No one can walk the length and breadth of Kyiv, a city with an area of more than 800 square kilometers, in a single day. But you can see the whole city in just a minute. To do that, go to one of the numerous places that offer panoramic vistas of the right and left banks of the Dnipro River, the historical districts and the many hills and forests.
Here are the best viewpoints to check out:
People’s -Friendship Arch
This monument, which used to symbolize friendship between the various republics and peoples of the Soviet Union, was built in 1982. Today, it is the place to come in Kyiv to escape the bustle of Khreshchatyk Street and take in a spectacular view of the Dnipro River, Podilsky district and Havanskyi Bridge. The view is stunning both in daytime, when the sunlight glints on the Dnipro River, and at night, when reflections of the city lights shimmer on the river water.
24/7. Free
How to get there: Walk around 650 meters from Maidan Nezalezhnosti Square along Khreshchatyk Street, cross Yevropeiska Square, passing the Dnipro hotel on the right, and then take the walkway to the arch, passing the National Philharmonic of Ukraine to the left.
Zamkova Hora (Castle Hill)
This historic site was named after a castle that was built there in the 14th century and served as a residence for many Ukrainian and foreign rulers. Located in the historic center of Kyiv, Podil, today the hill has a long staircase leading to its top. The charming view that opens up from the top of the hill combines the colorful buildings on Vozdvyzhenska Street, and other hills nearby, such as Shchekovytsa Hora and Starokyivska Hora.
24/7. Free
How to get there: Walk around 800 meters along Vozdvyzhenska Street from Nyzhnii Val Street, or walk down Andriivskyi Uzviz Street from Pokrovska Street for around 300 meters.
Mariinsky Park
A girl runs around the viewpoint in Mariinsky Park. Women stand near the viewpoint on Oct. 3 (Oleg Petrasiuk)
This observation deck is set in one of the biggest parks in Kyiv, Mariinsky Park. Lush with trees and bushes, the park is a great place to take a breath of fresh air and enjoy the outdoors, right in the heart of the city. The observation deck is situated at the end of a pleasant square with benches, right next to the Baroque-style Mariinsky Palace. From here, there is a fascinating view of the Dnipro River, the patchwork of forested islands in the river valley, and the looming high-rises of Kyiv left-bank districts in the distant east.
24/7. Free
How to get there: Walk around 900 meters from Arsenalna metro station along Mykhaila Hrushevskoho Street, then turn right at the Verkhovna Rada, onto the square at Mariinsky Palace.
The Motherland Monument
This huge 102-meter-high monument, which looms over the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in World War Two is not only an impressive sight in itself, but also a place from where to check out a spectacular view. For Hr 200, visitors can get to the viewpoint, which is 91 meters above the ground, to see the whole of Kyiv, stretching over both the left and right banks of the Dnipro River. Those who are afraid of heights, or who are unlucky enough to visit when the weather is bad, have another option — for Hr 50 visitors can access a viewpoint on the monument’s 36-meter-high pedestal, which also offers amazing views.
Mon-Fri. 10 a. m. — 5 p. m. Sat-Sun. 10 a. m. — 6 p. m. Hr 50, 200.
Address: 24 Lavrska St.
Andriivska Church
People explore the viewpoint at Andriivska Church on Oct. 3 (Oleg Petrasiuk)
This Baroque church, built in the 18th century, is a symbol of Kyiv and a must-see for many tourists visiting the city. But not everyone knows that Andriivska Church has a viewpoint too, where visitors can enjoy a lovely view of the winding street next to it, Andriivskyi Uzviz, as well as other parts of Podilskyi district. Combining a visit to Andriivska Church with a meal at one of the restaurants on the uzviz adds up to a great day in the historic part of Kyiv.
10 a. m. — 6 p. m. Adult — Hr 10, children — Hr 5.
Address: 23 Andriivskyi Uzviz.
Park of Eternal Glory
People enjoy the view at the viewpoint in Park of Eternal Glory on Oct. 3 (Oleg Petrasiuk)
This park was built after World War Two and is dedicated to the memory of the soldiers who died in the struggle against the Axis Powers. The park, heavily wooded and thick with bushes, is a favorite spot for walks for those who live in Pecherskyi district. Located close to Arsenalna metro station, The Park of Eternal Glory gives beautiful views to the picturesque hills along the right bank of the Dnipro River, and the buildings of Kyiv Pechersk Lavra. The park also contains the Eternal Flame monument and the Holodomor Monument.
24/7. Free
How to get there: Walk around 800 meters along Ivana Mazepy Street from Arsenalna metro station.
Pishohidnyi (Pedestrian) Bridge
Pishohidnyi Bridge is a beautiful viewpoint, with panoramic views of the wide blue Dnipro River and Podilskyi district (Oleg Petrasiuk)
Pishohidnyi Bridge connects Trukhaniv Island and the park area of Pecherskyi district. The bridge is a great spot for an evening walk or a morning run, as well as a beautiful viewpoint, with panoramic views of the wide blue Dnipro River and Podilskyi district. The view is especially impressive during sunrises and sunsets.
24/7. Free
How to get there: walk around 700 meters downriver along the Naberezhne Highway from Poshtova Ploshcha metro station.
