This post is part of my series about Kyiv, Ukraine. I was born and raised in Kyiv and brought my Canadian partner for the fist time in the June 2019. I decided to put together a comprehensive guide on this lesser known destination that has so much to offer and can be enjoyed on a low budget.
The best way to explore Kyiv is on foot. The right bank of the city with its historic core is hilly and green with a lot of parks, squares, and broad sidewalks. The numerous hills feature many picturesque lookouts over the river Dnieper and golden domes of the churches. This short walking tour will take you around the neighbourhoods next to Taras Shevchenko Park and Golden Gate in Kyiv.
You can access my notes and directions for this short self-guided walking tour via my Google maps.
Bessarabsky Market
This covered market was built in 1912 and has survived through occupations of Kyiv during the two wars. The building is worth a visit, even though the produce, meat, and dairy sold inside are overpriced compared to other markets.
Taras Shevchenko Park and National University of Kyiv
Cross Khreshchatyk and walk along the broad Taras Shevchenko Boulevard to Taras Shevchenko Park. The park is immaculately groomed with food stands, chess players, and clean benches. In the middle, is the monument to Taras Shevchenko, a renowned Ukrainian poet. Shevchenko faces the unique red building of the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv established in 1834 by the Russian Tsar Nikolai.
St. Volodymyr’s Cathedral
Just up the street for the red campus, is St Volodymyr’s Cathedral. The cathedral was completed in 1882 to commemorate the 900th anniversary of the baptism of Kievan Rus by Volodymyr with the funds gathered from across Russian Empire.
National Opera of Ukraine
The National Opera of Ukraine is the third oldest in the country after the one in Odessa and Lviv. The Opera company was established in 1867 and moved into its current building in 1901. The building was designed by a prominent Russian architect Victor Schröter. The first performance at the opera was attended by the tsar and his daughters. The opera was one of the most famous ones in the USSR just after WWI.
Golden Gate
Golden Gate was the main gate of the city of Kyiv in the 11th century when it was the centre of Kievan Rus. The gate was eradicated in the middle ages and the current structure was rebuilt by Soviet authorities in 1982. Located in an old part of town, Golden Gate is surrounded by a park by the same name. Because it is located close to a lot of theatres, people sell fresh flowers just outside of the metro station in the pari as it is customary to give bouquets to performers.
