We’ve gathered 10 locations worth visiting if you're looking for great aerial shots and fresh impressions.
Volodymyrska Hill
One of the most famous panoramic spots in Kyiv is the park on the slopes of St. Michael’s Hill. This is part of the historical center, offering a classic view of Podil, Trukhaniv Island, the left bank, and distant Obolon.
At the center of the composition stands the monument to Prince Volodymyr, erected in 1853. The silhouette of this figure against the backdrop of the Dnipro has long become one of the city’s most recognizable symbols.
The park was arranged in the mid-19th century as a space for leisurely walks. Of the two main viewing platforms, one is located near the monument itself, while the other is higher, on the upper terrace. If you're looking for a quieter, less crowded spot, try finding the Kokorevsky pavilion below the central alley. In winter, Podil is clearly visible from here, while in summer the greenery partly hides the view.
The best time to visit is at dawn — the light is soft, and the city is still asleep. It's the perfect moment for a peaceful walk and some stunning photos.
Hryshko Botanical Garden
If you’ve ever seen photos of Kyiv drenched in lilac blooms, they were most likely taken here. The Mykola Hryshko National Botanical Garden is one of the most popular photo spots in the capital. Panoramic views of the Dnipro River, Vydubychi Monastery, Hydropark, Rusanivka, and Paton Bridge appear in Instagram feeds and travel blogs year after year.
With over 130 hectares of greenery, more than 4,000 species of flowering plants, and a vast lilac collection, the garden combines a landscaped park, a botanical collection, and a space for photo walks. Spring is peak season for photo shoots. Both locals and tourists flock here during lilac bloom season to capture iconic shots against the violet-covered hills and city panoramas.
The main viewing points are on the right side of the garden. The most famous among them is the "Red Courtyard" platform, styled as a settlement from the Kyivan Rus era. Paths through the lilac garden or rose garden lead you there.
The Hryshko Botanical Garden is one of the few places in Kyiv where you can have a full-scale photo shoot with a stunning view without leaving the city. The best time to visit is in the morning or evening when the light is soft and the crowds haven’t yet gathered. For bloggers and photographers, it’s a real gem if you want natural panoramic views of Kyiv in your frame.
Castle Hill
One of the most atmospheric spots to see old Kyiv from above. Castle Hill is a slope between Podil and Andriivskyi Descent, offering a panoramic view of St. Andrew’s Church, Vozdvyzhenka, the Dnipro River, and the left bank.
The easiest route is the metal staircase from the Descent. The climb takes just a few minutes, and the view is definitely worth the effort.
This place has been known since ancient chronicles. In the Middle Ages, a castle stood here, and according to legend, it may have been the estate of Kyi, the legendary founder of Kyiv. Today, it’s an informal viewpoint: no benches or lighting, but a view that rivals the city’s most popular platforms.
Motherland Monument
The highest observation deck in Kyiv is located right in the shield of the Motherland Monument. At a height of 91 meters, the capital opens up from a completely different angle: from here, you can see the Dnipro River, the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, bridges, and the left bank with its modern residential districts. This is one of the most impressive spots for those seeking truly grand panoramic views of Kyiv.
There are two options for ascent. The upper point is the “Extreme” platform on the shield, accessible only in good weather. Only two visitors and an instructor are allowed at a time, so the experience is intimate, but the impressions are maximum. If you're looking for something less extreme, you can go up to the lower platform — it's located at a height of 36 meters.
The monument stands 102 meters tall and is among the tallest statues in Europe. It was opened in 1981 and has since become a recognizable symbol of Kyiv. The sculpture is part of the complex of the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War, located on the slopes above the Dnipro River.
The ascent is ticketed, and entrance is through the museum. The best time for photos is in the morning or late afternoon when the sun illuminates the city from the sides. It's also the only place in Kyiv where you can take a photo from the shield and see the entire cityscape — from the Lavra to the distant horizon of the left bank.
Shchekavytsia Hill
A hill made famous by jokes and memes, but in reality offers one of the widest panoramic views in the city. The viewing angle here is up to 270 degrees, so in front of you is almost the entire left bank, Podil, Obolon, Petrovka, Vynohradar, Troieshchyna, and even Berezniaky. The city looks as if it’s lying in your palm.
The place is not officially equipped, so don’t expect benches, lighting, or railings. But that’s exactly what gives Shchekavytsia its special charm. It’s best to come here with a blanket and a thermos — for a picnic or just to sit on the edge of the slope and watch how the city changes at sunset.
