Stand at the top of Andriyivsky Uzviz, where the cobblestones drop steeply toward Podil and St. Andrew's Church rises behind you, and you get Kyiv in a single view: an old trading street, a merchant quarter below, and the river beyond. The city rewards walking, and most of its best hours are spent on foot.
Kyiv suits travellers who are comfortable with steep streets, long strolls and a bit of planning around public transport. The Kyiv Metro will get you close to almost everything described here.
This guide covers the central squares and streets, the Podil quarter, and the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra complex, with a one-day plan that strings the strongest of them together.
Top things to do in Kyiv
1. Kyiv Pechersk Lavra
One of the oldest and most important monasteries in Ukraine, founded in 1077 by St Antoniy, with caves dug out by priests who lived there as hermits. The modern complex has two parts: the upper lavra, owned by the state and made up of a number of museums, and the lower lavra, owned by the Orthodox Church and containing the caves.
Start at the lower lavra and visit the caves before the crowds arrive for the day. You will need to buy a taper candle to light your way, and you must dress correctly to enter: women must cover their hair and wear skirts, not shorts. Do not miss the display of micro-miniatures in the upper lavra.
2. Near Caves
Also called the Caves of Saint Anthony, these are historic caves and a network of tunnels where the founder of the Cave Monastery is buried. A candle is required to enter, and candles are available for purchase.
Of the three entrances to the Near Caves, the original was probably the western one, reached from the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The caves are not recommended for the claustrophobic or for very tall visitors, since once you are in, it is hard or impossible to turn around and go back out.
3. Great Lavra Bell Tower
Climb the main bell tower of the ancient cave monastery to enjoy a view over the Lavra church area that was historically known as the religious center of Ukraine. It is a neoclassic construction of four tiers, surmounted by a gilded dome, and it carries a chiming clock on the fourth tier.
Pair the climb with the rest of the Lavra complex, since the tower stands within it. The viewing platform and terraces of the fortification walls are another way to take in the same area.
4. Gate Church of the Trinity
Built in 1108 in Kievan Rus' style, this church sits atop the Holy Gates, which house the main entrance to the monastery. It is now decorated in the Ukrainian Baroque style, having been reconstructed many times through its history.
Look for the three-story wooden gilded iconostasis and the large sixteen-candle chandelier inside. Because it stands over the main entrance, you will pass it on your way into the complex.
5. Refectory Church
A refectory with an adjoining church of Saint Anthony and Theodosius, built in 1893–1895. The sturdy dome incorporates aspects of ancient Byzantium, and the interior was designed by Aleksey Shchusev, with marble icons in the Neo-Russian style.
It sits within the Lavra complex at 9 к29 Lavrska Street, so it fits naturally into a walk around the upper lavra between the museums and the bell tower.
6. Church of the Saviour at Berestovo
Berestovo was a suburban residence in the 11th century, and this church stands just outside the walls. Its vaulting may have been unusually complicated, probably echoing the trefoil roofing of the porches.
The outside formerly displayed intricate brick patterns, including double and treble niches, the meander and decorative crosses. It is a short step from the main Lavra complex, so combine it with the rest of your visit there.
7. All Saints Church
Founded in 1696–1698 in the Ukrainian baroque style, this church stands in the northern part of the Lavra complex. It is one of the buildings that rounds out a walk through the monastery grounds.
Visit it as part of the same outing as the upper lavra and the bell tower rather than as a separate trip.
8. Maidan Nezalezhnosti
Independence Square, known simply as Maidan, is the place where opposition to pro-Russian governments gathered at different points between 2004 and 2013. It remains a central meeting place in Kyiv.
The Maidan Nezalezhnosti metro station puts you right there. Walking up Khreshchatyk to Maidan is the natural way to arrive, and it makes a good starting point for a day in the center.
9. Khreshchatyk
The main drag of the city center, closed to traffic on some weekends and full of entertainers and people wandering around. Walking up the street toward Maidan, you will pass street performers and animal handlers, or simply see families out for a weekend stroll.
On the weekend, start at Ukrainskykh Heroiv Square and head underground, walking through the Metrograd shopping center while always sticking to your left, then come above ground at Tarasa Shevchenka Boulevard. The Khreschatyk metro station serves the street.
10. Andriyivsky Uzviz
Also called Andrew's Descent, this charming but rugged cobblestone street winds down to Kontraktova Ploshcha in Podil, with St. Andrew's Church standing at the top. Along the way you pass souvenir stalls, cozy restaurants, art galleries and small museums.
It is a steep climb, so wear comfortable shoes. Walking up Andriyivsky Uzviz is also the way to get back to St Michael's Cathedral from Podil.
11. Podil
The old merchant's quarter, completely rebuilt in the 19th century after fires destroyed the area, mainly untouched during World War II, and now emerging as a hip restaurant district. Wander around its grid-like streets and walk along the Sahaidachnoho street.
Start at St Michael's Cathedral in the Upper Town, catch the funicular behind it down to Poshtova Ploscha, then finish your stroll by walking up Andriyivsky Uzviz back to St Michael's Cathedral. The Poshtova Ploscha and Kontraktova Ploscha metro stations serve the area.
12. Arsenalna
A stop with busy restaurants and many options, useful when you want a meal around the Lavra end of the center. The Arsenalna metro station is a couple of blocks from the main entrance to the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra.
Combine it with your visit to the Lavra complex, either before or after walking the grounds.
If you only have one day
Morning: Take the metro to Arsenalna and walk to the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra. Start at the lower lavra and visit the Near Caves before the crowds arrive, buying a candle to light your way and dressing correctly to enter. Continue through the upper lavra, including the Refectory Church, the Gate Church of the Trinity and the All Saints Church, then climb the Great Lavra Bell Tower for the view. Step just outside the walls to the Church of the Saviour at Berestovo.
Afternoon: Have lunch around Arsenalna, then head to Maidan Nezalezhnosti and walk up Khreshchatyk, watching the street performers and families out and about. From there, make your way to the top of Andriyivsky Uzviz and walk down the cobblestones past the souvenir stalls, galleries and small museums.
Evening: End in Podil. Wander the grid-like streets, walk along the Sahaidachnoho street, and pick one of the restaurants in the quarter for dinner. If you still have energy, walk up Andriyivsky Uzviz to St Michael's Cathedral, or take the funicular from Poshtova Ploscha.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get around the sights in Kyiv?
The city has an extensive public transport system, which includes the Kyiv Metro. The stations named in this guide — Arsenalna, Maidan Nezalezhnosti, Khreschatyk, Poshtova Ploscha and Kontraktova Ploscha — put you within walking distance of the places described above.
What should I wear to enter the caves at the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra?
You can enter the caves in the lower part if you dress correctly: women must cover their hair and wear skirts, no shorts. Women can only just get away with pants in the winter. Expensive scarves are for sale there.
Do I need to pay to enter the caves?
It is free to enter the caves, but you must purchase a taper candle in order to light your way. Candles are available for purchase for 3 грн.
When is the best time to walk Khreshchatyk?
On the weekend, when the council shuts down Khreshchatyk and the main drag of the city center is closed to traffic and full of entertainers and people wandering around. Start at Ukrainskykh Heroiv Square and head underground through the Metrograd shopping center.
Decide which of these fits your first morning in Kyiv, check the metro route to it, and start planning.