Great time & can't wait for next tour with Jayway Travel! I loved visiting my grandfather's origins and Lviv.
- John K. - Illinois
Custom tour packagesKyiv
One of Europe's largest cities, and a regional hub for over 1500 years, Kyiv (to use the Ukrainian spelling) has seemingly endless history and attractions. Classical architecture surrounds high-end shops and colorful restaurants. The source of Eastern Slavic culture (the namesake and capital of the Kievan Rus, the ancestral empire that Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus descend from), Kyiv still keeps a firm grip on history. This is one of the true highlights for traveling in Ukraine. Kyiv's famous buildings include the UNESCO-protected Saint Sophia Cathedral. Nestled in the hills, Kyiv feels spread out and can be a bit of a challenge to take in if you’re trying do so on foot, but an excellent public transport system and very inexpensive taxis make getting around a breeze.
The ancestor of Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus, Kyiv is a modern city steeped in endless history.
There’s no shortage of unique things to do in Kyiv. You could tour the grounds of the opulent villa of former President Victor Yanukovych, complete with a huge collection of cars and a private zoo. For the brave, a day trip to Chernobyl is a haunting, and safe, experience. Another must-see, the Monastery of the Caves, or Pechersk Lavra, is unlike anywhere else. This 11th centuryUNESCO World Heritage Site consists of a large complex of churches and chapels. Most striking is a series of underground caves where you can see mummified monks, lit only by the candles of pilgrims. It’s just one more thing that makes Kyiv special.
Popular itineraries featuring Kyiv
Spend some time in Kyiv on a tour that takes in other cities in Ukraine and neighboring countries. Our custom tour packages including Kyiv and other destinations throughout Ukraine and Europe make multi-city trips hassle-free. We take care of getting you from place to place, accommodation, excursions and activities.
Things to do in Kyiv
A walking tour of Kyiv's historic center is a must for understanding the past, and present, of this fascinating city but there's plenty to see beyond that. The UNESCO-listed Pechersk Lavra monastery complex is an essential part of your time in the city but two more recent episodes in the country's history deserve some exploration too. For the brave, a day trip to Chernobyl is a haunting experience and a visit to the mansion of recently deposed President Yanukovich will give some background to the injustice felt by those who took part in the country's Euromaidan Revolution in 2014. When we send you your customized itinerary you will be able to choose additional excursions to include in your vacation package or consider adding later.
Jewish Heritage and Babiy Yar Private Tour
Kyiv Pechersk Lavra Private Walking TourWhere to stay in Kyiv
Kyiv's hotel scene has some a long way in the past few years, with many new openings, including a luxury design hotel owned by famous boxer Wladimir Klitschko, cozy boutique hotels right in the heart of Ukraine's most historic district, and riverfront hotels with sweeping views over the Dnieper. We've chosen places to appeal to every budget and requirement, whether you want a hotel with a spa or a simple apartment. Once we start preparing your customized itinerary we will present our recommended options for you to select from.
Luxury Design Hotel
Kiev's premier luxury design hotel, you'll be rubbing shoulders with the rich & famous here, with room rates to match
Central Boutique Hotel
Large rooms, a convenient location and overally good value make this a good base for your Kiev stay.
Modern Central Aparthotel
This is more of an aparthotel because it has all the amenities as hotels, but offers spacious rooms and exceptional service.
From our team
What we love about Kyiv
The best memory of Kyiv to me is related to the variety of restaurants and night bars, each one better than the next. The capital of Ukraine is very vibrant and there is always something going on, you just need to get at the right place at the right time. Of course, there is so much to learn about Ukraine's complex history and there are few important historical sites to visit while in Kyiv. Maybe the most special one is Kyiv Pechersk Lavra-a very unique spiritual site, but you should only visit if you don't suffer from Claustrophobia. The very impressive Saint Sophia Cathedral is protected by UNESCO and must be visited while in Kyiv.
Josipa
Destination Developer
For me the best word that describes this city is exotic. The contrasts in the city are visible everywhere, especially in architecture - on one side you have soviet architecture and massive building blocks on the other side beautiful churches and monasteries. Have a walk along Dnieper river and don't miss the opportunity to climb the bell tower of St.Sophia's cathedral from spectacular panorama views!
Ivana
Operations Quality & Pricing Specialist
Where can you go from Kyiv?
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Glowing Reviews From Our Guests
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Frequently Asked Questionsabout Travel to Kyiv
How long should I stay in Kyiv?
We recommend 2-3 full days in Kyiv. You can stat with a combined walking and driving full day tour of central Kyiv, admiring the most important sites such as the Lavra Monastery complex, most major palaces, churches and monuments, and the main Holocaust memorial. The next day, you can continue with some more history and culture, choosing from a Jewish Heritage tour, the National Folk Village Museum, former president Yanukovych’s countryside palace, or a tour focused on WW2. In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing Dniepr River cruise, or pick one of our many food and wine tours to experience the local cuisine. The third day could be a bit more adventurous, with a day trip to Chernobyl and the surrounding landmarks, like the ruined city of Pripyat, and the astounding "Russian Woodpecker" over-the-horizon radar at the secret Chernobyl-2 site.
What are Kyiv's must-see sights?
One of Europe's largest cities, and a regional hub for over 1500 years, Kyiv has seemingly endless history and attractions. At the top of the list is the Kiev Pechersk Lavra. Nearing its thousandth anniversary, this series of golden buildings is one of the centers of Orthodox Christianity. Be sure to visit the mummified saints in the catacombs beneath the complex, lit only by the candles of pilgrims. Nearly is a charming riverside park, home the Motherland Monument (one of Europe's largest statues, dwarfing the Statue of Liberty) and museums devoted to World War II and the more recent fighting in eastern Ukraine. Other superb examples of Orthodox architecture are the churches of Saint Sophia, Saint Andrew and Saint Michael. You might think visiting four distinct cathedrals is too much, but each is a distinct work of art. As the center of the most recent revolution, the Maiden Square and the memorials made by protestors are must-see, as are the Andriyivskyy Descent, a beautiful section full of art and architecture.