KHRESHCHATYK

The main and favorite street of the city - Khreshchatyk - was reconstructed only some time ago and is now one of the most beautiful places in the capital. Khreshchatyk combines the features of the vivid business center and the charming historic and architectural feel of the 19th century. The street leads to the main square of the city, Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square), which is one of the most popular meeting places in Kyiv. On weekends Khreshchatyk becomes a pedestrian zone and people can stroll right down the middle street. Nightlife on Khreshchatyk, with its wide range of emotions will only complement your daily impressions of the city.

ANDRIYIVSKYI UZVIZ

Andriyvskyi Uzviz is known for its bohemian atmosphere. Whatever the weather is like, you can always see artists displaying their works there. It is the best place to buy souvenirs made by Ukrainian masters. Andriyivsky Uzviz became a traditional place for fairs, festivals, concerts, and Days of Kyiv. Many museums and art galleries tell the history of this legendary street, as well as all of Kyiv. Numerous shops, studios, and cafes - everything you find here is just perfect for a good rest.

BOAT TRIP ON THE DNIEPER RIVER

In summer do not miss a wonderful opportunity to view old Kyiv and hear the music of the Dnieper waves. Golden Domes of St. Andrew Church, Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, and the monumental steel statue of the Motherland will pass by your eyes. The weather does not matter for you are sure to receive wonderful impressions during this 90 minute trip on one of the boats departing from Kyiv River Port.

Museums, Recreation sites, Monasteries

Ukrainian contemporary art includes painting and sculpture in a wide range of experimental and traditional styles. Icons and folk art are displayed in museums purchased in galleries and shops. There are several art museums with collections of Ukrainian and European art. There are also museums with good collections of archaeology, geology, botany, zoology and aerospace.

CENTRAL BOTANICAL GARDEN

Founded in 1936 the gardens offer a glimpse of a collection comprising nearly 13,000 varieties of trees, bushes, and grass from five different continents. The 11th century Vydubychi monastery is still open to the public on the garden's grounds.

CENTRAL PARK

This park stretches throughout the center of the city and houses a number of parks and historical complexes including the Mariyinsky Palace, Askold Grave, and the monument to Prince Volodymyr. A breathtaking view of the Dnipro River can be seen from the park's terraces.

HYDROPARK

Over 900 acres stretch along this riverside park with sandy beaches along the Dnipro River banks. One can enjoy swimming, volleyball, tennis, badminton, sun bathing, or sailing on a rental boat. There is an open-air theater, coffee shop, restaurant, and beer bar. No entrance fee.

MUSEUM OF UKRAINIAN FINE ARTS

Spend an afternoon discovering Ukrainian folklore and tradition through art. One can get a glimpse of a valuable collection of ancient Ukrainian icons, paintings, and sculpture.

PECHERSKA LAVRA MONASTERY AND CATACOMBS

Established in 1051, this monastery is one of the oldest and most interesting in Kyiv. On the premises you can visit the caves where monks had been living and many other churches and museums. The miniatures museum and the Scythian gold collection are fascinating sights. For a beautiful view of the city climb up the stairs of the tallest belfry in Ukraine (315 ft.)

REPUBLICAN CENTER OF EXHIBITIONS AND FAIRS

Located in a big cozy park the center is the main site for major exhibitions and fairs taking place in Kyiv. The lovely tree- covered grounds is a nice place to take a stroll especially in summer when a variety of flowers are in bloom.

REPUBLICAN STADIUM

With a capacity of 100,000, this stadium is the largest in Ukraine, which includes a soccer field, running tracks, indoor stadium, gymnasium, an artificial surface ski-jump, swimming pool, tennis courts, and a sauna.

St. SOPHIA CATHEDRAL

Built by Prince Yaroslav the Wise in 1037, this church was established to glorify the wisdom of Christianity. One of the most interesting sights is the collection of frescoes and mosaics inside the cathedral.

ST. ANDREW CHURCH

St. Andrew Church was designed by the famous Italian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli and is a wonderful example 17th century Baroque architecture. Especially valuable is the interior boasting numerous carvings and paintings of the iconostasis.

ST. NICOLAS ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

The prominent Kyiv architect Vladyslav Horodetskyi built the Church, immediately recognizable by its two needle like towers stretching up to the sky, in traditional Gothic style from 1899-1909. Today it serves as a functioning Catholic Church and also as a concert hall welcoming everybody who admires organ music.

ST. VOLODYMYR CATHEDRAL

Constructed in 1882, this Orthodox Church has characteristic features of the Neo-Byzantium archtectural style. The interior, done by famous Russian artists, has considerable artistic value. Great Venetian masters laid out the mosaics, however, the most fantastic thing about the Cathedral is its choral singing, something we strongly recommend.

MARIYNSKYI PALACE

The palace of blue and cream in the middle of a wonderful park was constructed in 1750 based on the designs of the famous Italian architect Rastrelli as the Kyiv residence for the Russian royal family. Today, it is an official venue for government receptions, presidential meetings and international conferences. It is here that state awards are presented. The Mariyinskyi Palace is also open to tourist groups on advance booking.

ARCHITECT HORODETSKYI'S BEAST HOUSE

This building located in a lovely part of the city center is definitely among the most interesting ones in Kyiv. It was built by architect Vladyslav Horodetskyi in the Modernist style. The front and the roof are decorated with statues of animals, mythical figures, and hunting objects. The entire architectural composition captivates the onlooker with its perfection and plunges viewers into a world of fantasy.

UKRAINIAN MUSEUM OF FOLK ARCHITECTURE AND PEASANT HOMES

Located in the outskirts of Kyiv, this open air museum takes you through Ukraine's history as you walk through the original homes of the past which have been moved here from all corners of Ukraine and restored. Traditional Ukrainian costume and ceramics are on exhibit.

THE ZOO

Kyiv's zoo is one of the largest in Eastern Europe. One can see over 3,500 specimens of animals and birds here. Amusement park and snack-bar.