Kiev is a beautiful capital and a very touristic city of Ukraine. It’s ranked as one of the top city for having the world’s most beautiful women by Traveler’s Digest. In the media, Ukraine and Kiev both are shown as a war zone; that’s very misleading. Apart from the actual map of the conflict, Kiev is as safe as any other European city. From Saint Sophia’s Cathedral and many other inspiring churches to an underground shopping mall beneath the Kiev square known as Maidan, here are among the top ten amazing places to visit in under 10 hours in Kiev.

1. St. Sophia

St. Sophia Cathedral is named after the great Hagia Sophia Temple, currently a mosque in Istanbul. Known for its style of architecture as Byzantine structure, declared the new spiritual and governmental power of Kyiv in Ukraine. The cathedral looks like a painting. The interiors are breathtaking and are one of the most impressive parts of Kyiv’s earliest status cathedral.

2. Ukranian Parliament (Rada)

Image by Jennifer Boyer

Also known as Verkhovna Rada in Kiev. You can quickly locate the building near Constitution Square near the Pechersk Raion. Situated at the Constitution Square, the building is crowned with an arch of metal and glasses to allow the passing of light in the building. Having been damaged in the Second World War, the building was renewed again to its exclusive style in 1945-1947. Today it has become a significant political landmark to visit if you are in the center of Kiev.

3. Kiev Funicular

Image by Timon91

To get to St. Sophia Cathedral, Maidan, central square or city’s main squares, the best choice is to take the Funicular. Kiev is hilly and Funicular just allows travelling to go easy, especially on hot days. Nice street full of restaurants & a lot to see including local vendors selling Ukraine items, arts and antiques. The ride is short enough so you could enjoy it.

4. Maidan

Image by Bert Kaufmann

The Maidan Nezalezhnosti Square also known as Independence Square. In recent history, it has been where various protest and revolutions have taken place. The square is a vibrant spot and filled with locals and visitors. Shops and food below the street and large underground shopping centers.

5. Stalin’s Subway

Image by Dennis Jarvis

The Metro system is the backbone of Keiv’s public transport system. It also has the world’s deepest metro station. Stalin’s Subway is a system of open underground tunnels which was designed before WWII to meet the war’s needs. Part of the current metro infrastructure utilizes the systems. Most of the Stalin underground tunnels are now abandoned used by a new generation of interest groups such as climbers and graffiti artist.

6. Kiev-Pechersk Lavra

Image by Michele Ursino

Built in the 11th century Kiev-Pechersk Lavra Caves Monastery is a dedicated Orthodox touristic spot. Mummies of saints and traditional artifacts stored in the caves.

7. Shevchenko Park

Image by Brian Woychuk

Lovely park with a Monument to Taras Shevchenko in the center. Shevchenko was a poet who later became a significant political figure Ukranian history.

8. European Square

Image by Jerick Parrone

European Square in Kiev speaks an impressive history about Kiev on its past and future. An interesting fact of this square is that it has changed to reflect the prominent influence of power and culture for the various eras.

9. ST. CYRILL’S MONASTERY

Image by Jennifer Boyer

If you are a church fanatic and want to travel Kiev, this is the place you don’t miss. Cyrill’s Monastery holds the most ancient and traditional Church in Kiev as St. Cyril’s Church. A bit away from town but it’s worth the trip. It is not overcrowded and still holds the position of being an attractive icon of Kiev.

10. Museum of One Street

Image by Mark B. Schlemmer

Museum of One Street, located at the start of Andriyivsky Uzviz, the Kiev Montmartre is known for its nano-sized museum and indeed it is the best little museum you will ever see. You can easily reach there by metro. You’ll get to know that each tiny window of the gallery speaks a story about people who lived there.