Name

	Kyiv (Kiev)

There are many different spellings of the capital of the Ukraine. Київ (Kyiv) is the Ukrainian name and is used by Ukrainians. More common in the English speaking world is "Kiev", which derives from the old name and is closer to the Russian place name Киев. Other spellings include "Kijev", "Kiew" and "Kijóv".

Location

Kiev lies in the northern centre of the country at the river Dnepro. In Ukrainian, the river is called Дніпро (Dnipro), but the spellings "Dnjepr" and "Dnieper" are quite often in use as well. The river has its source in Russia near Smolyensk, flows through the northern neighbour →Belarus and flows into the Black Sea west of the Crimea peninsula near Cherson. The Dnipro divides not just the country but also Kyiv into western and eastern part. The historic part of the town stretches around some hills at the right (west) bank of the city. A few kilometers before and behind Kiev, the Dnipro is dammed up and some dozen kilometers wide.

	A view of Dnipro (Dnjepr) and the east, where the endless plain starts, from the hills at the western bank

In Kiev, the river is "only" around 1 km wide. However, due to the islands in the middle of the river, it's impossible to understand the real size of the river. Around 90 km upstream, Chernobyl marks the place of the world's worst nuclear accident. around 350 km downstream, →Dnepropetrovsk, the second-biggest town of the Ukraine, straddles the river.

Population

In every aspect, Kyiv is the capital of the Ukraine. Today, the city has around 3 million inhabitants.

History

Kiev has a very long history. Founded in the 5th century, the town became the capital of the Kievan Rus', founded by Vikings. At that time, Kiev was called "mother of all cities". During the early middle ages, Kiev was the most important town between Scandinavia and Byzantium not only because it was located at one of the waterways connecting both historic areas. In the year 988, the christianisation of the Kievan Rus' was initiated in Byzantium and made Kyiv the spiritual capital of the area. Since 1169, the Kievan Rus started to slowly fade away and passed over supremacy to Moscow. In 1240, Mongols invaded the Rus and flattened Kiev completely. The city didn't recover and never gained the same importance again.

Getting there / transportation

	Independence square in the centre of Kyiv

Of course, Kiev is also the most important transportation hub in the contry - with the Ukraine's largest international airport and the largest number of national and international train connections . There are numerous train connections to all countries around the Ukraine - most of them, however, to Russia. National connections include trains to →Odesa (600 km, 10 hrs, € 7 in a compartment), →Dnepropetrovsk (520 km, 6 to 12 hrs, € 6 in a compartment) and to →L'viv (Lvov) (540 km, 11 hrs, € 7). A ticket for the international train to Berlin for example costs around € 100 - single, incl. the sleeper fee. For more information on getting there, see →Travel information Ukraine.

Київ-Пасажирський (Kiev Passashirsky - Kiev Terminal)

Kiev Passashirskii, abbr. Kyiv Pass (passenger terminal) is the main train station of the capital and the starting point for all train travellers. The station itself consists of the old big east wing and a vibrant square in front of it. The western part is very modern. In front of the western part, a beautiful orthodox church welcomes the visitor. The centre of town as well as the subway station and the taxi stop are on the eastern part. Ticket counters can be bought in both parts. There are many waiting rooms and kiosks inside the section between the wings and above the platforms. There's a fast food restaurant serving Ukrainian dishes in the western wing. Try to avoid it, it's lousy. West of the station, large living quarters stretches to the west. The centre of town is three subway stops away, which is too far away to walk.

Майдан Незалежності (Maidan Nesaleshnosti - Independence Square)

The maidan Nezalezhnosti, translated "Independence square", marks the centre of town and is surrounded by some older buildings, which are unfortunately "decorated" by large advertisment billboards. Most of the buildings seem to be from the Stalin era (see picture ). Nevertheless the square is a pleasing and harmonic ensemble. The square features some fountains, steps and a large column, which is a popular meeting place. It's a nice place for having a rest and strolling around, and so it's a vibrant place. Next to the square is a subway station with the same name.

