15 Things You Absolutely Must Do in Kyiv

Kyiv, the vibrant capital of Ukraine, is a city where history, resilience, and creativity meet. Whether you’re into street art, war history, traditional food, or breathtaking views, there’s something here that will leave a mark on your journey. Here’s our ultimate list of 15 things you simply can’t miss in Kyiv.

1. Walk Down Khreshchatyk Street
📍 https://www.google.com/maps/place/Khreshchatyk+St,+Kyiv,+Ukraine,+02000

Kyiv’s main street, lined with Soviet-era architecture and shops, is pedestrian-only on weekends. It’s the city’s lively heart and a great spot for people-watching.

2. Visit Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square)
📍 https://www.google.com/maps/place/Maidan+Nezalezhnosti,+Kyiv,+Ukraine,+02000/
The site of Ukraine’s revolutions, Maidan is now a memorial space full of symbolic landmarks and emotional history.

3. Explore the Wall of Remembrance of the Fallen for Ukraine
📍 https://www.google.com/maps/place/Wall+of+Remembrance,+Mykhailivska+Square,+Kyiv/
A moving tribute to Ukrainian soldiers, with thousands of portraits honoring those who died defending Ukraine.

4. See Destroyed Russian Military Equipment on Mykhailivska Square
📍 https://www.google.com/maps/place/Mykhailivska+Square,+Kyiv,+Ukraine/
An outdoor display of burned and captured Russian tanks and vehicles — raw, real, and constantly updated.

5. Join a Wartime Tour (Wartours.in.ua)
📍 https://wartours.in.ua
Get a firsthand look at modern Ukrainian military history through our curated tours and stories from locals.

6. Take a Ride on the Kyiv Funicular
📍 https://www.google.com/maps/place/Kyiv+Funicular/
Ride this charming cable railway between the Upper Town and the vibrant Podil district — with a river view along the way.

7. Explore the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra
📍 https://www.google.com/maps/place/Kyiv+Pechersk+Lavra/
A UNESCO World Heritage site — this monastic complex is full of ancient catacombs, churches, and panoramic city views.

8. Try the Original Chicken Kyiv
📍 https://www.google.com/maps/place/Chicken+Kyiv+Restaurant/
Head to this central restaurant for the classic buttery chicken dish named after the city.

9. Walk Down Andriyivskyy Descent
📍 https://www.google.com/maps/place/Andriivskyi+Descent,+Kyiv/
A cobbled street packed with art galleries, local crafts, historic buildings, and the quirky Castle of Richard the Lionheart.

10. Visit the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War
📍 https://www.google.com/maps/place/National+Museum+of+the+History+of+Ukraine+in+the+Second+World+War/
This massive complex with the iconic Motherland Monument tells the story of Ukraine’s 20th-century conflicts and resistance.

11. Relax at Volodymyrska Hill Park
📍 https://www.google.com/maps/place/Volodymyrska+Hill/
One of the most scenic parks in Kyiv, with panoramic views over the Dnipro River and the glass pedestrian bridge.

12. Discover Arsenalna Metro Station
📍 https://www.google.com/maps/place/Arsenalna+Metro+Station/
The world’s deepest metro station — 105 meters underground — and a cool curiosity for urban explorers.

13. Take in the View from the Arch of Freedom of the Ukrainian People
📍 https://www.google.com/maps/place/Arch+of+Freedom+of+the+Ukrainian+People/
A huge hilltop monument with panoramic views — once a Soviet symbol, now reinterpreted in Ukraine’s own voice.

14. Enjoy Kyiv’s Street Music Scene in Podil
📍 https://www.google.com/maps/place/Podil,+Kyiv,+Ukraine/
Podil is Kyiv’s most artistic district — grab a drink and enjoy live music on summer evenings.

15. Visit the Museum of War in the Donbas
📍 https://www.google.com/maps/place/Museum+of+War+in+the+Donbas/
A smaller but powerful museum that focuses specifically on Russia’s war against Ukraine in the East.