Kiev Check-in - February by Kiev Check-in

February 2017

A MUST READ FOR KIEV VISITORS

IN THIS ISSUE: KIEV’S SAINT VALENTINE TOP EVENTS IN FEBRUARY WHAT’S NEW IN THE CITY TOP 8 GIFTS TO TAKE HOME WITH YOU GUIDE TO BUYING PROPERTY IN UKRAINE

10 SIMPLE WAYS TO MAKE FRIENDS IN KIEV INTERVIEW WITH RUSLANA LYZHYCHKO KIEV’S 12 AMAZING SIGHTS

Lose and Then Find Yourself in Kiev!

Publisher: Contact Ukraine LLC Chief Advisor: Pradeep Boparai Editor-in-Chief: Nadiia Yakovenko Legal Advisor: Tetiana Yakovenko Editor: David Yost Designers: Kateryna Kosmina Mariana Ianovska Photography: Multiple Sources

For feedback, advertising, or general enquiries, please contact kievcheckin@contactukraine.com Tel. +38 068 118 0505 Kiev Check-in is an English language monthly magazine, aimed to promote tourism to Kiev and highlight local events, news, attractions, leisure options, and investment opportunities in the city. Registration Information: Kiev Check-in is registered with Ministry of Justice of Ukraine as a print media (license number КУ № 802-439Р).

Issue 2017/2

Contents EDITOR’S WELCOME TOP EVENTS IN FEBRUARY WINTER KIEV PHOTO COMPETITION WHAT’S NEW IN THE CITY

3 4-8 9 10

INTERVIEW – 5 Questions for Ruslana Lyzhychko 12-13 KIEV’S SAINT VALENTINE

14-15

All the materials published in Kiev Check-in are intellectual property of the publisher and protected in accordance with Ukrainian law. Publisher does not accept any responsibility for the goods and services advertised in this magazine. While every effort has been made to make sure information provided in this magazine is accurate and up-to-date, the publisher is not in anyway liable for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions.

LOST IN UKRAINE – 10 Simple Ways to Make Friends in Kiev 16-20 SECRETS OF KIEV – Top 8 Gifts to Take Home With You 21-23 TOP KIEV DESTINATIONS – Kiev’s 12 Amazing Sights 24-27 MONTHLY TIPS – Top 9 February Tips for Kiev Visitors 28-29 BUSINESS CORNER – A Foreigner’s Guide to Buying Property in Ukraine 30-32 USEFUL CONTACTS & RESOURCES WE RECOMMEND

33 34-35

Scan and visit our website here.

Do you remember the “Martian” from the famous movie who was left alone on an entire planet? Having arrived in a foreign country, tourists often feel like that... but Kiev is not Mars, and you are not alone here! =) Our mag azine is your faithful compass and guide to Kiev’s dyn amic city life, with useful advice, opinions and travel tips to make the best of your visi t. The February issue of Kiev Che ck-in is dedicated to magnificen t Saint Valentine’s Day, also known as a Day of Lov e and Friendship. It’s hard not to fall in love with Kiev, a city that always meets its visitors with warmth and hospital ity. It’s a city of unique culture and ancient trad itions, of fascinating views and frie ndly people. As Ruslana, winner of the 200 4 Eurovision song contest, said dur ing our interview (pg. 12-13): “If I arrived here for the first time, I would definitely be surp rised by the many architectural monuments , elegant restaurants, beautiful par ks, museums, theaters and numerous shopping squares.” All these attractions sink into the hearts of our international visitors, and man y of them come back here again and again. We would like you also to feel this magnetic atmosphere and disc over interesting stories on pg. 14-15 in our arti cle “Kiev’s Saint Valentine” Wo uld you like to meet locals who know their city inside out and explore Kiev in the com pany of friends? Read our “10 Simple Ways to Make Friends in Kiev” on pg. 1620. And after spending some amazing time here , don’t forget to bring valuable souvenirs for your soulmates from Ukraine, using our special guide “Top 8 Gifts to Take Home With You” on pg. 21-23, and share thei r impressions with us. February is just the right time to start the new business year. Whether you com e for business or pleasure, in Kiev you can com bine forums, conferences, exhibitions or festivals with the beauty of the city in winter. If you’re con sidering investment opportunities, read our business corner dedicated to buying property in Ukraine (pg. 30-32). Finally, I would like to recall the words of Bessie Anderson Stanley and wish you , our precious Readers, to “Live well, Laugh often, Love much” and be open to new discoveries in your life!

TOP EVENTS IN FEBRUARY

FEBRUARY 2017

CONCERTS

Feb 11 Feb

The evening of Jazz and Mulled wine ArtHall D12 (12 Desatinna Str.) Outstanding Ukrainian jazzmen, music from the 30’s, and flavored mulled wine promise to create the magic atmosphere on this winter evening. The concert is performed by Ruslana Egorova quartet: Dmitry Alexandrov, Pavlo Galitskiy, Nikolay Kistenev, and Dmitry Kovalenko. The format of the event allows you to communicate and dance! svitloconcert.com/events/jazzwine/ jazzwine.html

Feb

04, 11, 18, 25

National selection of candidates for Eurovision 2017

TOP EVENTS CALENDAR 4

The Art and Culture Center “KPI” (37 Peremogy Ave.) Kiev is announced as a host city for the Eurovision Song Contest 2017 that takes place in May. The Ukrainian selection tours are also held in the capital: 3 semi-finals (Feb 4,11,18) and final (Feb 25). Here you may enjoy the live music performed by the outstanding Ukrainian vocalists, creative ideas, and incredible performances. The National Jury, consisting of the composer and musical producer Konstantin Meladze, together with the Eurovision 2016 winner Jamala, will help to choose the eligible bright song for participation in Eurovision 2017 from Ukraine.

Feb 07

The concert of Ukrainian Dance Ensemble

Arina Domski “Opera Show”

Palace “Ukraine” (103 Vasylkivska Str.)

Café L’étage & Bel étage (16A Shota Rustaveli Str.) Arina Domski is the Ukrainian classical crossover singer with a beautiful soprano voice. Having the classical base, “Opera Show” combines different musical styles starting with Handel, Mozart, Tchaikovsky and ending by modern academic music. Each song is presented as a theatrical performance with the participation of musicians and dancers. www.facebook.com/ events/560368054164767/

Feb 09 The concert of Katiko Purtseladze & Pavel Ignatyev Caribbean Club Concert-Hall (4 S.Petliury Str.) In this evening the well-known pianist and composer Pavel Ignatiev and professional singer Katiko Purtseladze promise to bring the atmosphere of the nineties with the songs of such famous bands as: “The Best From The West”, “Spice Girls”, “Dr. Alban”, “Ace of Base”, “Depeche Mode” and even more alternative music of “Massive Attack”, “Kate Bush”, “Snap”, “Red Hot Chili Peppers”, “Prodigy”.

The National Honoured Academic Dance Ensemble of Ukraine named after P.P. Virsky organizes the festive concert of folk dance. Here you have a great opportunity to learn Ukrainian traditions and enjoy the professional performance of various ancient and modern dances from different regions of Ukraine. Around 100 talented, well-trained, passionate and energetic artists will come together to organize the unforgettable evening with lots of positive emotions. palace-ukraine.com/en/afisha/200virsky

Feb 14 Jazz for lovers SENTRUM (11 Shota Rustaveli Str.) Famous Jazz vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter Allan Harris will present the new concert program “Nobody Loves You Better” on Valentine’s Day in Kiev. American jazzmen promise to perform one of the best love songs including My Funny Valentine, L.O.V.E, Moody’s Mood For Love, You Don’t Know What Love Is and many others. Be ready for the truly romantic atmosphere on this special day. www.facebook.com/ events/1853189624927788/

www.facebook.com/ events/359638534421625/

www.concert.ua/eventpage/ yevrobachennja-18-02

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TOP EVENTS IN FEBRUARY

FEBRUARY 2017 Feb 13-14

Feb 25-26

Jazz Love Songs

Rock symphony

Cinema house (6 Saksaganskogo Str.)

Palace “Ukraine” (103 Vasylkivska)

The outstanding jazzmen of Ukraine come on one stage to present the new program “Jazz Love Songs” for those who are in love. The program includes the best songs of such legendary performers as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Nat King Cole and others; interesting surprises and unexpected jazz interpretations of “non-jazz” romantic compositions. The concert will be performed by Ruslan Egorov (vocal, piano), Pavlo Galitskiy (the drums), Dmitri Alexandrov (saxophone), Nikolai Kistenev (double bass) and Dennis Adu Big Band. kiev.karabas.com/jazz-love-songs-6

Under the guidance of well-known bandmaster Mykola Lysenko (youngest), professional musicians of the symphonic orchestra will perform the hits of such rock monsters as Nirvana, Led Zeppelin, Muse, The Beatles, Metallica, System of a Down, The Doors, Queen that made a huge impact on the history of rock music. The project “Rock Symphony” tries to combine the heartrending rock energetic with the majesty of orchestral sound and propels rock to the new interesting execution level.

