Khreshchatyk is a favorite spot for tourists visiting the Ukrainian capital. With the huge number of shops and attractions, Eurovision Song Contest host Kyiv has a lot to offer. UATV explores one of the must-see sights — Independence Square — the epicenter of Ukraine’s 2014 Euromaidan Revolution.

Khreshchatyk. The most popular street for tourists visiting the Ukrainian capital. The boulevard is also one of the widest in the world — with a width of 52 meters, and is lined with chestnut trees and famous restaurants, shops and of course Independence Square, the epicenter of Ukraine’s 2014 Euromaidan Revolution. Sights include a monument to the prominent architect of Kyiv Vladislav Horodetskiy. He designed other spectacular buildings in Kyiv, such as the House with the Chimeras, St. Nicholas Church and the National Art Museum of Ukraine. Tourists snap photos whilst seated at a table with Horodetskiy himself.

Independence Square, 2017

Anyone who enjoys hitting the exclusive shops is highly recommended to visit the Kyiv Pasazh. Some of the world’s most famous brands are here. Another popular place for shopping is the huge underground shopping center.

The shopping area covers more than 35,000 square meters. Almost 70,000 people visit on average, every day. The main entrance is on Maidan Nezalezhnosti, interpreted into English as Independence Square. Nearby, there’s the 62-meter tall Independence Monument, with a figurine of a woman called Berehynia. She is believed to be the protectoress of the house and family, and thus of Ukraine and Ukrainians. There is also a monument to the Lach Gates, commemorating one of ancient defense gates built almost a thousand years ago.

One of the reasons why Khreshchatyk and Independence Square can be rightly considered the heart of Kyiv is that, from here, it is easy to get to the vast majority of the city’s most important sights.

Khreshchatyk Street, 2014

And just 100 meters away from Khreshchatyk, there’s the famous People’s Friendship Arch — and walk a bit further, you could reach the St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Cathedral. But after all that walking, you’ll need to put your feet up. Fortunately, there are many places on Khreshchatyk where one can take time out. One can enjoy time in pubs, coffee shops or restaurants with traditional Ukrainian and foreign cuisine. All-in-all, for Eurovision fans without tickets, Khreshchatyk really is the place to be.