Pavlo Fedykovych, a resident of Kyiv for over 12 years, has fallen in love with the energy of the Ukrainian capital. His journey began when his family moved to Kyiv from the historic city of Uzhhorod. Pavlo spends his time discovering the city’s hidden architectural wonders, trendy bars, delicious local cuisine, and breathtaking views.
When friends ask me to show them around… I take them on a walk to showcase the city’s absolute highlights. The UNESCO-protected St Sophia’s Cathedral and Kyevo-Pecherska Lavra are both must-visit attractions. The stunning golden domes of the Lavra shimmer beautifully on sunny days. Moreover, I love introducing visitors to the vibrant street art scene in the Zoloti Vorota district, ending the tour with incredible views of Andriyivsky Uzviz from the scenic hilltop viewpoints.
Nightlife in Kyiv… varies from electrifying to laid-back experiences. Sometimes, I enjoy good live music at the Alchemist Bar (facebook.com/AlchemistBarKiev) before hitting the dance floor closer to midnight when the DJs take over. On other occasions, we relax at Wood You Like Bar (facebook.com/woodyoulikebar), sipping exquisite cocktails, or we enjoy a chill evening at Taras Shevchenko Park under the soft park lights. A big night out in Kyiv always offers a mix of these experiences.
Weekend plans… are diverse and never the same. As an architecture enthusiast, I love exploring different neighborhoods, especially capturing Art Nouveau designs in the Podil district for my blog. Additionally, this month brings Eurovision, which promises to be an exciting event for Kyiv, ensuring one weekend is accounted for!
Outdoor activities… are plentiful, and I particularly enjoy cycling to Truhaniv Island. It’s a fantastic location for hiking, with scenic forested paths that offer breathtaking panoramas of the Kyiv hills. For a more leisurely experience, a boat ride along the Dnipro river at sunset is simply magical. The River Port serves as the starting point for these enjoyable boat cruises.
For affordable meals… I recommend two local spots: Kyivska Perepichka and Bulochnaya Yaroslavna. The first is a popular window serving delightful fried buns filled with sausage, while the second offers an array of delicious and affordable pies. Be sure to try the cinnamon roll and poppy-seed pie—both are customer favorites! Expect to wait briefly during peak hours, but long queues are a good indicator of quality.
For unique shopping… head to the ‘482’ store (facebook.com/store482), a cozy showroom located in the city center showcasing exceptional clothing by Ukrainian designers. For groceries, the Bessarabsky Rynok indoor market is a must-visit. Located inside a century-old Art Nouveau building, this vibrant market is filled with colorful fruit and vegetable stands. Additionally, check out the Kurazh Bazar (kurazhbazar.com.ua), the largest monthly flea market in the city.
The people of Kyiv… create a unique sense of community. Locals readily offer help, whether it’s holding a train door or giving accurate directions on the street. This sense of camaraderie enhances the experience of exploring this vibrant city.
One drawback in Kyiv… is the constant rush of life. People are often in a hurry, creating a fast-paced environment. However, this energetic rhythm is part of the city’s charm, which initially attracted me to Kyiv. Due to the city’s size, using the metro is an efficient way to navigate. The metro itself is a fascinating attraction; for instance, Arsenalna station is one of the deepest in Europe, while Zoloti Vorota features stunning medieval chandeliers and beautiful frescoes.
My favorite place in Kyiv… is Shota Rustaveli Street. This street encapsulates the essence of Kyiv: the windows of Art Nouveau mansions harmoniously reflect the neighboring skyscrapers and the neo-Moorish Brodsky Synagogue. It stands as the city’s heart, where old and new converge and business intertwines with leisure. Not to forget, it’s a hotspot for bars and concerts!
When I want to escape the city… my go-to destination is Lviv, merely a five-hour train ride away. This picturesque city, with its charming Old Town, narrow streets, and colorful market square, offers an entirely different atmosphere compared to the hustle of Kyiv.
I know I’m Kyivan because… I embrace life’s challenges with ease, always believing that better days are ahead. Despite the difficulties Ukraine has faced in recent years, the people of Kyiv exude positive energy and hope for a prosperous future, and they certainly know how to celebrate life.
