Explore the Hidden Gems of Kyiv, Ukraine

As one of the largest cities in Europe, Kyiv is undoubtedly a place to explore in depth. While the spectacular UNESCO-protected sights like St Sophia’s Cathedral and Kyevo-Pecherska Lavra are must-sees for most visitors, the real charm of Ukraine’s capital lies in its numerous lesser-known spots that reveal its unique character.

As eclectic as it gets, Kyiv holds a thrilling assortment of superb architecture, secret courtyards, quirky statues, and unexpected panoramas. Here’s a quick guide to its hidden highlights.

Explore the Old Town’s Street Art

With dozens of murals appearing on the streets of Kyiv at lightning speed, the Ukrainian capital is gradually becoming one of the hotspots on the European street art scene. A project to depict all Kyiv’s murals on a map is currently underway. The best street art can be found in the heart of the city—the Old Town. For an exquisite mural-spotting experience, stroll along Striletska Street, where enormous wall art adorns almost every house.

• Crafty portrait of Ukrainian writer Lesya Ukrainka (Striletska 28)
• Depiction of famous Ukrainian gymnast Anna Rizatdinova (Striletska 12)
• Quirky ‘Square of the Kyiv intelligentsia’ (Honchara 8)—a lovely park with murals and bird statues

This district’s best-kept secret is the legendary courtyard on Reitarska 9, featuring two large cages that host ravens.

Stroll Through a Colourful Ghost Town

Located right in the center of Kyiv is a ghost town called Vozdvyzhenka. Trapped between the iconic ‘bald mountains’ lies this kitschy monument to the economic crisis and questionable architectural taste. Initially envisioned as a dream district for affluent Ukrainians, it faced insurmountable financial difficulties and was ultimately left unfinished. Now, many houses stand uninhabited, slowly deteriorating over time.

However, life has found a way to thrive among the cartoonish, colorful faux-art nouveau buildings of Vozdvyzhenka, where numerous hip cafes, trendy restaurants, and art galleries abound. Some noteworthy stops include:

• One of the best Asian restaurants in Kyiv, Ohota na Ovets
• The cozy, modern Dip Coffee Shop

Find All the Bizarre Kyiv Statues

Apart from its recent street art boom, Kyiv is home to unusual statues and sculptures found throughout the city center—on streets, in courtyards, on trees, and benches. Some must-visit statues include:

• Bronze cat statue next to the Zoloti Vorota
• Wooden ballerina at Striletska 10
• The giant frog near the Water Museum
• Statue of a babushka (old woman) sitting on a bench in Taras Shevchenko Park

Don’t miss the Hedgehog in the Fog statue at Reitarska 2. The epicenter of statue quirkiness can be found at the Peyzazhna aleya, which serves as the first sculpture park in the Ukrainian capital, providing magnificent panoramic views alongside various art objects.

Feel Inspired by Lypky Mansions

Lypky is a central neighborhood that has long been home to the local aristocracy. It showcases the grandeur of the past, combined with the atmosphere of a government district, making it an architectural paradise. Start your exploration from the extravagant Kowalewski mansion (Shovkovychna 15/1), which boasts a mix of Romanesque, Caucasian, and art nouveau styles. Following this, marvel at the Chocolate House, inspired by Italian palazzos.

Gaze upon the art nouveau House of the Crying Widow (Luteranska 23), famous for its decorative sculpture of a woman’s head that appears to ‘cry’ when it rains. The crowning jewel of Lypky is the magnificent House of Chimeras, accessible only through guided tours. Consider joining the Lypky Mansions excursion to discover the secrets of this district’s rich architectural heritage.

See the Remnants of Soviet Modernism

As one of the largest cities of the Soviet Union, Kyiv showcases numerous post-war Soviet architecture that has dramatically changed its urban landscape. The city served as a playground for leading architects of the communist state, allowing them to realize their wildest modernist dreams. Although this heritage is often overlooked in contemporary Ukraine due to the negative connotations of the Soviet legacy, Kyiv’s modernist buildings are both fascinating and at times bizarre.

Start your journey at the enormous UFO-shaped structure of a former conference hall near the Lybidska metro station (Antonovycha 180). Observe the spaceship-like rounded design of the Salute Hotel and the retro-futuristic ‘House of Pioneers’ nearby. Then, take a stroll around the campuses of the Kyiv National University (Vystavkovy Centr metro station), whose imposing buildings exhibit inspiration from Japanese Metabolism style.