Kyiv Ukraine 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Kyiv

Morning:

  • Start your day with a hearty Ukrainian breakfast at Café Lemon (Velyka Zhytomyrska St, 28), known for its traditional dishes and cozy atmosphere.
  • Visit Saint Sophia Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 11th century. (Volodymyrska Street, 19)
  • Explore the nearby National Museum of Ukrainian Baroque Architecture (Andriyivskyy Descent, 25), showcasing traditional Ukrainian architecture and lifestyle.

Afternoon:

  • Head to Independence Square (Maidan Nezalezhnosti) and learn about Ukraine’s recent history at the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War (Prospekt Vasylkivs’kyi, 101).
  • Stroll around the modern art installations and unique architecture on Mystetskyi Arsenal (National Art Museum of Ukraine, Lavrska Street, 9).
  • For lunch, dine at Lemonchka (Mykhailo Hruseva St, 2), a popular eatery offering a variety of Ukrainian and international dishes.

Evening:

  • Take a scenic walk along the Khreschatyk Street and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
  • Visit the iconic Motherland Monument (Prospekt Pobedy, 1) and the nearby National Museum of the Great Patriotic War (Prospekt Pobedy, 2).
  • Have dinner at Pinch (Khreschatyk St, 8), a contemporary Ukrainian restaurant with a great selection of dishes.

Day 2: Discovering Kyiv’s Culture and Nature

Morning:

  • Enjoy breakfast at Varemoe (Volodymyrska St, 13/3), a charming café offering a variety of Ukrainian dishes.
  • Visit the Kyevo-Pecherska Lavra (Lavrska Street, 22-24), an Orthodox monastery complex and one of Kyiv’s most significant landmarks.
  • Stroll around the picturesque Andriyivskyy Descent, filled with art galleries, souvenir shops, and historic buildings.

Afternoon:

  • Head to the National Chernobyl Museum (Berehove Street, 101) for a sobering look into Ukraine’s nuclear history.
  • Relax at the scenic Pechersk Lavra Park or take a boat tour on the Dnipro River (ask your hotel for recommendations).
  • For dinner, try Krutyi Karavai (Naberezhno-Luhova St, 28), offering traditional Ukrainian cuisine in a cozy, rustic setting.

Evening:

  • Visit the hip and vibrant district of Podil (Rynok Square).
  • Check out the nightlife at one of Podil’s many bars or clubs such as Juicy Bar (Vyshgorodska St, 5) or Kvartal (Naberezhno-Luhova St, 42).

Day 3: Day Trip to Chernobyl

Morning:

  • Book a guided tour of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. Tours usually depart early in the morning and last for about 10 hours. (Check agencies like SoloEast Travel or Chernobyl Welcome)

Afternoon & Evening:

  • After returning from the Chernobyl tour, have a relaxing dinner at Kvartal (Naberezhno-Luhova St, 42), where you can unwind and share your experiences with fellow travelers.
  • If you still have energy, take a stroll around the vibrant Rynok Square or explore more of Podil’s nightlife.

Things to Know:

  • Ukrainian currency is the Hryvnia (UAH). Major credit cards are accepted in many places, but it’s always good to have some cash on hand.
  • English is widely spoken in Kyiv, especially among younger generations and in tourist areas.
  • The best way to get around Kyiv is by public transport (Kyiv Metro or trams), which is cheap and efficient. Taxis are also readily available but can be more expensive.
  • Be respectful of local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

Where to Stay:

  • Fairmont Grand Hotel Kyiv (Europe Square, 1) offers luxury accommodations in the heart of Kyiv.
  • For budget travelers, Dream House Hostel (Kostyolna St, 30) provides comfortable and affordable dormitories and private rooms.

Tips:

  • Try local dishes such as borsch, pierogi, and holubtsi.
  • Haggle at the markets for souvenirs and traditional goods.
  • Use a VPN to access websites that may be blocked in Ukraine.