20 things to do in Kyiv

Climb the bell tower of St. Sophia Cathedral

St. Sophia Cathedral is the oldest preserved church from the era of Kyivan Rus, built in 1037. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is considered one of the most powerful symbols of Ukrainian culture and spirituality.

Visitors can climb the 76-meter bell tower for sweeping views of Kyiv’s historic center, including the Golden Gate, Podil, and Volodymyrska Hill. In winter, the tower also offers a view of the city’s main Christmas tree, creating a festive atmosphere over Sofiiska Square.

Address: 24 Volodymyrska Street

Admission: Adults — 80 UAH; reduced — 30 UAH

Taste Kyivska Perepichka

Kyivska Perepichka is the city’s most famous street food, served continuously since 1981. A hot sausage wrapped in yeast dough and deep-fried, it has won over generations of locals and visitors alike. Served simply in paper, it’s meant to be eaten on the go — ideally while walking through the city.

Address: 3 Bohdana Khmelnytskoho Street

Price: 50 UAH

Donate to the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Donating to the Armed Forces of Ukraine has become part of everyday life: wake up, brush your teeth, and make a donation. The most common tool is the Monobank “jar” — a digital fundraising wallet that can be topped up via link, card, or Apple/Google Pay.

This system is unique globally: thousands of such fundraisers are created daily, operating without fees, bureaucracy, or delays. Most jars are opened by friends or relatives of service members, meaning funds go directly toward real needs: drones, thermal cameras, uniforms, medical supplies, and are used immediately.

Donations are often built into daily routines: many restaurants offer the option to add a small contribution to your bill via QR code. If you want to donate directly, simply ask a Ukrainian friend for a verified fundraising link.

Go up the Motherland Monument

The Motherland Monument is the tallest monumental sculpture in Europe (102 m). At its base and inside the shield, visitors can access two observation platforms, offering panoramic views of the Dnipro River, Kyiv’s left bank, and the Pechersk hills.

The surrounding memorial complex includes the War Museum and the exhibition “Ukraine Crucified,” which presents artifacts and stories from Russia’s full-scale invasion.

Observation decks: 150 UAH (base, 36.6 m) or 1,000 UAH (shield, 91 m; booking required)

Address: 27 Lavrska Street

Admission: Check the official website

Find your perfect Kyiv cake

Kyiv Cake is a classic of Ukrainian confectionery. Made with airy meringue layers, crunchy nuts, and rich buttercream, it is said to have originated from a production mistake — when egg whites were left unrefrigerated overnight. Today, Kyiv Cake is the capital’s signature dessert, with nearly every pastry shop offering its own version. You can try the traditional recipe at Roshen stores or turn it into a culinary quest across the city. Notable stops include Namelaka, Milk Bar, and Kanapa.

Explore Kyiv’s underground

Kyiv’s history extends far below ground. Guided tours lead visitors through Podil’s underground passages, abandoned prisons, and unfinished metro stations, offering a darker, more mysterious perspective on the city. Several licensed tours provide safe access to these spaces. Urbex Tour offers seven different underground routes, while Hidden Kyiv runs tours in English.

Taste pyrizhky at Yaroslava bakery

Yaroslava is Kyiv’s oldest bakery, serving locals for more than 75 years. The menu features over 40 types of pastries and buns, with recipes unchanged since opening. Prices remain affordable, averaging 35–40 UAH per item. The bakery includes three seating areas where guests can enjoy pastries or a full meal. The cinnamon and cocoa buns have been locals’ favorites for decades.

Address: 13 Yaroslaviv Val Street

Go to an electronic music party

Kyiv’s rave culture is a defining part of its nightlife. Bars and clubs across the city host techno-focused parties where self-expression comes first. Venues like Closer, Rhythm Büro, and k41 are central to the scene, though they represent only part of a much broader movement.

Walk along Andriivskyi Descent

Often called Kyiv’s Montmartre, Andriivskyi Descent is one of the city’s most historic streets. Artists and craftspeople regularly sell their work here, while museums, galleries, theaters, cafés, and Ukrainian restaurants line the slope. At its heart stands St. Andrew’s Church, one of Kyiv’s most striking architectural landmarks.

Address: Andriivskyi Descent

Admission: Free

Visit the Museum of the formation of the Ukrainian nation

The Museum of the formation of the Ukrainian nation is a place where you can explore Ukrainian history through multimedia installations, 3D figures, and digital displays. Visitors are guided through multiple historical periods, witnessing the formation of Ukrainian statehood from Kyivan Rus to modern Ukraine. Highlights include more than 100 lifelike wax figures of historical leaders, artists, scientists, athletes, and presidents, alongside immersive audio-visual materials, maps, and holograms.

