Re-Discovering Kiev Ukraine
Published 28th Jun. 2021
Reading time
Recently, Ukraine has been making a more frequent appearance in the news than ever before: think topless protesters, an unfairly imprisoned ex-Prime Minister and, of course, being one of the hosts of Euro 2012.
While it's not yet an Original Travel destination, it's a fascinating place - the second largest country in Europe (after Russia) - with a rich, turbulent and often tragic history, its own language (yes, Ukrainian is different to Russian) and hopefully a bright future.
My home town..
Kiev, the capital of Ukraine, is my home town, and one I hadn't been back to for 12 years until a few weeks ago. Landing in a small airport just eight kilometers from the center of town - one of those rare occasions when a budget airline gets you closer, rather than further from where you want to be - the city felt the same, but different.
There is still a huge divide between the rich and the poor; the streets are still wide and leafy with ancient Lada's struggling to make it to their destination. However, Russian is a lot more widely spoken than it was in the early 90s, when Ukrainians felt a surge of nationalism after the collapse of Communism. The streets are now lined with Western shops - GAP and Zara galore. Most people still buy their food in local markets where organic and fresh are the standard - but there are also stands selling oranges, bananas and Snickers bars, which were unheard of when I was growing up.
Signs of change..
A ride on the underground costs 15p (London, take note!) with ornate stations resembling museum halls, as well as one of the world's deepest stations nestled 105.5 meters below ground. Station names are written in Ukrainian but with English translations below them - 'Khreshchatyk', anyone?
Hitchhiking is more popular than taxis, waiters in restaurants struggle with the concept of splitting a bill between two cards and bottled Evian is more expensive than local beer. My English friends were grateful to have me with them as it's not the easiest place to get by in when you don't know the culture or understand the language.
It is, however, showing signs of progress and development - a lot of renovation work was done in preparation for Euro 2012, Pinchuk Art Centre is curating an Anish Kapoor exhibition, and slowly but surely decent hotels are opening up signaled by the arrival of Fairmont Kiev. Slowly but surely Eastern Europe is re-branding itself, and soon Moscow will be a thing of the past. Watch this space; I have no doubt that Kiev will be the next big thing, even if I am a bit biased. Oh, and did I mention that Brits don't need a visa?
For more information on luxury holidays to Europe, Contact Original Travel.
Why visit Ukraine with Original Travel ?
Travelling with us means enjoying a trip that has been meticulously crafted by our team of experts, each knowing their specialised country like the back of their hand. Tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind, we can customise itineraries based on your taste, be that an architecture aficionado, a food fanatic or an environment enthusiast. Working hand-in-hand with local Concierges and guides, we’ll uncover spots perfect for you. From hidden gems to iconic landmarks, our curated experiences are supported by an array of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline and an app full of recommendations.
Enquire nowA few of the benefits of travelling with us to Ukraine
- Our local Concierges
- The Original Travel app
- 100% carbon absorption
You might also like
Practical advice and inspiration for your next trip
Just Back: Tom’s Research Trip to Namibia
One of our Africa specialists, Tom, recently spent two weeks road-tripping through Namibia, from Windhoek to GocheGanas Nature Reserve and beyond. From spotting wildlife across vast desert horizons to marvelling at Sossusvlei’s sky-high dunes and sleeping beneath Etendeka’s starry skies, he certainly racked up plenty of miles and pinch-me moments. Safari dust shaken off, Tom returned home with a camera roll full of memories and a travel journal packed with notes, ready to share his top tips for when it’s your turn to take on Namibia… Where did you visit?
14th September 2026 - Namibia Travel Inspiration
How will El Nino affect travel in 2027?
Unless you've been living under a rock recently, you'll have heard that a strong El Nino is developing in the Pacific, and it is likely to influence weather well into 2027. El Nino occurs when unusually warm Pacific waters alter weather patterns around the world. Some models indicate this edition could become one of the strongest on record. So how will El Nino affect travel in 2027? I’m no meteorologist, but those far better informed than me are saying:
10th September 2026 - Travel Tips
Our Favourite States for an American Safari
Casinos in Vegas, movie stars in LA and New York’s yellow taxis all rank among the USA’s most recognisable icons but look beyond the bright lights and you’ll find the wild and wonderful world of American safaris. From Alaska’s grizzly bears to Florida’s alligators, America’s animal kingdom boasts an A-list impressive enough to rival Hollywood’s. So, ready to wield your binoculars, pull on your cowboy boots and take a walk on the wild side?
7th September 2026 - USA Safari & Wildlife