National Museum of the History of Ukraine, Україна - Things to Do in National Museum of the History of Ukraine

Things to Do in National Museum of the History of Ukraine

National Museum of the History of Ukraine, Україна - Complete Travel Guide

Kyiv, the capital and largest city of Ukraine, is a magnificent destination that seamlessly blends ancient history with modern European culture. Home to golden-domed churches, Soviet-era architecture, and vibrant cultural institutions like the National Museum of the History of Ukraine, the city offers visitors a deep dive into over 1,500 years of fascinating history. The museum itself stands as one of the country's premier cultural institutions, housing extensive collections that chronicle Ukraine's rich heritage from ancient times to the present day. Situated along the picturesque Dnieper River, Kyiv enchants visitors with its tree-lined boulevards, historic neighborhoods, and world-class museums. The city's cultural scene is particularly vibrant, featuring numerous theaters, galleries, and music venues alongside its historical attractions. From exploring ancient cave monasteries to discovering contemporary Ukrainian art, Kyiv provides an authentic and enriching travel experience that showcases the resilience and cultural wealth of Ukraine.

Top Things to Do in National Museum of the History of Ukraine

Explore Kyiv's Historic Museums and Cultural Sites

Visit the National Museum of the History of Ukraine and other premier cultural institutions to discover Ukraine's fascinating past through extensive archaeological collections, historical artifacts, and interactive exhibitions. The museum complex offers comprehensive insights into Ukrainian culture, traditions, and historical developments spanning millennia.

Booking Tip: Museum tickets typically cost 50-100 UAH ($1.50-3). Visit on weekdays for smaller crowds and consider purchasing combined tickets for multiple museums. Many museums offer guided tours in English for an additional fee of 200-300 UAH.

Discover Kyiv Pechersk Lavra (Cave Monastery)

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site featuring ancient underground cave systems, golden-domed churches, and one of the most important Orthodox Christian pilgrimage destinations. The complex houses museums, bell towers, and naturally mummified remains of Orthodox monks in atmospheric underground passages.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around 150 UAH for the upper complex and additional fees for caves and museums. Dress modestly with covered shoulders and long pants. Audio guides are available for 100 UAH and highly recommended for historical context.

Stroll Through Kyiv's Historic Old Town

Wander through the charming cobblestone streets of Podil district and the historic Upper Town, discovering medieval architecture, ancient churches, and traditional Ukrainian craft shops. The area offers stunning views of the Dnieper River and showcases the city's architectural evolution.

Booking Tip: Free to explore on your own, but guided walking tours cost 300-500 UAH and provide valuable historical context. Best visited in morning or late afternoon for optimal lighting and fewer crowds. Wear comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets.

Experience Traditional Ukrainian Cuisine

Sample authentic Ukrainian dishes like borscht, varenyky (dumplings), and salo while exploring local restaurants, traditional taverns, and food markets. Many establishments offer cooking classes where you can learn to prepare classic Ukrainian dishes using traditional methods.

Booking Tip: Restaurant meals range from 200-800 UAH per person. Food tours typically cost 800-1200 UAH including multiple tastings. Book cooking classes in advance (1000-1500 UAH) as they fill up quickly, especially on weekends.

Visit St. Sophia's Cathedral and Golden Gate

Explore these iconic landmarks that represent Kyiv's golden age, featuring stunning Byzantine architecture, ancient mosaics, and historical exhibitions. St. Sophia's Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage site with remarkable 11th-century frescoes and mosaics that have survived centuries.

Booking Tip: Combined tickets for both sites cost around 200 UAH. Photography inside requires additional permits (50-100 UAH). Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid tour groups and enjoy better lighting for photos.

Getting There

Kyiv is accessible via Boryspil International Airport (KBP), located about 35km east of the city center, with regular flights from major European cities. The Kyiv Express train connects the airport to the city center in approximately 35 minutes for around 80 UAH, while taxis cost 300-500 UAH. Alternatively, visitors can arrive by train from neighboring European countries, with Kyiv's central railway station well-connected to cities like Warsaw, Budapest, and Bucharest. During current travel conditions, check the latest entry requirements and transportation availability before planning your trip.

Getting Around

Kyiv offers an efficient and affordable public transportation system including metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses. The metro system is particularly convenient for tourists, with three lines covering major attractions and costing just 8 UAH per ride. Purchase a rechargeable transport card for convenience, or use contactless payment methods. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt are widely available and reasonably priced, typically costing 80-200 UAH for trips within the city center. Walking is enjoyable in the historic areas, though the city is quite spread out for covering all major attractions on foot.

Where to Stay

Pechersk District (near major museums)
Shevchenkivskyi District (city center)
Podil (historic old town)
Khreshchatyk Street area
Olimpiyskyi District
Solomianskyi District

Food & Dining

Kyiv's dining scene offers everything from traditional Ukrainian cuisine to international fare, with the city experiencing a remarkable culinary renaissance in recent years. Traditional restaurants serve hearty dishes like borscht, varenyky, and chicken Kyiv, while modern establishments offer contemporary interpretations of Ukrainian classics. The Podil district features numerous cozy cafes and traditional taverns, while the city center boasts upscale restaurants and international cuisine. Local markets like Besarabsky Market offer fresh produce and traditional snacks, and the city's growing craft beer scene provides excellent accompaniments to local dishes. Prices range from budget-friendly local eateries (100-300 UAH per meal) to fine dining establishments (800-1500 UAH per person).

Top-Rated Restaurants in Kiev

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

VINO e CUCINA

4.6 /5
(3725 reviews) 3

Tisto, Syr I Titka Bella

4.6 /5
(3671 reviews) 2
cafe

Under Wonder

4.6 /5
(3362 reviews) 2

Vero Vero

4.6 /5
(3272 reviews) 3

Italian Edition

4.6 /5
(2045 reviews) 3

Capo di Monte

4.5 /5
(2050 reviews) 2
cafe

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Kyiv is during late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) when temperatures are pleasant (15-25°C) and rainfall is moderate. Summer months (July-August) can be warm and humid but offer long daylight hours and numerous outdoor festivals. Winter visits (December-February) provide a magical atmosphere with possible snow, though temperatures can drop below freezing. Spring brings beautiful blooming trees and comfortable weather for walking tours, while autumn offers stunning foliage and fewer crowds at major attractions. Consider that many outdoor attractions and activities may have limited hours during winter months.

Insider Tips

Learn a few basic Ukrainian phrases as locals greatly appreciate the effort, and English may be limited outside tourist areas
Carry cash (Ukrainian hryvnia) as many smaller establishments, markets, and public transport don't accept cards
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites - bring a scarf to cover your head and wear long pants and covered shoulders

Explore Activities in National Museum of the History of Ukraine