Address: 27 Lavrska Street

Admission: Standard — 360 UAH; children — 300 UAH

Audio guide: Foreign language — 150 UAH; Ukrainian — 100 UAH

Watch the sunrise at Volodymyrska Hill

Volodymyrska Hill is a scenic park overlooking the Dnipro River and a favorite sunrise spot among locals. Quiet paths, observation decks, and gazebos create a calm atmosphere with views over Kyiv’s historic skyline. In summer, early risers may even hear live piano music drifting through the park, adding to the moment.

Address: 1 Volodymyrskyi Descent

Admission: Free

Have lunch at “100 rokiv tomu vpered”

100 rokiv tomu vpered is a restaurant offering contemporary Ukrainian cuisine with inventive interpretations of traditional dishes. The menu includes Transcarpathian borscht with plum jam and smoked pear, varenykys with carp, an appetizer made from bees, Poltava dumplings, and an eight-course tasting menu. Craft infusions and a curated alcohol selection complement the food.

Address: 4 Volodymyrska Street

Buy a book at the “Sens” bookstore

Kyiv’s bookstores often double as cultural spaces, and Sens is no exception. A café operates on the first floor, while the second floor hosts a bar and event space for lectures and book launches. Locals frequently stop by just to unwind with coffee and browse the shelves.

Address: 34 Khreshchatyk Street

Hunt for Kyiv’s mini-sculptures

Kyiv has more than 50 miniature bronze sculptures scattered throughout the city. Each includes a QR code explaining its story and significance. Highlights include a bronze Chicken Kyiv cutlet, references to the city’s first cycling track, and the origins of the chestnut as Kyiv’s symbol.

Mini-sculpture map

Admission: Free

Walk a shelter dog at Patron Adoption Center (VDNG)

The Patron Adoption Center at VDNG shelters animals affected by the war. Visitors can walk dogs, spend some time in the cat space (for a donation starting at 50 UAH), or simply get to know the animals. Dog walking is available to visitors aged 16 and over after completing a short form.

Hours: Daily, 8:00–12:00 and 15:00–19:00

Address: 1 Akademika Hlushkova Avenue

Admission: Free

Have a cocktail overlooking St. Sophia Square at B-Hush

Located on the 11th floor of the InterContinental Kyiv, this lounge bar features an open terrace with 270-degree views of the city. Guests can enjoy signature cocktails and Asian-European dishes overlooking St. Sophia Square. Sunset is the best time to visit.

Address: 2A Velyka Zhytomyrska Street

Ride the Kyiv Funicular

Operating for more than 120 years, the Kyiv Funicular connects the city’s upper and lower historic districts. The short ride offers scenic views of Podil and landmarks including St. Michael’s Cathedral, Volodymyrska Hill, Kontraktova Square, and the River Port.

Address: 1/8 Ihorivska Street

Fare: 8 UAH

See a Performance at the National Opera of Ukraine

Named after Taras Shevchenko, the National Opera is Ukraine’s largest music theater, known for its grand interior and strong productions. Language is no barrier: alongside opera, the theater stages renowned ballets such as Swan Lake, Carmen, Giselle, and The Snow Queen. Kyiv’s theater scene is vibrant, with popular performances selling out months in advance. It’s worth attending at least one Kyiv theater performance to see the uniqueness of Ukrainian performing arts up close.

Address: 50 Volodymyrska Street

Attend a tea ceremony at Podhorsky House

Also known as the Baron’s Castle, Podhorsky House is one of Kyiv’s most mysterious buildings, located on the Yaroslaviv Val. Its gothic architecture features winged demons, ornate tiled stoves, and a tower that is home to witches, according to local legends. Visitors can book a guided tour and a tea ceremony with desserts overlooking the Golden Gate.

Address: 1 Yaroslaviv Val Street

Admission: Details available by phone +380 50 448 33 41

Walk through the Hryshko National Botanical Garden

This botanical garden is ideal for a quiet escape into nature. It features themed gardens, alleys, and walking paths that showcase a diverse array of plant species. The greenhouse complex houses tropical and exotic plants, including azaleas, camellias, palms, and ficus trees, as well as mango, fig, and persimmon trees.

Each season offers something different: magnolias and lilacs in spring, chrysanthemums in autumn, which is why the botanical garden is worth visiting throughout the year.

Address: 1 Sadovo-Botanichna Street

Admission: Adults — 150 UAH; children — 100 UAH