Kyiv Ukraine 6 Day Itinerary

Kyiv, Ukraine 6-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the City Center

  • Morning: Arrive at Boryspil International Airport (KBP) and take a taxi or bus to your accommodation.
  • Accommodation: Stay in the city center at hotels like Hotel Ukraine, Premier Palace Hotel, or rent an apartment through Airbnb.
  • Lunch: Try traditional Ukrainian cuisine at Varenychna 1 (Варенична 1) or Olio Pizza Bar.
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit Independence Square (Майдан Незалежності) and the adjacent Khreshchatyk Street.
    • Explore the Kyiv City Hall (Київська міська рада) and its observation deck.
  • Evening: Enjoy a stroll along the Dnipro River and take in the city views.

Day 2: History and Culture

  • Morning:
    • Visit the National Museum of Ukrainian History (Національний музей історії України) to learn about Ukraine’s rich history.
    • Explore the nearby Museum of The Ukrainian Revolution of 1917-1921 (Музей Української революції 1917-1921 рр.).
  • Lunch: Head to Café Klichko or Bistro Côte d’Azur for a French-inspired meal.
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the stunning St. Sophia Cathedral (Собор Софії Київської), a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    • Explore the adjacent National Preserve of St. Sophia (Національний заповідник «Софія Київська»).
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Ukrainian folk show at the Ivan Honchar Museum (Музей Івана Гончара).

Day 3: Orthodox Christianity and Architecture

  • Morning:
    • Visit the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra (Київ-Печерська лавра), a historic monastery and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    • Explore the nearby Museum of Ukrainian Orthodoxy (Музей українського православ’я).
  • Lunch: Try some traditional Ukrainian dishes at Kievskaya Rus (Київська Русь) or Shato (Шато).
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the stunning St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery (Михайлівський золотоверхий монастир).
    • Explore the adjacent Park of Eternal Glory (Парк Вічної Слави).
  • Evening: Take a leisurely walk around the Podil neighborhood, known for its historic architecture and lively atmosphere.

Day 4: Soviet History and Modern Kyiv

  • Morning:
    • Visit the National Museum of Ukrainian History in World War II (Національний музей історії України у Другій світовій війні) to learn about Ukraine’s role in WWII.
    • Explore the nearby Motherland Monument (Монумент «Батьківщина-Мати»).
  • Lunch: Head to Ostannya Barykada or Kyivska Kofa for some modern Ukrainian cuisine.
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the trendy VDNGH complex, featuring a park, museum, and shopping center.
    • Explore the nearby Expocenter of Ukraine (Експоцентр України).
  • Evening: Enjoy a cocktail at one of Kyiv’s rooftop bars, like Skybar or Bar on 22.

Day 5: Day Trip to Mezhyhirya

  • Morning: Take a day trip to Mezhyhirya (Межигір’я), a historic village located about an hour outside Kyiv.
  • Lunch: Enjoy traditional Ukrainian cuisine at one of the local restaurants, like Kolyba or Shashlikoff.
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Mezhyhirya Residence Museum (Музей-садиба Межигір’я), a former presidential residence.
    • Explore the nearby Mezhyhirya Park and its scenic trails.
  • Evening: Return to Kyiv and enjoy dinner at a traditional Ukrainian restaurant, like Korchma or Hutsul.

Day 6: Last-Minute Sightseeing

  • Morning:
    • Visit any last-minute sights you missed earlier in the trip.
    • Explore one of Kyiv’s many markets, like the Bessarabsky Market (Бессарабський ринок) or the Petrivka Market (Петрівка).
  • Lunch: Head to a local café or bakery for a quick bite.
  • Afternoon:
    • Take some last-minute photos of the city.
    • Do some souvenir shopping at a local market or mall.
  • Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at one of Kyiv’s top-rated restaurants, like Mama Manana or Kanapa.

Transportation

  • Airport Transfer: Use a taxi service like Uklon or Bolt, or take bus #322 from the airport to the city center.
  • Public Transport: Use Kyiv’s metro system (Київський метрополітен) or buses/trolleybuses to get around the city.
  • Walking: Explore the city on foot, especially in areas like the Old Town and Podil.

Tips and Essentials

  • Language: Ukrainian is the official language, but many locals speak some English. Consider downloading a translation app.
  • Currency: The Ukrainian hryvnia (UAH) is the local currency. You can exchange money at banks or use ATMs.
  • Safety: Be aware of pickpocketing and petty theft in crowded areas. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
  • Weather: Kyiv’s climate is temperate, with warm summers and cold winters. Pack accordingly.

Things to Know

  • History: Ukraine has a complex history, including periods under Polish, Russian, and Soviet rule.
  • Culture: Ukrainian culture is known for its rich traditions, folk music, and delicious cuisine.
  • Politics: Ukraine is an independent country with a complex political landscape. Be respectful of local opinions and customs.

Enjoy your trip to Kyiv!