Explore More UK Autumn 2021

CITY GUIDE : KIEV 53
WIND YOUR WAY ON FOOT DOWN
ANDRIYIVSKYY DESCENT, THE OLDEST
AND MOST CHARMING STREET IN KIEV
INSIDER TIPS
01 UNIQUE TO KIEV
Kiev celebrates its birthday in
a big way, so each May (typically
the final weekend) you’ll find
that widespread celebrations,
parties and events titled Days
of Kiev take over the city.
Once known for its intricate
Soviet architecture, grand
streets and WWII history,
Kiev has really come into its own in
recent years with a vibrant cultural
scene, a creative revolution and
exciting food and drink additions.
MORNING
Explore the city, known as the
“Mother of Cities,” with its rich
heritage of Viking and Cossack
tradition. Drive down the tree-lined
boulevard of Khreshchatyk Avenue,
passing the great Monument of
Independence and the Church
of St. Andrew. Arrive at the
stunning St. Sophia Cathedral, a
UNESCO World Heritage Site,
and enjoy a guided tour of this
Byzantine wonder. Crowned with
13 glimmering domes, adorned with
mosaics of 177 different colours
and graced with enormous frescos,
the cathedral was built in 1037 to
commemorate the victory of Prince
Yaroslav the Wise over the Pecheneg
tribes. Then, visit the Monastery
of the Caves, an extensive complex
of domed churches and museums
founded by ascetic monks in 1051.
Fuel up for elevenses on coffee and
vareniki, a traditional Ukrainian
dough dumpling served either
sweet or sour from a local vendor.
AFTERNOON
Immerse yourself in the hustle
and bustle of Kiev’s upscale
Besarabsky Market. Featuring nearly
10,000 square feet of floor space,
Bersarabsky is the largest and one of
the oldest bazaars in Kiev. Opened
in 1912, the market has long been a
favourite of the Ukrainian capital’s
politicians and diplomats due to the
many high-quality items available
for purchase. The market is housed
behind a Neoclassical façade of
light-colored brick and glass. Watch
as locals barter with the vendors.
EVENING
If you’re on the lookout for
something stand-out to conclude
your day, it is well worth trying
some traditional Ukrainian cuisine
on an optional excursion. The
gastronomic delights are rooted in
peasant dishes that draw from grains
and staple vegetables such as wheat,
rye, sugar beets and potatoes.
02 ATTRACTION
Explore the many murals
appearing all over the Old
Town and spot why Kiev is
becoming one of the hotspots
of the European street art scene.
Meander along ​Striletska Street to
find some outstanding examples.
03 DID YOU KNOW?
The Monastery of the Caves
Ukrainian name, Pechersk, comes
from the underground passages
and chapels dug into the adjacent
rocks centuries ago.