Kiev

What an unexpected surprise. Kiev turned out to be completely different than we expected, on almost every aspect. It became immediately clear why this city was called the Garden City during Soviet times. There are so many parks, it’s actually impossible to see them all in one visit. The city center shows a remarkable mixture of Soviet architecture and European influenced buildings. Our favorite area was the neighborhood around Independence Square, the unofficial real center of Kiev. But strolling down the hills to Podil can be just as relaxing. Kiev does have another side. The east bank of the Dnjepr river shows a less cosmopolitan side of town. But it is here, in huge apartment blocks, where the majority of the population lives. Walking through Hidropark still gives you a glimpse about live before the independence. Given all the attractions this city has to offer, the number of tourists is still very low. Try to visit Kiev now, before the city becomes the next Prague!