Kiev, Ukraine-2-day-itinerary

Day 1: Explore Kiev’s History and Culture

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Start your day at the iconic Independence Square (Maidan Nezalezhnosti). This historic square is home to Ukraine’s independence monument, as well as a statue of Bogdan Khmelnitsky.
  • 10:00 AM: Walk over to the nearby St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery (Klovskyi Desyatynok 1). This beautiful Orthodox monastery has been rebuilt after being destroyed during World War II.

Lunch

  • 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at Khlibna Kurnya, a popular bakery and café with great sandwiches and pastries. Try their traditional Ukrainian bread, khleb.

Afternoon

  • 1:30 PM: Visit the impressive St. Sophia Cathedral (9-11 Volodymyrska St). This 12th-century cathedral is one of Kiev’s most iconic landmarks and features stunning Byzantine architecture.
  • 3:30 PM: Explore the nearby Golden Gate (Zoloti Vorota), a historic gate that once marked the entrance to Kiev. The area has been beautifully restored with shops, cafes, and street performers.

Evening

  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy traditional Ukrainian cuisine at Dnipro, a cozy restaurant serving dishes like borscht, varenyky, and shashlik.
  • 8:00 PM: Head to the lively Andreevsky Descent (Andriivsky Uzviz) for shopping, street performers, and nightlife.

Accommodation

Consider staying at Hotel Ibis Kiev or Premier Hotel Ukraina, both located in central Kiev and offering comfortable rooms.

Transportation

  • Metro: Take the metro to get around Kiev quickly. The most convenient lines are the Red and Green lines.
  • Trolleybuses: Use trolleybuses for shorter trips, as they cover many areas of the city.
  • Taxi: Consider taking a taxi for longer trips or at night.

Tips

  • Currency: Ukrainian hryvnia (UAH) is the local currency. Credit cards are widely accepted.
  • Language: Many Kiev residents speak English, but it’s still helpful to learn basic Ukrainian phrases.
  • Safety: Be aware of pickpocketing and petty theft in crowded areas.

Day 2: Visit Kiev’s Modern Attractions

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Start your day at the modern Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the beautiful churches, museums, and historic buildings.
  • 11:30 AM: Visit the nearby Reserve Museum of Ukrainian History (1 Kreschatyk), which features exhibits on Ukraine’s history from ancient times to the present.

Lunch

  • 12:00 PM: Try some modern Ukrainian cuisine at Vero, a trendy restaurant with great salads and sandwiches.

Afternoon

  • 2:00 PM: Head to the unique Museum of Illusions (1A Shovkovychna St), where you’ll find interactive exhibits that challenge your perception of reality.
  • 4:30 PM: Visit the lively Kreshchatyk Street, a popular shopping and dining destination with plenty of cafes and restaurants.

Evening

  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Maison, an upscale restaurant serving modern Ukrainian cuisine in a stylish setting.
  • 9:00 PM: End your day with a visit to the beautiful Kiev Opera House, one of Europe’s oldest opera houses. Catch a performance or simply admire its architecture.

Accommodation

If you’re staying overnight, consider booking a room at Hotel Ibis Kiev (same as Day 1) or exploring other options in central Kiev.

Transportation

The same transportation options apply from the previous day.

General Tips for Visiting Kiev

  • Be prepared for crowds and lines during peak travel seasons.
  • Don’t miss trying traditional Ukrainian dishes like borscht, varenyky, and shashlik.
  • Learn some basic Ukrainian phrases to appreciate the culture more deeply.
  • Consider purchasing a Kyiv Card, which offers discounts on public transportation and attractions.