• Maidan Nezalezhnosti & Khreschatyk Street - Our journey starts at Independence Square, also known as Maidan, the heart of modern Kyiv. The main street, Khreschatyk, crosses it, showcasing a striking blend of Stalin-era architecture and contemporary monuments. Take in the panoramic view before embarking on your adventure!
• The National Bank of Ukraine - The renowned Lypky district is famous for its historic mansions and administrative buildings. You’ll have the opportunity to walk past the stunning National Bank of Ukraine building, which features two dates on its façade, reminding us that Kyiv became the capital of Soviet Ukraine only in 1934.
• Office of the President of Ukraine - The President’s office is housed in one of the city’s most impressive Stalin-era buildings. Originally built in the late 1930s to serve as the headquarters of the Kyiv Special Military District, it later became the stronghold of the ruling Communist Party of Soviet Ukraine.
• The House with Chimeras - The House with Chimeras is one of the most intricate buildings in terms of architecture and history. Built in 1903 by Vladyslav Horodetsky, often referred to as the Kyiv Gaudi, this talented architect and avid hunter designed it to showcase the benefits of cement and concrete. It is adorned with sculptures of animals and mythical creatures created by the Italian-born sculptor Elio Salya.
• Bessarabska Square - Once the city border, Bessarabska Square has transformed into the heart of Kyiv over the past century. Today, its main attractions are the Bessarabsky food market and the Arena City complex, both notable for their grand architecture. The neighborhood now offers a variety of restaurants, pubs, bars, and nightclubs.
• Tarasa Shevchenko Boulevard - One of Kyiv’s first boulevards, Taras Shevchenko Boulevard is lined with poplar trees, which, according to legend, were planted to please Nicolas I. It runs through the Latin block, formed after the construction of Taras Shevchenko National University and several nearby gymnasiums. From your car window, you’ll see a botanical garden that was once part of the campus. This vibrant student neighborhood has thrived for nearly 200 years.
• St. Volodymyr’s Cathedral - Built in honor of Volodymyr the Great, who baptized his people in 988, St. Volodymyr’s Cathedral opened to the public in the late 19th century and was immediately dubbed an art gallery. Decorated by nearly 100 artists, it exemplifies the artistic trends of that period and is a must-see during this stop.
• Taras Shevchenko National Opera and Ballet Theatre of Ukraine - Built in 1901, Kyiv Opera narrowly escaped destruction twice during WWII. Initially criticized by local newspapers as a “disgusting turtle,” it is now recognized as one of Kyiv’s most beautiful buildings.
• Golden Gate - Constructed 1,000 years ago as a ceremonial entrance to the city, the Golden Gate likely derives its name from the Golden Gates of Jerusalem or Constantinople. The original gate’s remains are preserved under a reconstruction, next to which stands a bronze monument to Yaroslav the Wise, known as the “father-in-law of Europe,” who is believed to have added a church atop the initial structure.
• Saint Sophia Cathedral - Believed to have been built in 1018, St. Sophia of Kyiv is the oldest original church in Ukraine. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it now operates as a museum, showcasing the largest ensemble of frescoes and mosaics from early 11th-century Europe. You are warmly invited to tour this unique architectural gem.

In the middle of the square, you’ll also see the remarkable statue of Hetman Bohdan Khmelnytsky, a talented military leader who aimed to create an independent Ukraine nearly 400 years ago.

Entrance fee: 125 UAH/adult, 55 UAH/child. Unlike some other tours sold online, you won’t have to pay for the guide’s entry ticket, as all our guides are accredited professionals who do not require paid entry. In fact, it is illegal for amateur guides to conduct tours here, and if noticed, they will be asked to leave.

