Your Tourist Guide in Kiev

Planning a short trip to Kiev this summer or going there for several weeks? Well, the beautiful city of Kiev exudes its unique charm and carves a niche for itself even in a foreign heart. Let me play your tourist guide and give you a short description of some of the most popular tourist sites in Kiev that you would not want to miss.

You may want to begin your tour of Kiev from the spectacular “Kiev Pecherska Lavra”. Perched on the Dnepr Hills is this monument of Kiev, built centuries ago.  This complex of churches, which are considered architectural masterpieces, has been a holy place of worship for religious Christians.  Known as the Monastery of Caves Famous, Lavra is famous for its catacombs with the saints’ relics. The museum has numerous collected works of miniatures that are quite worth spending an afternoon over.

You can reserve the evening for a performance at the National Opera House located in downtown Kiev. The building is a wonderful sight by itself and the theater here showcases some of the most dramatic art of Ukraine in the form of conventional Ukrainian dance routines and orthodox Russian operas and ballets.
Next on your list should be St. Sophia Cathedral. The 13 domes of this cathedral blend perfectly with the Kiev skyline and the decorations adorning this structure can be dated back to the eleventh century.

Standing testament to the rule of Prince Yaroslav the Wise is the fortified wall Golden Gate, which now serves as a museum. But, if you are looking for absolutely eye-catching architecture, check 10 Bankova Street which has the timeless Horodetsky building. This building was built as the residence of the famous architect Horodetsky and has sculpted on its walls and roof various mythological and hunting themes.

While in Kiev, you may also want to check out the Mariyinsky Palace that served as the Kiev residence of the Russian Tsars. This magnificent blue and cream palace is now used for executive state receptions such as meetings of head of states and international conferences.

Also check out Independence Square that is also referred as Maidan Nezalezhnosti, which is the city’s most important square and one of the most well-liked places for meetings. And, if you want to take a pleasant stroll down a street, Khreschatyk Street should be your choice. This street is laced with beautiful adorned gardens and some very impressive modern architecture on both sides.

Last, but not the least, if you find visiting museums and palaces or walking down streets a bit boring, check out the various nightclubs and pubs in Kiev. They are bound to fill you with energy you never thought you had until then. So go out and explore the spirit of the city.