Kiev

Kiev is one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe. It is the capital and the largest city in Ukraine. The city is surrounded by the Dnieper River, which flows on both sides of the town and empties into the Black Sea. The city is believed to have been founded in the late 9^th century, by who is not exactly certain as the founding is shrouded in legends that even historians have trouble accrediting who actually first settled this town.

The city of Kiev is distinctive and differentiates itself from the surrounding area. The right bank, which is the oldest part of the city, is full of hills, ravines and small rivers. The left bank has only been more developed in the 20^th century, and had artificial sand deposits and many dams to protect the city from flooding. The city is full of water and waterways with many streams from the Dnieper River, harbors and isles that are all located within the city limits. There are more than 400 bodies of open water located within the metropolitan area of Kiev. This means that for the visitor there is fun to be had at its 16 beaches and 35 recreational areas that are located near water.

Independence Square and Khreschatyk Street is the place to be a night during the summer months. The area becomes a party as thousands of people hit the local restaurants, clubs and cafes with outdoor seating areas, perfect for people watching. The area becomes so inundated with throngs of peoples that there is no car traffic allowed on weekends and holidays. The city takes pride in its surrounding regions and a wonderful representation of the local stores available from these regions are on display at Kiev’s farmer market, Besarabsky Market.  The market is located in the city center, and each residential region of the area is represented with at least one market stall.  You will find everything under the sun to buy from local fruits and vegetables to enjoy on an afternoon picnic to homemade sour cream, and even caviar. Another way to experience the local culture is to head to outside the city limits to the village of Pyrohiv.Here is located an outdoor museum called the Museum of Folk Architecture and Life of Ukraine.The museum encompasses 1 whole square mile that has mini villages that represent the traditional rural regions of Ukraine.