Since the Ukraine became independent from the Soviet Union, its capital has transformed itself into a vibrant, modern city that still respects its history too. This means that there is something for every kind of visitor. So, if you're looking for a new destination in Europe, it's time to visit Kiev.
There are more than 3 million people living in the city. Most of these people speak Russian, even though most of the signage in the city is in Ukrainian. The spelling Kiev is from the Russian, while the spelling from the Ukrainian is actually Kyiv.
Kyiv is located on the Dnieper River in the northern part of the Ukraine. Its name means 'city of Kyi'. Kyi was one of four siblings who, according to legend, founded the city in the fifth or sixth century.
Founded so long ago, Kyiv is now one of Eastern Europe's oldest cities. Its rulers through the centuries included Mongols, Lithuanians, Cossacks, Russians and of course the Soviets. The city is now once again regaining its Ukrainian identity.
There are different ways to get to the city. You can travel by international bus, by car, by train and even by boat via the Dnieper. However, the easiest if you're outside of Europe is to fly into Boryspil International Airport, located south-east of Kyiv's city limits. You can get from there to the city center by car. Alternatively you can take the Sky Bus from the airport to the train station and travel into the city center by rail.
Once there, you will find a myriad of things to do and places to see. Old churches and monasteries are treasure troves of religious art and architecture. One of the most famous of these is the St Sophia Cathedral, which dates back to the eleventh century and is a UNESCO world heritage site.
If you're interested in history that is a little more recent, you will find what you're looking for in the many war memorials and museums dedicated to the Second World War. In the Ukraine this war is known as the Great Patriotic War, which caused immense suffering for the people of the Ukraine. A particularly moving site is Babyi Jar, a ravine where the Nazis massacred about 60,000 people, mostly of Jewish or Romany descent.
Another moving site is the Chernobyl Museum, which is dedicated to the world's worst nuclear disaster. This took place in a town near the Ukraine's border in the 1980s. For something a little more spiritually uplifting, though, the city has many different theaters that offer opera, drama, ballet and classical music. There is even a marionette theater to appeal to your inner child. If your budget is tight, you can instead head down to Kreschatik Street to watch the street entertainers among the chestnut trees.
Other activities in the city include shopping, a vibrant nightlife, a variety of sports and parks. Of course you cannot visit Kiev or Kyiv and not have real Ukrainian borscht in one of the city's restaurants. To enjoy all these activities and more, you can take an organized tour or simply create your own itinerary.