Ukraine 2 Day Itinerary

Ukraine Travel Itinerary: 2 Days in Kiev

Day 1: Kiev’s History and Culture

Morning (9:00 am - 12:00 pm)

  • Independence Square (Maidan Nezalezhnosti): Start your day at the heart of Kiev, where you’ll find the iconic Independence Column and plenty of street performers.
  • Kiev Pechersk Lavra: Visit this ancient monastery complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to explore its stunning architecture and underground caves.

Afternoon (1:00 pm - 4:00 pm)

  • Lunch at a traditional Ukrainian restaurant: Try local dishes like borscht, varenyky, or kovbasa at restaurants like Opanas or Vareniki.
  • National Museum of Ukrainian History: Learn about Ukraine’s rich history, from the Kievan Rus’ state to modern times.

Evening (5:00 pm - 8:00 pm)

  • Andriyivskyy Descent: Take a stroll down this charming cobblestone street, lined with souvenir shops and cafes.
  • Dinner at a trendy spot: Enjoy Ukrainian cuisine with a modern twist at restaurants like Kanapa or Ostannya Barykada.

Day 2: Kiev’s Modern Side

Morning (9:00 am - 12:00 pm)

  • Rodina Mat (Motherland Monument): Visit this massive stainless steel statue, which offers panoramic views of the city.
  • Museum of Soviet Occupation: Explore the history of Ukraine under Soviet rule at this unique museum.

Afternoon (1:00 pm - 4:00 pm)

  • Lunch at a food market: Sample local street food and drinks at markets like Besarabsky or Kiev Food Market.
  • Kiev’s Street Art: Take a self-guided walking tour to discover the city’s vibrant street art scene.

Evening (5:00 pm - 8:00 pm)

  • Take a sunset stroll along the Dnipro River: Enjoy the views of the river and the city skyline.
  • Nightlife in Podil: End your trip with a visit to this lively neighborhood, known for its bars, clubs, and live music venues.

Essentials

Visa Requirements:

  • Citizens of many countries, including the US, EU, and Australia, can enter Ukraine visa-free for up to 90 days.
  • Check the Ukrainian government’s website for specific requirements.

Transportation:

  • Kiev Boryspil International Airport (KBZ): Most international flights arrive here. Take a taxi or bus (around 1 hour) to the city center.
  • Metro: Kiev’s efficient metro system is an affordable way to get around the city (around 10 UAH per ride).
  • Taxis: Many taxi services, like Uber or Bolt, operate in Kiev.

Things to Know:

  • Language: Ukrainian and Russian are widely spoken, but many younger people speak English.
  • Currency: The Ukrainian hryvnia (UAH) is the local currency. You can exchange money at banks or use ATMs.
  • Safety: Take normal precautions to ensure your personal safety, especially at night.

Other Tips:

  • Try traditional Ukrainian drinks: Sample horilka (vodka), kovbasa (meat sausage), or uzvar (fruit drink).
  • Learn a few Ukrainian phrases: Show respect for the local culture by learning basic greetings like “Здравствуйте” (Zdravstvuyte, hello) and “Дякую” (Dyakuyu, thank you).

Enjoy your trip to Kiev!