We’ve gathered 10 secret spots in Kyiv that remain a mystery even to some of its own residents.
Chorna Hora (Black Mountain) in Vydubychi
This historic area is adjacent to the famous Lysa Hora (Bald Mountain), and its secrecy is fully explained by its name. Lysa Hora is shrouded in legends of people disappearing and being bricked up alive, which are supported by the preserved pagan shrine with a statue of Perun and modern witch altars for offerings. People remain silent about Chorna Hora because it is said to be much scarier… Though a web of narrow streets leads to its green slopes.
Chorna Hora is the very center of the mystical-hilly Pechersk Triangle, which includes Lysa and Busova mountains.
Address: between Lysa Hora and the Hryshko National Botanical Garden, near Solovtsova and Buslivska streets.
If you’re fascinated by Kyiv’s mystical topography — with its hills, legends, underground passages, and witch altars — we also recommend one of the most unusual tours from our collection “Terrifying, Mystical & Secret Kyiv: The Most Interesting City Tours”.
The Tulip Tree Grove
Hidden in the depths of the Syrets Arboretum, there’s a beautiful and nearly unknown grove of tulip trees. And it’s almost 200 years old.
It’s best to visit it in late spring. The grove usually blooms most magnificently right after Kyiv Day.
Address: Syrets Arboretum (43 Tyraspolska Street).
Exclusive Authentic Muslim Cuisine
Every Friday on Dehtyarivska Street, a truly unique event unfolds — a real Muslim market. But it’s not just a market — here, ready-made dishes are sold that strictly adhere to the laws of the Islamic religion.
By the way, the prices are reasonable, and the flavor authenticity is unmatched. According to seasoned gourmets, you won’t find anything like it in any restaurant in Kyiv.
Address: 27 Dehtyarivska Street.
Green Theater
The Green Theater is nestled in the lush green slopes of the Dnipro River and is an extraordinary open-air theater. The main highlight is a huge amphitheater with 4,000 seats. Built back in 1949, today this amusement park is somewhat neglected and abandoned — which only adds to its charm.
Right next to it, you can spot a water tower and even stumble upon old tunnels leading to it, which are also now abandoned.
Address: 2 Parkova Road.
Askold's Grave
Next to the Green Theater lies an even more secret place in Kyiv, though it holds global significance and fame. This is confirmed by a visit from the Pope himself.
Today, “Askold’s Grave” is a monument of landscape art featuring an active Greek-Catholic church.
According to chronicles, this is the very place where one of the first princes of Kyivan Rus — Askold — was killed. In his honor, Princess Olga built a wooden church here in the 10th century — the first ever church in Kyiv. It stood until 1809. The Kyiv elite began to be buried around this church long ago. This cemetery, with its crypts and artistic tombstones, was destroyed by Soviet authorities in 1934.
Address: A part of the Dnipro slopes between Dnipro Descent, Mariinsky Park, and Ivana Mazepy Street.
Secret Bar Charles Baker
A bar that hides itself: to get inside, you need to go into the courtyard near the restaurant “Oi, Mamo”, turn left, go down to the basement, and press the doorbell next to the bookshelf. But first — find the password. It’s sent to your email after you answer a secret question on the website.
Inside — Kyiv transforms into 1920s New York. There’s no menu: you just tell the bartender what kind of alcohol you want in your cocktail — and you get a personalized mix. Payment is cash only. No cards, just like 100 years ago.
Address: 63 Velyka Vasylkivska Street.
Sunset on the Bowl of the Olympic Stadium
Almost everyone has probably been to the Olympic Stadium. However, there’s still a secret spot hidden here that’s perfect for watching the sunset. You can reach it via the slope that leads to the Kosyi Kaponir.
What makes this location special is its emptiness and the beautiful architecture surrounding the wide skyline.
Address: 55 Velyka Vasylkivska Street.
From Hoholivska to Shevchenko Boulevard through Secret Paths
This route is scenic and known to very few, as it runs through streets in the center of Kyiv that aren’t popular with tourists.
You should start from the top of Hoholivska Street. Going downhill — slip through the arch at 65 O. Honchara Street. From there — deeper into the block. Follow the path — and you’ll reach Alla Horska Lane. From there — to Shevchenko Boulevard. Along the way, you’ll see the buttresses of a pre-revolutionary building and an example of Ukrainian Art Nouveau from the early 20th century. It’s a school now, but originally it was a Commercial College.
If you're craving more of these kinds of alleys and courtyard passages where Kyiv reveals its true face — check out the "Secret Courtyards of Kyiv" tour. During it, you'll see beautiful buildings and unusual art objects, explore "carriage passages", and discover hidden gems even locals often miss.
The Space Near the Church of the Saviour at Berestove
This secret spot in Kyiv is located next to one of the most popular places — the Park of Glory. This public space was created recently and is hard to reach — so it’s unlikely to become crowded anytime soon. Especially since it’s not visible from anywhere.
You can get here from Lavrska Street, right where the Park of Glory ends — via stairs dug into the hillside. They lead up to an embankment, and from there — to the church. The atmosphere here is very quiet and elegantly mysterious. In the evenings, it feels like there’s no one around — almost eerily so.
Address: 5 Lavrska Street.
Church of the Saviour at Berestove
5 Lavrska Street
Not everyone discovers such places. To avoid getting lost among them or missing the most interesting ones, we recommend taking the "Secret Kyiv" tour for groups of up to 10 people. It’s the perfect option for friends tired of standard tourist routes.
The Square Near Smorodynskyi Descent in Tatarka
Tatarka itself feels like an ultra-secret part of Kyiv. Time seems frozen here in different historical eras. Around the square near Smorodynskyi Descent, there are no shops, almost no people, and zero plastic windows in residential buildings no taller than three stories. According to legend, this is where Kyrylo Kozhumyaka fought the Dragon.
On the descent itself — the atmosphere changes completely. In its hills, you can still find chalk caves. And its thickets look almost impenetrable, untouched by civilization. Only an old wooden staircase winding through the overgrowth, leading you down to Podil, reminds you that you’re not in Kyivan Rus’, but rather in some kind of medieval setting.
Address: from Nahirna Street to Kyrylivska Street.
To avoid getting lost among all these hidden spots, save this ready-made “Secret Kyiv” route. It will help you plan a walk through a city you’ve never seen before.
