In the City: Kiev, Ukraine

Last month we met Kiev Travel Massive chapter leader Lia Andrienko in our Leader of the Pack series. In this month’s edition of In the City we learn more about the historic capital of Ukraine. Travel Massive co-organizer and local resident Liza Andrienko gives us a sneak peak into her place of birth.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m currently on internship with a travel agency here in Kiev but I also publish a small travel and photography blog. Since 2013 I have helped organize Travel Massive meet-ups in Kiev.

You’ve lived in Kiev since birth! What is the travel industry like in your city?

Tourism in Kiev remains more traditional than most high tech cities. It is strongly developed around ski resorts and gastronomic tourism. These types of travel companies are always growing with specific demand for food tours, master classes on cooking dishes of Ukrainian national cuisine, and even companies offering cheese tastings.

What surprises people most about your city?

That people here are very kind and we have low prices!

Are there any misconceptions about your city or the people?

Some people think people in Ukraine are angry, but in fact we are very hospitable and kind! There is some hostility isolated in different parts of the eastern country but Kiev in particular is safe and remains a great city to travel to and explore.

Best local food?

Borshch and vareniki.

Best local drink?

Vodka with pepper.

Best local neighbourhood to explore?

We have an architecture museum in the suburbs called Pirogovo and there you can see a lot of old houses where people used to live hundreds of years ago!

Best local event people should experience?

We have a huge fair near the city of Poltava every year in August. The Sorochynsky Fair is a tradition since the 18th century with folk performances and unique craftsmen selling locally-made crafts.

Best cultural tradition?

My favourite traditions are the ways we celebrate Christmas and Easter. This can be the best time of year to visit Kiev.

Best spot to get off the beaten track?

The beach of Dnipro river! It’s very quite and peaceful without the tourists.

Best time of year to visit and why?

Personally I think Ukraine is beautiful in every season but if you will come in winter, you should take a lot of warm clothes with you – we see a lot of snow and it can get very cold!

Are their any specific words travellers should know when visiting your city?

You can greet people by saying “ Добрий день ” or Dobriy den and say thank you by saying “ Дякую ” or  Dyakuyu.

In the City is a monthly series profiling a unique Travel Massive city around the world.