The capital of Ukraine is a perfect destination for all sorts of reasons. There’s something special about Kyiv that will keep you coming back again and again, I guarantee it! The people here have an easy-going vibe which makes traveling to Ukraine’s capital city effortless. Communication shouldn’t pose any problem as many people in Kyiv speak English.
Explore Kyiv, Ukraine
Imagine the opportunities that await you, wherever your interests may lie! Get ready to explore new countries and cultures- with Kyiv Travel Guide as our guide through this incredible journey of discovery.
Buckle up for some exciting destinations: It’ll be like getting away from it all while relaxing in this magnificent city. With so many attractions waiting just around every corner in Kyiv, there’s no shortage of fun things to do here. If more than one tour or historical interest really gets your blood pumping, get excited because we’ve got plenty more.
The Archangel Michael
Kyiv is said to be protected by The Archangel Michael as shown on the Kyiv City flag and Coat of Arms. When you book one of my Kyiv tours, you will see the Kyiv city flag proudly displayed at the Kyiv City Council building on Khreschatyk St.
Kyiv’s Founders
The city’s name comes from the name of Kyi, one of Kyiv’s four legendary founders. The other founders were brothers Shchek and Khoryv, and their sister Lybid and can be viewed with Kyi at this historical landmark, Kyiv Founders Monument, near the Dnieper River, located in Navodnitsky park.
Historically, the history of Kyiv is immersed in perpetual conflict. It is one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe, having passed through several stages of prominence and obscurity. The first recorded mention dates back to 484 when it was captured by Scandinavian Norsemen, who became known as “Varangians.” It later served under Kievan Rus’ before becoming a capital city for this East Slavic state which thrived during its golden era from around 950 until 1240.
Is it Kyiv or Kiev?
- The official Ukrainian version is Kyiv and Ukrainian spelling is Київ.
- In the Russian language, it’s Kiev, and Russian spelling is Киев.
Where is Kyiv?
Kyiv, Ukraine location on map is: 50.45012226019272, 30.524254875064223
Kyiv, Ukraine, is the capital city located in the north of Ukraine. Kyiv rests on both banks by the Dnieper River, which provides life to this beautiful metropolis.
- Kyiv to Chernobyl, Pripyat, Ukraine: 135 km
- Kyiv to Odesa, Ukraine (Black Sea): 475 km
- Kyiv to Minsk, Belarus: 530 km
- Kyiv to Warsaw, Poland: 785 km
- Kyiv, to Moscow, Russia: 870 km
- Kyiv to Sevastopol, Crimea, Ukraine (Black Sea): 900 km
What Time is it in Kyiv Right Now?
Eastern European Standard Time (current timezone)
Time zone in Kyiv, Kyiv city (GMT+3)
Eastern European Summer Time
Time zone in Kyiv, Kyiv city (GMT+2)
Kyiv time difference from major cities
- Brisbane: -8
- Tokyo: -7
- Hong Kong: -6
- Bangkok: -5
- Novosibirsk: -4
- New Delhi: -3
- Dubai: -2
- Moscow: -1
- Berlin: +1
- London: +2
- Lisbon: +3
- Rio de Janeiro: +5
- Bermuda: +6
- New York City: +7
- Chicago: +8
- Denver: +9
- Los Angeles: +10
Kyiv Population
- Kyiv City: 3 million
- Kyiv Oblast: 1.8 million
- Kyiv City + Kyiv Oblast: nearly 5 million residents
Kyiv Weather
Kyiv weather is similar to that of southern Canada and is on nearly the same latitude line as Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.
April – October are very good months for temperature in Kyiv. Weather Spark is a great resource for many whether-related metrics.
Kyiv climate by month
Kyiv average temperature by month in Fahrenheit
Kyiv tourism whether score
Kyiv Places To Visit & Top Things To Do
Learn more about places to visit in our Kyiv travel blog which lists top things to do & unusual things to do in Kyiv.
- St. Sophia’s Cathedral
- Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra
- Motherland Monument
- St. Andrew’s Church
- Independence Square
- Pirogovo Open-Air Museum
- Mezhyhirya Residence
- Golden Gate
- Chornobyl Museum
- Pharmacy-Museum On Podil
- Kyiv Gun Range
- St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery
- Khreschatyk Street
- Andriivs’kyi descent
- Kyivan Rus Park
- City of King Vladimir
- The Ukrainian State Museum of the Great Patriotic War
- Oleg Antonov State Aviation Museum
- Cossack Village
Full-day sightseeing excursions
- Churches, Cathedrals, and Monasteries
- Chornobyl zone in Pryp’yat’
- Museums
- Performing arts
- Themed restaurants
- Themed bars and pubs
- Nightclubs
- Craft beer tasting tours
- Dnieper riverboat cruises
- Open-air bazaars
- Underground tours
- Kids’ amusement parks and fun
- Beaches and swimming
- Traditional Ukrainian cuisine
- Jewish heritage tour
- Traditional Ukrainian craft shopping
- Expo Center of Ukraine
- Organic farms tours
- Street sculptures and graffiti
- Gourmet coffee tasting tours
- High-end and fashion shopping
- Bargain shopping
More fun things to do in Kyiv
- Kid-friendly things to do in Kyiv
- Historical things to do in Kyiv
- Art and culture things to do in Kyiv
- Outdoor things to do in Kyiv
- Museums in Kyiv
- Beaches in Kyiv
- Kyiv nightlife
Watch football in Kyiv
- FC Dynamo Kyiv
- FC Shakhtar
- National Sports Complex “Olympiyskiy” (НСК Олимпийский)
Kyiv Where To Stay?
Highest-rated 5-star hotels in Kyiv
- Premier Palace
- Fairmont Grand Hotel Kyiv
- Opera Hotel Kyiv
- Hyatt Regency Kyiv
- InterContinental Kyiv
- Hilton Kyiv
Kyiv Travel Guide Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kyiv safe for tourists?
Yes, if you don’t flash a fat stack of cash in public. Generally, tourists experience pick-pocket thieves, wandering crowds of gypsies, dating and marriage scams, and dangerous traffic if you choose to drive in and around the city center, mostly around Khreschatyk Street.
Kyiv is located in the north-central part of Ukraine. Conflict areas in Luhansk and Donetsk are in the east and southeast Ukraine, more than 700 km away from Kyiv.
Natives of Kyiv are friendly and known for kindness towards tourists.
Is Kyiv worth visiting?
The answer is a resounding, YES! Kyiv boasts amazing architecture and historical vibrance that is similar to the most visited destinations in the world.
What’s Kyiv known for?
In 1986, a nuclear disaster occurred at Chornobyl. The consequences of this event have been felt worldwide.
Two Unesco World Heritage sites in Kyiv; Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra and Saint Sophia Cathedral
High-tech industries, with Unit.city leading the way
Numerous historical landmarks
Chicken Kiev, Verenyky, Borscht, and Kiev Cake
Sunflower oil, wheat, and petroleum products exports
Many lush green parks
Andriy Shevchenko, Ukrainian footballer
Igor Ivanovich Sikorsky, aviation pioneer
How many days are enough to see the sights in Kyiv?
Three to four days in Kyiv allow plenty of time to take at least two or three tours. For the adventurer, seven to 10 days is ideal to stay in Kyiv. For those who are serious about history, stay 90 days and take all my tours.
Is Kyiv open for tourists? What are the entry requirements for Ukraine?
Some nationalities are required to have visas and others are not.
USA visa-free for up to 90 days for 180 days;
UK visa-free up to 90 days for 180 days
Canada visa-free for up to 90 days for 180 days
Check the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine website for entry requirements related to your country.