The Ukrainian capital is rich in mysteries and interesting places that will surprise even seasoned tourists and locals. Have you already visited all the must-see sights? Then you should definitely familiarize yourself with our route, the locations of which are not included in popular excursion programs. Learn more about unusual places in Kyiv that will definitely surprise every tourist

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Summer is the perfect time for vacations and travel. Some people would give anything for relaxation at the seaside, while others prefer the mountains. However, if you are a true fan of historical monuments and exploring big cities, you should definitely visit the glorious Kyiv.

Kyiv is a real tourist pearl of Ukraine, an indomitable capital with a long history and rich cultural heritage. Most foreign travelers choose Kyiv as their destination when traveling in Ukraine.

You can return to the Ukrainian capital again and again, and each time it will surprise tourists in a new way. If you think you've seen absolutely everything in Kyiv, we've prepared an itinerary that will show you the city from a whole new perspective!

Earlier, we told you where to find an English-speaking guide and whether it is possible to make a plan for an individual trip.

New pedestrian bridge in Obolon

The new pedestrian bridge connects the Obolon embankment and Natalka Park. From an engineering point of view, the wave-shaped bridge is absolutely unique. The structures for its construction were manufactured at Azovstal before the full-scale invasion began, and they were brought to the capital in early February 2022.

Although the main structure of the wave bridge is incredibly illuminated, only LED lighting will be used for the time being to save energy. The new bridge is 3.5 meters wide and 176 meters long. Thanks to these dimensions, it is optimally suited for the movement of people with limited mobility and does not interfere with the passage of ships to Obolon Bay.

On Obolonsky Island, you can arrange a real relaxation in the equipped recreational area. There are benches, playgrounds and comfortable public restrooms, as well as new hiking and cycling routes.

Trukhaniv Island

Trukhaniv is the largest and one of the oldest islands in Kyiv. Before the Second World War, it was home to the village of Vodnykiv, which was home to several thousand people. In 1943, the settlement was burned to the ground. It was decided not to rebuild it and a recreation area was set up on the island.

On Trukhaniv Island, you will find several comfortably equipped beaches, rental shops, recreation centers, and even recreational and entertainment complexes. There is a bicycle route and even a new recreational location called "Green Pearl" on the island. In the depths of the island is the Muromets Park, a real paradise for athletes: cable cars, volleyball and football courts, children's areas, cafes and restaurants. 

You can learn more about the best places in Kyiv as recommended by bloggers Anton Ptushkin and Misha Katsurin here.

Baikove cemetery and the building of the Kyiv crematorium

Baikove Cemetery is located on the mountain of the same name. Its history goes back more than 190 years, so it is rightfully considered one of the oldest cemeteries in the capital. Prominent personalities of different eras are buried here, including writer Lesya Ukrainka and actor Bohdan Stupka.

Here you can see ancient crypts, unique sculptures and tombstones. Only Lychakiv Cemetery in Lviv can compete with this cemetery in terms of historical significance.

In addition to unique architectural sculptures, the Baikove Cemetery has the only crematorium and columbarium in the capital. The artists sought to make it a place where people who have just lost loved ones could heal after suffering a mental trauma. That is why the design of the crematorium was supplemented with farewell halls, a Park of Memory and a columbarium. The architectural feature of the building is that it has almost no right angles. To strengthen the slopes of the mountain, the Park of Memory was given a mound with terraces. 

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Kyiv Cycle Track

The Kyiv Velotrack is an open-air sports facility for track cycling, which was founded in 1912. This track is considered one of the oldest in Europe.

At that time, it was called a cyclodrome, and its construction was initiated by Ivan Bilenko from Kyiv. The cycle track was built on an undeveloped section of the Afanasievsky ravine. Today, the Kyiv cycle track is among the TOP-10 best cycle tracks in Europe and still retains its unique original geometric shape. The track is 286 meters long, 8 meters wide on the bends, and has a maximum inclination angle of 38 degrees. The track's stands can accommodate about 1 thousand spectators.

Dining room in the style of a botanical garden 

This restaurant without an Instagram page but with delicious food is located at 11 Konovaltsia Street. At this unique location, you can have a set lunch for only 70-90 hryvnias.

This place, where you can have a delicious lunch not for all the money in the world, is located in the building of the Ukrainian Transport Union. However, anyone can get there.

This dining room is called a real botanical garden, because the two-tiered room is filled with a huge variety of plants. Succulents, ferns, ficuses and even palm trees grow on the stairs, walls, and an island in the middle of the hall. Local enthusiasts take care of the plants. 

