Kyiv in 1 day
Duration: ~4–5 hours
Kyiv is a city that captures your heart at first glance. It moves to the rhythm of modern life, yet holds onto its deep historical roots. This route will take you from the very heart of the capital to its hidden corners. Get your cameras ready — you’ll be seeing plenty of scenic viewpoints.
Table of contents
1. Khreshchatyk
Let’s begin with Khreshchatyk — Kyiv’s main street, which has gone through an incredible transformation. Long ago, a river flowed here, surrounded by green hills and small settlements. In time, the place became home to artisans, and by the late 19th century, it had grown into a hub of trade and business activity. Hotels, restaurants, and confectioneries were once all located right here.
During World War II, Khreshchatyk was completely destroyed, but later rebuilt in the monumental Empire style, which gives the street its grand and imposing look.
Traveler’s tip: While strolling along Khreshchatyk, make sure to try Kyivska perepichka — a street food classic that’s been a local favorite since the 1980s.
Today, Khreshchatyk is a center of Kyiv’s business, cultural, and nightlife scenes. It’s home to some of the city’s most popular bars — including “BarmanDyktat”, “Loggerhead”, and “Sansara” — as well as a variety of shops and boutiques.
You’ll find “Vsi. Svoi”, a large concept store showcasing Ukrainian brands, and “TSUM”, a department store offering clothing, shoes, accessories, cosmetics, fragrances, and home goods from over 250 local and global labels.
“TSUM” also features great dining spots — including a rooftop terrace at “Milk Bar” with views over Khreshchatyk itself. The building is one of the street’s architectural highlights, thanks to its themed window displays and vibrant lighting that accentuates the facade.
2. Independence Square (Maidan Nezalezhnosti)
As you walk along Khreshchatyk toward the Arch of Freedom of the Ukrainian People, you’ll arrive at Independence Square, easily recognized by the Monument of Independence — the tallest monument in Ukraine. Once an empty field and later a bustling market, the square became Kyiv’s central hub in the early 20th century, surrounded by grand architecture. In modern history, Maidan is remembered as the epicenter of two revolutions: the Orange Revolution and the Revolution of Dignity.
Singing fountains and the underground “Globus” mall
If you approach Maidan from “TSUM” and Kyiv City Hall, you’ll first encounter the “singing fountains.” During the warm season (typically from May to October), they host music-and-light shows — the water dances in sync with melodies and is illuminated in vibrant colors. At the center of the fountain is a large glass dome, which, along with other similar structures around the square, is part of the “Globus” shopping mall located beneath the surface.
The memorial side of Maidan
Cross to the opposite side of the square, and you’ll spot the “Stiah” memorial — a military installation made up of dozens of small flags. It was initiated in June 2022 by the families of Azov Regiment soldiers who defended Mariupol, with 55 blue-and-yellow flags, each bearing the name of a fallen defender. Each flag is a tribute to a Ukrainian who died resisting Russian aggression.
Also on this side of the square, you’ll find:
- the Monument of Independence
- a sculpture of Cossack Mamay, one of the most iconic characters in Ukrainian folklore
- the National Music Academy of Ukraine
- a commemorative sign marking the founding of Kyiv
Instytutska Street and the Alley of the Heavenly Hundred
Cross Instytutska Street from the monument and you’ll reach a jellyfish museum — a quirky and unexpectedly beautiful stop. Walk a bit uphill on the same street and you’ll see the Floral Clock on your left, and higher up — the October Palace, a major concert and cultural venue.
Along Instytutska, you’ll also pass through the Alley of the Heavenly Hundred — a memorial route honoring those who lost their lives during the 2014 protests.
Traveler’s tip: For a view of Maidan and Instytutska from above, head up to the Millennium Bridge, which connects the October Palace to a rooftop observation deck above the Globus mall.
3. Philharmonic Hall
After spending some time at Independence Square, take a few steps toward the Arch of Freedom of the Ukrainian People, and you’ll find another architectural and cultural gem of Kyiv — the Kyiv Philharmonic (2 Volodymyrskyi Descent).
It was right here, in 1919, that Mykola Leontovych’s “Shchedryk” was performed for the first time — the same melody the world now knows as “Carol of the Bells”, sung around the globe every Christmas.
4. The Glass Bridge
After this inspiring stop, head up through the Arch of Freedom of the Ukrainian People and continue your journey across the Glass Bridge, leading you toward Volodymyrska Hill.
Since its opening in 2019, the bridge has become a favorite walking spot for Kyiv locals — and for good reason: the views from here are stunning. You’ll see the Dnipro River, Podil, Trukhaniv Island, and Kyiv’s Left Bank. In warm months, street musicians and singers often perform here, adding to the lively atmosphere.
Interesting fact: Here “watch your step” is less a warning and more of an invitation — parts of the bridge floor are transparent, offering a thrilling look straight down at Volodymyrskyi Descent and the park below, where we’re headed next.
5. Volodymyrska Hill
Volodymyrska Hill is one of the oldest park areas in Kyiv, named after Prince Volodymyr the Great, who baptized Kyivan Rus. From its scenic viewpoints, you’ll get sweeping views of the Dnipro River, Podil, and the Left Bank.