Feb 18 Laima Love Show Palace “Ukraine” (103 Vasylkivska) Famous Latvian singer best known for such popular hits as “Vernisage” and “Charlie,” Laima Vaikule comes to Kiev within Ukrainian tour called “The best”. Impressive songs, the voice that becomes more beautiful over the years together with ballet and jazz accomplishments are waiting for all visitors in the new show program “Laima Love Show.”

www.concert.ua/eventpage/roksimfonija-25-02

kiev.karabas.com/layma-vaykule

SPORTS Feb 04-05 KYIV BATTLE ACCO International (40-B Prospekt Peremogy) Feb

14-15

Les meilleures chansons de NOTRE DAME de PARIS Palace “Ukraine” (103 Vasylkivska) Around 150 artists and 30 tons of lighting and sound equipment are involved in the grandiose performance of the well-known musical based on the novel Notre-Dame de Paris by Victor Hugo. It is the story of love, betrayal, jealousy, bravery and true commitment that can not leave you indifferent. Seven wonderful voices accompanied by violins and cellos will make everyone to experience once more the taste of famous legend, believe in, and bow before the strong power of beauty. www.concert.ua/eventpage/lesmeilleures-chansons-de-notredame-de-paris-14-02

Feb

Arturo Sandoval October Palace (1 Heroyiv Nebesnoyi Sotni Alley) Cuban jazz trumpeter, pianist, and composer Arturo Sandoval is going to present one of the brightest, passionate, and virtuosic concerts of this winter. Arturo Sandoval got numerous awards: 10 Time Grammy Award Winner, Emmy Award Recipient, 6 Time Billboard Award Winner, 2015 Hispanic Heritage Award Recipient and is considered as one of the most brilliant, multifaceted and renowned musicians of our time. He is eager to share his talent with others who feel the same inspiration and adoration of music as he does. www.concert.ua/eventpage/arturosandoval

There is an international CrossFit tournament organized in the capital’s exhibition center “ACCO International”. Crossfit training includes elements from highintensity interval exercises, weightlifting, powerlifting, gymnastics and other sports. During the event, you can meet both the professional athletes and amateurs from Ukraine and neighboring countries who will demonstrate true strength and endurance competing for the title of best cross fitter with the prize money of UAH 100,000. Among participants, there are such wellknown sportsmen of the country as Artem Kirichenko, Valentyn Lytvynchuk, Oleksandr Kravchenko, Serhiy Kravchenko and others. kyivbattle.org/

Feb 12 Lovers’ race 2017 Rusanivska Quay New Balance Top Runners invites everyone interested in participating in the traditional race (4 km or 8km) on the eve of Valentine’s Day. It can be a pretty good occasion to get new acquaintance, say “I love you” or simply spend time together with your love. At the end, all participants will get a medal symbolizing the everlasting feeling, drink hot tea, and enjoy music in the big company of likeminded runners. athletic-events.com/ru/events/370

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TOP EVENTS IN FEBRUARY

FASHION

BUSINESS & EXHIBITIONS

Feb 01–05 Mercedes-Benz Kiev Fashion Days F/W 2017-18

Feb 01-04

CEC Parkovy (16 a Parkova road)-variable

International exhibition of gifts & houseware ProMaisonShow (Spring)

Mercedes-Benz Kiev Fashion Days is Ukraine’s biannual international fashion week that is aimed to promote a new generation of Eastern European brands and help Ukrainian designers to achieve international success. In addition to the main location (CEC Parkovy), the event will cover more than 20 other trendy places in Kiev. mbkievfashiondays.com/en/

International Exhibition Centre (15 Brovarskiy Ave.) International exhibition of gifts & houseware ProMaisonShow (Spring) includes several trade shows: Gifts & Business Souvenirs; Bijouterie & Fashion Accessories; Décor & Interior Item; Home Textile; Outdoor Living; TableWare & Kitchenware; Household goods. These 4 days B2B format exhibition is a chance to present your company and production on the Ukrainian market, make new business contacts, and share ideas.

Feb 21-23 Trade Show of Successful Business (Franchising Kiev 2017) KyivExpoPlaza (2B Salyutna str.) Franchising Kiev 2017 is an annual trade show of successful businesses and is a great platform to make a match of a franchise with the potential franchisee. Here you will find the exposition of Business, Finance, Human Resources, Entrepreneurship, Consulting, Retail and Franchising services. The event is supposed to gather about 2000 interested entrepreneurs and will be conducted together with the International forum of technologies and equipment for retail “Retail Industry”. franchising.euroindex.ua/index_e.php

pem.com.ua/home/novosti/ item/1521-startovali-prodazhivystavochnoj-ploschadipromaisonshow-2016

Feb 08–10 KYIV FASHION 2017, 32nd International festival of vogue

Feb 21 – Mar 02

KyivExpoPlaza (2B Saliutna Str.)

Ukrainian Energy Forum

Kyiv Fashion is a 3-day professional forum and one of the most prestigious events in fashion industry of Ukraine that brings together manufacturers, distributors, and importers of clothing. It showcases product from Lifestyle & Fashion industry and includes the full range of specialized fashion exhibitions: Kyiv Expo Style, Salon of Leather and Fur, Salon of Underwear, Kyiv Textile, Buy Fashion Business, Kyiv Fashion Kids, Expo Techmash. kyivfashion.kiev.ua/

Feb 21 III Legal Banking Forum 5-7/29 T. Shevchenka Blvd/ Pushkinska Str. III Legal Banking Forum is a communication platform focused on searching the best ways to reform the banking legislation and building the dialogue between the Ukrainian government and leading banks. This year the special attention will be put on such pressing problems as stabilization of banking sector, work with distressed assets, banking monitoring, exchange regulation etc. pravo.ua/events.php?id=48

Inter Continental Hotel (2A, Velyka Zhytomyrska Str.) The annual Ukrainian Energy Forum will be organized in Kiev by the Adam Smith Conferences and bring together 300 senior energy executives from 20 countries worldwide. The conference covers areas like Reform and Modernisation of Ukraine’s Energy Storage & Transportation Infrastructure, Strengthen Ukraine’s Position within Regional and Global Energy Map, Gas Market Liberalisation, Restarting the Process of Evaluating Ukraine’s Unconventional Gas Reserves, etc www.ukrainianenergy. com/?xtssot=0

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WHAT’S NEW IN THE CITY

What’s New in Kiev?

Ivan Marchuk Art Exhibition

New cargo aircraft AN-132

Address: 22 Khreshchatyk Street

Ukrainian state-owned aircraft manufacturer Antonov presented the new model of multi-purpose transport aircraft AN-132 (improved version of Antonov An-32) in Kiev on December 20th, 2016.

Included in the list of top living geniuses in 2007 by British Daily Telegraph, brilliant Ukrainian painter Ivan Marchuk shows 47 artworks at exhibition “Where is the verity?” in Kiev Central Post Office (Poshtamt). All paintings are created in author’s own original technique “Pliontanism” (from Ukrainian “pliontaty” to weave, knit) and represent different periods of his creative work. The exhibition is open from December 1st, 2016 till February 28, 2017.

New bus station “Teremki” Address: 1L Kiltseva road The new modern bus station “Teremki” was opened on the outskirts of the city on December 8, 2016. It will serve around 450 flights and 9 million passengers per day and these figures are expected to grow in the future. The station is well-equipped for vehicle maintenance and adapted for people with special needs. Generally, the new bus station is aimed to reduce the traffic congestion or other traffic jams and improve the ecological situation in Kiev. As it was noted in Kiev City State Administration, this is the first object of transport infrastructure system that is financed by the private investor (Megapoliszhytlobud LLC).

It was developed jointly by Saudi Arabia and Ukraine after signing the agreements on cooperation during the international aviation exhibition AFED-2016. Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko attended the opening event and proudly stated that 260-290 An-132 aircraft can be sold by the end of 2035.

The first night public transport in Kiev Kiev city state administration launched the first 4 permanent night transport routes in the capital since December 30, 2016. New routes work from 11 pm till 6 am with one/two-hour-intervals. Trolleybus № 91H “Central railway station — Myloslavska Str” Trolleybus № 92H “Southern railway station — Svobody Ave” Trolleybus № 93H “Lva tolstogo square — Chornobilska St.” Bus № 137 “Central railway station — Kharkivska metro station” For more information visit: kpt.kiev.ua/information/passengers/timetable www.kievcheckin.com

INTERVIEW

5 QUESTIONS FOR RUSLANA LYZHYCHKO Ruslana Stepanivna Lyzhychko, known as Ruslana, is a People’s Artist of Ukraine and a star of Ukraine’s cultural landscape. She is a young and talented singer, songwriter, producer, musical conductor, dancer and social activist. In 2004, she won the Eurovision Song Contest and was recognized as the best Ukrainian singer with a World Music Award. Ruslana also served as a member of Ukrainian Parliament from the Our Ukraine Party (2006–2007). Since the next Eurovision song contest final will be held in Kiev in May 2017, we asked Ruslana about her professional plans, the development of tourism in Kiev and her role in the Eurovision final this year. Ruslana Stepanivna, you travel a lot and can compare Kiev with other well-known tourist destinations. What do you think needs to be done to develop tourism in Kiev?

Ukraine has a fascinating culture that’s richly embedded in ancient traditions. What are your thoughts on how to popularize and make foreigners more interested in Ukrainian culture?

Especially during the past few years, Kiev has grown and continues to do so.

In my opinion, today all artists actually are busy with bringing attention to Ukrainian traditions. They shoot movies, sing songs, publish books, and sew traditional Ukrainian embroidered shirts, which have already become extremely popular. With a common effort, we are introducing ourselves as talented nation with rich history. This also concerns me personally, as all my

If I arrived here for the first time, I would definitely be surprised by the many architectural monuments, elegant restaurants, beautiful parks, museums, theaters and numerous shopping squares. Kiev has already become one of the most attractive European shopping cities, "All my creative work from the as our designers are extremely beginning was aimed at promoting and talented and famous securing Ukrainian history, traditions far beyond Ukraine’s and rituals." borders. creative work from the beginning was aimed at promoting and For the development of tourism, securing Ukrainian history, traditions in my opinion, first of all, we need and rituals. I have always been proud to shape up the city’s house fronts, remove disorderly placed billboards that I was born a Ukrainian. and street advertising, sign-boards What can you tell us about the and storefronts. This all has to have projects you are working on now unified format and has to be taken and your future plans? care of. Apart from that, underground cross-roads look far from what locals and tourists deserve. And of course, public transport also could be much better. I heard that just recently municipal authorities have started to take care of these issues. Bad service on public buses and in taxis are big minuses for the Ukrainian capital. www.kievcheckin.com

At present, I’m experimenting a lot with music, going to my roots and learning the rituals and traditions of the Ukrainian people, particularly of the Hutsul area! For every musician, this is a real necessity – to have time to write music freely, look for new styles of sound and improve my vocals. For me, it’s important to know and feel that I’m not pressed

by external circumstances, a tough schedule and endless trips; that’s why I’m trying to isolate myself from the bustle in order to open my creativity in full. I feel very happy during such moments! I’m planning a number of concerts very soon, and after that, I will actively get ready for the new show, which I will start to present during the Eurovision contest in Kiev. How do you see your role in the preparations of Ukraine for Eurovision 2017? As I mentioned earlier, I plan to present certain singles from my new album. I do not want to approach it in a piecemeal fashion; that is why I am currently focused on this. However, I of course accepted many proposals to support various activities held during the Eurovision contest. Also, I’m actively participating in the work of the Organization Committee of the Eurovision, sharing my experience and ideas. Tell us about your favorite place in Kiev. I have plenty of favorite places in Kiev. Usually these are places related to my life experiences. I like Sofievskaya Square a lot for its beauty and grace. I like the Dnieper and Trukhaniv Island. I feel very comfortable there. I like Podil for its historical aura. Each yard has its own history, which lives there till now. This inspires me. I love Andriyivskyy Descent for its mystics! Without doubt, I love Maidan Nezalezhnosti for its power and strong will! Glory to Ukraine!

