What to do in Kiev?

[Zoidberg]

Hey guys... I'll be heading to Kiev at the end of this month for my fiancee's interview. We have plans to stay in Kiev for 3 nights and 4 days. I was in Kiev for the first and only time over 10 years ago so I am sure it has changed. What are some can't miss places we should see? I like historic places, museums, WWII related places etc.

We'll go to Dnepropetrovsk to gather her things after the interview before coming back to Kiev to fly out. Her mom will be coming to Kiev with us and we'll spend 2 more nights in Kiev before our flight back. I want to take them out to dinner one night. Any suggestions on good restaurants around the city center? I know on one of these groups someone mentioned a good Mexican restaurant and they said it was as good as anywhere. Since I live in San Diego we have good Mexican here but I thought they will like to try something different. Neither of them has ever had Mexican food. Any suggestions would be appreciated though. I only mentioned Mexican because I was surprised to hear someone say there was a good one there.

Thanks!
Z

[AllenB]

... in response to What to do in Kiev?, posted by Zoidberg on May 3, 2004

As usual everybody is correct that to get foreign food in the non-originating country can be a great disappointment and I would have to say that also goes for the "French" restuarants, sushi, mexican, etc.  Anna and my favorite place to go is a romantic Ukrainian restaurant called Hootarak on the Dnipr.  Excellent food aboard a romantic boat that is harbored on the river.  After that we take a taxi a short ride to Kreshatic and walk from Independence Square down to Premier Palace for a romantic evening alone.

As far as what to see?  Petchersky Lavra is awesome but I would also suggest going to Voxal and taking a guided tour bus.  They are directly across the street and are rather comfortable.

[Bobby Orr]

... in response to What to do in Kiev?, posted by Zoidberg on May 3, 2004

Beautiful buildings, beautiful settings.  Walk around, take pictures ie. have a person snap the two of you together, especially by the square with the two gorgeous churches, you know, up the hill from Kreshatik st.  Pictures by the monuments are good too, especially when the two of you are in it together.

[europete]

... in response to What to do in Kiev?, posted by Zoidberg on May 3, 2004

Since I also come from San Diego and have had plenty of Mexican food from Mexicans on both sides of the border, I cannot say the Tequila House restaurant is "real Mexican food". The salsa they serve is not much stronger than ketchup, and looks much like it. The 3 owners of that restaurant all came from Ukraine but now all live in the U.S.A.. I went into their Mexican restaurant in Yalta and one of the owners named Alex told me the story of their success. So far they have about 5 restaurants which can be seen on their matchbooks. He also introduced me to the chef, who came from Brazil. Ukrainians in general do not like hot, spicy food which is obvious when you see what their own food is like.
As with most countries, a person is better off eating the food typical of the region they are in. Foreign restaurants try to cater to the local taste, so you end up with a meal not up to standard.
But they have found their recipe for success.

[jrm]

... in response to What to do in Kiev?, posted by Zoidberg on May 3, 2004

One interesting place to eat in the summer, is the ôÁÒÁÓ ËÁÆÅ. The waitresses all wear traditional dress, and it is in the park,  very pleasant surroundings, and tasty traditional Ukrainian inexpensive meals.
It's near the botanical gardens on ûå÷þåîëá and ÷ïìïäéíéòóøëá. The Golden Gates are near and several museums.
Wear comfortable shoes!

[MarkInTx]

... in response to What to do in Kiev?, posted by Zoidberg on May 3, 2004

We didn't see much of the town actually, when we were there (any of the four times we were there)... don't be surprised if you don't either ;-)

The Mexican restaurant you heard about is called the Tequilla house, and if you know good Mexican food -- and it sounds like you do -- you'll be disappointed.

Definitly get a copy of "What's On" -- it's in English, and put out for Ex-Pats living in Kiev. And it's free. Surprisingly, I could never find it at the airport. But all of the main restaurants have a copy. You could pick up a copy at the Tequilla House, for instance. Or at the TGIFs downtown. It's a pretty good guide as to what restaurants you can go to, and expect service to be in English... which take plastic, etc. I found it indispensible.

