Embark on a captivating walking tour of Kiev’s historic Old Town, where you’ll discover the city’s origins, learn about its princes and shrines, and marvel at iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate, St. Sophia and St. Michael’s Cathedrals. Don’t miss the chance to stroll along St. Andrew’s Descent, known as the Montmartre of Kiev. Explore fascinating museums along the way!
Embark on a captivating walking tour of Kiev’s historic Old Town, where you’ll discover the city’s origins, learn about its princes and shrines, and marvel at iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate, St. Sophia and St. Michael’s Cathedrals. Don’t miss the chance to stroll along St. Andrew’s Descent, known as the Montmartre of Kiev. Explore fascinating museums along the way!
- Golden Gate - The Golden Gate stands as a symbol of Kiev, representing the oldest surviving defense structure of Kievan Rus. It served as the main entrance to ancient Kiev and was constructed by the decree of Yaroslav the Wise in 1037. The defensive fortifications of Yaroslav’s city reached a height of 16 meters, a width of 20 meters, and at the…
- Golden Gate - The Golden Gate stands as a symbol of Kiev, representing the oldest surviving defense structure of Kievan Rus. It served as the main entrance to ancient Kiev and was constructed by the decree of Yaroslav the Wise in 1037. The defensive fortifications of Yaroslav’s city reached a height of 16 meters, a width of 20 meters, and at the base with slopes, up to 27 meters.
- Saint Sophia Cathedral - St. Sophia’s Cathedral is a magnificent architectural masterpiece, built by Yaroslav the Wise, the Grand Prince, in 1037. It has preserved not only the grandeur of ancient architecture but also the vibrant decoration of the 11th century, including mosaics and frescoes. The artistic image of Sophia of Kiev embodies the religious and state ideals of that era. The main altar of St. Sophia’s Temple is adorned with a mosaic ensemble.
St. Sophia Cathedral is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- St. Michael’s Golden Domed Monastery - St. Michael’s Golden-domed Cathedral is a revered Orthodox shrine in Kiev, established by Sviatopolk Iziaslavovych, the grandson of Yaroslav the Wise, in 1108 on the grounds of the Dmitriivskyi Monastery. It is dedicated to Michael the Archangel, the heavenly patron.
- Park Landscape Alley - The Landscape Avenue was established in the early 1980s. It follows the line of defense constructions from the 10th to 13th centuries in the historical Upper City. The project envisioned the Landscape Avenue as part of the “Ancient Kyiv” historical reserve, incorporating archaeological, historical, and urban museums. The nearby hills (Castle, Starokyivska, Detynets, and Vozdyhalnytsia) were also slated for enhancement.
- Andriivskyi Descent - During the Kievan Rus period, Andriivsky Descent was the shortest path from the Upper City to the Lower City. The street was named in honor of St. Andrew the First-Called. As merchants ascended the steep descent, goods often fell from wagons, leading to the saying: “There is no use crying over spilt milk.”
The descent is also known as the capital’s street of red lanterns. Significant development of Andriivsky Descent occurred at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, attracting notable figures such as scientists, artists, writers, sculptors, and composers. It remains a favorite spot for both visitors and locals.
- St. Andrew’s Church - St. Andrew’s Church was constructed by order of Empress Elizabeth as part of the Kiev royal residence, which included the Mariinskyi Palace and the palace church, between 1749 and 1754. Designed in the Baroque style by F.-B. Rastrelli, the church is perched on a steep spur of the Ancient Kiev Plateau, serving as a pedestal for its construction.
- Mikhail Bulgakov Museum - From 1906 to 1919, the renowned writer Mikhail Bulgakov lived and worked in Building No. 13 on Andriivskyi Descent.
Today, it is the only museum in the world dedicated to Bulgakov’s relics. The decision to establish a literary-memorial museum for Mikhail Bulgakov was made in 1989, and it opened to the public in 1993. It is more than just a building; it is a Legend-House.
- One Street Museum - The Museum of One Street is Kyiv’s first private museum, focusing on the history of St. Andrew’s Descent and its residents. The collection features items from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, creating a nostalgic atmosphere akin to traveling through time. Visitors can envision a boudoir with a full set of ladies’ toiletries, a dining room with a table, and the interiors of workshops and shops.
Retro music enhances the exploration of past realities. The museum houses over 6,000 exhibits, including old photographs, engravings, ladies’ dresses, umbrellas, hats, men’s tuxedos, gloves, handbags, playing cards, banknotes, phonographs, cutlery, an American typewriter, and a National cash register, all testifying to a bygone era.

- Local guide
- Private tour
- Hotel pickup
- Local guide
- Private tour
- Hotel pickup
- Hotel drop-off
- Hotel drop-off
We welcome you to take the Old (Upper) town tour, the birthplace of Kyiv. This tour is perfect for first-time visitors to the city! As we stroll through, you’ll discover the city’s inception, its princes, and its holy places; visit the Golden Gate, St. Sophia and St. Michael’s Cathedrals, and Dytynets; and take a walk down St. Andrew’s Descent – Kyiv’s…
We welcome you to take the Old (Upper) town tour, the birthplace of Kyiv. This tour is perfect for first-time visitors to the city! As we stroll through, you’ll discover the city’s inception, its princes, and its holy places; visit the Golden Gate, St. Sophia and St. Michael’s Cathedrals, and Dytynets; and take a walk down St. Andrew’s Descent – Kyiv’s own Montmartre. On top of all that, you get the option to explore the historical museum, the one-street museum or the Bulgakov Museum.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.