Top 5 Reasons to Visit Ukraine
Here's a guestpost from Trish of OneTravel. =)
Ukraine is not yet a mainstream tourist destination, though its co-hosting of Euro 2012 is sure to bring it onto the radar. It is still emerging from the Soviet days, and thus it is a lot less developed for travelers than other parts of Eastern Europe. But for all its frustrations, it is a very rewarding country to visit and the capital Kiev holds many surprises for those willing to venture there. I give you 5 reasons to book an Airplane Ticket to Ukraine.
1. Impressive Architecture
Much of Kiev was destroyed during the Second World War, but it was rebuilt in typical brash Soviet style. Thus the wide boulevards are lined with imposing, but beautiful, blocks that hark back to the Communist era, and the Kiev Metro is reminiscent of the system in Moscow with its grand spaces and chandeliers. Also pop down to the Museum of the Great Patriotic War to see the impressive Statue of the Motherland.
2. Cheap Cost Of Living
Kiev is a very cheap capital city to visit. A hostel will set you back about 10 Euros a night. For food and drink, a main meal will be about 4 Euros, a 500ml beer from a shop is about 30 cents, and a litre of vodka around 3 Euros. A metro ticket costs 20 cents, and a pitchside seat at a Dynamo Kiev game is 3 Euros. Most museums charge 1-2 Euros for entry. All in all, it will be very hard to blow your budget there.
photo credit: flickr
3. A Varied and Tasty Cuisine
Leading on from the previous point, the food in Kiev is plentiful and very cheap. Try some borscht (a delic! ious sou p) or indeed seek out some Chicken Kiev. Generally expect a lot of meat and carbohydrate. Menus will generally be in Cyrillic, thus ordering can sometimes be a lottery if you do not speak Russian, but that is part of the fun! Many international tastes are also catered for, particularly sushi. As for drink, Ukrainian vodka is pleasant and smooth, or for those wanting to stay away from the spirits try the 'kvass', a very low alcohol beer sold in the streets.
4. Churches and Cathedrals
If, like me, you are interested in visiting varied religious buildings then Kiev is for you. The most famous is St. Sophia's Cathedral, the oldest surviving in Kiev (some parts date from the 11th century). My personal favourite is St. Michaels monastery, a beautiful blue-washed and golden domed structure near St. Sophia's. However there are many other fine examples of mostly Orthodox churches that you will come across simply by exploring.
photo credit: flickr
5. Chernobyl
Kiev is the starting point for tours to Chernobyl, probably the most unusual day trip in Europe. For around US$ 160, you can visit the site of the world's worst nuclear accident and also the abandoned town of Pripyat situated next to it. It is a fascinating insight into Soviet times, as the area was abandoned overnight, although it is still quite a sombre day out.
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