recommendations and insider tips for dining, shopping, and avoiding scams.

What is special about traveling to the Ukrainian capital?

Traveling to Kyiv is like nowhere else. A hidden gem of Eastern Europe, Kyiv has so much to offer any avid traveler. And what makes Kyiv truly special is its ability to make every visitor feel like they’re part of its ongoing story. A Kyiv private tour guide doesn’t just show you the sights; they immerse you in the essence of Ukrainian hospitality, helping you to create your own unique chapter in the city’s rich history.

As a seasoned tour guide in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, I have witnessed a fascinating phenomenon: many travelers are drawn to Chornobyl exclusion zone, the site of the world’s worst nuclear disaster, located just 150 km north of the city.

In the last five years, this radioactive wasteland has become a hotspot for adventure seekers, who want to explore the history and mystery of this forbidden zone.

But Chornobyl is not the only attraction that Ukraine has to offer. The capital Kyiv itself is a hidden treasure, full of charm and beauty that surprises and delights visitors. Kyiv is a feast for the eyes, with stunning architecture from different periods and styles coexisting in harmony. 

A stroll through Kyiv is like traveling through time, admiring the ancient cathedrals, the elegant palaces, and the modern skyscrapers. Kyiv is also a feast for the palate, with a variety of cuisines to choose from, from local Ukrainian to international, all at affordable prices.

Why You Need a Private Guided Tour of Kyiv

  • English is not widely spoken among the local population of Kyiv, unlike in many other European countries.

Ukraine is an Eastern Slavic country that uses the Cyrillic alphabet. From my personal experience, I know many people who have been learning English for years but struggle to progress beyond the elementary level. While I cannot provide a definitive explanation for this phenomenon as I am not a researcher, I can confirm it based on my own observations.

What you can expect in the terms of English knowledge in Kyiv is some kind of basic and pre-intermediate levels in the customer service area, like hotels receptionist, waiters in restaurants, and sellers in tourist souvenir shops and markets. That’s it. So be prepared to use a translator app in urgent cases when you need to explain what you need to a passerby.

  • Ukrainians have a mentality that differs significantly from people in the Western world.

The historical events that have unfolded in Ukraine over the centuries, such as wars, revolutions, invasions, famines, and suppressions, have shaped the mentality and cultural differences of the Ukrainian nation. These factors can sometimes lead to false or misguided assumptions about the people, but it is not solely focused on the negative aspects.

In Ukraine, it is not customary to smile at strangers or exchange smiles with passersby. However, this does not imply that Ukrainians are unfriendly or unsympathetic. Once you establish a connection with a Ukrainian and become acquainted, you will experience their genuine hospitality and care firsthand.

Gratitude plays a significant role in Ukrainian society, symbolizing the warmth and hospitality ingrained in the country’s culture. Understanding how to express gratitude appropriately can enrich your experiences in Ukraine and leave a memorable impression on the people you meet.

In essence, to avoid similar misunderstandings in communication and interaction with locals and be on the safe side, I would suggest hiring a local private Kyiv guide and learning more about this aspect.

  • The history of Kyiv city goes back 1500 years. Isn’t it fascinating?

While visiting a city with a rich history and simply walking around is certainly a crime. You will probably be happy and tick off Kyiv on your long bucket list. However, does that truly imply that you have thoroughly explored the Ukrainian capital as a travel destination? I think not.

On a guided tour with a local Kyiv tour guide (or it can be any group Kyiv walking tour), you will get under the skin of ‘real Kyiv’ and moreover learn about Ukrainian culture, background, and lifestyle from a local.

The guide will give you explanations of different aspects of the history and culture of the nation. Introduce you to local customs and traditions. Tell the stories behind the famous landmarks. And show you off the beaten hidden spots of the city.

You will have insider recommendations from your local tour guide of places to visit in Kyiv, interesting things to do in Kyiv, and of course, what national Ukrainian dishes you should try.

  • If you are visiting Kyiv for a limited time and wish to see and visit all the key sites, but are unsure how to effectively plan and manage logistics and timing.

Be sure that booking a private tour with a local Kyiv guide is the best option. You will not lose a single minute of your precious time. Within the time that you have, your expert guide will create the itinerary that fits your interests. Under professional guidance, you will see all the main sites and many of the secret ones.

Kyiv is a huge city, some of the interesting places are scattered in different neighborhoods, and managing the logistics is definitely not the strong suit of a first-time visitor. Entrust your plans to the trustful guide who will take great professional care of you all the way.