вул. Хрещатик (Khreschatyk)

From the north to the south, the Khreschatyk rd. crosses Independece Square. This is Kiev's most expensive boulevard, where banks, office buildings, boutiques and chic restaurants line up. Additionally, a big post office and other important facilities can be found as well. The boulevard leads straight to the green hills along the Dnipro river in the north.

Парк Володимирська Гірка (Volodymyrska Hirka-Park)

The western part of Kiev's green lungs is called Volodymyrska Hirka-Park and offers a splendid view over the town. Walking the mostly forested hills means to escape the noise of the town. Inside the park atop a hill overlooking the Dnipro, you can find the next sight:

Пам’ятник Князя Володимира (Pam’yatnik Knyaza Volodimira - Monument of St. Volodymyr)

Prince Volodymyr the Great (the old name would be Vladimir) decided in 988 that Christianity would be the country's religion, which had a large impact on the entire eastern Slavic world. Furthermore he successfully fought back nomad tribes inveding the Kievan Rus' from time to time. Legend has it that Kievans were brought to the Dnipro and (partially by force) baptised. To get there, they needed to follow the trail which later became the Khreschatyk (see above). Khreschatyk simply means 'baptism'. Next to the monument is a small cable car leading to one of Kiev's top sights:

Свято―Михайлівський Золотоверхий Монастир (Svyato Mihailivskii Zolotoverchii Monastir - St. Micheals Monastery)

	St. Michael Monastery

The St. Michael monastery (also spelled St. Michail's) is impossible to miss - it's mainly painted azure and has a few golden domes on top of it, with some white elements completing the marvellous ensemble. I guess the monastery is not so impressive when it rains, but it's great beneath blue sky. Parts of the monastery were built in the 18th century. Unfortunately, the entire monastery fell victim to the war against religion in the year 1936. It could not be rebuilt before 1997/8. The main building as well as the belfry are highly interesting. It's not allowed to take pictures inside the church, which is a pity. The monastery houses a historic museum.

	St. Michael monastery in the centre: a beautiful combination of azure, gold and white..

пл. Михайлівська (pl. Mihailivska - Michael Square)

South of the monastery, the large (Michael aka Michail Square stretches southward. Buildings facing Michail square include the Ukrainian Historic Museums and many other old and modern buildings. There's a large horseman statue, a Cossack hero monument to be exactly, in the middle of the square, dedicated to Bohdan Khmel'nyts'kyi. He collaborated with the Russians to fight back the Poles, but this actually sealed the end of the Ukrainian independence

	The Michailivska square in the heart of Kiev

Софійський Собор (Sofiiskii Sobor - St. Sophie Church)

Very impressive and definitely a highlight is the contrast between the blue and gold St. Michail monastery north of the square and the green and white St. Sophia church (often called St. Sophia's cathedral) south of the square. This church was built in the year 1037 and is considered to be Kiev's oldest church.

	St. Sophia's church

Since the church was the main seat of the church in the Kievan Rus', it was honoured by receiving the same name as the very important →Hagia Sophia (St. Sophia) in Istanbul, at that time known as Byzantum. However, most of the present-day St. Sophia church had been built in the 17th century and was designed in the so-called Ukrainian baroque style. There are many original (=11th century) frescoes and mosaics on display inside the church. The exterior as well as the interior are gorgeous and definitely worth a visit. Entrance fee is 10 Grivna, a photo permission costs an extra 20 Grivna (really a bad habit in the Ukraine).

Андріївський Узвіз (Andriivskii Uzviz)

When you come out of St. Sophia church and walk left past the square, you will soon enter Andrew-Alley, called Andriyivskii Uzviz in Ukrainian. This is a not very big, steep and partially cobbled road. Here, countless people hawk different things like art and souvenirs but also second-hand things. Most of the paintings for sale are rather kitsch, but some are interesting. There are also some commercial galleries lining up. Looking for beautiful chessboards? This is the place to go... Since there aren't any souvenir shops around the Ukraine, it's not a bad idea to go to Andrew Alley.

