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Photo: Київська міська рада, CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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.
Khreshchatyk is the main street of Kyiv, the capital city of Ukraine. The street is 1.2 kilometres (0.75 mi) long, and runs in a northeast-southwest direction from European Square through the Maidan to Bessarabska Square and the Besarabsky Market. The offices of the Kyiv City Council, the Post Office, the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food, the State Committee of Television and Radio Broadcasting, the TsUM department store, and the Ukrainian House are all located on Khreshchatyk.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
Майдан Незалежності
Independence Square or Maidan is the place where opposition to pro-Russian governments gathered at different points between 2004 and 2013. This is a central meeting place in Kyiv.
Золоті ворота
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.
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".
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.
A working monastery that goes back to the 12th century. Destroyed during the Soviet era, with many of its art works hastily removed, some of which were transferred to the museums in Moscow and St Petersburg, some were moved to St Sophia Cathedral. Some mosaics housed in St Sophia subsequently fell into the hands of the Nazis but were returned... to the Hermitage in St Petersburg. Rebuilt in 1997-98. Impressive gold domes, best visited on a sunny day. Behind the complex is a pleasant park with views of the Dnieper and, to the left, the entrance to the funicular.
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).