Kyiv

Restoration of the Golden Gate Monument was initiated on the occasion of Kyiv's 1500-year anniversary in 1982. This was met with some criticism, since this decision implied the structure's original ruins had to be removed to erect the new monument. The has now been rebuilt in a combination of brick and wood.

Seat of the Orange Revolution, Kyiv’s big social heart hosts many concerts, performances and festivals, and it is thus known for its vibrant and lively atmosphere. Surrounded and embellished with fountains, monuments and an underground shopping mall, this is where real life happens.

This tree-lined boulevard, the main street of Kyiv, is dominated by Stalin Empire architecture and upmarket shops. It stretches over one kilometer through a valley, that is thronged at weekends when it’s closed to traffic

This monastery is a historic pilgrimage place and an UNESCO World Heritage Site, housing amazing churches, museums and eerie monastery caves. In 2007, it was also elected as one of the Seven Wonders of Ukraine.

St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery lies on the Dnipro river bank and it boasts soaring domes, mosaics and memories. It was built in 1713 and it has been complemented as well as rebuilt and reconstructed several times since.

As one of the oldest building of the Ukraine, this historic Opera House invites you to an evening of classic opera or ballet, and the fabled mastery of its performing artists along with the stately ambiance of the building itself will make for a decidedly unique night out in Kyiv. Prices are reasonable and the seating is good. but make sure to book in advance, as popular shows tend to get sold out early.

St Volodymyr’s Cathedral is a busy, boldly frescoed 19th-century church in the city center and a memorable landmark. It is the most important cathedral for the Ukrainian Orthodox church.

The funicular, connecting the district Podol with the upper part of the city, is an authentic and functional monument to Kyiv's historic past and just another means of public transport for locals. Get in on the lower station (Poschtova Ploscha) and up to Andrew's descent and the upper station (Mykhailivska Ploscha) to save yourself a tiring climb uphill while taking in the spirit of the ages and also a great view.

The House with Chimaeras – also called the Gorodetsky house, after its creator – is mainly used by the government but even though it is closed to visitors, the facade alone makes it worth the trip: its exterior is generously decorated with sculptures of various animals and even sea monsters, and it gives the place a very eerie, yet enticing vibe.

One of the most ambitious projects on the Ukrainian art scene, Mystetski Arsenal, is a former military factory turned into National Art and Culture Museum Complex. Although contemporary art is in focus here, past exhibitions have already featured works of great masters such as Chagall or Picasso as well.

The National Museum of Ukrainian Architecture and Culture is Europe's biggest open air museum. Here you will get an insight in Ukraine's culture, history and all of its historical ethnographic regions in a fun and interactive way.