FEBRUARY 2017

Kiev Romantic People have searched for centuries for the best way to say "I love you." Fortunately, there is Saint Valentine's Day, a great occasion to express your feelings and remind to the whole world what is really important in life. St. Valentine's Day is believed to have appeared in the 16th century, but holidays in honor of Love have existed since ancient pagan cultures. One person is obviously responsible for this holiday — the Christian priest Valentine. Around 269, the emperor Claudius II, who ruled the Roman Empire, forbade legionaries to marry. He did not believe in making families during the war, so marriages were treated as the main enemy of his "Napoleonic" plans. Despite this rule, soldiers continued to fall in love. Luckily, there was a person who began to marry legionaries with their beloved women secretly. This was the priest Valentine, the ultimate admirer of this wonderful feeling, the greatest possible romantic. After a while, the emperor found out about this “criminal activity’’ and stopped it immediately. Valentine was sentenced to death. The Christian priest was later canonized by the Catholic church. In 496, Pope Gelasius I proclaimed St. Valentine's Day as a holiday to be celebrated on the 14th of February. Kiev is one of the most romantic cities in the world. It is so easy to fall in love here – with the city, with the people, with the culture or even with the love of your life! The Cupids and Saint Valentine must like our city a lot, as so many love stories have started here… Walking along Kiev’s ancient streets or sitting in the beautiful parks, you will feel the city’s spirit, embodied in fabulous, breathtaking stories. A professional guide, Marina Samorukova from the tourist agency “Interesting Kiev” (see more about their author’s tours in Kiev at www.interesniy.kiev.ua/en/ glavnaya-stranitsa-gosti) shared with us several world-famous romantic stories closely related to our city.

or Kiev’s Saint Valentine

Sometimes the heart sees what is invisible to the eye — H. Jackson Brown, Jr STORY №1: “Scandinavian fairy tale” Princess Elisabeth and Harald Hardrada

STORY №2: “Misalliance” Alexei Razumovsky and Empress Elizaveta Petrovna

The first love story happened during the time of Yaroslav the Wise (11th century). He is known worldwide not just as a great and clever governor of Kievan Rus, but also as the father-in-law of Europe, as he married his children to kings and rulers throughout the continent. All of them had different destinies and left a significant mark in history.

Another inspiring love story began in Kiev in the Cossack family of Razumovski in the 18th century. Perhaps it would have never happened if the oldest son Alexei had not manifested his musical talent – but he did. He had a wonderful bass voice and sang in the church choir, where he was heard by one functionary. That’s how he went to Russia and became a singer in the Russian palace chapel choir.

One of Yaroslav’s daughters, Elisabeth, was a golden-haired beauty famous for her romantic love story with the Norwegian prince Harald. The future king of Norway was wounded during the Battle of Stiklestad and then sent to the court of Yaroslav, where he became a hired warrior and a commander of the Kievan Rus military. The beautiful Elisabeth attracted Harald’s attention, and he fell in love with the princess. Truth and fiction no doubt are mixed in this story, as some legends say that the girl was only eight or ten years old when Harald saw her for the first time. Yaroslav the Wise favorably perceived Harold’s proposal but declared that he would give his daughter in marriage only to a man with his own land and enough money. The grand duke suggested that Harald prove that he deserved to rule the country and was able to support the princess. So Harald came to Constantinople, where he fought in battles against Byzantine enemies successfully for ten years. He then returned to the court to marry Elisabeth, who had grown into a beautiful woman. Some time later, they went to the North, and eventually Harald and Elisabeth became the king and queen of Norway.

The daughter of Peter I, Elizaveta Petrovna, noticed the talented and handsome musician, and he eventually became her favorite. Despite the obvious differences in their origins, Elizaveta and Alexei fell in love, which resulted in morganatic marriage – in other words, a misalliance. One day, the empress, together with Alexei, visited Kiev. She was pleased with the city and decided to decorate it with temples and palaces. Today, we can admire Mariinsky Palace and St. Andrew’s Church, which were built at the initiative of the empress. Seizing the opportunity, Cossacks asked the empress about the election of the hetman. Elizaveta agreed and chose her husband’s brother Kyrylo Razumovsky for this post. This part of Ukrainian history is considered very progressive. All finance was under Moscow’s control, but educational, social and cultural spheres were revived during this period of time. Would it have been possible without the love of Elizaveta and Alexei? This couple is an amazing example of how love can be magical, not just for two people but fruitful for all nations. www.kievcheckin.com

STORY №3: “The main muse of the artist” Mykhail Vrubel and Emiliya Lvovna Prakhova Who was she, the first Muse of the outstanding Russian painter Mikhail Vrubel? Who was that woman, whose facial features are evident in some paintings of the famous artist? It was Emiliya Lvovna Prakhova, a wife of Adrian Prakhov, who invited Vrubel for the restoration of wall paintings in St. Cyril’s church at the end of the 18th century. Vrubel came to Kiev and often visited the house of Prakhov’s family, spending nearly all his evenings in the professor's house, discussing the work in progress and studying books on the history of Byzantine and Russian art. Emiliya was not a classical beauty by the standards of her day, but she had a lively character and possessed deep and attractive eyes. She talked often with Vrubel, and he fell passionately in love with her. Having heard rumors about the wife’s admirer, Adrian Prakhov decided to get rid of the rival, sending him to Italy, where the artist became acquainted with the old masters and finished his work on four icons at the same time. Vrubel went to Venice, taking a portrait of the sweetheart. After his return, everyone could easily recognize the features of Emiliya Lvovna and her little daughter in his famous painting, “The Blessed Virgin Mary with a Child” that adorns St. Cyril’s church nowadays. Nobody knows whether Mykhail Vrubel confessed his love to Emiliya Lvovna, but her image was in front of his face for many years... www.kievcheckin.com

So many people, so many stories, but each of them has its own magic and mystery. All these memories and wonderful feelings flow through Kiev’s alleys, streets, churches, and old houses. On the Eve of Saint Valentine's Day, to experience the incredible romantic atmosphere to its full extent, we recommend these particularly romantic places in the city center: The Lover’s Bridge Walking in Mariyinsky Park, you will admire the Lover’s bridge, also called “kissing,” as a lot of romantic stories start here. It is a special place, where happy couples meet for trysts, and lovers express their feelings, make proposals, and put locks on the bridge as signs of strong and everlasting love. It is believed that the one you kiss here will remember you forever.

Lanterns in Love Monument Comparatively new but already famous, the Lanterns in Love Monument created by sculptor Volodymyr Bilokon was opened in 2010 on Saint Valentine’s Day. Located in Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square), the composition features a bench on which two pretty lanterns in love sit hugging each other. This unusual and amiable monument became a favorite stop for couples and reminds everyone to think about relations and bright and true love. Finally, the Kiev Check-in team hopes that everyone finds love and joy in their heart on St. Valentine’s Day. May this Valentine bless you with the cupid of love and warmth of romance! Ukr: Moye serdce bude kokhaty tebe vichno, Kiev!/ Eng: My heart will love you forever, Kiev!

LOST IN UKRAINE

FEBRUARY 2017

2. Join social clubs In Kiev, you’ll find a number of social communities with regular meetings where foreigners and locals get together and friends come to see each other to learn, do or share something. Don’t be afraid to come alone! You will quickly find yourself in the company of interesting people who may become your great friends. Where: l Kyiv CS Weekly Meeting: www.couchsurfing.com/events l Meetups: www.meetup.com l Toastmaster: www.toastmasters.org.ua

3. Dancing: The Perfect Way to Meet People If you know the basics of salsa or tango and would like to practice your skills, participation in dancing parties is one of the best ways to get over the awkwardness of making friends. Bring some fun and new people into your life! For those who would like to take some dancing master classes, there are various salsa and tango studios in Kiev.

10 Simple Ways to Make Friends in Kiev

You may be surprised to know that Ukraine is 5th out of 67 countries in the Ease of Finding Friends category under the InterNations Survey! Ukrainians are generally friendly and interested in meeting new people, and English has become widespread among local youth. So if you’ve just moved to the capital and would like to spend a great time here, HEADS UP! You’ll find new friends using our guidance below.

