Kiev, Ukraine

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Kiev, Ukraine. We were pretty psyched to see this city. It is the largest city in Ukraine, the capital of the country, and an important city in Eastern Europe. We were extremely impressed. We hadn't heard very great things about Ukraine from our parents, and this city was just as beautifully constructed as other major European cities. Decorative buildings, wide streets, big parks, open plazas all define Kiev. Ah yes, and frigid cold winter.

We scored an apartment online for a really good price and felt like we were living in luxury. An apartment beats a hotel any day because there's a kitchen, washing machine, living room, etc. It was newly renovated and in the center of the city. There's no way you can get such a sweet deal in Western Europe (Paris & London were especially painful on the wallet). We felt like naturals stopping by the grocery store just around the corner from our place and buying kolbasa (sausage), smoked fish, tomatoes, onions, and bread. This is a classic Ukrainian snack or light meal. We also felt really cool watching Ukrainian TV and being able to understand it. There were so many instances we saw the news on some TV while traveling (in a airport, ferry, or hotel) and wished so badly we could understand what was being said. This time we could.

If you're looking for a European experience but don't have the money to shell out, Eastern Europe is where it's at.

- Julia



A statue of Lenin, creator of the Soviet Communist Party. Every city in Ukraine used to have his statue, but have all been replaced with Taras Shevchenko since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Somehow Lenin survived in Kiev.











Coffee and nalisniki (crepes filled with cheese) at a cafe.

















Our sweet apartment in downtown Kiev (we didn't usually stay in nice places like this on our tight budget, so this was a big deal). Luxury.


A classic Ukrainian snack at our apartment... kolbasa (sausage), smoked fish, cheese, tomatoes, onions, and bread.

18 comments :

  1. I am so happy that you're now blogging about Kyiv! I've been waiting for this since you posted the teaser image back in December (I'm more patient than I initially thought, haha). Absolutely love these and I love Kyiv. I'd have to say this is my favourite, but that'll be because we rented an apartment in that building. Looking forward to seeing/hearing more!

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  2. Whoa! What a posh pad! ;) Oh, how I long to visit Ukraine... someday! *sigh* perhaps you can be my tour guide?!

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  3. great phosots! it looks so cold but the comfort food surely makes it all worth while.

    Hey Julia I'd like to invite you to enter my giveaway:

    fromblank.blogspot.com

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  4. totally agree that apartment renting is the way to go when traveling. it's all we do. this one is super nice. love this post!

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  5. Wow a whole new view at Kiev in the snow! I was there in the summer-completely different.
    Sweet apartment I have to agree! lucky ducks. :)

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  6. that apartment looks amaaazziing. I'm glad you got a little bit of luxury on your travels.

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  7. I am in love with all the wonderful old buildings, so beautiful! I keep hearing more and more good things about Kiev, I guess it is time to see with my own eyes!
    Great post, as always!

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  8. I am in love with all the wonderful old buildings, so beautiful! I keep hearing more and more good things about Kiev, I guess it is time to see with my own eyes!
    Great post, as always!

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  9. Omg, guys, the apartment is fantastic! Do you mind sharing the site where you found it? I'm planning a trip to Ukraine with 5 people this fall and would love to stay there. Thank you in advance! - Julia

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  10. You take such amazing photos. =o)

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  11. I just came across your blog today and am ABSOLUTELY IN LOVE with your photographs and story - I had to create a post on it! :)

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  12. mizhenka- wow that's a beautiful building.. I can't believe you got to stay there!

    JuliaBel- I just spent some time trying to find the website we used for the rental and I really don't remember! If you google "Kiev apartments" there are tons of websites. I'm sure you can find something nice. This is a one-bedroom apartment that usually rents for over a $100 a night but they had a last minute special at this time for $50 a night.

    tasshia- Thanks so much for the feature on you blog!

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  13. Ok, thanks guys. I was born in Kiev & even though I think it's a beautiful city, I'm always hesitant to recommend Ukraine as a travel destination to Americans just because of the poor infrastructure, rude people at the airport, strange customer service in restaurants. But I'm so glad to hear your perspective. It makes me proud and excited to share the place with close friends this fall.

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  14. Hello J & Y,

    Beautiful pictures on your blog here, nice! I wanted to ask you about your experiences with internet availability in ukraine. :D
    I read that there was hardly any internet available in Novovolinsk, do you had the same experiences in that whole region (if you been anywhere else offcourse in neighbouring cities? Like for instance Lutsk...? Just curious because I might go to that region soon for work,..and no internet would be a serious problem... ;-)

    Kind regards, Niels

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  15. Hi Niels. Novovolisnk was really the only place we had trouble finding internet. The only place with Internet was an office workplace that was open only until 6pm. Other cities we visited (Lviv, Rivne, and Kiev) had internet all over the place. Most cafes have free internet. You shouldn't have a problem in Lutsk. Have a good trip!

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  16. im heading to kiev next week and these photos are getting me very excited! so glad yall wrote so much about ukraine! it will be incredibly helpful!

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  17. If you visit Kiev in winter, cozy cafes are perfect places to save yourself from cold. There is very snowy and frosty weather. Just find a place in a directory of Kiev cafes to have a shelter, warm atmosphere and taste Ukrainian food. But in Ukraine Travel guide you will find much more then cafes. There is everything for comfortable Ukraine tourism including hotels, apartments, bars, pubs, taxis etc.

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  18. Great photos, thanks for sharing. I like Kiev there are very friendly people smart prices and delicious food, but as for me its better to visit it in summer. Besides, if you're looking for some interesting places to visit in Kiev you can look for it on hthttp://touristclub.kiev.ua/ there are a lot of useful information for tourist.

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