Visiting Kiev

Kiev is the capital of Ukraine and an important center for industrial, scientific, educational and cultural activities. It is located in the north, central part of Ukraine and lies on the Dnieper River. Visiting Kiev can be a wonderful experience. It is labeled as a green city with its two large, beautiful botanical gardens and various parks. On the right banks of the Dnieper River the whole surrounding green hills impose a static green nature on Kiev. There are several islands with Venetsianskyi being the largest and bustling with amusement parks, beaches, boat rentals and numerous nightclubs. Moreover, the Victory Park near the Darnytsia subway station is a familiar spot for strollers, joggers and cyclists. Visiting Kiev leaves any visitor stunned by its fantastic green scenery.

During summers, a visitor can literally walk from Kiev's one end to the other under continuous shade from rows upon rows of trees. Thousands of locals and tourists journey to Kiev's beaches for swimming or just taking sunbaths with peak day time temperatures at times exceeding 33 degrees centigrade. Boating, fishing and water sports are very popular attractions. Although the lakes and rivers around Kiev freeze during winters they are still popular and it is a familiar sight to see children ice-skating and fishermen ice fishing

Kiev also possesses various recreational attractions like several bowling alleys, go-cart tracks, paintball places and numerous billiard halls. A tourist might even find several shooting ranges. Kiev's Zoo, which has surpassed its 100-year mark, is found on a sprawling 40 hectares of green land and has a specimen list of over 2000.

Many historical places have particular attractions in Kiev. A huge tourist magnet can be found in the Andrivivskyy Descent. This is one of the most widely known historic streets in Kiev. On this peculiar descent are the homes of Castle of Richard, the Lionheart and St Andrew's Church. Here is also the home of the world renowned, Mikhail Bulgakov, a Kiev-born writer, plus St. Sofia's Cathedral is a famous monument to a great architectural past. The word 'Sofia' means 'Wisdom' in Greek. Tourists can find additional attractions in the monuments to Yaroslav the Wise, the famous grand prince of Kyir. Several other monuments can be visited at Novgord.

As an important European cultural center, Kiev has numerous galleries and museums. There are several art galleries of exceptional historic and cultural value. Kiev boasts over 60 museums and theaters catering for various tastes. Opera and ballet lovers have the renowned National Academic Theater to enjoy and visit. Visiting Kiev is a great cultural and entertainment holiday episode. Finally, in central Kiev you can come to Independence Square where many parades, concerts and festivals are held throughout the year. Visiting Kiev surrounds you with a special and unique atmosphere. In Kiev you can meet beautiful people, have new friends, dance till dawn, watch a good film or just have a relaxing great time.

Sources:

avia.nau.edu.ua/e/kiev.html

goeasteurope.about.com/od/othercountries/p/kievprofile.htm

travel.excite.co.uk/news/4166/Keen-on-Kiev-A-Guide-to-Your-Holidays-