1. Visit business networking events Regular business-oriented meetings are conducted at downtown hotels, restaurants and bars with the possibility to make business connections, raise your profile, exchange experience, practice language skills and enjoy the party. Whether you’re interested in finding a friend or business partner, hiring Ukrainian professionals or considering doing business in Ukraine — it’s a great opportunity! Where: l FRYDAY AFTERWORK: The most popular weekly social event in Kiev www.fryday.net/events l British-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce (“BUCC”): www.facebook.com/pg/british.chamber.1/events l InterNations Expat Community in Kiev: www.internations.org/kiev-expats

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Where: l Buena Vista Pub: +38 050 344 48 12, 8/14, Velyka Zhytomyrska Str. www.facebook.com/groups/ tangobuenavista/ l Caribbean Club: www.caribbean.com.ua l Salsa Club Kiev: www.salsa.com.ua/club

4. Join AIESEC and make friends through volunteering AIESEC is one of the largest global platforms for young people under the age of 30 focused on the development of their leadership potential, specializing in professional internships and volunteering experiences. This community is large and well-developed in Kiev, so you can often see notifications about upcoming educational events and projects. The members are open-minded and know English well, so it will be easy for you to blend into the team and participate in their volunteer projects. Where: l AIESEC Ukraine: www.facebook.com/AIESECinUkraine www.kievcheckin.com

LOST IN UKRAINE

5. Join a sports club Another good way to meet new people with similar interests is to visit one of numerous sport clubs in Kiev: a gym, tennis, yoga, etc. Choose what fits you best and go ahead! Where: l Sportlife network: www.sportlife.ua l Tennis club Dinamo: www.big-tennis.com.ua l Yoga Studio Ganesh: yoga-ganesh.kiev.ua

6. Speed dating Speed dating is a revolutionary new format of making acquaintances that recently became popular in Kiev. In one evening, you have the opportunity to meet and communicate with 10 or more people of the opposite gender who are open to new experiences and wish to make interesting acquaintances. Men and women usually talk to each other for 7 minutes, and then the organizers ring a bell that is a signal for participants to move on to the next date. So brace yourself and be ready to get on a roll! Where: l Speed Dating Kyiv: Buffet, champagne, hot drinks are included +38 (093) 461 77 63 +38 (067) 441 45 05 +38 (066) 708 50 96 speedating.kiev.ua 5/2, Yaroslavskaya Str. (“Bella Italia”)

7. Play games In Kiev, you have a great chance to dive into the exciting world of board games. In numerous anticafes and game clubs, you can try out new games, spend time in a fun, friendly and competitive atmosphere and of course meet new people. Where: l Freud House: +38 (044) 462 50 72 +38 (093) 715 53 06 www.freud-house.com.ua/en 21, Kostyantynivska Str. (one minute walk from Kontraktova Square metro station) l Anti-cafe BesedniZza: Get the certificate for UAH 40 from our partner BesedniZza just after registration via this link: www.goo.gl/f5ZiSZ www.besednizza.com l Game club “Vyklyk”/”Challenge”: vyklyk.com.ua/about

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LOST IN UKRAINE

8. Language Exchange Club The Language Exchange Club is a platform for those who want to improve their speaking skills or just talk to people in various languages including English, Ukrainian, Russian, Belarusian, German, French, Polish, Spanish and more. The meetings are free of charge with no registration required and are usually conducted in well-known cafes or restaurants (such as Puzata Hata, for example). People regularly come here to interact with native speakers, share an international perspective and make lasting friendships. Where: l Language Exchange Club Kyiv: www.facebook.com/ groups/82542151162/

9. Movies in English

Top 8 Gifts to Take Home With You

Many cinema festivals are conducted in Kiev, giving visitors a unique opportunity to watch foreignlanguage movies with English and Ukrainian subtitles. You can meet people here who speak English or are enthusiastic to improve it in practice. Where: l America House (every Tuesday): www.americahousekyiv. org/#home-pacific-section l Zhovten Cinema: zhovten-kino.kiev.ua/ l Kyiv Cinema: www.kievkino.com.ua/ l Kinopanorama: kinopanorama.com.ua

10. ProEnglish Theatre Could you imagine yourself as a professional actor? ProEnglish Theatre teaches how to act on a stage, control your body and voice, and make a speech in front of an audience. You will have a lot of chances to practice your artistic skills with other participants during workshops and lessons and even play in the big performance in front of a real audience at the end of the course. Where: l ProEnglish Theatre: proenglishtheatre.com

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Ukraine is a land of rich culture, ancient traditions and hospitable people. Once you visit, you will want to take something home as a memory of your trip. However, it is often not easy to choose among the wealth of options. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for something distinctively Ukrainian in Kiev, discover our handy guide to local gifts, and turn souvenir shopping into an enjoyable part of your travel!

SECRETS OF KIEV

FEBRUARY 2017 Designed by Liana Sklyar

1. Honey

5. Petrykivka painting

Ukraine is the Europe’s largest and fastest-growing producer and exporter of natural honey. This is due to the high quality and comparatively inexpensive price of Ukrainian honey ($3–$8 per liter). This country with fertile soils and a great variety of plants, especially medicinal ones, is a perfect spot for honeybees. Interestingly, modern beekeeping was invented by Petro Prokopovych, who lived and worked in Ukraine. So if you come to Kiev, taste the unique flavor of natural honey, and don’t forget to bring a pot home for your friends and relatives. Once you try it, you will want more!

Looking for souvenirs in Kiev, you may notice beautiful colorful flowers, berries and birds, painted in distinguished style on the caskets, plates, spoons and vases. This is traditional decorative painting called petrykivka that originates from Dnipropetrovsk region. Petrykivka painting is unique and was included in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2013. A souvenir designed in this style can be brought only from Ukraine, so seize the opportunity to bring the best from here!

2. Embroidered shirt/T-shirt It is probably hard to find something more Ukrainian than the vyshyvanka – an embroidered shirt in the Ukrainian national costume. It is a traditionally adorned with black, red or blue motifs and has its own distinctive design that varies by region. A vyshyvanka is a valuable souvenir that can tell a lot about Ukraine, its culture, and traditions. Usually, the handmade vyshyvanka will cost you $40-50 and can exceed $600 for exclusive models.

3. Gerdan 2

A gerdan is a bright traditional necklace made of beads with typical geometric patterns or floral ornament. It has always served as a powerful talisman for both men and women and was an important adornment of the national costume. In recent years, these accessories have become very popular and stylish among Ukrainian women, who professionally combine ethnic gerdans with casual clothes. The price of a gerdan usually varies from $10 to $20.

4. Pysanka

In Ukraine, it impossible to imagine Easter without a pysanka (from Ukr. “pysaty” – to write) – an Easter egg decorated with symbolic Ukrainian folk designs using wax (the batik method). It is believed that a pysanka is energetically powerful and brings health, fertility, love and wealth. People often use them as gifts to relatives and friends as well as talismans for good fortune and abundant harvests. This ritualistic element can be a great souvenir from Ukraine for your soulmates. The average price for pysanky made from wood varies from $3 to $10.

6. Chocolate and sweets Ukrainian chocolate and candies will be the best souvenir for the sweet tooth. Several confectioneries with excellent sweets in Ukraine are popular among foreign guests. In 2012, the Roshen Corporation was ranked 18th among world’s largest confectionery companies in the “Candy Industry Top 100” list.The company’s name was derived from the surname of its founder, Poroshenko, the current President of Ukraine. Tourists enjoy the traditional box of chocolates “Evening Kiev,” the beautifully designed souvenir set “Ukraine” and the well-known Kiev cake by Roshen. We also recommend Lviv handmade chocolate, which you can easily buy in various brand shops in the Kiev city center.

7. Scratch map A scratch map is a brilliant gift for those who have been to many countries and love traveling. This interesting invention is a map with a top foil layer that allows you to scratch off the destinations you have already visited and will inspire you to new, exciting trips. With special stickers, you can mark your activities and visualize your travel records! In Kiev, you can buy beautifully styled, quality world scratch maps for about $14–$18.

8. Fashion things Having a good production base, highly skilled workforce and often lower cost of manufacturing, Ukraine is a unique shopping destination for those who are looking for quality handmade and designer things at affordable prices. You should definitely discover beautiful batik scarves, handmade linen, jewelry, ceramics, fashionable clothes and shoes. Such creative and valuable gifts can be a great surprise for your friends and relatives.

The most famous places in Kiev to shop for souvenirs are: l Andriyivskyy Descent with its permanent souvenir bazaar l Subway of Maidan Nezalezhnosti metro station l Shopping malls (Metrograd,Globus etc.) Received a favorite souvenir from Ukraine? Have some other creative ideas? Share your stories with us at kievcheckin@contactukraine.com

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TOP KIEV DESTINATIONS

FEBRUARY 2017 Ukrainian Independence, the street was significantly renovated and now looks elegant and spacious — definitely one of the best tourist spots in Kiev!

The Independence Square (Maidan Nezalezhnosti)

Kiev’s 12 Amazing Sights

In spring 1879, a dike on the Tisza River burst, and the flood destroyed all but 300 houses in what was a prosperous town of 60,000 souls. The good news for posterity is that Szeged, near the border with Romania and Yugoslavia, was almost entirely rebuilt over the next few years, resulting in a remarkably unified cityscape, a quilt of leafy squares and gracious ring boulevards that remains today. A city of chestnut trees and ancient churches, lush parks and modern conveniences, vibrant markets and rich cultural heritage, Kiev is one of Europe’s underappreciated tourist gems. Not sure where to start? Read on below for the secrets of the tour guides themselves! Kiev, the capital of Ukraine, has an ancient and proud history. It’s estimated to be more than 1500 years old — one of the oldest cities in Europe, and also the 7th most populous. The city was founded

around the fifth century and became the capital of the powerful state of Kievan Rus — the center of Slavic culture. Modern Kiev is a vibrant, bright, green, and cozy city with many historical buildings topped by golden domes, church spires and bell towers, and picturesque landscapes. The city is nestled among seven hills that are very suitable for city observations. You can enjoy the beautiful views of the banks of the Dnipro River and numerous bridges. The city is decorated with thousands of chestnut trees that are considered the city symbol. The main historical neighborhoods in Kiev are the ancient Upper Town, and the Lower Town, consisting of the commercial neighborhood called Podil. Since Kiev breathes so much history, we asked a few leading tour guides to reveal the top historical destinations. Here is what we found:

