You're Going to Love Kyiv
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Author: Anna Dirk

Kiev (or Kyiv) is the capital of Ukraine and the country's largest city, with a population of three million. Sitting on the banks of the Dnieper River, it is one of the most ancient cities in Europe, dating back to at least 500 AD.

The city's long history has resulted in a fascinating mix of architectural styles, creating a city center skyline that is all it own. The people of Kiev are also friendly, funny, and fiercely proud of their city and their nation.

Tourist numbers in Kiev are still small, and this means that you can experience the Ukrainian capital without hordes of visitors; it's an easy place to meet people and make new friends.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Kyiv

1. The Nightlife. Kiev comes alive at night, with a huge variety of pubs and clubs. You can choose between typical Ukrainian bars or stylish cosmopolitan lounges. The club scene gets started around midnight and carries on until dawn. Forsage is one of the most popular clubs, with three floors pumping out different music styles.

2. The Street Life. Kiev is full of pop-up bars and cafes, often serving their fare from converted cars. It makes just hanging around on the streets of Kiev a real pleasure and you're never quite sure what is around the next corner. There are also markets everywhere, especially in the underground areas beneath the major streets, creating an electric atmosphere.

3. The Architecture. With 1,500 years of history, you will find architectural styles to suit any taste, from gold-covered domes and soviet tower blocks. One of the best-known sites is the Kyevo-Pecherskaya Lavra, or Monastery, dating back 1,000 years and with fascinating underground catacombs.

4. Chernobyl. It is now possible to take a day trip to the city of Chernobyl, site of one of the world's worst nuclear disasters. The full-day tour includes a two-hour coach trip to the site, during which you will be shown a fascinating documentary on the incident. Visitors are able to get quite close to the site of the reactors and experience some of the sights.

5. The Mother Motherland Monument. The Mother Motherland Monument - built to commemorate the Soviet Union defeating the Nazis - at the Museum of the Great Patriotic War is quite a sight. Turn up early in the morning and get a private guide to take you to the top, where you can take in some stunning views.

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