	Andrej- (resp. Andrew) alley: a steep road, where lots of handicraft and other products are sold

Андріївська Церква (Andriivska Tserkva)

Halfway on Andrew alley, baroque St. Andrew church is towering the street bazaar. It's unusual dome colour (some sort of turquoise) makes it easy to spot. This church was built in 1749 and dedicated to Catherine the Great. It had been reconstructed recently. The Italian architect, Bartolomo Francesco Rastrelli, is also famous for the Eremitage in St. Petersburg. The iconostas inside the church is quite impressive as well. Admission fee is 10 grivna, photo permission (of course!) costs an extra 20 grivna.

	The baroque Andrej church, built in 1749 and dedicated to Catherine the Great

Парк Вічної Слави (Park vichnoi Slavi)

When you walk along the Dnipro direction south-east, you will get to Park Vitschnoyi Slavi (Park of Highest Fame). There's an obelisk-like cenotaph dedicated to the victims of World War II in the centre of the park atop a hill. Especially on 9 May, the day of the victory over Nazi Germany, many war veterans and their families gather at the monument for laying of wreaths.

	A highly decorated war veteran at 9 May (liberation day), which is still a bank holiday in the Ukraine

Києво-Печерська Лавра (Kievo-Pecherska Lavra)

Next to the park, the historic Kiyevo-Pecherska Lavra (caves monastery of Kiev) stretches along the Dnipro in the middle of Pechersk district - one of the oldest parts of Kyiv. The whole area of the monastery is 28 hectare big, quite hilly and numerous caves run through the underground - hence the name. Since 1051, monks lived inside the caves, which also marked the foundation of the monastery.

	The marvellous, recently reconstructed and very big Pecherska monastery

Today, the Caves Monastery is a large, loose collection of several churches and other monastery related facilities. During the Soviet Union, the monastery was misused as a so-called culture-historic building ensemble respectively museum. In 1988, monks started to use the area as a monastery again. In the centre of the monastery, beautiful Uspenski cathedral (see picture) attracts the visitors attention. For along time it was said that the German army had destroyed the church, but newest reseach showed that the Red Army blasted the building. It was rebuilt only a few years ago.

There are some museums around the cathedral, among them a book- and printing museum and a theatre, music and cinema museum. For some reason, the monastery has got its own extensive website, but it's only in Russian and Ukrainian: http://www.lavra.kiev.ua/.

	Splendid, perfectly restaurated churches in the monastery

Another highlight of the monastery are the Печери (Pecheri) (=caves) themselves. These dark labyrinths are devided into the "close caves" and the "far caves". The close caves are 1.5 km long, the far caves only 300 m. There are many niches carved into the rock. Glass coffins containing mummified monks wrapped in white linen are placed in the niches. Many pilgrims come here to pray fervently - a very spiritual place. For visitors it's sometimes possible to see the caves and the mummies. However, one will soon notice that strangers are somehow out of place.

Родина Мать (Rodina Mat' - Mother Nation)

	Rodina Mat' - Mother Ukraine

Next to the monastery is the National Museum about the History of the Great Patriotic War (against Nazi-Germany). The museum area is quite big. Thanks to the large monument "Rodina Mat'", lit. 'Mother Home country', the museum can't be missed. The monument itself is more than 100 m high and reminds the visitor of the devastating but glorious fight against Hitler. The good woman has at least two sisters - one is Mother Georgia in →Tbilisi, the other one Mother Armenia in →Yerevan. Yes, mothers were beloved people in the Soviet Union!

Arriving late at night in Kiev (which is the case when you take the Berlin-Kiev express train) is not a very good idea, since there are no hotels close to the main train station. And there's no more public transport. There is a hotel inside the station, but it seems to be rather expensive. Furthermore there's no tourist information or something similar. For us, it ended up like this: A taxi driver approached and asked whether we were looking for accommodation. And how much we would pay for a night. "For the two of us 200 Grivna at most", I answered. I could have left out the "at most", because the price for the accommodation he offered was of course exactly 200 Grivna (€ 35). Eventually he brought us to a nice and big appartment not far from the train station. Quite expensive, but according to our (Japanese) guidebook, most hotels in Kiev charge more than 300 Grivna for a double room.

