Hotels in Kyiv

Kyiv, a capital on the hills above the Dnipro

Kyiv is the capital of Ukraine and one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe. The historic centre spreads across the right bank of the Dnipro: the Upper Town with Saint Sophia Cathedral and the Golden Gate, Podil with Kontraktova Square at the foot of Andriivskyi Descent, and Pechersk with the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra. Saint Sophia Cathedral and the Lavra are UNESCO World Heritage sites. The left bank is mostly residential, with parks and many lakes, and river islands with beaches lie between the banks.

When to go

Kyiv is at its best in spring and early autumn. In spring magnolias and lilacs flower in the botanical gardens, and in May the chestnut trees, the city’s unofficial symbol, come into bloom. Summers are hot, and locals cool off on Trukhaniv Island, in Hydropark and by the left-bank lakes. September is warm and calm, a good time for long walks along the Dnipro slopes. In winter the city puts up festive lights and Christmas markets.

How to get there

The train is the easiest way to reach Kyiv: Ukrzaliznytsia links the capital with many Ukrainian cities, and international trains run from Poland, among other countries. Long-distance trains pull into the Central Station next to Vokzalna metro station, and some also stop at Darnytsia on the left bank. Major highways and bus routes lead to Kyiv from other regions. Getting around is simple by metro: its three lines connect the historic centre with neighbourhoods on both banks.

Where to stay

Choose the area to suit your trip: the Old Town and Podil for exploring on foot, the centre and Pechersk for business, and the lakeside left bank for a quiet stay close to nature.

Seven Lakes is a four-star countryside retreat on the left bank, in the Osokorky area, with a hotel and lakeside guesthouses and seven lakes around the grounds. Guests have the heated Sinoptic Pool & Bar, a gym, private gazebos and the Fish&Fire grill area, plus daily fishing. The Farm Table restaurant serves breakfast and dinner with vegetables and herbs from the on-site greenhouse. Children get a kids’ room, a playground and a petting area with alpacas and goats. Pets are welcome, and on-site parking is free. The nearest metro stations, Osokorky and Pozniaky, have direct trains to the city centre.

What to see

Walk from the Golden Gate to Saint Sophia Cathedral and St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery, head down Andriivskyi Descent to Podil, and set aside time for the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra. In the evening, stroll along Khreshchatyk, Volodymyrska Hill and the Pedestrian Bridge. For green space, visit the Hryshko National Botanical Garden, Holosiivskyi Park or Hydropark, and for traditional Ukrainian architecture, the open-air museum in Pyrohiv.