In the previous article, we talked about the best dining rooms in Kyiv on the recommendation of blogger Stepan Yeranosyan.

Khanenko Museum

The Khanenko Museum is one of the oldest and most prestigious museums in our country. The institution was founded on the picturesque slopes of the mighty Dnipro River back in 1905 by philanthropists Varvara and Borys Khanenko. Visitors will be impressed not only by the large-scale collection, but also by the fascinating history of the museum itself.

It all started with a sincere love of art. The couple of Ukrainian sugar producers traveled around Europe collecting works of art from different eras and cultures. The scale of their collection grew rapidly. Recognizing the value and uniqueness of their private collection, which was assembled with great inspiration and expertise, the Khanenko's decided to share it with the nation by creating a museum. This is the first private museum in Ukraine to be opened to the public. 

The museum's exposition includes more than 40,000 exhibits and impresses with its scope and diversity. The museum covers a wide range of eras, cultures, and styles. Therefore, here you can plunge into the world of ancient civilizations, appreciate the luxury of European art and the beauty of decorative and applied arts from different countries.

Flea market on Petrivka

The largest flea market in Kyiv, which is open only on weekends, is located in Obolon near the Pochayna metro station. This is the only official flea market in the capital, known by its old name, Petrivka. The flea market appeared next to the book market back in the 90s and to this day remains a symbolic place for Kyiv residents and visitors.

The flea market on Petrivka is a real open-air museum where you can find absolutely everything: unique items to fill your personal collections, interesting interior items, or just plain cheap junk.

True connoisseurs believe that unique items should be bought not in a supermarket or on the Chinese Aliexpress website, but at the capital's flea market. Every Saturday and Sunday, collectors and ordinary traders from all over Kyiv gather here. On Verbova Street, shops and stalls charge a fee, while closer to Zenit, it's free. That's why people lay their treasures right on the asphalt ground, with bedspreads or oilcloth. 

Second-hand shops on Lesnaya Street

This is a real cult place in the capital, which Vogue even wrote about. The second-hand store on Lisova Street became the inspiration for a new clothing line.

This is one of the largest flea markets in Europe, located at the final stop of the Lisova metro station. Currently, you can see mostly young people here, who are in pursuit of original cowboy boots or other stylish clothes. The lucky ones can even find vintage items from Armani or Chanel. The assortment of vintage fur and leather can make you a street style star during Fashion Weeks.

Syretsky Viaduct

Syretsky Park is an ancient place where majestic trees are witnesses of past eras, and each branch tells visitors its own story. Among the exquisite alleys and stone paths, you can feel the spirit of the past and learn the true secrets of nature.

This park with a huge collection of local and exotic plants has become a real artifact of the capital's cultural heritage. The park has a large viaduct over the ravine, 19.6 meters high and 100 meters long.

Babyn Yar

Babyn Yar is a place of memory with a worldwide notoriety. During the Nazi occupation, Jews, Roma, patients of St. Cyril's Hospital, Ukrainian nationalists, and prisoners of the Syretsky concentration camp, located next to Babyn Yar and housing those considered to be opponents of the occupation regime, were shot and buried on the spot. 

The Soviet government tried to erase the memory of the tragedy by building a "park of culture and recreation" at the site. However, now the territory of Babyn Yar is a National Historical and Memorial Reserve that perpetuates the memory of the victims of Nazism. Here you can see various monuments, tombstones, and an ancient crypt that preserve the memory of the cemeteries that used to be here in the pre-war years.   

UFO building 

The strange saucer at 180 Antonovycha Street appeared back in the 70s, and now houses the Ukrainian Institute of Scientific and Technical Expertise and Information (UkrINTEI) and the State Scientific and Technical Library of Ukraine.

The architect and author of the building, Florian Yuriev, dreamed of arranging a music museum here, which would feature musical performances accompanied by a play of color gradients on a light screen. The architect carefully measured the acoustic level so that no building materials would muffle the sound. 

Unfortunately, the theater never started its work. At first, the building was used as a movie theater, and the other floors were occupied by the KGB archives. Florian Yuriev even received the USSR State Construction Committee's prize for innovation in architecture.

We remind you! Bicycles have long been not just vehicles, but also a great way to have fun. Leisurely walks in the city or its surroundings will allow you to enjoy nature, maintain body tone, and get a dose of endorphin from active recreation. Read more about the best cycling routes in Kyiv.

Kyiv is a surprisingly rich city, famous for its thousand-year historical heritage, unique traditions and cultural attractions. Our managers can help you choose the best option for a family trip or a short trip with friends.You can contact a Visit Ukraine specialist through a convenient messenger (Telegram | WhatsApp).