• St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery - St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery set the tradition of gilding domes in Ukraine. Destroyed before WWII and rebuilt in the late 1990s, you can admire its Ukrainian baroque architecture from the outside and appreciate its interior beauty. Outside the monastic walls, you’ll find several monuments, the Wall of Memory, Kyiv Pentagon, and the former headquarters of the Communist Party of Soviet Ukraine.
• St. Andrew’s Church - Built for Russian Empress Elizabeth in the mid-1700s, St. Andrew’s Church is one of the Seven Wonders of Kyiv. According to legend, St. Andrew the First-Called came to the hill where the church stands and proclaimed the rise of another Christian city. The area, known as Kyiv Montmartre, is connected to the Lower City by Andrew’s Descent, a street lined with souvenir stalls, art galleries, and paintings, attracting both locals and tourists.
• Friendship of Nations Arch - Erected in 1982 to celebrate 1,500 years of Kyiv’s legendary founding, the Friendship of Nations Arch also serves as a reminder of the long history of “brotherly” Ukrainian-Russian relations. Today, the Arch bears a black mark resembling a crack, symbolizing the current situation between the two countries.
• Klitschko Pedestrian-Bicycle Bridge - Built in 2019 at the initiative of Kyiv’s Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko, this new pedestrian bridge has become the top viewing platform to take in the beauty of the ancient Podil area, the green islands on the mighty Dnipro River, and the Park Bridge below.
• Poshtova Square - Named after a post office that operated there before WWII, Poshtova Square is one of the oldest inhabited areas in the city, according to archaeological finds. It is a popular spot for locals to walk along the Dnipro River embankment or take motor ship rides offered at the river port from April to October.
• Kontraktova Square - The heart of the ancient Podil neighborhood, Kontraktova Square boasts a variety of architectural styles, making it an open-air museum. The area is always lively and can be enjoyed from inside a car or on foot.
• Kyiv Founders’ Monument - Have you heard of Kyiv’s legendary founders? You can see them depicted in a boat, ready to set foot on land. The monument is an enlarged copy of a silver figurine presented to Richard Nixon during his 1972 visit to Kyiv. Located on the Dnipro River embankment, it can be viewed from a car window, along with the famous Metro Bridge and Paton Bridge.
• Kyiv Pechersk Lavra - One of the oldest Orthodox Christian monasteries in Eastern Europe, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra was turned into a museum complex in the 1920s and revived as a monastery in 1988. Discover what makes it special on a walking tour of its catacombs, marvel at the beauty of the Holy Dormition Cathedral and Refectory Church, climb one of Europe’s highest belfries, or visit one of the many museums.

Entrance fee to the Lavra Museum Complex and Belfry: 200 UAH/person. Additional fees may apply for some museums. As with St. Sophia, only accredited guides are allowed to conduct tours, and our clients save on entrance fees for an accredited guide at all exhibits. Our tours are not limited to 45 minutes, unlike those with Reserve guides, allowing us to also take tourists to the catacombs.

• Ukrainian Motherland Monument - Don’t miss the chance to see one of the world’s largest monuments – the famous Motherland Statue. This imposing 102-meter-tall figure holds a sword in one hand and a shield with the Soviet emblem in the other, serving as the highlight of the WWII Memorial since 1981. During your walk, you’ll also see other monuments and outdoor exhibits of military machinery.
• Holodomor Genocide Museum - Ukrainians endured several famines during the Soviet era, the most severe of which claimed around 10 million lives. Known as the Holodomor-Genocide, this atrocity was committed by the Bolshevik regime against the Ukrainian nation in 1932-1933. Information about it was suppressed by the Communist regime until the USSR’s collapse. The Holodomor Memorial, opened in 2009, features the only museum in the world dedicated to this horrific crime against humanity.
• Eternal Glory Park - Created after WWII to honor fallen Soviet soldiers, the Eternal Glory Park features a granite obelisk and an eternal flame.
• Arsenalna Metro Station - Arsenalna Square is notable for its 19th-century Kyiv Fortress buildings and the world’s deepest metro station, Arsenalna, which lies 105 meters underground. Opened in 1960, it was one of the first five stations of the Kyiv metro system.
• Verkhovna Rada - The Parliament of Ukraine, or Verkhovna Rada (Supreme Council), is housed in a square grey building topped with a dome. While it may not seem impressive at first glance, the underground tunnels connecting nearby buildings and the many secrets they hold make it intriguing.
• Mariyinski Palace - Built in the mid-18th century at the request of Russian Empress Elizabeth I, Mariyinski Palace was originally known as the Royal Palace. It has undergone significant changes and now serves as the ceremonial residence of the Ukrainian President.
• The Cabinet of Ministers - Budynok Uryadu (The Government) - The largest administrative building in the city, the Cabinet of Ministers, houses the Ukrainian government. Constructed in the late 1930s, it was initially designed as the headquarters of the Soviet Ukraine’s secret service.

• Private transportation for a comfortable and exclusive experience
• Complimentary bottled water to keep you hydrated on the go
• Stay connected with free on-board WiFi access
• All entry fees included for a hassle-free tour
• In-vehicle air conditioning for a cool and comfortable journey
• Expert insights from a certified tour guide

• Guest entrance fee to the Lavra Museum Complex and Belfry - 200 uah/person
• Guest entrance fee to St. Sophia - 125 uah/adult, 55 uah/child