Kyiv tours, Ukraine

I went to the Ukraine right before Christmas, and every time I told someone this was my destination they would responde “WHY?”, my immediate response was “WHY NOT?” I played volleyball and so a few of my friends came from this beautiful country. I was in Paris just the week before, and I must say if I had to choose between the two I would return to Kiev again before I go back to Paris. It was that great.

Even though it was cold, I enjoyed the Ukraine a lot. I could only pick one category to speak on but I will try to share as much as I can.

History: There is so much in the Ukraine in relation to history of Soviet Union, Communism, and the start of the Orthodox Church in the country. I did a a free walking tour both morning and afternoon with the Kiev Walking Tour Company ( http://www.kievwalkingtours.com.ua) and it was amazing. I even had the guides whatsapp number and they helped us throughout the trip with tips on what to do and where to go. Even when we had questions about what we were seeing they provided us with great insight.

You absolutely but see all the churches and the fresco paintings in each. Its just amazing, but more so know the history and why it was built. There are so many churches in the Ukraine bu I do suggest the main one St Sophia, St Andrew, St Michael, and you must go to the Kiev Pechersk Lavra (Be sure to get an english guide, it is way too much to do on your own, and you would be staring at things without knowing). There are 2 catacombs of the monks, go to both, one has the highest most influential monks, and the other have unidentified monks, but worth seeing.

Affordability: I ate in higher end restaurants as they would call it, and all meals were $20 or less and that was including having wine, and I love to eat so I was eating EVERYTHING!!! Varnakys, Chicken Kyiv, Georgian wine…. just everything! The hotels were very nice too and affordable. I stayed in Hotel Natsionaly and it was great, breakfast included, and nice 4 star for about $200 total for 3 nights.

Local food: Was amazing. We literally ordered anything and it was amazing! We recommend restaurants down St Andrew’s Descent. We also went to a Crimea restaurant near the Globus mall, its close to the Mcdonald’s sign. We also ate in a “secret restaurant” near the globus. You have to go underground, its a door that seems unmarked (but I believe the restaurant is called OB), you knock and someone opens the door. You have to know the password. I attempted to say it in Ukrainian, and it was an epic fail but it is simply…. “Boritesya-poborete!” or “Fight, and you’ll win.” I highly recommend their Old Fashion drink. Soooooooo GOOOODDD! :)

Night Life: It seemed to be a happening place at nights, but the only place I went to was Palata №6 which is a bar that is set up as an asylum. Now compared to Alcotraz in London, I think it could be done better to make you actually feel like you are in an asylum, but the bartenders were great. The drinks were good, you can eat their too, but we ate before going at the Crimea restaurant. They have a certain drink where they set your head on fire as you take drinks…. could be worth going to just to order their Helmet drink. Enjoy!!! (PS: It is super hard to find, there is no sign for this restaurant, but google how to get there. If your driver lets you off behind a building with no lights really, you are in the right place. Continue to the end of the street, and on the right are stairs going down… thats the bar…. I promise there is a bar there.

Traveling while black: I had no troubles traveling in the Ukraine. Having lived in Poland for 2 years in which people walked across streets to touch me, kiss my face or something because I was the first black person they have ever seen, I didn’t get that same vibe (or maybe I am just naive to it at this point. But I must say the customer service and the people in the Ukraine was beyond anything I have ever experienced. I literally felt like I was in a Michelin restaurant every time we ate, because by the time I put my spoon down someone was there, they were so helpful, they truly made you feel like you were the only and most important person in the room. People were extremely helpful and accommodating (though not everyone speaks english very well). If you know a little Polish, or Russian you should be okay navigating though.

The Ukraine is definitely worth seeing!! Amazing place to visit, I would definitely go again in the Spring/summer to see it in its beauty. Also to travel outside of the city.

RANDOM TIP: Most statues there have some kind of wish or good luck associated with it if you rub a certain place. Example there is a fountain by St Micheal if you get a coin, rub it in the snow, and it sticks to the spout while you make your wish it will come true. There are tons around. So look out for any shiny areas of some of the statues.

Have a magical Trip to Ukraine. Don’t hesitate to contact me I have itineraries of all my trips and happy to share with you: info@iamdrwanderlust.com