About Kyiv

Kyiv is Ukraine’s capital and largest city, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. This ancient city served as the capital of the powerful Kyivan Rus’ in the 9th century, a medieval state that laid the foundations for modern-day Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia. Currently, it is the city of opportunities, where tradition combines with modernity. It boasts a modern tech industry with a developed start-up scene and a spirited national culture that celebrates both Ukrainian traditions and international flavors. The hospitality of its people creates a sense of community that welcomes newcomers from all parts of the world and fosters a sense of belonging to its culture.

History

Kyiv holds a storied history that stretches back over 1,400 years, making it one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe. Kyivan Rus was the largest advanced Eastern European state more than 1000 years ago. Long before the rise of modern European states, Kyiv was the capital of one of the greatest kingdoms in Europe — the Kyivan Rus. It was a center of trade, religion, and fine arts. Throughout the 15 centuries of its history, Kyiv has suffered numerous hardships. From the Mongol invasion that razed the city to the Nazi occupation that murdered tens of thousands of civilians, to the devastation brought by the Soviet Union.

During the breakup of the Soviet Union, Ukraine’s parliament declared independence in Kyiv on August 24, 1991. In 2004–2005, the city saw massive public protests during the Orange Revolution. From November 2013 to February 2014, central Kyiv was the main site of the Euromaidan protests. When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Russian forces tried to capture Kyiv but were pushed back by Ukrainian troops just outside the city. Since the Russian army was removed from the area in April 2022, Kyiv has faced frequent air attacks.

Despite all this, Kyiv always builds back — more beautiful and prosperous than before. As Ukrainians face the missile strikes of the Russian army today, as they restore the devastated suburbs of Irpin and Bucha, they look back at history and know that their city and land will survive no matter what happens. Kyiv is the place where designers, painters, programmers, veterinarians, soldiers, nurses, engineers, and poets live and work together. It has a history that goes back thousands of years and is a strong symbol of spiritual strength. Despite enduring wars and invasions, Kyiv continues to stand proudly.

Culture

Kyiv’s culture contains literature, music, art, architecture, cuisine, festivals, and traditions that highlight its unique blend of Eastern Slavic heritage, Orthodox Christian traditions, Soviet legacy, and contemporary trends. Since gaining independence in 1991, Kyiv has experienced a cultural renaissance, focused on developing its Ukrainian identity while integrating global influences and modern trends. The city’s cultural scene is diversified, with a renewal of interest in the Ukrainian language, literature, music, and arts.

Kyiv hosts numerous music festivals, including the Kyiv Music Fest and the Kyiv International Jazz Festival, showcasing a wide range of musical genres from classical to contemporary. The Kyiv Opera House and the National Philharmonic are centers for classical music and opera, while contemporary music venues attract international and local artists. Art galleries and exhibitions in Kyiv, such as the Pinchuk Art Centre and Mystetskyi Arsenal, promote contemporary Ukrainian art both locally and internationally.

The Kyiv Day celebration in late May marks the city’s founding and features concerts, street performances, and fireworks. The Festival of Lights illuminates Kyiv’s landmarks with artistic light installations, while the International Film Festival Molodist showcases modern filmmakers from Ukraine and worldwide. Other notable events include the Kyiv International Short Film Festival, the Ukrainian Fashion Week, and various traditional festivals like Maslenitsa (celebrating the end of winter) and Ivana Kupala (midsummer celebration). Events highlight Kyiv’s cultural diversity and attract visitors from across Ukraine and beyond, contributing to the city’s dynamic cultural calendar.

Education

Education in Kyiv, as in the rest of Ukraine, plays a crucial role in shaping the intellectual, cultural, and professional landscape of the country. Kyiv, being the capital and largest city of Ukraine, is home to a diverse array of educational institutions ranging from preschools to universities, each influencing the city’s rich educational heritage and modern academic advancements. The city is a great place for international students from all over the world to get high-quality higher education in the best European universities. Kyiv is also home to numerous research institutes and academies specializing in various scientific disciplines, including the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, which coordinates research activities across the country.

Food

At the heart of Kyiv’s food scene lies traditional Ukrainian cuisine, which celebrates hearty, comforting dishes often prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Borscht, a beetroot soup enriched with meat and vegetables, stands as a national favorite, served hot or cold depending on the season. Chicken Kyiv, a breaded cutlet filled with butter and herbs, is another iconic dish originating from the city. Pyrizhky, savory stuffed buns, and varenyky, dumplings filled with various fillings like potatoes, cabbage, or cherries, offer delicious options for both snacks and meals.

In recent years, Kyiv has seen a surge in modern gastronomy, with innovative chefs blending traditional flavors with contemporary techniques. Upscale restaurants such as Kanapa and Milk Bar & Burger infuse Ukrainian ingredients and dishes with a modern twist, offering a fine dining experience that appeals to both locals and international food enthusiasts. From Italian trattorias to Japanese sushi bars, Kyiv offers a global array of flavors to suit every taste. Restaurants like Musafir, BAO, Druzi Cafe, and Mama Manana showcase the city’s multiculturalism, serving dishes from Azerbaijan, Georgia, Thailand, and beyond, enriching Kyiv’s culinary mosaic.

Nightlife

Kyiv’s nightlife is dynamic, diverse, and pulsating, offering a wide range of experiences that cater to all tastes and preferences. Kyiv boasts a thriving club scene, catering to electronic music lovers, hip-hop enthusiasts, and fans of live bands. Places like Closer and Caribbean Club are renowned for their DJ sets and themed parties that keep the dance floors packed until the early hours. For students and travelers seeking a more relaxed evening with stunning city views, Kyiv’s rooftop bars and sky lounges provide the perfect setting. Locations like B-Hush at the InterContinental Kyiv offer panoramic vistas of the Dnipro River and the city skyline with craft cocktails and an unforgettable atmosphere.

Beyond mainstream clubs and bars, Kyiv’s nightlife includes a thriving alternative scene. Cultural centers such as Art-Zavod Platforma and Closer provide spaces for experimental music, art exhibitions, and underground parties that attract a diverse crowd of artists, musicians, and free spirits. Kyiv is generally a safe city for nightlife, with a lively and relaxed atmosphere. The metro system operates until midnight, making it convenient to move between different nightlife districts. Like in any major city, it’s advisable to exercise caution and awareness, especially late at night and when exploring unfamiliar areas.