Kiev

Kiev (Kyiv) is the largest city and capital of Ukraine. It is one of the oldest cities in Europe, and currently, famous boxer Vitali Klitschko serves as its mayor. Its many golden-topped buildings are astonishing; architecture in Kiev is unlike anywhere else in the world. Most memorably though, the residents of Kiev will charm you, and despite severe language barriers, you’ll be asked to join people for drinks and you’ll leave the city with some kindhearted new friends.

Where To Stay
Kiev is a large, sprawled out city with attractions everywhere. Independence Square is the most central location for visitors, but also the most expensive, since it is a massively popular location with businesspeople. When I was in Kiev, I stayed just outside of the square and saved big on accommodations while still being able to navigate the city cheaply and easily.

What To Do

• Independence Square
  Also known as Maidan Nezalezhnosti, Independence Square is the most central square in Kiev. Lots of interesting, beautiful buildings and monuments line the square, and there are plenty of restaurants and breweries to relax in.

• Lavra Caves Monastery
  Both Orthodox pilgrims and tourists flock to this immense monastery, with its underground caves, gold-domed churches and exhibitions. Women must cover their hair and wear a skirt to enter the caves (this is where I got chased!), and men must remove their hats and not wear shorts. During the winter, the monastery is open from 09-18:00, and summer hours are between 09-19:00. The Lavra Caves entrance fees vary with or without exhibitions.

• St. Sophia Cathedral
  One of Kiev’s most famous landmarks, this cathedral was founded in 1011. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is named after the 6th century Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. There is an additional fee to the bell tower and /or the cathedral.
• St. Andrew’s Church
  Built in the mid 1700s, St. Andrew’s Church is a beautiful blue Baroque-style church with golden domes. It is open daily from 09-19:00.
• Opera Theatre
  Kiev’s opulent theatre, which opened its doors in 1901, offers many different performances. Tickets are cheap. Visit the theatre's website to discover what shows are running.
• Take a Day Trip To Chernobyl
  Head a few hours north of the city to check out the worst nuclear disaster in history. Almost three decades after the explosion, nature has completely reclaimed the abandoned town of Pripyat, and the areas surrounding the nuclear plant. Tour prices differ from booking agency to booking agency. Tourists are required to book with an approved agency allowed to pass through the exclusion zone. I used the agency Solo East and would happily book with them again. We were given transportation from Kiev to the exclusion zones and back, Geiger counters, and a filling lunch (prepared off the exclusion site), and our tour guide was quite knowledgeable. If heading to Reactor 4 isn’t your cup of tea, check out the Chernobyl Museum in Kiev instead.  At the museum, for a refundable deposit, I recommend getting an English audio guide, as most information inside the museum is in Ukrainian.