Kiev, Ukraine 7 Day Itinerary
Kiev, Ukraine 7-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and City Exploration
- Arrival: Arrive at Boryspil International Airport (KBP) or Zhuliany International Airport (IEV)
- Accommodation: Check-in to a hotel in the city center, such as Hotel Ukraine or Hyatt Regency Kiev
- Morning:
- Visit the iconic Independence Square (Maidan Nezalezhnosti)
- Explore the nearby Kiev City Hall and St. Sophia Cathedral
- Lunch: Try traditional Ukrainian cuisine at Korchma or Ostannya Barykada
- Afternoon:
- Visit the National Museum of Ukrainian History (Музей історії України)
- Take a stroll along the Dnipro River waterfront
- Dinner: Enjoy modern Ukrainian cuisine at Mama Manana or Kanapa
Day 2: Historical Landmarks
- Morning:
- Visit the Kiev Pechersk Lavra (Києво-Печерська Лавра), a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Explore the nearby Museum of Ukrainian History in World War II (Музей історії України у Другій світовій війні)
- Lunch: Try some traditional Ukrainian borscht at Vareniki
- Afternoon:
- Visit St. Andrew’s Church (Андріївська церква) and the nearby Andriyivskyy Descent
- Explore the historic Podil neighborhood
- Dinner: Enjoy Ukrainian cuisine with a modern twist at Kiev Food Market
Day 3: Cultural Experiences
- Morning:
- Visit the National Opera House of Ukraine (Національна опера України)
- Take a guided tour of the Kiev Conservatory (Київська консерваторія)
- Lunch: Grab some street food at Kiev Street Food
- Afternoon:
- Visit the Ukrainian National Art Museum (Національний художній музей України)
- Explore the trendy Velyka Vasylkivska Street
- Dinner: Enjoy fine dining at Vogue Cafe
Day 4: Day Trip to Chernobyl
- Morning:
- Take a guided day trip to the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (Чорнобильська зона відчуження)
- Visit the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant and Pripyat City
- Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch in the Chernobyl area
- Afternoon:
- Return to Kiev and visit the Chernobyl Museum (Музей Чорнобиля)
- Explore the nearby Kiev Botanical Garden (Київський ботанічний сад)
Day 5: Outdoor Activities
- Morning:
- Visit the Kiev Zoo (Київський зоопарк)
- Take a stroll in the nearby Mariinsky Park
- Lunch: Grab some food at Food Court
- Afternoon:
- Rent a bike and explore the Kiev Waterfront Bike Path
- Visit the Trukhaniv Island (Острів Труханів) for some outdoor activities
- Dinner: Enjoy BBQ at Tolstoy
Day 6: Shopping and Relaxation
- Morning:
- Visit the Kiev’s largest shopping mall, Ocean Plaza (Океан Плаза)
- Explore the nearby Besarabsky Market (Бесарабський ринок)
- Lunch: Try some international cuisine at Buddha-Bar
- Afternoon:
- Relax at a traditional Ukrainian bathhouse, such as Kiev Spa
- Take a stroll in the nearby Park of Glory (Парк Слави)
- Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Shato
Day 7: Departure
- Morning:
- Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or visiting any last-minute attractions
- Check-out of your hotel and head to the airport for departure
Things to Know
- Ukraine uses the hryvnia (UAH) as its currency
- Ukrainian is the official language, but many people speak Russian and English
- Kiev has a rich history and cultural heritage, be respectful of local customs and traditions
- Be prepared for variable weather, with warm clothing for winter and sun protection for summer
Transportation
- Metro: Kiev has an efficient metro system, with three lines that cover most areas of the city
- Bus: Buses are also a convenient way to get around the city
- Taxi: Taxis are widely available, but be sure to agree on a price before you start your journey
- Walking: Kiev is a walkable city, and many attractions are within walking distance
Tips
- Learn some basic Ukrainian phrases, such as “доброго дня” (dobroho dnia) for “good day”
- Be prepared for crowds at popular tourist attractions
- Try to avoid traveling during peak hour (7-9 am and 4-6 pm)
- Don’t drink tap water, stick to bottled or filtered water
Other Things of Interest
- Kiev has a vibrant nightlife, with many bars and clubs to choose from
- The city hosts many festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Kiev International Film Festival and the Ukrainian Fashion Week
- Consider taking a guided tour to get a deeper understanding of the city’s history and culture