Take a moment to enjoy the view and make a wish at the charming Kokorivska Gazebo. Then, look up at the statue of Volodymyr the Great — it stands prominently on the hillside, almost as if guarding the city below. It’s believed that this is the very spot where Volodymyr baptized Rus in 988.
Interesting fact: When the monument was first erected in 1853, locals weren’t exactly thrilled — some thought it looked too pagan, others claimed it had a strange, mystical energy that made it stand out too much in the landscape. Today, however, it’s one of the most iconic symbols of the city — hard to imagine Kyiv without it.
6. Castle Hill
From Volodymyrska Hill, walk along the Artists’ Alley toward Andriivskyi Descent. Along the way, you’ll come across monuments to some of the most important figures in Ukrainian culture and history: Taras Shevchenko, the renowned poet and writer, and a bit further down — Prince Yaroslav the Wise.
Right next to Yaroslav’s monument, you’ll find the workshop-museum of Ivan Kavaleridze, a prominent Ukrainian sculptor. If you’re interested in sculpture or just curious about Ukrainian art history — it’s well worth a visit.
You’ll also spot St. Andrew’s Church in the distance from Artists’ Alley — but don’t worry, we’ll return to it on Day 2 of this Kyiv itinerary.
The path to the mystical hill
Continue downhill toward the monument to Mykola Hohol — the famous Ukrainian writer who adored Kyiv, especially Podil, and often walked this very route down Andriivskyi Descent.
As you head toward the monument, keep an eye out on your right: you’ll pass Richard the Lionheart Castle — a light-colored, neo-Gothic building with turrets and spires. Locals say it’s haunted, and it’s not hard to believe.
Just behind the Hohol monument, you’ll see a staircase leading up to Castle Hill — one of the most mysterious spots in Kyiv. According to legend, witches used to gather here — and some say they still do, so don’t be too surprised if you meet a few. The name “Castle” comes from the 15th century, when a wooden fortress stood on this hill. Sadly, it was destroyed by fire and never rebuilt.
Traveler’s tip: Once at the top, you’ll find one of the best viewpoints in Kyiv — with sweeping views of the Dnipro River, Andriivskyi Descent, and Podil. Get your camera ready!
7. Andriivskyi Descent
After coming down from Castle Hill, continue your walk along Andriivskyi Descent — a winding street that connects Kyiv’s Upper Town with Podil, and is often called the creative soul of the city.
All along the street, you’ll meet artists, photographers, and craftspeople showcasing and selling their work. This open-air market of souvenirs and handmade goods is a great place to pick up paintings, jewelry, ceramics, postcards, magnets, and other memorable keepsakes — a perfect way to take a piece of Kyiv home with you.
There’s a lot to explore here: beautiful old buildings that are a delight to look at, galleries (“L’Art Gallery”, “FluRanet Gallery”), theaters (“Koleso”, “Teatr na Podoli”), and restaurants (“Kanapa”, “Za Dvoma Zaitsamy”).
One particular highlight is the 15-meter mural “Revival” in Vasyl Slipak Park — it shows a young woman in traditional Ukrainian dress holding a child and embracing the city. The image represents care, hope, and the cultural rebirth of Ukraine.
Interesting fact: In the 19th century, Andriivskyi Descent looked nothing like it does today. Instead of galleries and cafés, it was alive with red lanterns, brothels, and flirtatious women inviting passersby inside — nightlife of a very different kind.
8. One Street Museum
As you finish walking down Andriivskyi Descent, don’t rush to turn onto the old streets of Podil just yet. They’ll wait for you — but first, make sure to stop by the One Street Museum (2B Andriivskyi Descent).
You’ll recognize it easily by the window displays featuring recreations of Kyiv apartments from the early 20th century. This small but wonderfully atmospheric museum is entirely dedicated to Andriivskyi Descent — its residents, artisans, craftspeople, and legendary figures.
Inside, you’ll find a rich collection of everyday objects, personal items, documents, and photographs — all telling the story of what life was like here a hundred years ago, in all its details: daily routines, culture, and the quiet romance of old Kyiv.
9. Kontraktova Square and the Ferris Wheel
After leaving the One Street Museum and stepping away from Andriivskyi Descent, you’ll arrive at Kontraktova Square. Once the commercial and financial heart of Kyiv, it was a place for bustling markets and major business deals. Merchants would start their journeys from here, bringing goods from all over Europe and Asia.
Today, it’s one of the city’s student hubs — in the very center of the square stands the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, the oldest university in Ukraine, founded in 1615. Fun fact: it’s actually 21 years older than Harvard.
Right across from the university is a monument to Hryhorii Skovoroda — a Ukrainian philosopher and thinker. He’s considered one of the most educated minds of the 18th century, often mentioned alongside Socrates, Spinoza, and Confucius. Some even call him the first hipster, thanks to his love for travel, simple clothes, and a philosophy of living in the moment.
Traveler’s tip: After exploring the square, hop on the 43-meter-tall Ferris wheel — you’ll get a great view of Podil’s historic center from above.
10. Dinner at the Italian restaurant “Vero Vero”
End your day with dinner at “Vero Vero” (18 Illinska Street), where you’ll enjoy authentic Italian cuisine served with warm Kyiv-style hospitality.
After your meal — if you still have the energy — take a relaxing stroll along the Dnipro riverfront to Poshtova Square. The sound of the water and the city lights will be a perfect way to wrap up your day in Kyiv.
