Since 2005, Ukraine has experienced a steady increase in the number of foreign tourists that visit the country. Today, over 1.6 million tourists visit the Ukraine annually. If you are planning a business trip to Kiev or you want to spend your vacation in this beautiful city, find out which attractions you need to visit during your stay.

1. Khreshchatyk Street

One of the main streets of Kiev, Khreshchatyk extends from European Square to Bessarabska Square, which is home to the Besarabsky Market. In addition to being lined by Kiev City Administration buildings, this street is also a popular shopping destination. It contains many stores, cafes, and restaurants, and it has been called one of the most expensive shopping streets in all of Europe.

2. Andriyivski Uzviz

Another popular shopping destination, this cobbled street offers a variety of unique gifts and souvenirs. Visitors will be able to find a variety of traditional Ukrainian goods, including clothing, ceramics, and wood products. Many artists line the street, and you can also visit St. Andrew’s Church or Bulgakov’s House on your stroll.

3. Pirogovo Museum

This 370 acre outdoor museum features information about life and folk architecture of Ukraine. It contains more than 300 pieces from all over the country. Visitors can enjoy visiting historic Ukrainian structures and looking at traditional and household items, such as old textiles, carpets, metal handicrafts, ceramics, woodwork, costumes, musical instruments, and art.

4. Museum of the Great Patriotic War

This museum is located within the Pechersk region of Kiev and commemorates the German-Soviet War. As one of the largest museums in the country, it houses more than 300,000 exhibits and centers around a famous Motherland statue. Even if you don’t want to visit this museum, simply take a stroll near it, you will be amazed by its beauty.

5. Landscape Alley

Landscape Alley is a favorite attraction for Kiev residents and visitors. When walking along this pathway, you can view a variety of modern sculptures. The area looks like something out of a fairy tale, and there is something unusual or interesting around every turn. Landscape Alley is definitely one of the brightest areas in the Ukraine’s capital.

6. National Opera House of Ukraine

The Kiev Opera was established in 1867, and it is the third oldest opera in the country. However, many guests find that the building is actually more memorable than the shows they saw. It is an architectural masterpiece, and above the entrance a large head of famous Ukrainian writer and poet Taras Shevchenko is on display.

7. Taras Shevchenko Boulevard

Speaking of the famed writer, Taras Shevchenko even has a street named after him in Kiev. A popular shopping destination, this avenue is one of the city’s major thoroughfares. Built in the middle of the 19th century, the boulevard has something to offer every visitor, so grab some cash and your camera to capture the beauty of the Taras Shevchenko Boulevard.

8. M.M. Gryshko Central Botanical Garden

Founded in 1936, this beautiful garden features over 13,000 different types of flowers, shrubs, trees, and plants. Lilacs, magnolias, roses, and peonies are all common. The garden is also home to hothouses, greenhouses, and conservatories, and visitors enjoy viewing exotic plants and attending special flower exhibitions.

9. Saint Sophia Cathedral

One of the most beautiful architectural monuments in Kiev and the most ancient through Eastern Europe, the Saint Sophia Cathedral is one of the city’s most famous landmarks. In addition to the main building, the cathedral also includes the House of Metropolitan and a bell tower. The site has also been added to the World Heritage List.

10. Kiev-Pechersk Lavra

Also referred to as the Kiev Monastery of the Caves, this historic monastery was founded in 1051. Although it is a major cultural attraction, it is still an active monastery. The site features a variety of architectural monuments, including underground cave systems, bell towers, cathedrals, and a stone fortification walls. However, the main attraction is the Great Lavra Belltower, which is a notable feature on the Kiev skyline.