A leisurely walk through old Kyiv
A walk along Kyiv’s main historic streets, featuring beautiful architecture, cozy parks, and legendary dining spots.
This route offers a relaxed and comfortable introduction to Old Kyiv. It takes you along streets that have existed for over 1,100 years, past some of the city’s most beautiful buildings and through a quiet park near the country’s main university. Between the main stops, you’ll wander into a small courtyard with real ravens, spot a miniature sculpture of elderly chess players, and stop by a vintage clothing shop. To finish the walk, you’ll enjoy pizza at the oldest pizzeria in Kyiv.
It’s a great choice if you feel like slowing down, walking at an unhurried pace, and spending some quiet time with the city — without museums, activities, or crowds.
Starting point: Teatralna metro station
Contents
Volodymyrska Street & Taras Shevchenko Park
Start your walk on Volodymyrska Street from Teatralna metro station. This is one of Kyiv’s oldest streets, first laid out in the days of Kyivan Rus. Nearly every building here has a story to tell. You’ll pass the Teacher’s House, where the independence of the Ukrainian People’s Republic was proclaimed in 1918, and the National Opera of Ukraine — one of the most renowned opera houses in Europe.
After a few minutes, you’ll reach the striking red main building of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, where the celebrated Ukrainian poet Taras Shevchenko once taught. Right next to it lies a cozy park that, like the university, bears his name.
The park is lively year-round. In summer, locals dance bachata here; in winter, people stroll under string lights with cups of mulled wine. Chess games, however, never stop. Experienced players gather almost daily, competing to prove who deserves the title of true grandmaster — a distinctive and much-loved tradition of Taras Shevchenko Park. The tradition is even captured in a small sculpture nearby: a miniature monument to the park’s chess-playing regulars, not far from their favorite gazebos.
St. Volodymyr’s Cathedral and Fomin Botanical Garden
From the park, walk about 10 minutes along Shevchenko Boulevard toward Universytet metro station. Soon, the bright yellow facade of St. Volodymyr’s Cathedral will come into view — one of Kyiv’s most recognizable churches. Construction took more than 40 years, and its interior paintings were created by artists from several countries.
Inside, the cathedral feels almost like a gallery of religious art. The walls and vaulted ceilings are covered with frescoes and ornamental details that invite slow, attentive viewing. Today, it is one of the most important religious sites in Ukraine and Eastern Europe. The relics of Saint Barbara the Great Martyr are kept here, drawing pilgrims from around the world.
The cathedral is open daily, with services held in the morning and evening.
Yaroslaviv Val Street
Next comes a pleasant 15-minute walk along the quiet Ivan Franko Street. Near the end, you’ll notice a series of steps, but the climb is gentle and not tiring at all. The reward is well worth it: Yaroslaviv Val Street and its remarkable architecture. Keep your camera ready — ahead you’ll find:
- House of the Actor — once a Karaite prayer house, now a concert and performance venue
- Baron Steingel Mansion — a Gothic-style mansion that, according to local legends, is still a gathering place for witches
- Golden Gate — the main gate of ancient Kyivan Rus
- Syrotkin House — the tallest residential building in the city at the time it was built
The best advice here is simple: take your time and look up often. That’s where the most fascinating details are hidden — Gothic spires, expressive mascarons, ornate arches, and decorative stucco work rarely seen on modern buildings.
Near the Golden Gate, turn onto Zolotovoritska Street and continue toward the next stop on the route — Reitarska Street. If you’re in the mood for shopping, consider stopping by the vintage clothing store Konyk along the way.
Reitarska Street
You’re now on Reitarska Street — a place where Kyiv’s creative crowd tends to gather, from bloggers and designers to actors and artists. The street’s name comes from reiters, 17th-century cavalry units who once lived here. Today, the old wooden barracks are long gone, replaced by elegant early-20th-century buildings: the bright pink house of comedian Tymoshenko, a medical center in Venetian Gothic style, and dozens of other eye-catching facades.
The real charm of Reitarska lies in how history and contemporary life blend together. Art galleries and stylish cafés sit side by side with architectural landmarks, creating the relaxed, slightly bohemian atmosphere the street is known for.
Vesuvio
The final stop on the route is Vezuvio at 25 Reitarska Street. It’s the kind of place that’s easy to walk past — there are no neon signs or eye-catching facades to hint that a true city legend is hidden inside. In fact, this is Kyiv’s very first pizzeria, operating at the same location for over 30 years.
The menu features 24 types of pizza based on original recipes from 1992. You can order by the slice to try a few different flavors, or go for a whole pizza. There’s also the option to build your own, choosing between classic or gluten-free dough. Prices are reasonable, ranging from 200 to 500 UAH for a full pizza, depending on the size.
It’s the perfect place to wrap up your walk and end your introduction to historic Kyiv on a simple, local note.
