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Photo: George Chernilevsky, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
The Golden Gate was built in the 11th century, destroyed in the 17th, and was reconstructed in 1982. Today, it stands as a striking crenelated tower, 14 meters tall. The entrance is flanked by a metal-covered wooden portcullis on one side and intricately patterned doors on the other. Buy a ticket to explore the interior, climb to the roof, and learn about the ancient city walls. The area also features some beautiful nearby buildings worth seeing. From there, take a stroll along Yaroslaviv Val — a lively street where locals love to hang out. You’ll find plenty of great restaurants and cozy spots to relax.
The Golden Gate of Kyiv was the main gate in the 11th century fortifications of Kyiv, the capital of the Kievan Rus'. It was likely named in imitation of the Golden Gate of Constantinople. The structure was dismantled in the Middle Ages, leaving few vestiges of its existence.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
Педагогічний музей
Former the meeting place of the Ukrainian Club, Rodyna, and the Ukrainian Scientific Society. The museum of Lenin, which was here until 1982. The first floor of the building now houses the escalators leading to M3 "Zoloti Vorota".
Патріарший кафедральний собор св. Володимира
Seven domed Ukrainian Orthodox brick cathedral in neo-Byzantine style, built in the 19th century. It barely escaped demolition by the Soviet authorities. Dome height (outer) 49 m (161 ft).
Even if you'd never do so at home: Orthodox services are strangely moving even to unbelievers. They are also mighty long and there are few if any seats in church, but it's perfectly acceptable to come and go as you please, as locals do. Women must cover their heads before entering the church. Pick any church you please, but St Volodomyr's (on Tarasa Shevchenka Blvd, listed above) is a good choice.
Собор Святої Софії
The oldest remaining church in Kyiv. Parts date from the 11th century. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and has the world biggest ensemble of frescoes and mosaics dating from the 11th century, including the Virgin Orans mosaic. Several green-robed ladies maintain order and will shout at you if you look like you are planning to take a photo. The gatehouse and other restorations were completed in the 17th century. Outside the gates, there is a statue commemorating hetman Bohdan Khmelnytskyi, who liberated Kyiv in the 17th century... then gave the city to the Russian Empire.
Start at Ukrainskykh Heroiv Square and head underground. Walk through the Metrograd shopping center, always sticking to your left. Head above-ground at Tarasa Shevchenka Boulevard (бульвар Тараса Шевченка), from where the council shuts down Khreshchatyk on the weekends. The main drag of the city center is closed to traffic on some weekends and full of entertainers and people wandering around. A big, happy crowd and very conducive to people watching. Walking up the street to Maidan, you will be treated to the sight of numerous street performers and animal handlers, or you can simply enjoy seeing families out and about for a weekend stroll.
Ботанічний сад імені академіка Олександра Фоміна, Київського університета Святого Володимира
22.5 hectares, with 8,000 plant species. The garden is famous for its exotic plants. Building of greenhouse, which was built for the largest and the oldest palm trees in Northern Eurasia, long time had been considered one of the highest in the world. In 1935, the garden was named after the academician A.V. Fomin, who directed the garden for years.