In his everlasting hit, Australian pop musician John Paul Young sings that “love is in the air, everywhere I look around.” Kyiv is no exception, especially as Valentine’s Day rapidly approaches.
Fortunately, the capital features many options to enjoy the most romantic holiday of the year, including music shows, art performances, restaurants and parties.
The Kyiv Post has picked out some of the best, so make sure to plan ahead for Cupid’s holiday.
Music shows
Jazz and art
Valentine’s Day is a perfect occasion to enjoy live music.
For lovers of old standards, Ukrainian composer and pianist Pavlo Ihnatev and singer-actress Katiko Purtseladze will perform the most romantic songs from legendary musicians like Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong on Feb. 14.
The show, called “Musical stories of love” will take place at the Architect’s House in Kyiv starting at 7 p. m.
Apart from the music, visitors can also enjoy the “ebru” painting performance, in which a Ukrainian artist will use the technique to paint love-themed pictures.
Architect’s House (9 Borysa Hrynchenko St.) 7 p. m. Hr 285–500. Book tickets at https://kiev.internet-bilet.ua/uk/musical-stories-of-love
Jazz and cocktails
Sipping a savory cocktail and dancing to melodic jazz sounds like a proper romantic date. Add a mesmerizing view of Kyiv, and all the ingredients are there to enjoy the most perfect Valentine’s Day.
This year, Svitlo Concert invites French musicians Lucien & The Kimono Orchestra to hit the stage at Kyiv’s Parkovyi Congress and Exhibition Center with their new wave jazz songs.
Apart from the French acts, local funk-jazz band Smooth Operation will perform popular world hits in jazz arrangements.
The event will start at 7 p. m., and the entrance is Hr 225, drinks and snacks not included. Also, mind that tickets should be booked in advance.
Parkovyi Congress and Exhibition Center (6 Parkova Rd.) 7 p. m. Hr 225. Book tickets at +38044 222 0022
Jazz and wine
Coffee Jazz Bar is a small but cozy bar in Kyiv’s historic Podil neighborhood. This year, the bar welcomes all to celebrate St. Valentine’s Day to the fullest in its atmospheric halls.
Everything at this bar is about jazz, and the Valentine’s Day party is no exception. On Feb. 14, the venue invites local musicians to perform jazz and blues hits for guests to enjoy over wines for all tastes and budgets.
On its menu, Coffee Jazz Bar also has different types of coffees, snacks and desserts, all for reasonable prices.
Coffee Jazz Bar (15 Nyzhniy Val St.) 8 p. m. Hr 350. Book tickets at +38066 547 0397
Dances
Charity ball
Those hoping to do some good deeds on Valentine’s Day should consider the Charity Ball at Kyiv City State Administration. Called “All you need is love,” the event is organized by several local groups to raise money for cancer treatment for 18-year-old Danyl Patenko.
All money raised from tickets sales will help pay for the boy’s treatment. Apart from that, there will be a charity auction for those who want to donate a bit more and get a nice gift for their loved ones.
The event will also offer waltz workshops, speed dating activities, various photo zones and most importantly — lots of dancing.
Kyiv City State Administration (36 Khreshchatyk St.) 6 p. m. Hr 250–400. Book tickets at https://kasa.in.ua/ua/kyiv/other/blagodijnyj-bal-all-you-need-is-love‑2020–02–14
Party
Dom Music Bar provides a chance to mark Valentine’s Day while dancing one’s heart out to the electronic music hits.
On Feb. 14, the venue will turn into a “house of love” with holiday-themed decorations and romantic music.
The party will last until the early morning of Feb. 15. Tickets are Hr 150 if bought in advance and Hr 200 on the day of the party, so buy your ticket early.
Dom Music Bar (10/5A Petra Sahaidachnoho St.) 8 p. m. Hr 150–200. Visitors must be over 21. Book tickets at +38096 011 0515 (https://secure.wayforpay.com/payment/houseoflove)
Kyiv offers many options to enjoy St. Valentine’s Day including music shows, art performances, parties and restaurants. (Oleg Petrasiuk)
Restaurants, cafes
Wine Love
The recently-opened Wine Love restaurant seems to have everything needed for the perfect date.
Located near the picturesque St. Nicholas Church in central Kyiv, the restaurant offers warm atmosphere, delicious food, great service and over 30 types of wines.
And as the name of the venue hints, everything here is about wine and love — a perfect concept for a Valentine’s Day celebration.
Inside, this two-story restaurant features sophisticated decor adorned with mirrors, chandeliers and candles.
Wine Love does not stick to one particular cuisine but offers dishes from various countries like Italian risotto and French millefeuille pastry. The menu also offers meat or vegetable starters as well as appetizers, salads, soups, main courses and four types of dessert.
100 Velyka Vasylkivska St. 12 a. m. — 11 p. m. Book a table at +38095 750 8008
Cafe Charlotte
Cafe Charlotte is another hot spot in Kyiv, perfect for an all-day celebration.
The cafe reopened in January this year after it closed for renovation and now features two halls: the so-called “light hall” for breakfasts with coffee or tea, and the “dark” one, suitable for lunches or romantic dinners over sparkling wine or cocktails.
Cafe Charlotte serves six different breakfast dishes as well as various appetizers, salads and main courses. To satisfy your sweet tooth, the menu also offers a variety of pastries and desserts.
55 Turhenevska St. 8 a. m. — 11 p. m. Book a table at +3095 429 8272
Très Français
Très Français restaurant promises to bring some French atmosphere to the capital on Valentine’s Day.
The celebration there will start at 9 a. m. with some savory breakfast and sparkling wine. In the evening, the restaurant will serve a special oyster menu, accompanied by sparkling wine and various appetizers.
A live music show also starts at Très Français at 6:30 p. m., adding to the venue’s romantic atmosphere.
3 Kostelna St. 9 a. m. — 11 p. m. Book a table at +38093 141 4914
