Visit Kiev For A Marvelous Experience
Since the Ukraine became independent from the Soviet Union, its capital has transformed itself into a vibrant, modern city that still respects its history too. This means that there is something for every kind of visitor. So, if you're looking for a new destination in Europe, it's time to visit Kiev.
There are more than 3 million people living in the city. Most of these people speak Russian, even though most of the signage in the city is in Ukrainian. The spelling Kiev is from the Russian, while the spelling from the Ukrainian is actually Kyiv.
Kyiv is located on the Dnieper River in the northern part of the Ukraine. Its name means 'city of Kyi'. Kyi was one of four siblings who, according to legend, founded the city in the fifth or sixth century.
Founded so long ago, Kyiv is now one of Eastern Europe's oldest cities. Its rulers through the centuries included Mongols, Lithuanians, Cossacks, Russians and of course the Soviets. The city is now once again regaining its Ukrainian identity.
There are different ways to get to the city. You can travel by international bus, by car, by train and even by boat via the Dnieper. However, the easiest if you're outside of Europe is to fly into Boryspil International Airport, located south-east of Kyiv's city limits. You can get from there to the city center by car. Alternatively you can take the Sky Bus from the airport to the train station and travel into the city center by rail.
Once you have arrived, you can take your pick of activities. If you love religious architecture and art, your first stop should be St Sophia Cathedral. This UNESCO world heritage site traces its history back to the eleventh century. However, there are many other churches and monasteries too that you may want to see.
If you're interested in history that is a little more recent, you will find what you're looking for in the many war memorials and museums dedicated to the Second World War. In the Ukraine this war is known as the Great Patriotic War, which caused immense suffering for the people of the Ukraine. A particularly moving site is Babyi Jar, a ravine where the Nazis massacred about 60,000 people, mostly of Jewish or Romany descent.
A museum dedicated to an even more recent tragedy is the Chernobyl Museum, where you can learn more about the infamous nuclear disaster from the 1980s, which took place near the Ukrainian border. However, if this is too depressing for you, you can visit one of the many theaters in the city, including a marionette theater. You can also enjoy street performances and people-watching in the chestnut-lined Kreschatik Street.
Other activities in the city include shopping, a vibrant nightlife, a variety of sports and parks. Of course you cannot visit Kiev or Kyiv and not have real Ukrainian borscht in one of the city's restaurants. To enjoy all these activities and more, you can take an organized tour or simply create your own itinerary.
