Kyiv in 2 days
Duration: ~4–6 hours
Table of contents
1. Golden Gate
Let’s begin our walk in the heart of Kyiv — at the Golden Gate. This iconic landmark holds a rich history. Built in the 11th century, the gate served as the main entrance to Kyiv and was a crucial part of the city’s defensive system. The surrounding earthworks and fortifications made the city nearly impregnable to invaders. At the same time, it was through the Golden Gate that esteemed visitors entered — including envoys from Byzantium and other European and Eastern states seeking diplomatic ties with Kyivan Rus.
The original structure, heavily damaged in battles, was reconstructed in 1982 to celebrate Kyiv’s 1500th anniversary. Some ancient fragments were preserved in the new structure. Today, the Golden Gate houses a museum dedicated to its history — from construction and function to restoration. Observation decks on site also offer scenic views over the city center.
What else to see near the Golden Gate:
- Monument to Prince Yaroslav the Wise — the Kyivan ruler who completed the Golden Gate’s construction. In the statue, he holds a model of Saint Sophia’s Cathedral — another major site we’ll visit next. Street musicians often perform here, especially during warmer months.
- The Bronze Monument to Pantaleimon the Cat — In the 1990s, a gray Persian cat named Pantyusha lived at the “Pantagruel” restaurant near the Golden Gate and became a beloved figure among visitors. During a fire, the cat alerted people to the danger, saving lives but perishing himself. In memory, grateful visitors and locals erected a monument. Legend says that if you rub the cat’s tail and make a wish, it will come true.
- The Termen Fountain in Zolotovoritsky Square — one of Kyiv’s earliest fountains, modeled after European designs. Engineer Oleksandr Termen was inspired by the famous fountain at Paris’s Place des Vosges when creating it.
Traveler’s Tip: If you’re feeling hungry before continuing, stop by the iconic “Yaroslava” pie shop at 13 Yaroslaviv Val Street. They serve delicious homemade pastries with various fillings, alongside tea, coffee, or hot cocoa.
2. Saint Sophia’s Cathedral
From the Golden Gate, continue along Volodymyrska Street to Saint Sophia’s Cathedral — a unique 11th-century monument and UNESCO World Heritage site. In the time of Kyivan Rus, the cathedral was not only a religious center but also a major political hub: princes were crowned here, envoys received, and chronicles written.
Today, the cathedral complex — including the bell tower — is open to visitors. Inside, you can marvel at mosaics and frescoes over a thousand years old. The most famous is the mosaic of the Virgin Orans, which has survived intact since the 11th century.
Interesting fact: More than 7,000 ancient graffiti inscriptions have been preserved on the walls of Saint Sophia’s. They include prayers, everyday notes, and even personal complaints — such as an accusation against someone named Kozma for stealing meat.
It’s also worth climbing the bell tower, built in the 17th century in the Cossack Baroque style. From the viewing platform about 230 feet high (70 meters), you’ll get panoramic views of Kyiv, including Saint Sophia Square — where the country’s main Christmas tree is installed each year — and the golden domes of Saint Michael’s Monastery, our next stop.
3. Saint Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery
Our next stop is Saint Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery — another important sacred site in Kyiv. Before entering the monastery grounds, we suggest making a few stops on Mykhailivska Square in front of the bell tower. Here you will find:
- Monument to Princess Olha — an iconic female figure in Ukrainian history, particularly remembered for the calculated and ruthless way she avenged the Drevlians, the tribe that killed her husband, Prince Ihor, in 945. After burning their capital to the ground, Olha instilled such fear that no one dared to wage war against her, and she ruled for almost 20 years — without a single battle!
- Exhibition of Destroyed Russian Military Equipment — Most of the vehicles displayed here were taken from the outskirts of Kyiv in 2022, when Russian forces attempted to break through the capital’s defenses during the first months of the full-scale invasion. This exhibition is a painful yet powerful reminder that the war continues — and that Kyiv and Ukraine remain unbreakable.
Now, it’s time to explore the main building of the monastery — Saint Michael’s Golden-Domed Cathedral. It was the first church in Kyivan Rus to feature gilded domes, which gave the cathedral its name.
The cathedral holds a special place in Ukrainian history as a symbol of rebirth. In 1934, the Soviet authorities demolished the original structure to make way for a monument to Lenin. Priceless frescoes and mosaics were taken to Moscow, Leningrad, and even Germany. Only in the 1990s, after Ukraine regained its independence, was the cathedral rebuilt according to preserved drawings and photographs.
