as awesome as you are

Dark Kyiv Tour

Kyiv has dark sides that don’t show on the main streets. We’ll go to the ravine of Babyn Yar, a psychiatric hospital in the woods, with its hard history and small art surprises, a therapeutic garden, and a St. Cyril’s with frescoes older than empires. A walk to remember.
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Dark Kyiv Tour tour detail

About tour

  • Why was this ravine chosen for mass shootings in 1941?
  • Who is responsible for Babyn Yar – and why here?
  • Why did the Soviet state stay silent for so long?
  • Where did Kyiv’s largest man-made disaster happen?
  • What does the Menorah with one broken branch mean today?
  • How does a small therapeutic garden in the woods help?
  • What did punitive psychiatry look like at Kyrylivka?
  • Why did Catherine II close St. Cyril’s and turn the site into a hospital?
  • St. Cyril’s time-mix – medieval art and Vrubel in one space?
  • Why is there a Don Quixote on the hospital grounds – and what other art objects live here?
3 hours
1+
100%
From 5000 *
*The price may vary depending on the number of people

Tour highlights

Babyn Yar memory
A ravine of tragedy turned into a place of reflection and truth.
Therapeutic garden
A volunteer-made healing space for people living through war stress.
Kyrylivka psychiatric art
Murals and sculptures born inside Kyiv’s oldest psychiatric clinic.
St. Cyril’s Frescoes
Ancient saints share walls with Vrubel’s dramatic 19th-century art.

Reviews

Amy
USA/Ukraine
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Delightful way to spend a Saturday! Learn something while giving your legs a stretch. Full of history and quirky facts about some of Kyiv’s most hidden corners and iconic spaces and monuments. Appreciated Alinka’s care in integrating the physical tour with historical images and follow up recommendations and information to learn more.
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Andrian
Ukraine
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I always thought that I knew absolutely all the places in Kyiv, since I had been to the capital dozens of times, however, Alina opened up many new places for me that I didn’t know about before! It was incredibly interesting and exciting to learn so many unexpected facts about Kyiv and experience the city in a completely different way. Your energy and love for Kyiv are transmitted to everyone!
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Anette
Germany
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I was so happy when I found Alina’s tours. I have been in Kyiv for some time already but found her tours (I joined two of them) very interesting and inspiring. She is super knowledgeable and happy to provide additional information. Highly recommend!
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Danica
USA
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If you are visiting or moving to Kyiv, a tour (or three!) with Alina is a must. Yes, she knows her stuff, and she goes above and beyond with interesting anecdotes, recommendations and more. I feel more knowledgeable than most locals after my time with her.
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Christina
Spain
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The tour with Alina was really fun and informative. We took the 8 hour one far all of Kyiv, and time surprisingly flew by. She took us to all the interesting side streets and corners that we wouldn’t have ever known about otherwise, all while giving us great historical facts and showing us pictures of how things looked at different points in history. Alina is also extremely kind and helpful, and even sent us a list of restaurants and bars we may enjoy. This was the best way to get to know Kyiv! Would definitely recommend this tour if you want to fall in love with the city. She even had cool facts about all the graffitis!
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FAQ

How long is the Dark Kyiv Tour?

3 hours of walking at a comfortable pace, with stops for coffee, food or a drink along the way.

How much does this Kyiv tour cost?

This tour starts from 5000, for 1+. The exact price depends on the number of people. Message me for a quote.

What language is the tour in?

Tours run in English and Ukrainian. Let me know your preference when you book.

Is it safe to do a tour in Kyiv right now?

Yes. Kyiv is functioning and tours run daily. I monitor air-raid alerts and know where the nearest shelters are at every point on the route. Read more on whether Kyiv is safe to visit.

How do I book?

Use the booking form on this page with your dates and group size. I'll confirm personally within 24 hours.

Can the route be customised?

Absolutely. Tell me what you're into (history, street art, food, photography) and I'll adapt. For a fully bespoke day, see the Custom Kyiv Tour.

Book a Tour

Pick your tour and dates. I'll confirm personally within 24 hours. No payment now. I'll sort the details with you.

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