Overview to Kiev: Travel Guide and Tourist Information
- Kiev Information
- Eating & drinking in Kiev
- Things to do in Kiev
- Where to stay in Kiev
- Kiev street map
Kiev is both young and old, quiet and boisterous, stately and dilapidated – a mass of contradictory features. As a city of such contrasts, it has more than enough to keep travelers busy for several days.
Kiev sits on the Dnipro River, which essentially splices the city in two and separates old from new. The west bank is the historical core, where historical monuments are dotted around the cobbled streets. The east bank, conversely, is modern, commercial and brash.
Two of the city’s main attractions are found towards the north of the west bank. The Chernobyl Museum provides an interesting, if somber, exploration into the ruined city. A little to the south, Andriyivskyy Descent is typical of its contrasts – at once historic, but with a lively, modern feel.
The Descent hosts a wealth of people and attractions. The winding, cobbled streets are considered the Montmartre of Kiev; they house the Castle of Richard Lionheart, the baroque St. Andrew’s church, One Street Museum and a host of street vendors.
To the south lies the green and gold splendor of St. Sofia’s Cathedral. From here, it’s only a short walk to Kiev’s main artery, Khreschatyk Street, an artsy, bustling stretch which throngs with hordes of entertainers and the entertained.
The Pecherska Lavra Caves and their contained monasteries towards the south of the city are an absolute must for travelers. Despite being a World Heritage Site, they’re remarkably little-known for such a truly significant place… And in that respect, they’re not unlike Kiev as a whole.