  • During your multi-day trip to Kyiv, you may require recommendations for off-the-beaten-path dining options, shopping destinations, and potential scams to be cautious of.

You can count on valuable tips and recommendations from your local guide to make the most of your time in the city. They can provide insider information that you won’t easily find online, saving you the hassle of spending weeks or months browsing forums before your trip.

Your time during travel is priceless, so why not rely on a knowledgeable local to help you navigate the city efficiently and make the most of your experience?

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. In case 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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7 thoughts on “5 Reasons Why You Need a Private Guided Tour in Kyiv”

  1. I can’t agree more Victoria! Next year in May 2022 I plan to visit Kyiv and you will be my guide Victoria!

  2. I really want to go to Kyiv in order to go to Chernobyl and do many other things. But there’s always something that prevents me from going. First it’s the ongoing COVID pandemic, and second it’s the possibility of a Russian invasion.

    I hope Russia doesn’t invade Ukraine and occupy it fully, because that would permanently close the door on my dream to see Chernobyl.

    Do you think there’s enough people in Kyiv who speak English to help my dad and I, if we need it, in the event that we get to go to Kyiv? I can speak a very small amount of Russian and very little Ukrainian. Do you think we will have a big language barrier?

    I have a question about the public transportation system in Kyiv. Can I use the Kyiv Smart card to pay for all forms of public transportation, Metro, Bus, Trolleybus, Tram, and Light Rail? I know Marshrutkas are paid in cash only.

    Hopefully I can come to Kyiv soon.

    Thanks for your help

    1. I understand your concern about your safety. And be please don’t worry about the language issue)) Things are not that pathetic as you picture in your mind! Ukrainians are very friendly and hospitable people, even though they don’t speak English they will try to help you as much as possible! And yes, with Kyiv Smart card you will pay for all forms of public transportation. Hope you will have an unforgettable trip to Ukraine one day!
      Kind regards
      Victoria

  3. Thank you for your help Victoria. I’m sure I will have a great time in Kyiv if I am able to go.

    I’m sure that I will find some people in Kyiv who speak at least some English. Maybe not as many people as in Western European countries, but I have seen videos on YouTube where Ukrainians speak English, so that is a good sign. Plus the announcements on the Metro and Buses are in English, so I am happy about that.

    Do you know if the ATM scam is still a problem in Kyiv, or is it no longer a problem? If you don’t know what the ATM scam is, it’s where an ATM has been tampered with and traps people’s cards inside, instead of dispensing money.

    Scams happen in many countries around the world, so please don’t think I am singling out Ukraine for having scams. For example, I came very close to having my phone stolen from me when I went to Berlin. A guy approached me who was wearing a Mickey Mouse costume. He took my phone from me, took a selfie of me and him, gave me back my phone, and then made this hand gesture that means “give me money” . I said no to him and he walked away. I almost fell for the photo scam. Luckily the guy didn’t run off with my phone.

    I think I worry too much about what might happen. But it’s sometimes hard, especially when I read things that say that you should watch out for things when you go to Ukraine. It’s the same with any destination. Some destinations may have more things to watch out for than other destinations do. The things that the articles and the United States Department of State (equivalent to a Foreign Ministry) says such negative things about Ukraine. But maybe they have to exaggerate because in the event something does happen, they could be blamed for not warning US citizens.

    Anyway. I’m sure I will have a great time in Kyiv.

    Best Regards,

    Sam

    1. Dear Sam,
      With the withdrawal of cash from ATM, I would recommend you use those that are installed inside the bank branch offices, not those that are randomly standing in shopping malls, underground passages, etc.
      There are people wearing animal costumes in the area of Independence Square as well, if you don’t want to pay them for a selfie together, please avoid talking to them.
      Also, there are people on the Alley of Heavenly Hundred selling wristbands as if for the purpose of charity for veterans of the current war in the East, etc, also please avoid talking to them, they are scammers.
      Watch your belongings and backpack while walking in the underground passages, esp in the area of Independence Square, Khreschatyk Street, there are pickpocket thieves.
      And please, do not exaggerate the safety issue in Kyiv . The biggest part of my guests-customers is Americans. All of them told they felt in Kyiv safer than in main Western European cities.
      And please check the reviews people leave for me on Tripadvisor (the link you may find on the Testimonial page of my website), you will find out the real impressions of foreign guests after visiting Kyiv and Ukraine.
      Kind regards
      Victoria

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