Kyiv Pechersk Lavra
An 11th-century cave monastery, a UNESCO site with golden domes above the Dnipro.
Kyiv
A thousand-year-old capital on the banks of the Dnipro
Kyiv Oblast, Ukraine2,952,301
About the city
Kyiv is Ukraine's largest city and the heart of the country. Founded more than 1,500 years ago, it fuses baroque domes of the Lavra, modernist facades of Khreshchatyk, and glassy business districts on the left bank.
Kyiv is the country's main intercity bus hub: hundreds of daily departures from the Central Bus Station connect it with Warsaw, Berlin, Prague, and every major Ukrainian city.
The city is built for short breaks — the metro reaches most neighbourhoods within 30 minutes, and cafes, museums, and restaurants stay open from early morning until late at night.
Top places to see
Saint Sophia Cathedral
One of the oldest churches of Kievan Rus, with unique 11th-century mosaics.
Andriyivskyi Descent
A cobbled street of art galleries climbing from Podil up to the old town.
Maidan Nezalezhnosti
The capital's central square — a symbol of modern Ukrainian history.
Podil
The historic merchant quarter with boulevards, street food and Dnipro views.
Motherland Monument
A 62-metre stainless-steel monument with an observation deck over the Dnipro.
From our travel blog
3 min
Getting from the bus station to central Kyiv
Two simple public-transport routes that take 20 minutes.
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Central Bus Station sits on Moskovska Square. The fastest route to the centre is the metro from the nearby Demiivska station (blue line) to Khreshchatyk.
Alternatively, take trolleybus 11 or a marshrutka along Velyka Vasylkivska street — it reaches Maidan Nezalezhnosti in about 20 minutes. Pay with the Kyiv Smart City app or tap a contactless card at the validator.
4 min
Three Kyiv neighbourhoods worth staying in
Podil, Pechersk and the centre: choosing the right base.
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For bohemian Kyiv, base yourself in Podil — cafes, bars, the river terminal and a direct metro connection.
Pechersk works best for business travel: ministries, office towers and the Lavra are all within walking distance.
The centre around Khreshchatyk and the Golden Gate is the classic choice for a first visit — every major landmark sits inside a 15-minute walk.
3 min
What to bring back from Kyiv
Ukrainian chocolate, ceramics and contemporary design.
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Roshen stores carry a huge range of Ukrainian chocolate with locally designed packaging.
Andriyivskyi Descent is the place for handmade ceramics and jewellery from local artisans.
For contemporary design, visit the concept stores of Podil — posters, clothing and accessories from Kyiv-based brands.