Shchekavytsia has long held the status of an informal location: no tourist excursions come here, but locals know it well. This is where you get atmospheric shots against the horizon with no barriers — no glass walls, no crowds. The soft sunset light, silhouettes of buildings, and the greenery of the hills — everything works together to create the perfect shot.
Pedestrian Bridge
The Pedestrian Bridge needs no introduction. It was opened back in 1957 and has since become one of the capital’s landmarks. It’s always lively here: some are heading to Trukhaniv Island, others stop right in the middle to take a photo. And for good reason — the panorama that opens up from the bridge spans both the left and right banks, Poshtova Square, Rybalsky Peninsula, the Metro Bridge, and the endless water surface of the Dnipro.
This is a place where Kyiv feels calm and open, and a true magnet for cameras and lenses. Everything is filmed here: from weddings and travel blogs to music videos. That’s why the Pedestrian Bridge is one of the most photogenic locations for those in search of panoramic views of Kyiv.
Pishokhidnyy Mist Cherez Dnipro
Naberezhnoe highway / Truhanov island, Kyiv
Bell Tower of Saint Sophia Cathedral
The bell tower of Saint Sophia Cathedral is one of the tallest and most breathtaking viewpoints in the center of Kyiv. However, to reach it, you'll need to climb several hundred steps. But at 76 meters high, the view is well worth the effort. In front of you — the golden domes of St. Michael’s Cathedral, the monument to Bohdan Khmelnytsky, the geometry of Sophia Square, and if you look closely — even the left bank.
The bell tower of Saint Sophia is not just a historical landmark. It's also one of the most beautiful shooting spots. Kyiv here is like on the palm of your hand, and every shot — precise and architecturally aligned. This is the place where those festive shots are taken — whether it’s snowing, chestnuts are in bloom, or the sun is setting.
And don't forget to peek into the bell tower of St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery. It's right across the square and offers no less stunning views of Kyiv.
The bell tower of St. Sophia Cathedral
Volodymyrska Street, 24, Kyiv
TSUM Rooftop
This is more than just a viewing point — it's part of urban lifestyle. The rooftop of the renovated TSUM is all about cocktails, concerts, evening events, and, of course, cityscapes. From here, you get a signature panorama of the center — Khreshchatyk, the streets from above, the flow of traffic, and the sky brushing the city skyline.
This is where fashion campaigns are shot, vloggers film their videos, and locals enjoy sunsets. It’s a great spot both for planned photoshoots and for spontaneous “in the moment” shots — with a glass in hand, against neon lights or just the evening city vibe.
This is the kind of location where Kyiv’s panoramic views take on an urban character and the vibe of a big metropolis. Everything looks like a music video frame — even if you’ve just stepped out onto the terrace with a coffee.
Glass Bridge
It’s either called simply the Glass Bridge or “Klitschko’s Bridge.” But the essence is the same: it’s a modern observation spot connecting Volodymyrska Hill with Khreshchatyi Park and offers an almost 360-degree panorama of Kyiv. You can see Podil, European Square, the left bank, and of course, the Dnipro River with all its bends.
The bridge has glass inserts in the floor — everyone takes photos on them as it feels like you're “standing in the air.” Panoramic photos from here turn out spectacular: space, depth, and the city beneath your feet. That’s why the Glass Bridge has become not just a walking route, but a tourist magnet for everyone visiting Kyiv.
Uzdykhalnytsia Hill
Quiet and a bit hidden — Uzdykhalnytsia Hill is easy to miss when walking along Andriyivskyi Descent. And that’s a pity. An iron staircase from building No. 15 leads to it. Climb up — and a cozy panorama of Podil opens up before you.
This spot is not about scale but about atmosphere. It’s especially nice in the fall when the trees shed their leaves. People come here for dates, intimate photoshoots, and to catch the soft light of sunset. There are benches, so you can take a slow break with a thermos and a phone on a tripod.
The panoramic views of Kyiv from Uzdykhalnytsia are not vast, but sincere. A place for those who love the city not for its size, but for its details.
And if after your photo walk you want to relax with a glass of wine or a morning coffee, choose a summer terrace with a view. Kyiv has plenty of such places. We’ve gathered a separate selection of summer terraces — from cozy courtyards to panoramic restaurants above the Dnipro.
Oleg
Kate