7 Unusual Things to Do in Kyiv, Ukraine

Written By: Victoria Best Kiev Guide

Kyiv is one of the most amazing cities in the world, its long history has left its imprint on it. In the capital of Ukraine, you can see many interesting sights that are known all over the world and which are visited by every tourist, but there is also an unknown Kyiv – an off-radar, striking, miraculous, and if not – a shocking city.

There are places in Kyiv that are not included in the excursion programs, but this doesn’t make them less interesting.

7 Unusual Things to See and Do in Kyiv

For native Kyivans, these places won’t be a discovery: they have surely heard about them. Though, not many of them have seen it all first-hand. Kyiv is full of amazing places, that hold centuries-old history – here your belly won’t be filled with fair words, you must see and feel it!

Temples, cathedrals, museums, parks, theaters. The majority of tourists, coming to the capital of Ukraine for the first time, walk all day along Khreshchatyk Street and Independence Square, and in fact, this is only 1% of what you can see in Kyiv. In this article, I prepared for you 7 alternative, not typically touristic places that are worth visiting. Save for yourself this list and see most of the sights this year!

1. Have Fun in the Museum of the Toilette History

things to do in Kyiv toilet museum

Hygiene in the context of history. This is a very unusual, interesting and cute museum, filled with a history of hygiene and sanitation from the ancient world till the present time. It has the largest toilet collection in the world according to the Guinness 2015 book of world records. This is particularly an experience that everyone needs, so don’t hesitate to go!

2. Bar “Malevich”: Coffee and Wine Happiness Hidden in the Kyiv Yard.

where to eat in Kyiv Malevich cafe

A cozy little place in the small yard of Kyiv central area, known only for locals. There you can drink high-quality coffee and get acquainted with delicious local wines, as well as cheeses from Ukrainian farmers.

The tiny size of the bar creates a chamber atmosphere, classical music, interior in the avant-garde style, the main color is black, every single detail will not remain unnoticed.cI would definitely recommend trying latte macchiato with salty caramel, browny with nuts, and of course, Ukrainian wines and cheeses plate. If you decide to go there in the evening – be sure to book a table in advance, Malevich is never empty.

3. Get Your Fabulous Emotions in the Anti-cafe “Four-legged House”

Who does not like cats? These fluffy soft-skinned creatures have won the hearts of people around the world since ancient times! Unfortunately, not everyone has the opportunity to keep this fluffy miracle in his house – someone doesn’t have enough living space, someone has family members with allergies. But there’s always a way out! Kyiv anti-cafe houses not only cats but a real mini-zoo.

There lives a fancy African hedgehog of white color, fluffy rabbits, chinchilla and a terribly curious raccoon. Come and enjoy – aromatic tea or coffee, delicious cookies, coziness, and family warmth. The owners care for the nerves of the pets, so book your visit in advance, not more than 4-5 people at once are allowed to the anti-cafe. Cat cafes were made popular in Asia, see 50 Awesome Things to do in Tokyo, Japan

4. Pump Iron at the Most Hardcore Outdoor Gym in the World

what to do in kyiv outdoor gym

This unique open-air gym was founded by Polish gymnast Kasmir Jagelsky and maths professor Yuri Kuk in the early 1970s. The equipment, some of which looks more like torture machinery and alien creature, is made mostly from old machinery and scrap metal. We, Kyivans, call it “Kachalka”, the name comes from the Ukranian word ‘kachat’ which literally means ‘to pump’.

Rusted tank chains and marine salvage parts have been roughly forged together to create the most primitive and basic of strength and resistance machines. The equipment is chained to the ground so that it isn’t stolen. Come and pump the iron! And, by the way, it’s free.

5. Embrace the Mystique of the City in the Witch Bar “Lysa Gora”

things to see in kyiv witch bar

Kyiv is the mystical capital of Europe, there are 13 bald hills where witches can gather. The Inquisition has never got here. According to the ancient legend, the Earth is surrounded by a snake biting itself by the tail, the place where the head and tail meet is located on a bald hill, and the hill is located in Kyiv.

To get into the mystical spirit of the city it’s not necessary to climb the hills – there is a much more comfortable place for it – a witch bar. At the entrance to the bar, there are brooms. Above them is a sculpture of a witch with a cat. On the stone walls hang paintings with witches, on the shelf near the wooden casket lies the bird’s skull.

Runologists, astrologers, numerologists, and psychics are common guests of the bar, give all sorts of master classes, and you can always do Tarot reading while drinking some exquisite witch cocktail.

6. Be Amazed at the Unique Museum of Scythian gold

what to see in kyiv scythian gold

There is no other Scythian collection anywhere else like in the Kyiv Historical Treasures Museum. American President Bill Clinton was impressed by the treasures of the museum, especially by the gem of the collection – the famous “Golden pectoral” (chest decoration of a Scythian king). It is ornamented with the scenes from the life of the Scythians.

The ancient Kingdom of Scythia had existed in the territory of modern Ukraine between 700 and 200 B.C. Scythian Gold artifacts found in hundreds of ” kurhan” burial mounds are made of exquisite gold.

The greatest mystery remaining today about the Scythians is whether there is any relation between the ancient Scythians of 2,500 years ago and modern Ukrainians. Don’t miss the opportunity to see it all with your own eyes when in Kyiv!

7. Fly High Above the Dnipro River

unusual things to do in kyiv

This courageous ride is definitely a well worth the experience. A 532-meter-long (1745 feet) and 62 meters (203 ft) above the water trolley has stretched out from the right to the left bank of the Dnipro River.

It enables “passengers” to enjoy a bird’s eye view of Kyiv and its riverfront. And it takes 40 seconds to fly to the sunny beach on Trukhaniv Island, which is located opposite the amazing Podil area.

Moreover, the Arch of Diversity, the starting point of the ride, is a beautiful place to view the sunset on the picturesque Left bank of the river. So take your friends and have lots of fun and unforgettable experience with a great view over Kyiv!

Have you been to Kyiv? What suggestions do you have for things to do and sites to see in Ukraine’s capital city?

unusual things to do in kyiv ukraine

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals.

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor.

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

  • Safety Wing - Occasional Travelers.
  • Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then we recommend Get Your Guide.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

About Victoria Best Kiev Guide

Victoria is a passionate tour guide in Kyiv, writer, and blogger. Being deeply interested in the history, culture, and traditions of her native country, she shares this knowledge and passion with tourists who come to discover Ukraine. www.bestkievguide.com for more on Kyiv and Ukraine. FGet in touch with Victoria on Instagram and Facebook to book tours. Website BestKievGuide

Leave a Comment

10 thoughts on “7 Unusual Things to Do in Kyiv, Ukraine”

  1. Thank you so much for these wonderful tips. This is a great post and place you visited. Lovely pictures.

    Reply
  2. It seems a nice place to visit, glad to read that what we can do in this city with all the perfection and lust. Thanks for sharing this post.

    Reply
  3. I haven’t heard of this place earlier, it seems quite an off-the-track place. I would like to try all these things in my life for once and want to gain some experiences. Thanks for sharing this lovely post, Victoria.

    Reply
  4. Thanks for sharing this post, this is really very nice and amazing. Ukraine seems a great place to enjoy some vacations. I would like to visit this place.

    Reply
  5. I’ll be visiting Kyiv next month so I’d like to thank you for this post full of off-radar inspiration. Cheers!

    Reply
  6. Kiev is the capital city of Ukraine, bisected by the Dnieper River and known for its religious architecture, secular monuments and history museums. Your blog is awesome thank you for sharing.

    Reply