I second the suggestion of Phil to see "Pechersk Lavra". The catacombs are a little creepy (Dead saints hands under glass, and devout Russian Orthodox crying over them and kissing the glass... like I said, a little creepy) but it is still VERY interesting.

Kiev has a lot of things to do. in 3-4 days, you shouldn't get bored. And your money goes pretty far there.

When I went there for Viktoriya's birthday, we ate at a great French Restaurant, I had Veal, she had Chicken Shashlyk, we both had wine, and dessert, and the meal -- with a tip -- came to something like $35.

Have fun!

[Zoidberg]

... in response to Re: What to do in Kiev?, posted by MarkInTx on May 3, 2004

Hi Mark... Thanks for the sugestions. Do you remember the name of that French Restaurant you ate at or where it's at?

I think the Pechersk Lavra is tops on my list. In my travels I have seen a few things like this and I'd like to see it. I am not sure Sveta will want to but hopefully I can convince her.  

MarkInTx WROTE "We didn't see much of the town actually, when we were there (any of the four times we were there)... don't be surprised if you don't either ;-)

Our original plans were to have her mom come to Kiev but there wouldn't have been much privacy so we decided to leave mom at home...

As for the Mexican food I know it can't be as good as we get here and since you are from Texas you also understand. I just thought that to give her and her mom a chance to see what Sveta will be eating a lot of... But maybe we'll try someplace else.

[MarkInTx]

... in response to Re: Re: What to do in Kiev?, posted by Zoidberg on May 4, 2004

I'm not sure the "English" spelling of it. If I were to spell it phoenetically, it wwould be Zapowega or something like that. Viktoriya tells me it is named after a city in Ukraine. (Hint: it's located right next to a Casino.)

The Russian spelling would be: úÁÐÏÒÉÖÖÑ

Ziodberg wrote: "I think the Pechersk Lavra is tops on my list. In my travels I have seen a few things like this and I'd like to see it. I am not sure Sveta will want to but hopefully I can convince her. "

I take it that she is not of the Orthodox faith? Because it is a holy place to them, and she'd be happy to see it. Viktoriya isn't Orthodox, either, but she was interested in Pechersk Lavra.

One thing, that was actually mentioned in my trip report -- if you remember that -- is that one section of the Pechersk Lavra they required women to cover their heads. Viktoriya had nothing, and refused to buy the babuska from the vendor (conveniently located out front.) Finally, our guide compromised, and lent her a baseball cap. So, if you do go, make sure she has some head covering and save yourself the incident. (Although we still talk about it and laugh... so it's not like it is a big deal...)

As for the Tequila House... it's not BAD. It's just not what you can find here. If someone was saying it is as good as they've had here... they must be from Ohio or something.

But it wasn't bad, by any means. Just be careful what you order your fiance. You have to ease them into Tex-Mex :-). BTW, Viktoriya LOVES Mexican food. She still is a bit of a milk mouth -- she can't take it too spicey -- but she loves the chips and salsa, and tacos, and burritos. She also LOVES, LOVES, LOVES guacamole. She buys Avocados and makes her own all of the time.

FWIW, I started her out with Fajitas when we were at the Tequilla House, since that's easy on the spices (usually).

One thing about my trips to Kiev that were kind of strange... Since Viktoriya wanted me to do all of the choosing of the places we ate ("You're the man...") and I used "What's On" as my guide, AND because I was trying to show her new things, we never ate in a "Ukrainian style"  restaraunt one time.

In some ways, I regret that, since I didn't get as much chance to sample the local food. But, my wife got to experience Mexican, Italian, French, and Polish cuisines, just about everything -- we even at at the TGIF...

My favorite place was called: "The Cave." It was pretty cool, though a bit of a taxi ride from downtown. The waitresses wear these skimpy little leather outfits, and the decor was like the inside of a cave. I had a fondue, which was fun. Viktoriya wouldn't have it, though, because she thought it was too expensive. (She had chicken Shashlyk, instead...)

If you want other recommendations, I can look back through receipts and notes. We ate out a LOT while we were there (to Viktoriya's embarrassment: "When all of my firends ask me how you liked my cooking, what shall I tell them!")

We saw a lot of restaurants... that was about it...

We meant to see more... we really did... but.... you know...