Today, visitors can explore a museum dedicated to the monastery’s history, see restored frescoes, ancient mosaics, and icons, and climb the bell tower, which rises 157 feet (48 meters) and offers wonderful views over the city.
4. Old Kyiv Hill and the National Museum of the History of Ukraine
From Saint Michael’s, it’s just a 10-minute walk to Old Kyiv Hill — the legendary birthplace of the city. This location is rich in symbolism and home to:
- The “Center of Rus” Stone Stele;
- An observation deck offering panoramic views over the Podil district;
- Fragments of the foundations and mosaic floor of the Church of the Tithes — the first stone church of Kyivan Rus, built in the late 10th century.
Nearby stands the National Museum of the History of Ukraine. The museum holds over 800,000 artifacts, including ancient Scythian gold jewelry, Trypillian ceramics, relics from the Church of the Tithes, coins and ornaments of Kyivan princes, Cossack weapons and clothing.
The museum also regularly hosts temporary exhibitions, interactive events, and guided tours that offer deeper insights into Ukrainian history and culture — making it well worth a visit.
5. Saint Andrew’s Church
Across from Old Kyiv Hill, you’ll find Saint Andrew’s Church — a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. The church is named after Saint Andrew the First-Called, who, according to legend, climbed the hills of Kyiv, placed a cross here, and prophesied that a great city would one day rise on this site.
Traveler’s tip: The church is surrounded by a terrace with several observation decks — an ideal spot for photos.
Saint Andrew’s Church was built between 1747 and 1753, based on a design by Bartolomeo Rastrelli, the renowned Italian architect and leading figure of the Baroque style, who also created the Mariinsky Palace in Kyiv. The church impresses with its design:
- Elegant blue-and-white facades with gilded details that give it a festive, opulent appearance;
- A central dome surrounded by four decorative towers that emphasize the church’s Baroque elegance.
- For the decoration, Rastrelli used 100 tons of cast iron instead of the traditional stucco or stone — an innovative decision at the time. Thanks to this, the gilding on the cornices, columns, domes, and towers remains especially vivid and durable.
- Inside, you’ll find lavishly gilded iconostases, frescoes, and paintings.
Interesting fact: You won’t hear any church bells near Saint Andrew’s — it is the only church in Kyiv that has never had bells since the day it was built. Instead, we recommend attending one of the concerts regularly held here by the National House of Music — a memorable addition to your visit.
What else to see near Saint Andrew’s Church
Right nearby stands the Monument to Pronya Prokopivna and Holokhvastov — characters from the classic Ukrainian comedy Chasing Two Hares by Mykhailo Starytskyi. These characters have become true symbols of Kyiv’s culture, and the play, later adapted into a beloved comedy film, is a must-watch for anyone wanting to experience the atmosphere of old Kyiv.
Traveler’s tip: According to legend, the monument grants wishes — but you need to know exactly how to make one. For a happy family life, rub the beetle on Holokhvastov’s back; for luck in marriage, touch the ring on Pronya’s left hand; and for general happiness, rub the noses of both characters.
6. Lunch at “100 Rokiv Tomu Vpered” Restaurant
To conclude your walk, we recommend having lunch at “100 Years Back to the Future” (Ukrainian: 100 Rokiv Tomu Vpered) , a restaurant specializing in modern Ukrainian cuisine.
The concept of the restaurant is based on a deep exploration of Ukraine’s culinary heritage and the modernization of authentic recipes. Its founder, Yevhen Klopotenko — a Ukrainian chef and culinary expert — traveled across Ukraine with his team, studying historical chronicles and literature to recreate traditional dishes with a contemporary twist.
All the dishes are prepared exclusively with Ukrainian ingredients, highlighting the richness and diversity of the country’s cuisine and allowing visitors to experience its unique energy.
What to try:
- The “Explore Ukraine” tasting set for two, featuring eight different dishes;
- Zakarpattian borscht cooked in a wood-fired oven with plum lekvar;
- Traditional Poltava-style dumplings (halushky);
- A unique appetizer featuring bees and honey
Interesting fact: The name of the restaurant symbolizes the idea of combining deep national traditions with modern culinary trends — ensuring that Ukrainian cuisine continues to evolve and thrive even a hundred years from now.
A visit here is a perfect way to wrap up your introduction to Ukraine’s vibrant capital.
