Kyiv

As the capital of Ukraine, Kyiv has plenty of high-class accommodation to offer visitors. While still a little pricey, the very best accommodation will compare favourably to most British hotels – so you can afford top-class service. If you want to find the best hotels in the city it’s worth considering the Mercure Kyiv Congress or the Senator Maidan. Those looking for a deal can still find a good price at many 3- and 4-star hotels.

Due to its quickly developing fashion scene, Kyiv has become a shopping capital in eastern Europe. There are plenty of up and coming designers to discover in the city, making every trip a unique opportunity to snap up a bargain before it skyrockets in the mainstream. Alternatively, you can visit one of the biggest flea markets in Europe, the Lesnoy Flee Market, to find deals on almost anything you can imagine if you’re willing to haggle.

You simply cannot visit Kyiv without trying the city’s signature dish, Chicken Kiev, which can be found in many restaurants throughout the city. However, there’s plenty more Ukrainian food to sample during your trip. Keep an eye out for both borscht with garlic fritters and potato pancakes which are commonplace in the country. It’s also worth noting that there is a lot of unbranded food and drink in Kyiv, so while beer and meat may be cheap you might find it difficult to learn more about the contents of your meal and whether it contains any allergens.

Ukrainian culture is quite unique compared to many other European countries as it takes influences from Russia, the middle east and its own history. It’s worth checking if there is going to be any festivities during your visit as one of these events makes a perfect high-point for a holiday:

Kyiv Day

A celebration of the city held on the last weekend of May, Kyiv Day is a celebration of the city including live musical performances, circus acts, public readings, dances and much more. The event ends with a gigantic firework display in the evening and lots of food stalls offering mouth-watering treats.  If you want the ultimate Kyiv experience this is the time to visit.

Hedonism Festival

A huge festival in the world of electronic music, Hedonism Festival sees the city of Kyiv transformed into a massive rave with top acts taking to the main stage and dropping ground-shaking, hypnotic rhythms. Those who enjoy techno and electronic music should consider visiting the city while Hedonism Festival is on.