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 walking tour will take you around neighbourhoods of Podil and up Andriivskyi Descent.
You can access my notes and directions for this self-guided walking tour via my Google maps.
Khoryva Street
Start at the Kontraktova Ploshcha metro station — this could be your opportunity to try Kyiv’s metro. Take the alley along some storefronts and patios to Khoryva Street and turn left. On the corner of Khoryva and Kostiantynivska streets is Budynok Petra I — a historic mansion where Tsar Peter the Great stayed during his visit to Kiev in 1706. Some Ukrainian historians dispute this story as merely a legend.
Continue down Khoryva street until you come upon an old church. Mykola Prytyska Church was built in 1631 in place of an even older wooden one. The building is now believed to be one of the oldest surviving buildings in the Podil neighbourhood.
Up ahead, at the end of Khoryva street is Zhitnii Rynok. This is one of the oldest markets in Kiev, dating back to Kieavan Rus’ (9th-mid 13th c.). The modern structure of the market that you see today was built in the 80s.
Florivskyy Monastery
After exploring the market, walk back to the Mykola Prytyska church and take the street on the right (Prytysko-Mykilska street) towards Florivskyy Monastery. You will recognize the monastery by its shady square in front of the entrance. This is the only women monastery in Kyiv that dates back to the 16th c. The inside grounds and gardens are worth a visit. This is not a touristy place, so be mindful, respectful, and keep quiet. Refrain from taking photos.
Kontraktova Square
Walk back to the Kontraktova Square. The Contract Square that dates back to the times of Kievan Rus’ (9th-mid 13th c.). The square is named after the Contracts House — a place in the city where trading contracts were signed in the 18th century. The original building burnt down during a fire that eradicated most of Podil in 1811. The current Contracts House was built in its place in 1817.
The Fountain of Samson and the Lion
It was built in 1748–1749 after the Podil magistrate’s decision to repair the water distribution system by Ivan Hryhorovych-Barskyi. The original was destroyed by the Bolsheviks in the 30s and rebuilt to its current state in the 70s.
Kyiv Mohyla Academy
Kyiv Mohyla Academy is the tall rounded building across from the square with white columns over the entrance. Established in 1615, this university is now one of the internationally recognized institutions in Ukraine.
Grigoriy Skovoroda and Petro Sagaidachniy Monuments
You will also notice a monument to Grigoriy Skovoroda — Ukrainain philosopher, poet, and writer. My map highlights another monument of a man on a horseback. This is Petro Sagaidachniy — Ukrainian political and civic leader, Hetman of Ukrainian Zaporozhian Cossacks from 1616–1622. Hetman was the highest military rank of cossacks.
Andriyivskyy Descent
The route will take you up to Andriyivskyy Descent. One of the oldest streets in Kyiv, the cobblestone path connects Podi with the upper city. Andriyivskyy Descent is often referred to as Kyiv’s Montmartre because of all of the artists selling their works along the sidewalks, especially during the warmer months and on the weekends.
At the bottom of Andriyivskyy Descent, you will find Bulgakov Museum. The renown writer Mikhail Bulgakov was born and raised in Kiev and lived here until he was 21. The museum has an exposition of nearly 2500 pieces that include Bulgakov’s belongings, books, postcards, and photos.
Along your walk up the street, you will find several places where you could take a staircase up to the top of the green hill. The view is worth the visit! Explore the dirt footpaths around the top of the hill for the stunning views of the St. Andrew’s Church. Don’t be alarmed when you stumble upon old graves — an ancient cemetery is located here.
St. Andrew’s Church
St. Andrew’s church is atop of Andriyivskyy Descent. It is one of the most iconic Kyiv landmarks. Built by Italian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli (who also built Mariinsky Palace) between 1747 and 1754. The green square at the bottom of the church features more stunning views over the city and an alley of local painters. The square is the park at the bottom of Volodymyrska Hill covered in my previous walking tour.
National Museum of the History of Ukraine
Next up is the National Museum of the History of Ukraine. Even if you don’t plan to visit the museum, come up to the square in front of it, which has a great lookout and a couple of historical landmarks to explore. The leftover foundation of the first stone church of Kyiv, built shortly after the baptism of Kievan Rus’ between 989 and 996.
Kyiv Funicular
Built in the early 1900s, it’s worth a ride! The fair is the same as the rest of public transit. You can buy a ticket at the cashier’s desk at the top or the bottom of the funicular.
