Tour: “Romantic Kudryavets”
Kudryavets is a true historical gem of Kyiv, hidden in the very heart of the Old City. This area owes its name to the lush trees that "curl" among picturesque ravines and hills. Here, nature and architecture combine to create an incredible ensemble, perfect for romantic strolls.
Embark on a leisurely journey through the narrow streets of one of Kyiv’s oldest districts, filled with fascinating discoveries. During the tour, you will:
- learn why the oldest bridge in the capital was built;
- uncover the history of the mysterious Old Kyiv Cemetery;
- find out where Kyiv’s only real boulevard is located;
- hear the legends of Pavlivskyi Square;
- discover where the "mascot" of one of the world’s greatest directors lived;
- listen to the story of a miracle that occurred at Lviv Square a hundred years ago.
Next date: January 19, 1:00 PM
Tour: “Swindlers and Eccentrics of Old Podil”
Podil has always been a special place in Kyiv. In the 18th–19th centuries, it was a hub of passion, myth-making, and a reality that surpassed even the wildest imaginations. The tour “Swindlers and Eccentrics of Old Podil” will transport you to a time when Kyiv became the stage for incredible events and peculiar human antics.
The walk consists of two parts: an hour and a half outdoors and an hour indoors. You will experience the cozy atmosphere of Old Podil, visit the Museum of One Street, and hear extravagant stories preserved in the walls of ancient buildings and the cobblestones of Andriivskyi Descent.
What you will see and hear:
- how to properly organize panic before the next end of the world;
- where Kyiv’s first psychiatric institution is located and what secrets it hides;
- how to use UFOs in information warfare;
- why a village in Podil prepared for the end of the world and tried to learn how to fly;
- the story of an eccentric from Tarashcha who believed he was Jesus;
- what connects the governor-general, churches, and the fashion for national attire;
- the secrets of musical raves beneath the walls of the police station.
The tour will be led by the charismatic Kyiv expert Dariya Sapozhnikova.
Next date: January 18, 12:00 PM
Tour: “The Underground of Askold”
What does Kyiv look like from the inside, dozens of meters underground? A tour of the city’s longest underground system—the “Askold” drainage tunnels—is perfect for those who want to explore the hidden side of the capital.
The “Askold” system is a true underground labyrinth carved deep into the slopes above the Dnipro River. During the tour, you will descend far below the surface, walk through ancient tunnels, visit the bottom of a 33-meter shaft, and witness incredible natural formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, and “underground pearls.” Additionally, you will:
- learn how hilly Kyiv was protected from landslides into the Dnipro River;
- see the largest underground waterfall in the capital;
- visit old brick galleries illuminated by live fire;
- stand at the bottom of the legendary “Tsar’s Well”;
- experience what it’s like to be in absolute darkness.
Your guide will be Kyrylo, an experienced urban explorer who has spent years researching Kyiv’s underground and extreme locations.
Next date: January 19, 12:00 PM
Tour: “Winter Mysticism of Podil with Mulled Wine”
Did you know that Podil is not only the oldest district of Kyiv but also a place steeped in legends of witches, vampires, and other mystical creatures? A winter walk through the streets and courtyards of Podil will reveal an entirely different side of the capital—one that is magical and mysterious.
During the tour, you will:
- learn how “witchcraft” was investigated in medieval Kyiv and why blind people were taken to Lysa Hora in winter;
- visit a district where, according to legend, the “City of the Dead” was located, and discover where Prince Oleh is really buried;
- hear the story of Kyiv’s first witch, the secrets of love potions, and magical herbs;
- see a church that lost its dome three times and find the spot where a mysterious river once flowed;
- discover how Gogol is connected to Podil’s mystical tales and learn about the Kyiv vampire.
Your guide will be Svitlana Buchko, a native of Podil who knows all the secrets of this district and masterfully narrates its mystical past.
Next date: January 26, 3:00 PM
Tour: “Tereshchenko Mansion to the Sound of Saxophone”
During this two-hour tour, you will discover the history of a unique estate, now home to the National Scientific Medical Library of Ukraine. The mansion, which belonged to the famous philanthropist and sugar magnate Oleksandr Tereshchenko, not only impresses with its architecture but also hides many secrets.
What you will learn during the tour:
- how the mansion was built and what connects it to Victorian palaces and Ukrainian cottages;
- where the Crown of Thorns of Jesus Christ is hidden and why the mansion has several depictions of Mephistopheles;
- which of Tereshchenko’s guests left the most memorable mark on his life;
- the unusual story behind the large mirror in the living room;
- what makes the exhibit in the corner room so unique and why it’s a must-see in person.
The highlight of the tour is the musical accompaniment. A virtuoso Kyiv saxophonist will transport you to the times when life bustled in this historic estate.
Next date: January 25, 4:00 PM
Tour: “Metaphorical Evening Gatherings on Khreshchatyk: The Magic of Festive Traditions”
This tour allows you to experience the spirit of Ukrainian celebrations and touch upon the domestic magic passed down through generations, which still remains part of our everyday lives.
What you will learn:
- how amulets such as belts, aprons, necklaces, and scarves were created and used;
- why fire, water, salt, and herbs were the main elements of protection for a Ukrainian home;
- how ordinary household items—brooms, knives, or a bucket of water—became magical tools in the hands of a hostess;
- how traditional evening gatherings unfolded, fortunes were told, and couples were formed.
Moreover, together with storytellers Nina Bellini and Nata Yasna, you will have the opportunity to prepare a ceremonial dish, perform a purification ritual for a space and a blessing for travel, create magical herb candles, tell fortunes as our great-grandmothers did during the winter holidays, and much more.
Next date: January 19, 5:00 PM
Tour: “Night at the Pharmacy Museum: Podil’s Stories and Alchemical Secrets”
A nighttime tour of Podil with a visit to the Pharmacy Museum will reveal the mysteries of Kyiv’s doctors, spiritualists, and alchemists to all who are curious.
The route begins with an evening walk through Podil, where you will:
- learn about spiritualism, mysterious doctors, prophets, and brilliant musicians;
- hear a story about an imprisoned madman and uncover the secret of a townsman feared by the emperor himself;
- discover the “types” of people in Kyiv and how a genius could be shown the door;
- find out how a general could hold the rank of a commoner and what came of it.
The tour concludes with a visit to the mysterious Pharmacy Museum, where you’ll find:
- a healer’s hut, an alchemical laboratory, and pharmacopoeias from the 19th–20th centuries;
- antique pharmacy vessels, recipes that resemble spells, and mysterious bundles of herbs;
- stories about which pills were in fashion and where all the “confections” disappeared to;
- a tasting of fragrant “elixirs” made from a secret recipe tested by the guide himself.
The tour is conducted by Oleksii Shymanovskyi, an expert on Kyiv’s mysteries.
Next date: Please confirm when registering by calling 067–409–51–05
Winter in Kyiv offers plenty of opportunities for vivid impressions. After an exciting tour, why not visit one of Kyiv’s ice rinks? They offer not only a great chance to skate but also a festive atmosphere. Learn more about the best places to skate in our article.
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Anna
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