Destination Fly4free: Kiev

The golden-domed capital of Ukraine is a scenic, bustling city that tends to surprise first-time visitors. There are so many places to visit in Ukraine’s capital that it’s hard to choose the starting point. To experience the most authentic and real Kiev, follow our list of awesome things to do in this hidden jewel of Eastern Europe.

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Churches

Kiev will entice you with its gold domes lighting up the banks of the Dnipro River. Visit stunning Caves Monastery (Pechersk Lavra) - one of the most important religious sites in the world and the birthplace of Orthodox Christianity. Founded in 1051, it is a unique array of gold-domed churches and underground labyrinths lined with mummified monks. Visit the newly refurbished bell tower for superb 360 degree views of Kiev.

You may also climb to the huge tower of St Sophia's Cathedral. This majestic 13-cupola sanctuary is the oldest remaining church in Kiev. St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery, located nearby, is one of the city's most visible landmarks. Admire the richly decorated interior of the 18th-century St. Andrew's Church or go to a service at St Volodomyr's Cathedral. Women are supposed to cover their heads and put on skirts before entering the Orthodox churches.

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Start planning your next trip with Lonely Planet’s travel guide >>

How to get there:
Check out the cheap flights to Kiev that we’ve found! For example, Hungarian low-cost carrier Wizzair is offering nice deals from some of the European cities to the capital of Ukraine.

• Flights from Vilnius (€19.98) >>
• Flights from Hanover (€24.98) >>
• Flights from London Luton (£49.98) >>
• Flights from Gdansk and Wroclaw (€18/78 PLN) >>
• Flights from Warsaw (€77/330 PLN) >>
• Flights from Gdansk (€95/408 PLN) >>
• Flights from Toronto (CA$561) >>

What to do in Kiev:

• Discover the Soviet Kiev >>
  Immerse into the Soviet history through the landmarks of that time. Start with Rodina Mat’, a city’s defender and the most prominent building of Brezhnev’s time. Discover what Stalinka or Khrushchevka is, get to know the neo-classical style of Verkhovna Rada, go to the Exhibition of Achievements of Ukrainian SSR and other iconic sights.
• Learn how to prepare local food and drinks >>
  Food lovers can try their hand at cooking an authentic local dish with an Ukrainian chef during a customized Open Kitchen Master Class at the professional restaurant kitchen with a renowned Ukrainian chef. Choose a dish, learn how to cook it and savour what you have cooked.
• Discover the street art of Kiev >>
  Explore the hidden murals, the places of recent history and art. Visit Kiev Fashion Park at Peizazhna Alley and see some undisclosed courtyards known for their secret art and stories.
• Recreate yourself in the traditional Ukrainian sauna bath >>
  Take time to regenerate your body and mind in the local “banya”. This Slavic sauna type is a popular place of recreation since the 11th century. It uses the wet steam and the tradition to slightly hit each other with “vinyky” – dried branches and leaves to improve the circulation.
• Explore Ukrainian ethnic culture >>
  Visit a traditional Ukrainian village, where you will discover traditions and lifestyle of a typical Ukrainian countryside. Try your hand at pottery, painting or blacksmithing during a master class with an Ukrainian craftsman.

Where to stay:
We recommend you to stay at excellent 5* 7 Sky Hotel (Seventh Heaven Hotel) for only €27 / $30 per double room. This top rated hotel provides comfortable 5-star accommodation in Kiev. It also features room service, a shuttle service and a 24-hour reception. Guests staying at the hotel can enjoy the stylish rooms that provide a refrigerator, slippers and a mini bar. All offer tea and coffee making facilities, a private bathroom and a flat-screen TV. 7 Sky Hotel is a convenient base to discover nearby Kiev Pechersk Lavra and National Bank of Ukraine. House with Chimaeras, Saint Sophia Cathedral and Verkhovna Rada are only an easy car ride from the hotel.

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