Khreshchatyk Street & Maidan Khreshchatyk Street is the heart of Kiev and a must-stop for all visitors to the city. The street is roughly 1.3 km. in length and stretches from the European Square through the Independence Square (Maidan) to Bessarabska Square, where the famous Besarabsky Market is located. Khreshchatyk was destroyed during World War II, so most of its buildings were rebuilt in the neoclassical style of postwar Stalinist architecture. During weekends and public holidays, Khreshchatyk is closed for road traffic and is a good place to walk and observe local buskers and jugglers which create a festive atmosphere. Every Sunday, you can try traditional Karaoke in the Maidan song contest, organized by a local TV show. People from all over Ukraine compete to become the best singer in Maidan (Independence Square) and get a chance to become a music star. The central areas boast a wide range of stores, cafés, and restaurants where you can try Ukrainian and foreign cuisine. After

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The best way to explore Khreshchatyk is to take a leisurely walk from one end of the street (European Square) to the other end (Bessarabska Square) and then back again on the other side of the street. Enjoy the well-maintained historical buildings (such as the City Council, House with the Star, the Main Post Office building, TsUM — central shopping mall of the city that has just opened after 3 years of reconstruction and others), stop by various stores along the way (don’t miss the newly opened “Vsi.Svoi” shop, where you can find impressive selection of goods by Ukrainian brands), sit down and enjoy some drinks or food at numerous cafes, pubs, and restaurants (try Ukrainian classics like Borsch, Goluptsi, Varenyky and Pancakes), and of course spend some time at the main square of the city, Maidan. Maidan has always played an important role in the history of Ukraine, hosting the “Granite” student revolution (1990) for de-communization and the establishment of an independent state, Orange Revolution (2004), and Euromaidan (2013–2014) — the student movement for European integration.

Andriyivsky Descent Andriyivsky Descent is of one the most beautiful and ancient streets in the city, often called Kiev’s Montmartre. It is a favorite stop for Kiev tourists, and here you can buy handmade souvenirs in the great variety of shops or visit art galleries, cafés and Ukrainian restaurants. The most popular Kiev souvenirs include vyshyvanka (embroidered shirts), painted Easter eggs (pysanka), Ukrainian Matryoshka, handmade linen, jewelry, a big variety of ceramic items and paintings of local artists. The street lies on a steep hill, so wear comfortable shoes while going there. It’s about a 15-minute pleasant walk from Maidan Square. Andriyivsky Uzviz is often associated with world-famous writer Mikhail Bulgakov, author of The Master and Margarita and the White Guards, who lived in the descent in the building No.13. Today, his home has become the

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Literature-Memorial Museum to Mikhail Bulgakov, where you can experience a mixture of the real, biographical world in which the Bulgakov family lived as well as mystical, literary world of heroes of his novel White Guards. If you want to learn the history of this mystic street and ancient Kiev lifestyle, do not miss the One Street Museum located down the Andriyivsky hill, which has a unique collection of fascinating manuscripts, documents, antique books, photographs and postcards, and allows you to feel nostalgic atmosphere of ancient Kiev, as if traveling by time machine. On the top of Andriyivsky Descent, you will find Saint Andrew’s Church, erected in the eighteenth century in royal baroque style. The church was constructed by Italian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli under the order of the Russian Empress Elizabeth, who decided to construct a summer residence in Kiev, consisting of a palace and a church. Legends say that the place where now the Dnipro River flows was a sea in ancient times, and when Saint Andrew came to the present Kiev territories and put a Cross on the mountain, just where Saint Andrew’s Church stands now, the sea waters went under the ground. After Saint Andrew’s Church was constructed, a deep well appeared under the altar. Therefore, Saint Andrew’s Church is the only church in Kiev which has no bells, as it is believed that the first bell stroke will make water wake up and cover Kiev in one second! Just after Saint Andrew’s Church, turn to the right and see the National Museum of the History of Ukraine, located just near the ruins of the Church of the Tithes (tenth century), in an area that has been declared a state reserve. The museum illustrates Ukrainian history since ancient times and contains a huge collection of ethnographic materials and archaeological items, including an outstanding collection of Scythian art, historical paintings and sculptures, and early printed books. Near the museum, you’ll find the socalled Landscape Alley. From there, you can enjoy a view of Podil and the Dnipro River and take pictures near picturesque mosaic pictures on the walls, fountains, unusual animalshaped benches and playgrounds. This is a great place to walk, take funny pictures and enjoy the view of the Lower Town.

The Saint Sophia’s Cathedral The Saint Sophia’s Cathedral (eleventh century) is one of the most important Christian cathedrals in Eastern Europe and the oldest of the few surviving buildings of Kievan Rus, included on the World Heritage List of UNESCO. It has 13 cupolas and includes an ensemble of supporting structures such as a bell tower (open for visitors in warm times of the year) and the House of Metropolitan. Close to the Cathedral, on Sophiivska square, you will find the dramatic Hetman Bohdan Khmelnytsky Monument, dedicated to the Cossack leader who fought for the independence of Ukraine in the mid-17th century. After the political events of 2013– 2014, the cultural center of Kiev moved from Maidan to Sophiivska Square. Currently, it serves as a platform for almost all public festivals, shows and concerts of the city. The administration lights the main Christmas Tree of Ukraine in the square in December, and everyone can enjoy the Christmas fair, amusement park, competition games (quests) and artistic groups’ performances.

Kiev Pechersk Lavra Kiev Pechersk Lavra (eleventh century) is one of the first Orthodox Christian monasteries in Kievan Rus included in the list of the Seven Wonders of Ukraine and also on the World Heritage List of UNESCO. It contains the Great Lavra Bell Tower, an ensemble of ancient churches and a complex of caves, divided into Near and Far Caves, where 123 surviving burials of saints are located. Among others, there you will find burials of the epic hero Ilya Muromets and Nestor the Chronicler. This place is believed to have strong saintly energies, and Christians from all over the world come there to pray for forgiveness, ask for relief from diseases and pray to solve family problems. The Kiev Pechersk Lavra includes a Library of History and a large museum complex with outstanding exhibits. One of them is the incredible Mykola Syadristy Microminiatures Museum, where

TOP KIEV DESTINATIONS

FEBRUARY 2017 you will be amazed by extremely tiny and extraordinary sculptures that can only be seen under a microscope! A rose inside of a human hair, a camel placed in a needle eye and a pair of golden horseshoes put on a flea (the “shod flea”) are among the most famous exhibits. Also, don’t forget to visit the Museum of Historical Treasures of Ukraine with the unique Gold Pectoral that is believed to have graced the breast of a Scythian king.

The Golden Gate The Golden Gate (“Zoloti Vorota”) of Kiev was the main entrance to the eleventh century fortifications of the city. It was constructed by the order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, whose monument is erected just nearby. In 1982, the Gate was completely reconstructed for the 1500th anniversary of Kiev. At present, there is a museum inside of the building, where you can see original parts of ancient Gate and learn the history of the fortifications of ancient Kiev. Also, you can go upstairs for an excellent view of Kiev’s city center. The Gate is surrounded by attractive Zolotovoritskyi Square, set up in the 19th century and now a popular walking area. One of the square’s main attractions is a statue of Prince Yaroslav the Wise,

who holds a miniature of the Saint Sophia’s Cathedral and looks in the direction where it is built.

Kontraktova Square Kontraktova Square is located in the Lower Town (Podil District) and is one of the oldest squares in Kiev, known from the times of Kievan Rus. Ideally located on the banks of Dnipro River, it was and still remains an important economic, cultural, and transport center of the city. Since ancient times, it was a trading place where numerous contracts were concluded, which gave the name to the square: “Kontraktova.” The atmosphere here combines old, picturesque buildings with meaningful murals, churches, and tiny streets that make the square an interesting place to feel the spirit of ancient Kiev. The historical places of interest here include: l The main building of the National University of KyivMohyla Academy (KMA), one of the oldest and most authentic constructions in the Square, built in baroque style in the time of Hetman Ivan Mazepa (1632). Now it serves as the Library of the University and Doctoral School.

l The fountain/sculpture of Samson (the Bible character) who tears the lion’s jaw from which the water flows. The fountain is located in a beautiful pergola adorned with sundial clocks on the columns. l The bell tower of Saint Katerina Greek monastery, built in 1914 upon the design of V. Eisner in neoclassical and modern style as a part of the monastery complex. l The monument to Petro Sahaydachniy on horseback built amidst a park on the hill in 2001 and dedicated to the Hetman of the Ukrainian Zaporozhian Cossacks who transformed the Cossack Host from an erratic military formation into a regular army. l The House of Contracts is one of the important classical architectural constructions of the city, built in the years 1815–1817. Since the mid-1990s, it has served as the Ukrainian Interbank Currency Exchange, therefore, visitors may see the building only from the outside.

National Taras Shevchenko University The National Taras Shevchenko University is one of the oldest (1834) and often ranked as the best university in Ukraine. It is named after author and artist Taras

Kiev Pechersk Lavra

charming places in Kiev, located on the steep right bank of the Dnipro River. It is dedicated to the prince Volodymyr the Great who Christianized the Kievan Rus and, according to legend, observed from this place the process of christening of Kiev citizens. A great place to walk, the park contains a spacious observation deck with amazing views of the left bank of Kiev, Kokorivska Arbor, various paths and numerous stairs. At night, the large cross held in the right hand of Volodymyr is illuminated, giving the impression of a miracle. Mariyinsky Park

Andriyivsky Descent

Shevchenko, whose monument is located in the park nearby (Taras Shevchenko Park) just in front of the “red building” of the university. The university is surrounded by an ensemble of 19th- and 20thcentury buildings, such as the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Teacher’s House, the Maksymovych Library in neoclassical style, and the National Library of Ukraine. The beautiful Taras Shevchenko Park is jokingly called the “green building” of the University, as students often prefer to walk here instead of attending lectures. The park is well maintained with fountains and creatively constructed benches and is one of the favorite places to walk for youth as well as celebrities and politicians.