[Jack]

... in response to What to do in Kiev?, posted by Zoidberg on May 3, 2004

Z, you have to walk down St. Andrewsky street. It is one of the oldest roads in Kiev. You can go anyday but I think Saturday's are the best. If your in Kiev on Saturday go down about 11am and spend an hour or two. You won't regret it.

And if you see a guy with WWII things laid out on a blanket upside the wall of a building about half way down, that original SS with skull ring he has,...... it ain't real!  Like a fool I thought it was, he said he was, looked real, even had a serial number engraved inside. So I bought it.  6-months later went there again and yep, ....same ring,..... same serial number.

[Lynn]

... in response to Re: What to do in Kiev?, posted by Jack on May 3, 2004

The church, Saint Andreevsky', is said to be on the sight where the Apostle Andrew first preached Christ's message to the Slavs. The church was just opened to the public, for the first time since the 80's, three or four years ago. At St.Michaels,across from the upper end of Andreevsky Uzviz or St.Andreevsky street as most refer to it, there is a small gift shop in the small church to the right of the main building that usually has some neat Russian gold jewelry----small orthodox crosses, etc.----usually good prices----no english speakers there  Appeared to be mainly for locals/church members.

On counterfeit items; if you are looking at buying Russian made watches----many of them sold on the street are Chinese knock-offs. Look at the backs, the Russian made watches will have dolphins engraved in the back cover and/or a serial # , most chinese will be plain. The Russian made wind-up watch with mechanical alarm that I bought on my first trip over still runs and keeps good time. I tried to find another one like it several times and haven't had any luck.

my 3 or 2cts.

[Zoidberg]

... in response to Re: What to do in Kiev?, posted by Jack on May 3, 2004

When I went to Kiev 10 years ago I bought a KGB ID from someone for really cheap. When I went to Lugansk walking around the shops everyone had them... So even though they may not be real it is something fun and my friends here have no idea.... hehehe...

So St Andrewsky will be the place on Saturday to go to. We'll be in Kiev till Saturday night. Hope the flat you got for us will be close by. I hope you are not setting me up for trouble with all these women walking around showing their legs and more! Remember I will be with my fiancee and thank God for dark sunglasses! LOL!

Philb - I also already bought one of those coins 10 years ago... again it's just a cool item and nobody here knows if it's real or not... LOL!

[Philb]

... in response to Re: What to do in Kiev?, posted by Jack on May 3, 2004

that are sold there (and probably most other "old" items).  Regardless it is fun.  Hey, they will even tell you they are giving you a special price because you speak English.  :-)

[jrm]

... in response to What to do in Kiev?, posted by Zoidberg on May 3, 2004

You gotta go to the World War II museum, it's one of the best I've seen. The giant Titanium lady with the sword is impressive, also.
I have sent food back, probably 5 times in my life and that Mexican food place was one of them.  And why go to the other side of the world to get Mexican food. Better off eating the local dishes.
P.S. Don't let her catch you lookin' at other women! ;-)

[Zoidberg]

... in response to Re: What to do in Kiev?, posted by jrm on May 3, 2004

Thanks jrm, looks like the WWII museum will be one of the places. I remember the giant woman 10 years ago but we didn't go up to it, I just remember seeing it.

As far as the Mexican food goes it is not my #1 choice because I know they can't come close to what I get here in San Diego or Mexico on my quick trips down there. I just thought maybe her mom will want to see what she will be eating a lot of when she is here... Both of them have never eaten Mexican.

[Philb]

... in response to Re: What to do in Kiev?, posted by jrm on May 3, 2004

A few others I enjoy, Pechersk Lavra (caves monastary), St Sophia's, Perehova.  The last (Perehova) is the museum of folk archetecture.  It is located just outside of Kiev and is a great way to spend a spring or summer day.

Another place I like to go is Andreyevsky Spusk. It is quite touristy but still fun.  If you go check out the dog lady at the bottom of the hill.  Also the Bulgokov Museum (at about the midway point) is interesting if you are a fan

I have put some pictures of these and other places in Ukraine and Kiev on this web site.

http://groups.msn.com/PhilipsPictures/shoebox.msnw