Kyiv (Kiev), Ukraine ** Undiscovered Eastern European gem**

Kyiv or Kiev is the capital and most populous city of Ukraine. It is in north-central Ukraine along the Dnieper River. As of 1 January 2021, its population was 2,962,180, making Kyiv the seventh-most populous city in Europe.
Kyiv is an important industrial, scientific, educational, and cultural
center in Eastern Europe. It is home to many high-tech industries, higher
education institutions, and historical landmarks. The city has an
extensive system of public transport and infrastructure, including the
Kyiv Metro.
The city's name is said to derive from the name of Kyi, one of its four
legendary founders. During its history, Kyiv, one of the oldest cities in
Eastern Europe, passed through several stages of prominence and
obscurity. The city probably existed as a commercial center as early as
the 5th century. A Slavic settlement on the great trade route between
Scandinavia and Constantinople, Kyiv was a tributary of the Khazars,

until its capture by the Varangians (Vikings) in the mid-9th century.
Under Varangian rule, the city became a capital of Kievan Rus', the first
East Slavic state. Completely destroyed during the Mongol invasions in
1240, the city lost most of its influence for the centuries to come. It was a
provincial capital of marginal importance in the outskirts of the
territories controlled by its powerful neighbours, first Lithuania, then
Poland and ultimately Russia.

The city prospered again during the Russian Empire's Industrial
Revolution in the late 19th century. In 1918, after the Ukrainian People's
Republic declared independence from Soviet Russia, Kyiv became its
capital. From 1921 onwards, Kyiv was a city of Soviet Ukraine, which was
proclaimed by the Red Army, and, from 1934, Kyiv was its capital. The
city was almost completely ruined during World War II but quickly
recovered in the postwar years, remaining the Soviet Union's third largest city.
Following the collapse of the Soviet Union and Ukrainian independence
in 1991, Kyiv remained Ukraine's capital and experienced a steady influx
of ethnic Ukrainian migrants from other regions of the country.
During the country's transformation to a market economy and electoral
democracy, Kyiv has continued to be Ukraine's largest and wealthiest
city.
Kiev is having a moment. Regularly the subject of the nightly news, the city is just waiting to be discovered by tourists. You may know it as the capital of Ukraine and a manufacturing powerhouse, but what you may not know is that this lesser known European city also makes a dream destination for visitors.
Although there are many places to visit in the city, find the best spots for sightseeing with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Kiev.
St. Sophia's Cathedral,
St. Andrew's Church,
National Art Museum of Ukraine,
Kiev Pechersk Lavra Monastery,
Mariyinsky Palace,
Independence Square,
National Opera and Ballet of Ukraine,
Museum of the History of Ukraine,
St. Volodymyr's Cathedral,
The Golden Gates,
Feofaniya Park,
The Motherland Monument,
M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden,
Victory Park, and many more.
Walk through the streets and visit the many small shops, restaurants, museums, and landmarks. The city has a population of three million, but in most neighborhoods, it retains its small-town vibe.
As the hub of science, industry, and culture in Ukraine, there isn't much you won't find in this undiscovered Eastern European gem. Whether you are looking for romance, history, or just a getaway to somewhere unique, Kiev offers a little something for everyone within the city limits.