National Opera House of Ukraine The National Opera House of Ukraine is one of the most notable ballets and opera scenes in Europe, founded in 1867. The present building was designed from a design by German– Russian architect Victor Schröter, who approached the project very carefully to make sure the building’s neo-Renaissance style harmoniously fits into the architectural and natural landscape. The opera house will amaze you with its elegance of interior, gravity

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and luxury. Huge Venetian mirrors adorn the lobby, marble stairs are lit by porcelain lamps and bronze, gilding, and crystal are everywhere. The theater is not just beautiful, but also very conveniently located in the centre of the city, just a few minutes of walk from other places of interest such as Maidan, The Golden Gate and Taras Shevchenko University. Talented artists and the wonderful architecture attract the attention not only of residents but also Kiev visitors. Every day, you can see various ballet and opera shows there for an incredibly low price: generally, ticket costs around $10–15. Because of its popularity, it is advisable to book your tickets beforehand, especially that now you can book your tickets online!

Last but Not Least — Parks! Kiev is one of the greenest capitals in Europe, with about 127 parks and an average of about 20 sq.m. of greenery per resident. Our tour guide experts recommended the following parks that are beautiful, are located conveniently in and around the city centre, have interesting history, and are very popular among locals as well as visitors to the city. Saint Volodymyr Hill Park With its monument to Volodymyr the King, Saint Volodymyr Hill Park is one of the coziest and most

Mariyinsky Park and Palace are located in the heart of the city on the bank of the Dnipro River. The Mariyinsky Palace was designed by Bartolomeo Rastrelli and built in 1755. It was named after Russian Emperor Alexander II’s wife Mariya, who especially loved the palace and actively participated in the reconstruction of the park in front of it. At present, Mariyinsky Palace has a political purpose as the official ceremonial residence of the President of Ukraine (since 2002, the Palace has been under reconstruction). Walking in Mariyinsky Park, you can see decorative trees (around 80 species, including rare ones), a fountain, a stage in the open air called “Rakushka” (from Ukrainian for “shell”), the Lover’s Bridge traditionally covered with many love locks, and the wonderful views of the Dnipro River. Park of Eternal Glory The Park of Eternal Glory is a memorial complex located on the steep slope of the Dnieper where you can see a spectacular view on the city. The park is dedicated to the defenders of Kiev, who died during World War II. The park includes an enormous monumental statue of Rodina Mat (Motherland) and the Museum of the History of Ukraine in World War II. This memorial complex includes an open-air exhibition containing military planes, tanks and other military equipment. The Rodina Mat statue is 102 meters in length and is a visiting card to the city. You can take an elevator on the top of the statue, which will cost you around $8.

MONTHLY TIPS

Kiev is considered the cultural and spiritual center of Eastern Europe, with more than 14 centuries of rich history — but are you prepared for your vacation here? Below we have compiled the most important tips to help you in navigating the city and get the most out of your stay in Kiev this month!

TIP 1: Bring Warm Clothes

The average temperature in February varies from -15°C to -5°C with lots of snowy days and slush on the streets. The air temperature can easily plunge to -25, so check the weather forecast beforehand and make sure you have enough warm clothes and comfortable waterproof shoes with you. A soft cap and gloves will be particularly valuable! If you didn’t get the chance to bring warm clothes with you, look into buying some in the numerous shops around the city, which traditionally offer good discounts in January!

TIP 2: Cash & Currency Exchange

Top 9 fEBRUARY Tips for Kiev Visitors around the city. Because of nonfavourable rates at the airport, exchange as little there as you can. Whenever you exchange money, you can ask for a “form 377” in case you plan to exchange leftover hryvnia back to foreign currency when leaving the country.

TIP 3: Local Transportation

The easiest way to navigate the city is to use Uber or Uklon mobile applications (a local Uber-like service), as in this case you will not need to talk to taxi-service call center (as in traditional taxi companies) and avoid language barrier in this way. Both Uber and Uklon can be booked online, have good service and are very costeffective. You can also easily get around the city using the metro, which is cheap and covers all of Kiev’s main destinations. A one-way ticket, regardless of your destination, costs only 4 UAH.

At most of Kiev’s retail points, you can use credit cards to pay, but traveler’s checks are generally not accepted. You should always have some cash with you as well. Note that you can use only the local currency, hryvnia (UAH). As of this writing, 1 USD equals to roughly 27.85 UAH. You can easily exchange any major foreign currency for hryvnia at the airport, one of the local banks, or endless exchange kiosks located

Note that during morning and evening rush hours, the metro can be quite crowded. For safety, keep a good eye on your belongings in the metro and any other crowded places.

TIP 4: Local SIM card If you are going to be in Ukraine for more than a day or two, we highly recommend that you get a local, prepaid SIM card. There are three

MONTHLY TIPS

Alternatively, daily rent of a serviced apartment in the city center is very popular among foreign travelers. You can find such accommodations through websites such as Dobovo, Airbnb, Booking and others. The price is generally USD 30-80 per night (depending on location and quality of interior design). Typically you will get a cozy, furnished apartment consisting of bedroom, living room, bathroom and a kitchenette.

TIP 6: Must Try in Kiev

major mobile operators in Ukraine — Kyivstar, Vodafone, and Lifecell — and you will be fine with any one of them. You can get a monthly tariff plan that offers mobile communication and unlimited 3G Internet at just $4–6 per month. You can buy the prepaid SIM card at the airport or just about anywhere in the city center, including supermarkets, press kiosks, street stands and stores selling cell phones.

TIP 5: Accommodation

Ukraine is known for its hospitality and delicious food. When you are in Kiev, don’t miss the opportunity to try: l Traditional Ukrainian dishes like borsch, varenyky, golubsti, and pancakes with various stuffings l Salo (finely sliced fat) — traditional product, served in Ukrainian restaurants l Local drinks such as uzvar, cherry nalyvka and mead (medovukha) l Kiev delectables like Kievskaya kotleta (Kiev cutlet made from chicken), Kievskiy tort (Kiev cake) and “Kyivska Perepichka” (a hot dog store located at the beginning of Khmelnitskogo street) Here are some good places to try the local food in central Kiev:

If you are traveling on business, you will feel quite at home staying at one of the many well-established international hotel chains such as Hilton, Radisson, InterContinental, Hyatt or Fairmont Grand in Kiev. However, their prices can be quite steep for a non-business traveler (in the $200-400 range per night). For individual travelers, staying in a local hotel or one of the serviced apartments can be an attractive option. Local hotels are usually cheaper, but their quality varies greatly. Do your homework before you book a local hotel!

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l Pervak restaurant (2 Rognedinskaya Street, close to Lva Tolstogo metro station) l Schekavytsya restaurant (46/52, Kostyantynivska Str., not far from Kontraktova Square) l Tsarskoye Selo (22 Lavrska Street, close to Kievo-Pecherska Lavra)

TIP 7: Hire a Local Guide Immerse yourself in the fun, fantastic, magical atmosphere of the city, get acquainted with its historical background, discover nightlife or learn hidden secrets of Kiev by hiring a local tour guide. Tour guides are quite inexpensive in Kiev (a full-day private tour will cost www.kievcheckin.com

TIP 9: And Don’t Forget...

you < $100) and starting your stay in Kiev with a professional tour can be a great way to get acquainted with the city quickly. Need help with arranging a tour? Email us at kievcheckin@contactukraine.com for recommendations.

TIP 8: If You Fell in Love with Kiev

It’s quite possible that you might fall in love with Kiev once you visit the city! You may even decide to start a business or buy a property here. No worries, help is on hand! Get in touch with ContactUkraine — a professional services firm with English-speaking staff and specializing in legal and business support to foreign investors. You can also visit them online at www. contactukraine.com.

Here are some suggestions on “dos” and “don’ts” in Kiev l Tipping is not mandatory, but do tip when you get good service. Ukrainians are suffering from political and financial turmoil and will greatly appreciate your generosity. l Like other European cities, Kiev is generally a safe place to stay. Nonetheless, keep your valuables well hidden, especially in hightraffic areas; wallet theft is quite common. l Renting a car in Kiev is generally not recommended. Parking is very limited, and traffic jams are very common. l Don’t drink water from the tap; use bottled water at all times.

BUSINESS CORNER

FEBRUARY 2017

Tetiana Yakovenko Director of ContactUkraine LLC www.contactukraine.com

A FOREIGNER’S GUIDE TO BUYING PROPERTY IN UKRAINE

A carefully selected property in Ukraine can be a great investment regardless of whether you purchase it for investment purposes, rental income or personal use. As a result of Ukrainian banking crisis, coupled with a lack of access to credit funds, prices for Ukrainian real estate have significantly decreased since 2013. For this reason, an increasing number of foreign investors consider Ukrainian real estate an attractive investment, particularly in major Ukrainian cities. That said, you don’t want to go in blind! Like any nation, Ukraine has some unique situations and laws that you should be aware of before making your investment. If you are a foreigner who is considering buying a real estate in Ukraine, read below on what you should be aware of while selecting a property and preparing for the deal. Note that this guide covers the purchase of already constructed real estate, not investment or participation in real estate construction projects.

SEARCHING FOR REAL ESTATE Searching for real estate property in Ukraine is one of the most difficult parts of the purchase process. The process is usually time-consuming, and often even basic information is not readily available, so you may need to be patient. Ukrainian real estate is generally sold through real estate agencies. There is no consolidated property listing database in Ukraine. Each agency has their own database with in-house listings however they may advertise their properties on various marketing websites. Below there are few important points that you should note about real estate agencies in Ukraine:

l Real-estate business is not licensed in Ukraine. In other words, there is no regulatory authority that oversees them. This situation coupled with the fact that these agencies do not earn money unless they make a sale, means that buyers have to be very careful when selecting a real estate agent. l It’s very common that little due diligence is done upfront on the listed properties. Therefore you may end up wasting time in viewing and making offer on a property, only to find out later that there are some issues with the property such as disputed title, etc. l Agencies’ commissions vary from 1% to 5%, but you can often negotiate this to 2–3%. Normally, they ask the buyer to pay their commission, although exceptions exist when the seller is willing to pay the commission. Bottom line: be very careful when selecting your real estate agent in Ukraine.

