Top Day Trips from Kyiv

Feel like you’ve seen everything in Kyiv? Looking for something new and interesting to do? Love the outdoors? Why not check out what’s going on just outside of the capital this weekend

Sofiyivka Arboretum
If you haven’t been to the exceptional Sofiyivka Arboretum near Uman yet, you are simply missing out on one of the best of its kind Ukraine has to offer. Named the No. 1 site on the list of the Seven Wonders of Ukraine, the nearly 225-year old scientific preserve boasts more than 30 00 florae from across Europe, wonderful grottoes, islands for picnics, terraces to relax, and even a hedge maze. English tours are available. Open from 9.00 to 18.00.
210km west of Kyiv near Uman, buses leave from the Central Bus Station near Vokzalna metro station
20 UAH
sofievka.org

Oleksandriya Dendropark (Aboretum)
With plants from across Europe collected from as far back as the 1780s, the Oleksandriya Dendropark is one of Ukraine’s most beautiful areas. Among the 2 500 different varieties of trees and plants, you’ll find plenty of lakes and fountains, historic architectural ruins, a romantic waterfall, and dozens of statues and sculptures. The closest park to Kyiv, it is open from 8.00 to 21.00.
90km south of Kyiv in Bila Tserkva, buses leave from VDNKh or Lybidska metro stations
10 UAH
alexandria-park.com.ua

12 Months’ Zoo
One of Ukraine’s most popular zoos lies just 30km north of the city. With animals like bears, monkeys, lions, tigers, hippos, and crocodiles, the zoo is a great hangout for all ages. There is a petting area, swimming pool, restaurants, playgrounds, and a fishing lake on site. Better yet, the park is open year-round.
30km north of Kyiv in the Kyiv oblast, buses leave from Heroiv Dnipra metro station
170 UAH for adults, 60 UAH for kids, children under 3 are free
12.org.ua

Kachanivka Reserve
This Neoclassical palace and aristocratic estate at Kachanivka is one of Ukraine’s most well-preserved. The 18th-century estate has been protected since 1982 and was voted one of Ukraine’s Seven Wondrous Castles and Palaces. Take a boat trip on the lake, relax in the quaint public gardens, stroll through the rolling meadows, or feast at one of the gourmet restaurants – Kachanivka is the perfect place to spend a sunny, summer day.
175km east of Kyiv in the Chernihiv oblast, buses leave from Darnytsia bus station
15 UAH for park entrance, 15 UAH for palace entrance, 30 – 40 UAH for a tour
kachanivka.in.ua

Landscaped Park in Buky
Buky’s Landscaped Park may be one of Ukraine’s most relaxing spots. Less than two hours outside the city, the park features a beautiful cathedral, the old fountain from Maidan Nezalezhnosti, plenty of outdoor cafés and a fine-dining restaurant, monuments and memorials, and even a small zoo. Open Friday to Sunday from 09.00 to 17.00.
110 km southwest of Kyiv in Buky, buses leave from Akademistechko metro station
Free
bakojun.com.ua