The place was about 10 minutes on foot south of the train station and turned out to be a very nice and fully equipped appartment with two rooms, kitchen, bathroom and so on. Conviniently located and not far from the bus station. However, no places of interest and good restaurants nearby. Again - at that time we paid 200 UAH for one night for the two of use. It was possible to ask them directly (though at that time they didn't speak any English):
Address: Kavkazkaya 12 kv. 5/29
Tel.:(044)-451-59-66
(Natalja Fjodorowna)

Riviera Hotel
04070 Kiev · Sagaidachnogo Street 15
Since: 2007 Location: Map Number of floors: 7 Number of rooms: 80 Rates from: US$193 Rating: 9.3/10 More Information	Stop at Riviera Hotel to discover the wonders of Kiev. Featuring a complete list of amenities, guests will find their stay at the property a comfortable one. Smoking area, bar/pub, restaurant, laundry service/dry cleaning, elevator are there for guest's enjoyment. Guestrooms are designed to provide an optimal level of comfort with welcoming decor and convenient amenities like mini bar, fan, hair dryer, desk, satellite/cable TV. To enhance guests' stay, the hotel offers recreational facilities such as spa, massage, fitness center. No matter what your reasons are for visiting Kiev, Riviera Hotel will make you feel instantly at home.

Greguar Hotel
03150 Kiev · Krasnoarmeiskaya Street 67/7
Since: 2011 Location: Map Number of floors: Number of rooms: 45 Rates from: US$127 Rating: 9.2/10 More Information	Greguar Hotel is a popular choice amongst travelers in Kiev, whether exploring or just passing through. Offering a variety of facilities and services, the hotel provides all you need for a good night's sleep. Service-minded staff will welcome and guide you at the Greguar Hotel. Designed for comfort, guestrooms offer refrigerator, washing machine, shower, desk, microwave to ensure a restful night. The hotel offers various recreational opportunities. A welcoming atmosphere and excellent service are what you can expect during your stay at Greguar Hotel.

Premier Palace
01004 Kiev · 5-7/29, T. Shevchenka blvd.
Since: 1909 Location: Map Number of floors: Number of rooms: 289 Rates from: US$330 Rating: 9.0/10 More Information	Located in Kiev, Premier Palace is a perfect starting point from which to explore Kiev. The property features a wide range of facilities to make your stay a pleasant experience. Facilities like business center, safety deposit boxes, car park, bar/pub, disabled facilities are readily available for you to enjoy. Relax in your comfortable guestroom, featuring internet access – wireless (complimentary), bathrobes, complimentary bottled water, air conditioning, non smoking rooms. Recuperate from a full day of sightseeing in the comfort of your room or take advantage of the hotel's recreational facilities, including spa, sauna, jacuzzi, massage, indoor pool. Premier Palace is an excellent choice from which to explore Kiev or to simply relax and rejuvenate.

Park Hotel Goloseevo
02001 Kiev · Holoseevskyy Avenue 87
Since: 2012 Location: Map Number of floors: 5 Number of rooms: 53 Rates from: US$156 Rating: 9.0/10 More Information	Located in Kiev, Park Hotel Goloseevo is a perfect starting point from which to explore Kiev. The hotel has everything you need for a comfortable stay. All the necessary facilities, including laundry service/dry cleaning, 24hr room service, elevator, concierge, car park, are at hand. Hair dryer, bathtub, internet access – wireless, mini bar, air conditioning can be found in each guestroom. The hotel offers various recreational opportunities. Friendly staff, great facilities and close proximity to all that Kiev has to offer are three great reasons you should stay at Park Hotel Goloseevo.

Ramada Encore Kiev Hotel
03026 Kiev · Stolichnoe Shosse 103
Since: 2012 Location: Map Number of floors: 20 Number of rooms: 322 Rates from: US$107 Rating: 9.0/10 More Information	Ideally located in the prime touristic area of Kiev, Ramada Encore Kiev Hotel promises a relaxing and wonderful visit. The hotel offers a wide range of amenities and perks to ensure you have a great time. Disabled facilities, elevator, bar/pub, business center, restaurant are just some of the facilities on offer. Designed for comfort, guestrooms offer inhouse movies, non smoking rooms, internet access – wireless (complimentary), desk, shower to ensure a restful night. Entertain the hotel's recreational facilities, including fitness center. No matter what your reasons are for visiting Kiev, Ramada Encore Kiev Hotel will make you feel instantly at home.