REAL ESTATE DUE DILIGENCE The most crucial part of the purchase transaction is performing a thorough and detailed due diligence on the property. Unlike in most developed countries, where the legal framework for regulating the real estate transaction is well established, the laws in Ukraine are still in infancy and often even contradict each other. Real estate due diligence generally consists of the following steps: l Real Estate Registers Check l Court Decisions Register Check l Technical Inspection of Real Estate

l Seller’s Legal Capacity Check l Other checks as appropriate depending on type of real estate (for example, the rights of spouse and children under 18 for the property; a check if a dwelling is an object of cultural heritage; for residential property, a check of all persons registered in the apartment etc.) Based on the results of property due diligence, you may need additional approvals and/or consents to perform the deal legally. In order to avoid fraud and conclude your deal safely, you should make sure that all the necessary checks have been completed by the professional legal consultant to satisfaction. Don’t just rely on your real estate agency for this because their liability is minimal and their interests are often not aligned with yours.

OWNERSHIP STRUCTURE At the planning stage, you must decide on the most suitable form of ownership of the property. You can own real estate as an individual or through a legal entity, registered in your country of residence. Additionally, in certain cases, it can be reasonable to register a company in Ukraine and buy property here as a Ukrainian legal entity (where you are a shareholder). You’ll need to take into account several important factors, such as the following: l the type of property you are buying, and if the chosen form of ownership allows you to own the chosen type of property under Ukrainian law; l the number of investors in the property and their residentship; l the purpose of the investment (personal use, lease etc.); l applicable taxes while buying, owning and selling the chosen real estate; l inheritance and gift taxes in the case of owning property as an individual; l easiness of selling and repatriation of your investment and investment profits (taking into consideration currency control rules in Ukraine). As a general rule, it’s better to own residential property as an individual, whereas commercial property is best owned through a legal entity registered in Ukraine. Nevertheless, it’s highly advisable to take into consideration all of the above factors before deciding.

PAYMENT ISSUES By law, payment for a purchase of real estate in Ukraine can only be performed through a bank in Ukraine (cash deals above UAH 50,000 are not allowed by Ukrainian Banking law). Depending on how you buy real estate (as individual nonresident, legal entity registered overseas or legal entity registered in Ukraine), the allowed mode of payment will differ.

If you buy real estate as a foreign individual or legal entity, you are allowed to pay for real estate either a) directly from your foreign bank account in a major currency; or b) through an investment bank account in Ukraine in national currency of Ukraine Hryvna (UAH). If you buy property as a legal entity registered in Ukraine, you can pay only in UAH from your business bank account to account of the seller. Despite provisions of the law, most property sellers (especially individuals) prefer to receive US dollars in cash as payment rather than money in their bank account. Such situation is a direct result of lack of trust in Ukrainian bank system, instability of local currency Hryvna (UAH), strict currency control measures, limits on daily withdrawal of foreign currency in cash etc. Be careful! Remember the following if you are considering a full or part cash deal: l Under Ukrainian law, when you sell your property in the future, in order to repatriate your investment back to your country of residence, you will need to provide the Ukrainian bank with proof of lawful payment for your real estate at the time when you purchased it. However this requirement to provide payment proof applies only if you repatriate your investment within 5 years of your initial purchase. l If your sale-purchase agreement reflects a reduced price than the actual price you are paying, all the risks are on the buyer’s side. If the purchase deal is later disputed for any reason, you as a buyer will have the legal right only to the amount mentioned in the sale-purchase agreement. For these reasons, we advise you to act in accordance with Ukrainian Banking & Investment law while injecting capital to Ukraine at the time of investment and make sure the sale-purchase agreement complies with the law.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FROM THE BUYER While preparing for the deal, make sure you have collected all the necessary documents for the deal. As a foreign individual buyer, you will need: l foreign passport copy l residence permit in Ukraine (if any) l Ukrainian tax number l wife’s consent in notarial form, if married l notarially certified Power of Attorney for the deal (if the deal will be signed by representative) If the buyer is a legal entity (Ukrainian or foreign), you will need documents, issued in the country of registration of such legal entity, confirming the powers of the company’s representative. For the exact list of documents, it is better to check in advance with the notary who will certify the deal.

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FEBRUARY 2017 Note that all documents issued overseas have to be duly legalized or apostilled unless otherwise stipulated by international treaty between Ukraine and your country of residence. For example, apostille and legalization are not required for documents issued in Poland, Czech Republic and few others.

SALE-PURCHASE AGREEMENT All real estate sale-purchase agreements in Ukraine have to be concluded in writing and notarially certified. A notary by law is obliged to make sure that sale-purchase agreement complies with Ukrainian law and check official registers in respect of property and parties to the deal just before the signing of the agreement. Real estate sale-purchase agreement in Ukraine is concluded from the moment of its notarial certification; therefore, it is important to find an experienced and reliable notary to certify the deal.

TAXES AND FEES On the buyer’s side, the following taxes and fees are applicable: l pension fund fee of 1% of the real estate sale amount l notary fee for preparation of sale-purchase agreement, registration of ownership title in Real

Estate Register and extract from the Real Estate Register. This is usually in the range of 100-200 USD. On the seller’s side, the applicable taxes may range from 1% to approx. 20% depending on: l The type of the property (residential vs commercial) l The ownership structure (individual, foreign entity, local entity) l For how long the real-estate property was held in possession l How many properties are being sold by the seller in a 12 month period A detailed discussion on the seller’s applicable taxes is beyond the scope of this article. Ukrainian law requires that all taxes and state duty applicable to the real estate deal be paid before notarial certification of the deal (but can be on the same day). Notary is legally obliged to check payment of applicable taxes & duties by the parties. Summing up, in order to choose a suitable property, minimize risks associated with the deal, avoid fraud and save on taxes, you should perform proper planning and due diligence. Taking into consideration the complexity of purchasing real estate property, safety of repatriation of your investment and profits, and optimization of your tax liabilities, we highly recommend that you hire a professional real estate consultant in Ukraine for this purpose.

Our firm has extensive experience in providing legal and investment support to foreign investors in their real-estate and business transactions in Ukraine. For more information on Ukraine’s real estate market and regulations, please visit our website at www.contactukraine.com, or contact us directly at info@contactukraine.com.

Useful Contacts and Resources Emergency Contacts (English is possible in most cases): Fire department — 101 Police — 102 Ambulance — 103 Gas emergency — 104 Lift rescue service — 086 Technical service on road (evacuator) +38 (044) 255-15-01 +38 (044) 255-16-16 +38 (044) 419-90-82 Information Services: Kiev Information Bureau for foreigners — 1610 Information Bureau (addresses and phone numbers) —109 (Ukrainian/Russian) Information on accidents — 1613 Health service (doctor’s phone advice) — 1583 (Ukrainian/Russian) Veterinary service +38 (044) 2720123 Central Post Office — 175 (Ukrainian/Russian) Information and booking service — 1556 (English is possible) Exact time service — 121 Forecast — 122 Press center (events in Kiev) +38 (044) 2719990 Municipal Services: Water Pipe, Electricity and Sewer Emergency (indoor) — 1557 Kyivenergo Emergency Service — 1586 Elevator emergency service Kyivlift —1588 Officials Kiev City Council Khreschatyk St, 36, Kiev, 01044 +38 (044) 226-31-86 +38 (044) 254-12-76 http://kmr.gov.ua/uk

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Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Mykhailivska sqr., 101018, Kyiv +38 (044) 238 16 57 http://mfa.gov.ua/en

Austrian Airlines 9/2, Velyka Vasylkivska str., Kyiv 01004 +38 (044) 492-72-32, +38 (044) 492-72-33 http://www.austrian.com

The Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry 33, vul.Velyka Zhytomyrska, Kyiv 01601, Ukraine +38 (044) 272 29 11 http://www.ucci.org.ua/en/

Azerbaijan Airlines 3/25, Petlura str., office 2, Kyiv 01032 +38 (044) 246-38-58 http://azal.az

Transport Enquiries Kiev railway station — 005 Kiev central bus station — 250 9986 Kiev Boryspol Airport — 296 7243 Kiev Zhyulyany Airport — 242 2308 Bus tickets booking — 211 3933 Kiev river port — 416 12 68 Train tickets booking — 811, 813 Airtickets booking — 056, 085 Kiev taxi central — 058 Airlines Air Arabia 9/2 Velyka Vasylkivska Str.., of.4, Kyiv 01004 +38 (044) 490-65-00 http://www.airarabia.com Air Astana 9/2 Chervonoarmijska Str., office 4, Kiev 01004 +38 (044) 390-73-68 http://airastana.com Air Baltic Representation in airport (Terminal D, Departure hall) +38 (044) 384-01-20 http://www.airbaltic.com Air France 34/33, Ivana Franko str., Kyiv 01030 +38 089 323-98-44 http://www.airfrance.com

Belavia 33v, Gorkogo str , Business centre Maxim, 10 fl., Suite 10, Kyiv 01033 +38 (044) 300-13-25; +38 (044) 300-13-27 http://www.belavia.by British Airways 48, Bohdana Khmelnytskoho str., 6th floor, Kyiv 01030 +38 (044) 585-50-50 http://www.britishairways. com CSA Czech Airlines 01030 Kiev, 36 Bohdan Khmelnytsky St. +38 (044) 228-10-60 www.csa.cz Airlines: Dniproavia +38 (044) 591-78-78 http://www.dniproavia. com EL AL — Israel Airlines 34, Lesi Ukrainky blv., Kyiv 01601 +38 (044) 230-69-93 http://www.elal.co.il Ellinair 21 Mykhailovska st., of 1, Kyiv 01001 http://ellinair.com

