Museum of the Great Patriotic War
This memorial complex commemorates the German-Soviet war and is located in the Pechersk district. The museum houses over 300 thousand exhibits, and has had over 21 million visitors. Most famous is its 62 metre tall Motherland statue, which is one of Kiev's most recognised landmarks. Other exhibits include "the Flame of Glory", World War II military equipment and "Alley of the Hero Cities".
Saint Sophia Cathedral
This UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Kiev's most treasured landmarks and a museum of Ukraine's Christianity.
Built in 1011, the Cathedral has just celebrated it's 1000th anniversary. It was originally used as a burial place for Kievan rulers, however after pillaging of the city it fell into disrepair and it took until the 18th century for restoration works to be completed. Due to various schisms within the Church, no religious body has been given the rights for regular services and now most of the Cathedral's visitors are tourists.
National Art Museum of Ukraine
Constructed in 1898, this museum is dedicated to Ukranian Art. Originally the Kiev Museum of Antiques and Art, the museum houses everything from medieval icons to portaits of church leaders all the way up to contemporary work. With over 20 thousand pieces, new additions are consistently added and include a relief of St. George and work by international pioneer of geometric abstract art Kazimir Malevich.
Monastery of the Caves
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, this historic Orthodox Christian monastery was founded in 1051. It houses one of the largest museums in Kiev where visitors can view exhibitions focusing on the Monastery between the 16th and 20th century, and take tours of the catacombs to see mummified remains of Orthodox saints. Other points of interest are the Great Lavra Belltower, a large feature of the Kiev skyline which is surmounted by a gilded dome, and the Gate Church of the Trinity which is the main church of the monastery and is covered in frescoes.
Hydropark
This entertainment complex is accessible by metro or car and is located on the Veneitan and Dolobetsk islands. Focusing on water-based activities, it includes an amusement park, a number of swimming beaches, boat rentals and night clubs.
Transport in Kiev
With its large transportation system, getting around Kiev is quite simple. Transport options include the metro, buses, trolleybuses, trams and a funicular railway.
Most convenient of these is the metro, which covers almost the entire city and is particularly affordable. One oddity of Kiev is the funicular railway which takes passengers up the steep right bank of the Dnieper River, transporting 10,000 - 15,000 people every day.