City: Kiev
Top Things to do in Kiev
- 1. Mykola Syadristy Microminiatures Museum
- 2. National Reserve Sophia Kievskaya
- 3. Kiev-Pechersk Lavra - Caves Monastery
- 4. Saint Sophia Cathedral
- 5. St. Michael's Cathedrale
- 6. Andriyivski Uzviz
- 7. Pirogovo Open-Air Museum
- 8. St. Volodymyr's Cathedral
- 9. Rodina Mat (Motherland)
- 10. Mikhail Bulgakov Museum
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The 10 Best Things to Do in Kiev, Ukraine
Having survived the Mongol Empire, WWII, Chernobyl, and Soviet rule, Kiev is the proud capital of the Ukraine. Filled with theaters, museums, religious sites, modern buildings and ancient ruins, the city of Kiev is the center of Ukrainian culture. The Monastery of the Caves, founded in 1015, and Saint Sophia Cathedral, founded in 1037, are both World Heritage Sites. The Museum of the Great Patriotic War, topped by the massive Motherland Statue, provides gorgeous views of the city below.
Restaurants in Kiev
1. Mykola Syadristy Microminiatures Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 388 reviews
Reviewed By grimj03 - st helier
The museum is situated within the Copoula complex. After visiting the many churches and religious buildings, this is a good diversion for children and teenagers. The room has a slightly unkept feel to be it but the exhibition is interesting. It costs about £5 for 4 people to see the exhibition and I would allow about 20 minutes.
2. National Reserve Sophia Kievskaya
Overall Ratings
5 based on 120 reviews
National Conservation Area "St.Sophia of Kyiv" - a museum complex, which includes 77 monuments. Reserve attractions are the main objects of tourist routes Kiev and Crimea. In 1990, the Saint Sophia Cathedral with a complex of monastic buildings of XVIII century in its territory is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Reviewed By Jincognito - Gainesville
The compound has the ancient Cathedral plus some other buildings. You buy a ticket for the compound, plus another ticket for which the cost depends on what you want to visit.
The Cathedral is outstanding - but see other tripadvisor entry for that. Inside the compound there is a show of modern art (which looks long-term, not just temporary) which is better than some modern art museums I've seen. Full of humor and surprises.
You also can climb the tower etc. Keep both little bits of paper they give you at entry, I thought one was superfluous, but it wasn't.
And they have decent bathrooms too - with even a little paper. Oddly they have handicap signs on the bathroom doors even though you have to go down a long flight of stairs to get to the door.....
3. Kiev-Pechersk Lavra - Caves Monastery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Built by Kiev monks back in 1051, this striking building is the most holy place in the Ukraine. The caves on the property serve as burial grounds for monks.
Reviewed By Kukka M
I spent a morning there walking around the area. I purchased a ticket with area and Exhibitions about he history but in my opinion the Exhibitions were not that interesting so better to buy only entrance and pay separately to those Exhibitions you want to see (majority were not included in the entrance I paid but had to be paid separately). Churches are free as well as the caves, however you may want to buy a candle as it’s dark there. Also many Exhibitions were closed for at least half an hour between 12h and 14h.
4. Saint Sophia Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
The Cathedral was built over nine centuries and is a great example of Byzantine and Ukrainian Baroque architecture. The interior contains mosaics and frescoes dating back to the 11th century.
Reviewed By genibre69 - London, United Kingdom
Technically photos (even on the iPhone) are forbidden inside so I would dink a half a circle if I could just because I find that ridiculous. There are roving babushkas that follow you to ensure photos are not taken but I snuck some so you can see the magnificent interior. I figure if I’m paying for entrance and not using flash there is no harm. Anyway incredible gorgeous and cavernous interior and amazing that these intricate murals and Byzantine design have survived 1,000 years. We didn’t opt to climb the bell tower on this dreary, sleety day.
5. St. Michael's Cathedrale
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Lingang - Henderson, Nevada
Unlike Sophia, this is not an old but a newly rebuilt, so it is not a museum but an actively in use church. And it is free to enter all the time daily.
6. Andriyivski Uzviz
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Seattletraveler98107 - Seattle, Washington
The church was closed the Saturday we visited, but lots of activity in the surrounding streets selling some local but mostly imported reproduction kitch. Beautiful view of the city from hers and the hillside down to Podil neighborhood. Walked down through the neighborhood rather than taking the funicular. Highly recommended.
7. Pirogovo Open-Air Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 691 reviews
Reviewed By gyanfernando - Exeter, United Kingdom
A quaint open-air museum with authentic old buildings and interiors which was quite interesting. Unfortunately, some of it was closed and there was a mad rush to get us out which was not very nice. We had a local guide who liked talking like a sergeant major but was fun.
Worth a visit!
8. St. Volodymyr's Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 497 reviews
9. Rodina Mat (Motherland)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By 180vadymm - Bergen, Norway
Did you know that this statue is much higher than the Statue of Liberty? It really is. I am visiting it every time I am in Kiev. Very impressive.
10. Mikhail Bulgakov Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 306 reviews
Reviewed By Baradon - London
If you haven't read Bulgakov maybe this might get you started but better know what it is all about first. You probably won't understand much if you don't take a guide which is essential and not expensive. There are no labels. Bulgakov is perhaps a bit of a cult figure but if you are into his thinking you'll find the discussion with the guides enormously interesting and rewarding.
The tea/coffee on the veranda after the tour is a real experience not to be missed - home made jams to drink your tea with local style and local cakes and pastries to enjoy in a homely environment served by a delightful lady.
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