LOT Polish Airlines 33/6A Borychiv Tik Street, Kyiv 04070 +38 (044) 230-00-48; +38 (044) 391 38 82 http://www.lot.com Lufthansa 9/2, Velyka Vasylkivska Str., Kyiv 01004 +38 (044) 490-38-00, +38 (044) 490-38-10 http://www.lufthansa.com Royal Jordanian Airlines 12, Hospitalna str., President Hotel, office 206 (lobby), Kyiv 01023 +38 (044) 256-30-20 http://www.rj.com Turkish Airlines 19a, Pushkinska str., Kyiv 01004 +38 (044) 490-59-33, 27964-61; 235 25 62 http://www.thy.com Ukraine International Airlines 201-203, Kharkivske shose, Kyiv 02121 +38 (044) 581-56-56 http://www.flyuia.com Ukrainian Mediterranean Airlines 7, Shulyavska str., Kyiv 03055 +38 (044) 496-83-38, +38 (044) 494-09-00 http://www.umairlines.com UTair Aviation 6, Sosury Str., third floor, Kyiv 02090 +38 (0 44) 599-19-20 http://www.utair.ru

Estonian Air 9/2, Velyka Vasylkivska str., offise 4, Kyiv 01004 +38 (044) 289-05-20 http://www.estonian-air.ee

Uzbekistan Airways 4, Shota Rustaveli str., office 5, Kyiv 01023 +38 (044) 279-21-78, +38 (044) 278-14-33 http://www.uzairways.com

KLM 34/33, Ivana Franko str., Kyiv 01030 +38 (044) 281-78-64; +38 089 323-98-45 http://www.klm.com

Wind Rose 50/38 Voloska str., office 134, Kyiv 04070 +38 (044) 492-97-87, +38 (044) 498-77-77 http://www.windrose.aero

WE RECOMMEND

FEBRUARY 2017

WE RECOMMEND Accommodation Hotels Hyatt Regency Kyiv 5-star business hotel +38 044 581 1234 kiev.regency.hyatt.com 5 Ally Tarasovoi St. Fairmont Grand Hotel 5-star business hotel +38 044 322 8888 www.fairmont.com 1 NaberezhnoKhreshchatytska St. Radisson Blu Hotel 4-star business hotel +38 044 492 2200 www.radissonblu.com/en/ hotel-kiev 22 Yaroslaviv Val St. Radisson Blu Hotel in Podil 4-star business hotel +38 044 393 1373 www.radissonblu.com/en/ hotel-kyiv-podil 17-19 Bratska St. Khreschatyk Hotel 4-star business hotel +38 044 596 8004 www.hotel-khreschatyk. kiev.ua 14 Khreschatyk St. Hotel Ukraine 4-star local budget hotel +38 044 590 5474 www.ukraine-hotel.kiev.ua 4 Institutskaya St.

Bars/Pubs/Clubs Arena City Complex of night clubs, bars and restaurants in the city center +38 068 387 1702 arena-city.com 2a, Baseina St. Avalon Lounge bar, karaoke and nightclub +38 044 234 7494 www.avalon.ua 3, Leontovycha St. D’Lux Entertainment Complex Fancy night club in the city center +38 044 200 9009 www.dlux.com.ua 3 Mykhaila Hrushevskoho St. Disco Radio Hall Great club with the best ‘80s songs +38 044 428 7388 disco-club.kiev.ua/en/ 32 Moskovskyi Ave.

Podol Plaza 4 star hotel in Podil +38 044 503 9201 podolplazahotel.com.ua 7-A Konstantinovskaya st.

Le Cosmopolite High quality beer and european food +38 044 278 7278 peesboy.com/ru/ restaurants/lecosmopolite/ 47 Volodymyrska St.

Hotel Dnipro 3-star local budget hotel +38 044 254 6777 www.ukraine-hotel.kiev.ua 1/2 Khreschatyk St.

O’Brien’s Pub Irish pub +38 044 279 1584 obriens.kiev.ua 17a, Mykhailivs’ka St.

Royal Olympic Hotel 3-star business hotel +38 (093) 377 77 81, www.rhg.com.ua 12 D Hospitalna St.

Docker’s ABC Atmospheric Irish pub with concerts of rock bands +38 044 278 1717 abc.docker.com.ua 15/4 KhreschatykZankovetska St.

Rent of apartment Kiev Apartments Good selection of shortstay furnished apartments +38 050 926 7104 kievapartment.com

KievInn Apartments Complex Apartments for daily rent in the city center +38 050 079 2844 www.kievinn.ua 9, Mykhailivska St.

Coyote Ugly Popular bar with crazy parties and dancing on the bar +38 044 280 0678

www.coyoteuglysaloon. com/kiev 9a, Mechnykova St Shato Robert Doms 24-hours open restaurantbrewery with great location +38 044 279 3704 kiev.shato.com.ua 24 Khreschatyk St. Mozgi Bar & Shop It’s all about food and cocktails +38 050 629 5555 mozgibar.com 2-A Basseynaya St. Sunduk pub Great place to meet friends in a cosy atmosphere sunduk-pub.kiev.ua a) 16 Mykhailivs’ka St. +38 044 279 1465 b) 22 Prorizna St. +38 093 015 3016 c) 7 Leontovycha St. +38 044 270 55 19 Magnum94 Pub English pub offering meat, sport & beer +38 097 594 9494 facebook/mugnum94 36 Saksahanskoho St. Mezze Bar Mezze style restaurant in Podil +38 050 380 2121 facebook/mezzekyiv 21 Petra Sahaidachnoho St. Redneck kafe It’s simple food, big portions +38 098 121 1616 23-A Velyka Vasylkivska St. Restaurants Ukrainian cuisine O’Panas Good place to try pancakes while walking in Shevchenko park +38 044 235 2132 www.opanas.com.ua/en/ 10 Tereshchenkivs’ka St. Tsarske Selo Cozy warm atmosphere and live local music +38 044 288 9775 tsarske.kiev.ua 22 Lavrska St.

WE RECOMMEND

Shchekavytsya Restaurant with amazing traditional decor +38 044 485 2579 shekavica.kiev.ua 46/52 Kostyantynivska St. Zdorovenki Buli Fast food Ukrainian restaurant +380 44 278 3348 www.z-b.com.ua 3 Lyuteranska St. Italian cuisine Fellini The world of gourmet Italian dishes 5 Architect Gorodetsky fellini.in.ua +38 067 43 00202 VA BENE bistro High-end Italian restaurant near the National Opera House +38 044 377 75 65 +38 067 480 61 61 carteblanche.ua/ restaurants/VaBene.html 19-21 Bogdana Khmelnitskogo St. Prego Cafe Network of cosy Italian restaurants www.prego.in.ua a) 2, Tarasa Shevchenko Blvd +38 044 235 04 28 b) 27 Druzhby Narodiv Boulevard +38 285 20 42 www.prego.in.ua La Cantina Italian Cafe and wine room +38 044 234 7074 La-cantina.com.ua 20 Yaroslaviv Val. Babene Italian home-style cooking restaurant in Pechersk +38 044 585 9651 www.babene.com.ua/ 18/7 Kutuzova St. Mansarda Cafe Wonderful Italian restaurant in Obolon +38 067 407 6565 facebook/ mansardacafekyiv 49-A Vyshhorodska St.

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Turkish cuisine TIKE Turkish restaurant in Podil +38 044 482 4819 tike.com.ua/en 31a, Sagaydachnogo St. Turkish House Turkish cuisine right in Khreschatyk +38 044 466 0196 www.turkishhouse.com.ua 24 Khreschatyk St. Indian cuisine Himalaya Restaurant Good choice of Indian dishes +38 044 289 2345 www.himalaya.com.ua 80, Velyka Vasylkivska St. Lebanese & European Cuisine Mon Cher Lebanese restaurant with great location close to Golden Gates +38 044 235 1596 moncher.in.ua 11 Yaroslaviv Val St. Mexican Cuisine La Cantina Tex-Mex Texan and Mexican Restaurant in city center +38 044 278 2214 La-cantina.com.ua 23A Prorizna St.

Thai Cuisine Tiger Bills Thai and European cuisine restaurant just in Khreschatyk Street +38 098 483 5183 tigerbills-ua.com 24 Khreschatyk St. Fish Restaurant Fish Market Restaurant Good selection of fish dishes +38 044 278 2265 fishmarket.in.ua 24a, Volodymyrska St. Cafes Coffee House (network of cafes) Great place to relax, have a meeting or even work a) 13, Yaroslaviv Val St. +38 044 235 3586 b) 7/11 Khreschatyk St. +38 044 279 6573 c) 24 Lesi Ukrainky Blvd +38 044 284 2549 d) 72, Velyka Vasylkivska St. +38 044 206 8404 Lviv Handmade Chocolate Cafe Chain of cosy cafes with good selection of coffee and hand-made sweets +38 044 425 0320 www.chocolate.lviv.ua 2B Andriivs’kyi descent

BaoBab cafe Cosy atmospheric cafe with great selection of coffee just near Sofiivska square +38 096 451 0101 18/2 Volodymyrska St. Kaffa Cafe Two oriental cafes in center to enjoy kaffa.ua a) 3 Shevchenka lane (near Maidan) +38 044 270 6505 b) 5 Hryhoriya Skovorody St. (Podil) +38 044 425 3845 Kredens Cafe Modern cafes network www.kredens.com.ua a) 20, Velyka Vasylkivska St. b) 176, Antonovycha St. (in Ocean Plaza) L’KAFFA CAFE Cafe and restaurant close to Bessarabska square 2 Lesi Ukrainky Blvd Lkafa-cafe.com.ua +38 044 360 76 21 Cafe L’etage Cafe and restaurant with live music +38 067 171 16 16 http://etage.kiev.ua 16-A, Shota Ruslavelli

Dom Bergonie Art Cafe Art cafe near Teatralna metro +38 044 234-22-02 www.dombergonie.com.ua 17 Pushkinska St. ONE-LOVE espresso bar Great selection of coffee and desserts in wonderful atmosphere +38 044 364 9896 onelove.ua 100 Velyka Vasylkivska St. Business Services Contact Ukraine LLC Business and investment consulting services for foreigners info@contactukraine.com www.contactukraine.com City Tours Kiev Check-in

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