Kyiv is one of Europe's oldest capitals — golden-domed, green, and carried by people whose warmth will floor you. Learning even a handful of Ukrainian words is received like a gift.
- Stand under the domes of Saint Sophia — a thousand years old, UNESCO-listed, with a bell tower you can climb for the best view of the golden skyline.
- Walk down Andriivskyi Descent — Kyiv's Montmartre: artists, souvenir stalls and the turquoise St Andrew's Church at the top.
- Ride the world's deepest metro — Arsenalna station lies 105 m underground; the escalator ride alone is an attraction. One ride costs pennies.
- Eat varenyky and borshch like a local — say "duzhe smachno!" (delicious!) and mean it. Borshch is Ukrainian — UNESCO says so too.
- Summer only: Hidropark beaches — islands in the Dnipro river with sand, sun and chess players. A capital city with beaches, honestly.
Ukrainians are deeply moved when foreigners learn their language. Meet a Ukrainian speaker below — start with "Дякую" (thank you) and watch the smile.
