Kyiv has always been a city of contrasts. Just minutes away from Khreshchatyk, you can find the quiet of the parks, skate under a bridge, or run along the embankment as the sun sets behind the Dnipro River. Even during a full-scale war, the city hasn’t stopped — it has learned to combine daily life with sports, create new routes, and restore old spaces.
We’ve gathered the places that in 2025 remain the best for those who love sports and outdoor activities — from running trails to skateparks, from the legendary “Kachalka” to the professional cycling track.
Trukhaniv Island — the main route for running and active leisure
Trukhaniv Island is the capital’s main running arena. Mass starts take place here, and hundreds of people train daily. In October, the island will once again be in the spotlight — it will host the 15th Kyiv Unbroken Marathon, bringing together professional athletes and those running their first distance.
But the island isn’t just about marathons. It’s great for cycling, and there are workout zones and fields for team sports. Trukhaniv is a versatile space where sports unite people with different levels of experience.
Obolon Embankment and Natalka Park — a comfortable location with a view of the Dnipro
In the evenings, Obolon Embankment feels like a large celebration. Some people run along the water, others ride rollerblades or bikes, and kids zoom around on scooters. The atmosphere is light and open.
“Natalka” has become the heart of this route. After reconstruction, modern sports grounds, workout zones, and well-lit paths appeared here. It’s a space where sports and leisure coexist in harmony: run a few kilometers and stop to watch the sunset.
VDNH and Urban Park — a large-scale sports space open 24/7
Today, VDNH has transformed into a place where sports come first. It’s convenient for long-distance runs: the alleys allow you to cover 10–12 kilometers without repetition. In April 2025, the Kyiv Unbroken Half Marathon took place here, attracting over 8,000 participants.
But the true magnet is Urban Park. It’s open 24/7 and free of charge. A 2,500 m² skatepark, a pump track, football and basketball courts, workout zones, and even a stage for street dancing. This is a place where energy is always in the air — from early morning strength training to evening skate battles.
Rusanivka and Lake Telbin — peaceful routes on the Left Bank
The Left Bank moves at a different pace. The Rusanivska Embankment and the loop around Lake Telbin offer 4–5 kilometers of flat asphalt — ideal for interval training or light evening runs after work.
There are no crowds here, making it one of the best spots for those who value focus and solitude in sports.
Holosiivskyi Park — trail paths through the forest
Enter Holosiiv — and it feels like the city is far behind. The air smells of earth and trees, the paths twist and turn, and the elevation changes resemble trail routes in the Carpathians.
The park spans over 4,500 hectares. Runners choose it for its challenging terrain, cyclists — for the opportunity to build endurance. Holosiiv is not just about sports, it’s about the feeling of escaping the metropolis — just a 30-minute ride from the city center.
Holosiivskyi National Nature Park
General Rodymtsev str., 6а, Kyiv
Hydropark and “Kachalka” — Kyiv’s most iconic open-air gym
Hydropark has long been known as a recreational spot, but its true symbol is “Kachalka.” This open-air gym, which has existed for over 50 years, has become part of the city’s culture.
More than 150 hand-made workout machines crafted from metal and concrete. Everyone trains here — from beginners to seasoned athletes. “Kachalka” is all about honesty: no gloss, no expensive memberships, just iron and willpower.
X-Park in Muromets — over 60 sports and entertainment activities
X-Park occupies part of Muromets Park and offers more than 60 activities across 780 hectares. It has everything: trampoline arenas, rope courses, wakeboarding stations, football fields, and workout zones.
The pride of the park is SUP and kayaking through the channels of the Desenka River. The water here resembles a miniature Amazon, creating a sense of adventure — even though you're just a few kilometers from the city center. X-Park is Kyiv in its most adventurous form.
Velodrome — a historic place for speed in the city center
The Kyiv Velodrome on Lypynskoho Street, 15 is one of the oldest in Europe. It was opened in 1913 and later saved from decline by activists. In May 2017, it reopened to the public.
The track is 286 meters long, with banking angles of up to 38°. It hosts both training sessions and official races. The atmosphere is unique: the roar of wheels, the speed, the thrill of competition. The velodrome proves that sport in Kyiv has deep-rooted traditions.
Kyiv knows how to keep the pace during the day and shift into a new rhythm at night. After a run on Trukhaniv Island or a workout in Urban Park, it’s worth staying in the city a little longer — to see how it transforms with the sunset. The paths light up, the Dnipro reflects the streetlights, and familiar routes take on a whole new look. If you want to experience Kyiv in this dimension, check out our guide “Top 10 Places for Evening Walks in Kyiv”, where we’ve collected the most atmospheric spots in the city after dark.
