I'm passionate about travel, so a photo shoot in Kyiv wouldn't be complete without sharing a brief impression of this captivating city.
To put it plainly, if you reside in Europe, you should have experienced Kyiv at least once in your lifetime.
For most tourists, the journey to the Ukrainian capital begins at the state-of-the-art Boryspil airport. Buses from there conveniently take you to the central train station in the heart of the city. After a lengthy flight, your appetite is sure to kick in. Head to the left corner of the station square, where you'll find a charming food store run by an elderly woman selling mouth-watering 'Pirozhki'—a deep-fried cakes with delightful fillings like potatoes or meat. That alone is reason enough to keep coming back.
Kyiv's extensive metro system isn't just a practical way to get around; it's also an impressive work of art. With its frescoed ceilings, marble floors, and mosaic-adorned walls, it resembles an art gallery. Like many metro stations in the former Soviet republics, Kyiv's are among the most beautiful globally.
The exploration of the city typically begins at Maidan, the Independence Square in the city centre. Numerous monuments and shrines serve as poignant reminders of the tragic events that unfolded on this square, dividing the nation.
Kyiv has it all. Love shopping? Head straight to the main street, Khreshchatyk, where you'll find shops catering to your every need, and probably a few wants. Interested in beaches? Take the metro to Hydropark. Football fan? Visit the Dynamo stadium. Prefer nature and solitude? Explore the Botanical Gardens or one of the many parks. If your feet are sore from walking, treat yourself to a cold and delicious Ukrainian beer on a sunny terrace, and watch the world go by.
There are, of course, must-see attractions for everyone, like the breathtaking Pechersk Lavra Monastery perched high above the banks of the Dnipro River. It's one of Kyiv's most tranquil spots, and even if you're not a religious person, a stroll through the grounds can be a profoundly mindful experience.
If, like me, you're intrigued by the weird and obscure, book a day tour to Chernobyl and the ghost town Pripyat, just a short ride from Kyiv. Yes, it's safe for a day trip to the exclusion zone, and no, you won't glow in the dark.
As you can see, there's no shortage of excitement in Ukraine's largest city. And if you think you've seen it all, head to the railway station, where trains can take you in any direction. They even speak a bit of English at the international ticket counter!
People often ask me if Ukraine is safe for travel. Without a doubt, I can say yes, as long as you use your common sense. Avoiding conflict areas in the Eastern part of the country is a given. While crime exists in big cities, it's less prevalent than in London or New York. So don't let that deter you from a vacation in Ukraine; the country welcomes tourists, and it needs them. A lot.
Update 2024
Although tourists are still welcome and international trains run on time, Kyiv is no longer a safe place due to the unprovoked war in Ukraine, which was started on February 24, 2022 by the Russian Federation.
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