Amarant Hotel
04080 Kiev · 71-D Konstantinovskaya Str.
Since: 2012 Location: Map Number of floors: Number of rooms: 46 Rates from: US$90 Rating: 9.0/10 More Information	Amarant Hotel is a popular choice amongst travelers in Kiev, whether exploring or just passing through. The hotel has everything you need for a comfortable stay. Business center, family room, restaurant, shuttle service, concierge are just some of the facilities on offer. Each guestroom is elegantly furnished and equipped with handy amenities. The hotel offers various recreational opportunities. No matter what your reasons are for visiting Kiev, Amarant Hotel will make you feel instantly at home.

Black Sea Kiev Hotel
01015 Kiev · Leyptsigskaya Street 16
Since: 2012 Location: Map Number of floors: Number of rooms: 31 Rates from: US$61 Rating: 8.9/10 More Information	Black Sea Kiev Hotel is conveniently located in the popular Kiev area. The hotel offers a high standard of service and amenities to suit the individual needs of all travelers. Take advantage of the hotel's smoking area, Wi-Fi in public areas, room service, laundry service/dry cleaning, restaurant. Air conditioning, non smoking rooms, internet access – wireless (complimentary), mini bar, hair dryer can be found in each guestroom. The hotel offers various recreational opportunities. Friendly staff, great facilities and close proximity to all that Kiev has to offer are three great reasons you should stay at Black Sea Kiev Hotel.

Bakkara Accord Hotel
02660 Kiev · 1. Venice Island, Hydropark
Since: 2009 Location: Map Number of floors: 5 Number of rooms: 200 Rates from: US$86 Rating: 8.7/10 More Information	Bakkara Accord Hotel is perfectly located for both business and leisure guests in Kiev. The hotel offers guests a range of services and amenities designed to provide comfort and convenience. Service-minded staff will welcome and guide you at the Bakkara Accord Hotel. Designed for comfort, guestrooms offer non smoking rooms, television, in room video games, internet access – wireless (complimentary), balcony/terrace to ensure a restful night. The hotel offers various recreational opportunities. Bakkara Accord Hotel is an excellent choice from which to explore Kiev or to simply relax and rejuvenate.

Staro Hotel
03071 Kiev · Kostyantynivska Street 34
Since: 2012 Location: Map Number of floors: 6 Number of rooms: 35 Rates from: US$189 Rating: 8.6/10 More Information	Stop at Staro Hotel to discover the wonders of Kiev. The hotel offers a high standard of service and amenities to suit the individual needs of all travelers. Take advantage of the hotel's elevator, room service, bar/pub, 24hr room service, concierge. Relax in your comfortable guestroom, featuring television, bathrobes, television LCD/plasma screen, fan, mini bar. To enhance guests' stay, the hotel offers recreational facilities such as massage. Staro Hotel is an excellent choice from which to explore Kiev or to simply relax and rejuvenate.

Bratislava Hotel
02192 Kiev · Andriya Malyshko Street 1
Since: 1980 Location: Map Number of floors: 13 Number of rooms: 335 Rates from: US$65 Rating: 8.3/10 More Information	Bratislava Hotel is conveniently located in the popular Kiev area. The hotel offers guests a range of services and amenities designed to provide comfort and convenience. Take advantage of the hotel's elevator, bar/pub, car park, meeting facilities, Wi-Fi in public areas. The well-appointed guestrooms feature in room video games, balcony/terrace, internet access – wireless (complimentary), television LCD/plasma screen, in room safe. The hotel offers various recreational opportunities. For reliable service and professional staff, Bratislava Hotel caters to your needs.

• kmv.gov.ua/ Official website of Kiev, incl. an English version.
• www.uazone.net/Kiev.html Plain but useful website about the capital - in English.
• www.kiev-ukraine-information.com Private website about Kiev - and the pictures on it are well worth digging into it. English.

Do you have or do you know a good website about Kiev? Don't hesitate, let me know! After checking it, I would love to add it to the link list. You can submit a link by using the →contact form. Note that commercial websites will be treated differently.