Ukraine Tour Guides interview. Places the Locals Like

We asked Ukrainian tour guides who work in Kiev which places they like most and recommend tourists to visit. The list includes both popular among tourists and less known places of Kyiv.

My name is Olga, I’m 33 years old, I’ve been working as a guide for more than 5 years.

In 2013, I was actively taking part in EuroMaidan, Revolution of Dignity, so as the eyewitness I consider it my duty to tell people what happened, what pain we have endured.

When on Maidan, the tourist without much knowledge of what was going on here four years ago, probably will not notice the Alley dedicated to the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred and will never know how many people died on February 20, 2014. This date will always be in our memory.

And to see why people were ready to die, why they wanted to change the executives in the country, change the system and destroy corruption, go to Mezhyhirya – a territory of 140 hectares, which earlier was a residence of former Ukrainian President V. Yanukovych. He spent 2 billion dollars he has earlier stolen to build a palace with all the furniture covered with gold; the area with artificial lakes and black swans, golf course, private zoo and helipad. This place is undeniably beautiful and at the same time it resent the insatiability of Ukrainian officials. Just imagine: the average pension is 70 dollars, and the president lives in a posh mansion worth 2 billion USD.

Tatiana, 30 years, works as a guide in Kiev for 2 years. I adore Ukrainian culture and traditions, Ukrainian vichyvanki and countryside. To feel it, I always go to Pirogovo, and I advise you to go there too.

In the village of Pirogovo you have a unique opportunity to get acquainted with the peasant life, architecture and creativity of Ukraine in its natural environment. The museum features more than three hundred interesting buildings and outbuildings, illustrating the life of ordinary Ukrainian village. Right at the entrance to the museum, you will feel beautiful Ukrainian spirit and a wonderful atmosphere. I remember once I told my mother it is a pity there is no asphalt, but only sand on the main road in Pirogovo. But now I understand that if there was asphalt around, there would be no such feeling of atmosphere in Pirogovo. On the territory there is a Church. People go there for weddings and baptisms of toddlers, as well as ordinary ceremonies of worship. The church is in excellent condition; there is a bell beside, and flowers are carefully planted around it. The houses are a little aged, although they look great. It’s so interesting to go inside and study the household items our ancestors used every day.

Visitors of the open air museum relax on the field with the mills: some are taking photos, and some are riding horses, while others simply enjoy the nature and singing of birds. On weekends, craftsmen gather in Pirogovo to conduct master classes. Just imagine what a beauty it is: divine nature around, white huts, folk music, flowers, trees … peace and harmony! And the main thing is that with every step your mood is getting better! Here you can also buy pastries, vareniki, sausages, shish kebab, and various drinks. Pirogovo is charming at any time of the year. And most importantly, it’s a big Ukrainian soul you can come back again and again.

Elena, 25 years old, works as guide in Kiev for 3 years.

I love Kiev Street Art. It’s hard to count how many murals are in Kiev now. During 2014-2016, artists from Ukraine, Spain, Argentina, Australia, Germany, Great Britain and Portugal decorated dozens of houses with murals in Kiev, and this trend continues.

Murals have already become a true decoration of Kiev and have every chance to become its new landmark.

And in November 2017 Kyiv mural on the building of the regional department of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine was recognized as one of the best in the world.

Every month Dutch magazine Street Art Today selects the seven most beautiful murals in the world.

The Kiev graffiti “Rise Up in the Dirt” is seventh in this list; the author is BKfoxx.

To finish the mural, the author worked even during the snowfalls and rain. This is the first police building in Ukraine, which was decorated with a bright mural.

According to users of social networks, more than 700 paint cans were used to create this mural.

The mural shows scattered parts and debris with the chamomile growing in the middle. The man in jeans and army boots sat down to protect the flower with his hands.

Contact Guide me UA to book Tours in Kiev:

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