One Day in Kyiv

Kyiv is a generous host, and every time I visit this city my first stop is a table laid out invitingly, ready for a meal. However, the Ukrainian capital is too beautiful and full of interesting places to be limited to gastronomic tourism.

At the same time, there is also too much to see in this centuries-old city to fit into a single day. So what can you do? A few years ago my Kyiv friend Dmitro offered the perfect solution: with the thoroughness of a born planner, he has developed a couple of walking routes for his guests, and ever since I have shared them with anyone I know who is visiting Kyiv. I am sure you will find one of them the perfect fit.

So, the first starting point is a filling and splendid breakfast in Taras Shevchenko Park in the very heart of the city. At O’panas restaurant you must fight the temptation to try everything on the menu, and maybe limit yourself to borshch with (potato cakes) and (dumplings) with your preferred filling. You don’t want to get carried away as you have a long walk ahead of you, which will be just what you need to digest your meal. Of course, you can order what you like, but since aromatic borshch and garlic

(small pastries) are a traditional way to start the day, why not choose these?

Don’t sit around too long, it’s time to pull yourself together and hit the road. Strolling down towards

Taras Shevchenko university we will find Volodymyr’s Cathedral, a wonderful example of Old Slavonian architecture. Kyiv has many beautiful churches and there will be more to see, but the opera house you come to next is the only one of its kind, so take your time to appreciate it.