10 must-see landmarks in Kyiv
Kyiv’s most iconic landmarks — the places the city is known for worldwide and a must-see if it’s your first visit.
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Independence Square (Maidan Nezalezhnosti)
Maidan Nezalezhnosti is Kyiv’s central square, instantly recognizable by the Independence Monument at its heart. For Ukrainians, it holds profound meaning: in 2013–2014, it was the epicenter of the Revolution of Dignity, when mass protests erupted in support of European integration. Today, the square is home to an important national memorial, where small flags are placed in honor of soldiers killed as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Address: Maidan Nezalezhnosti
Khreshchatyk
Khreshchatyk is Kyiv’s thoroughfare — lively, crowded, and full of energy. From the top floor of TSUM, the city’s central department store, you can enjoy panoramic views of the street below. Nearby, Vsi.Svoi showcases some of the best Ukrainian fashion brands, while the Sens bookstore invites visitors to browse for a book and linger over coffee.
Just across from TSUM, don’t miss Kyivska Perepichka — the city’s most iconic street food, considered a culinary landmark for over four decades.
- Address: Khreshchatyk Street
Golden Gate
The Golden Gate is one of Kyiv’s most important historical landmarks, combining a museum, an observation deck, and a small park ideal for a quiet walk. Originally built during the era of Kyivan Rus, it once served as the city’s main ceremonial entrance. Today, visitors can explore the museum to learn more about Kyiv’s early history and climb to the upper level for panoramic views of the city.
- Address: 40A Volodymyrska Street
- Admission: Adults — 100 UAH; schoolchildren and students — 50 UAH
Andriivskyi Descent
Andriivskyi Descent is one of Kyiv’s most atmospheric historic streets, linking the Podil district with the Old Town since the days of Kyivan Rus. Here you’ll find St. Andrew’s Church, one of the finest examples of Ukrainian Baroque architecture, along with museums, theaters, art galleries, and some of the city’s most popular modern Ukrainian restaurants, including 100 Rokiv Tomu Vpered, Za Dvoma Zaitsamy, and Kanapa.
Souvenir stalls line the street, offering handcrafted gifts and keepsakes — ideal for bringing something distinctly Ukrainian home.
- Address: Andriivskyi Descent
Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra
Founded in 1051, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra is the city’s most significant monastery and one of Ukraine’s most important spiritual landmarks. Today, it serves both religious and cultural roles. Visitors can explore its churches and cathedrals and climb the Lavra Bell Tower, which rises 96 meters and offers sweeping views of Kyiv.
The complex is also home to several museums, including the Museum of Historical Treasures of Ukraine, the Museum of Microminiatures, and the Museum of Theatre, Music, and Cinema Arts of Ukraine, adding depth and context to any visit.
- Address: 9 Lavrska Street
- Admission:
200 UAH (adults) / 100 UAH (schoolchildren and students) — includes access to the 1st and 3rd levels of the bell tower.
Evening walking ticket (after 5 p.m.): 50 UAH for all visitors
Kontraktova Square
Kontraktova Square is the historic heart of Podil — always lively, social, and full of movement. The area is dotted with historic buildings, cafés, and restaurants, as well as well-known landmarks such as the former Contract House, the Samson Fountain, and the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, a university founded twenty-one years before Harvard.
- Address: Kontraktova Square
Motherland Monument
The Motherland Monument is the tallest monument in Europe and one of Kyiv’s most recognizable symbols. The sculpture features two observation platforms at heights of 36 and 91 meters, offering panoramic views of the city and the Dnipro River.
The surrounding memorial complex houses the War Museum, where visitors can explore historical artifacts, book guided tours, or view an outdoor exhibition of 20th-century military equipment.
- Address: 27 Lavrska Street
- Admission:
Observation deck at the base (36.6 m) — 150 UAH
Observation deck on the shield (91 m) — 1,000 UAH (by prior arrangement)
Glass Bridge
The Glass Bridge is a pedestrian and cycling bridge connecting Volodymyrska Hill with Khreshchatyi Park. It offers striking views of Podil and the Dnipro River, making it a popular spot for photographs. The most memorable part of the walk is the transparent glass sections beneath your feet, revealing Volodymyrskyi Descent below.
- Address: Parkova Road
St. Sophia Cathedral
Saint Sophia Cathedral is a unique monument of Kyivan Rus and the oldest preserved Christian church on the territory of modern Ukraine. Here, you can admire historic architecture, centuries-old mosaics and frescoes, climb the bell tower, and enjoy panoramic views over Old Kyiv.
The cathedral hosts guided tours and temporary art exhibitions, and its grounds are home to Etre Sofie, a café where you can enjoy a meal with views of Saint Sophia’s golden domes.
- Address: 24 Volodymyrska Street
- Admission: Adults — 150 UAH; schoolchildren and students — 75 UAH
Pyrohiv Open-Air Museum
Pyrohiv is an atmospheric open-air museum that offers a glimpse into traditional Ukrainian life and customs. Set among rolling green hills, you’ll find historic houses, wooden churches, windmills, and farm buildings from different regions of the country. Inside each one are preserved everyday items — clothing, furniture, household objects, and children’s toys — giving a vivid sense of how people lived in the past.
The museum grounds are vast and scenic, making Pyrohiv a popular place not only to learn about history but also to spend time outdoors and enjoy nature at a relaxed pace.
- Address: Akademika Tronko Street, 1
- Admission: Tickets cost 200 UAH for adults and 100 UAH for children.
