Kyiv is a much more special city than it might seem at first glance. Find out more about the unusual places in the capital that hide the secrets and long history of Ukraine

Tours to the heart of Ukraine - Kyiv. Find out more on the website

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Summer days are the best time to go on vacation, some people choose the seaside, others prefer hiking in the mountains, but many travelers like to explore historical sites and big cities. 

Kyiv can definitely be considered the tourist pearl of Ukraine. The indomitable capital has a long history and many attractions. Most foreign travelers choose Kyiv as their first stop when traveling in Ukraine.

You can come back to the Ukrainian capital again and again, because it is able to impress tourists in a new way every time. 

And if you think you've already seen everything, we suggest you look at Kyiv from a different angle, which hides many secrets.

Top unusual places to see with your own eyes in Kyiv

Underground Kyiv

How does every trip to Kyiv usually start? Of course, with a visit to the capital's main street, Khreshchatyk. Many people are familiar with the sights of Ukraine's main street. However, few people know that there is an underground river flowing under Khreshchatyk. It formed the valley that later grew into the central street of Kyiv. Once a full-flowing river, it witnessed many historical events, which it has preserved and safely hides to this day. You can see all the secrets of Kyiv during the Underground Khreshchatyk tour. It is here that you will learn a lot of interesting facts that you will not be able to find on the Internet or hear from others and listen to some fantastic and sometimes even creepy stories from the guide. 

For those tourists who want to feel the real adrenaline, moving through underground passages and tunnels, we also recommend going on a trip to the Underground Podil. Few people know that the Hlybochytsia River flows under one of the oldest districts of Kyiv. It was locked in a large brick dungeon back in the 19th century. Hlybochytsia once divided Podil in two, and ships were repaired at its mouth. Now only brave travelers can walk along the banks of the Hlybochytsia and see the powerful brick vaults of its tunnels.

Truly hardy tourists will be able to explore the most intricate and longest of the labyrinths of underground Kyiv - the labyrinths of Prince Askold. In the branched system of passages in the wilds of the Pechersk hills, you can see structures from three different eras and a unique 33-meter shaft. This particular mine is considered the deepest of all available in Kyiv. Test your courage and endurance by diving into the dungeons of the legendary Green Theater.

Podil - the heart of Kyiv

Different, authentic and very unusual Podil has been the heart of Kyiv for centuries. Located in the valley of the great and mighty Dnipro River, it is the oldest settlement that emerged at the junction of the old and new eras. During the times of Kyivan Rus, it functioned as the Lower Town. In the 17th and 18th centuries, it became a commercial, cultural, educational, and religious center. The key sights of Kyiv are located in Podil: Kontraktova Square, the House of Peter the Great, the funicular, and the river station.

The Sinful Podil tour, which combines history, exploration, and entertainment, will help you add a bright color to your tour of Podil. Wandering through its ancient streets, you will be transported back in time, listening to sinful stories about the origin of Podil as a busy trading hub and its transformation into a vibrant center of commerce, culture, and law. Tourists will also have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Kyiv's vibrant nightlife. You will make stops at three selected bars, each of which offers its own special atmosphere and the opportunity to enjoy delicious city drinks.

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Historic Kyiv

Bessarabka is the third square on Kyiv's main street. Every Kyivan is well aware of the local covered market, one of the unofficial symbols of Kyiv. In the nooks and crannies scattered around it, there are a lot of amazing stories that only a few people know about. Many prominent people lived here, and the history of the Bessarabian Quarter and the square is certainly one of the most interesting pages in the history of Kyiv. The courtyards of Bessarabian Square keep many secrets. With us you will be able to see an unusual, unknown Kyiv, visit mysterious and secret places that were carefully hidden from prying eyes and listen to interesting, sometimes creepy stories from guides about the real life of the Ukrainian capital. 

For those travelers who want to discover one of the oldest capitals in Europe, a tour of ancient Kyiv will be interesting. During the trip, tourists will visit the main sights of Ukraine: The Golden Gate, St. Sophia Square with St. Sophia Cathedral (1011) and its bell tower, the monument to Bohdan Khmelnytsky, St. Michael's Square with St. Michael's Golden-Domed Cathedral (1108), Volodymyrska Hill Park, Starokyivska Hill, St. Andrew's Square, and Podil. The magnificent architecture, picturesque landscapes and main attractions are exactly what you need for those who want to get to know Kyiv and truly feel the atmosphere of the ancient city. 

How to plan a trip to Ukraine in 2023?

● Security

The full-scale russian invasion has affected the travel industry in Ukraine. The country is under martial law and a number of restrictions are in place, so it's important to organize your trip. 

We've told you whether it's safe to travel to Ukraine now and how much such a vacation will cost by following the link. 

Kyiv is often the target of russian missile attacks, so it is important to follow the safety rules. When choosing a hotel, be sure to look for nearby shelters. You can find a large database of safe hotels in Kyiv here.

You also need to have an insurance policy when traveling in Ukraine. You can buy reliable insurance that covers all war-related risks here. Such a policy will not only prevent unexpected expenses in case of illness or accident, but will also guarantee the safety of tourists in the most unpredictable circumstances that may arise due to russian armed aggression. Read more about the benefits of an insurance policy covering military risks here. 

● Crossing the border 

Queues at Ukrainian borders have increased significantly in recent weeks as many people are heading on vacation. The waiting time can reach 12 hours. Therefore, when planning your trip, be sure to check the latest information on the status of queues at the borders with neighboring countries. Detailed instructions and many useful tips from border guards are available here. 

Also, since July 1, Ukraine has simplified the rules for crossing the border, as all covid restrictions and quarantine measures have been lifted.

● Tickets 

The airspace in Ukraine is closed, so you can travel around the country only by land. You can buy train and bus tickets in Ukraine or plane tickets between cities around the world here.

More interesting and safe tours of Ukraine are available on VisitUkraine. Ukraine is happy to welcome every tourist to its territory!

Tours to Kyiv from Visit Ukraine. Choose your tour on the website.

We remind you! The security situation in Ukraine does not stop foreign tourists who want to see the beauty of Ukrainian nature and the atmosphere of cities with their own eyes. Read our previous article to find out why Ukraine attracts so many tourists despite the full-scale war and where people go most often.

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Visit Ukraine Insurance - safe travel in Ukraine (insurance covering military risks);

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book bus and train tickets to/from Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tours - the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;

Visit Ukraine Hotels - book hotels for a comfortable stay in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Merch - choose patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

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