Revolution Force is Headed to Kiev for MAC Affiliate Conferences

Alas, my fellow readers, it is time that time again. It is time to give you access to yet another TRAVEL GUIDE from Revolution Force. We’re on our way to Kyiv or what we Westerners like to call “Kiev” for the MAC Affiliate Conferences in Ukraine. So, you know the drill, read through our travel guide below and see what Kiev has to offer you.

Also, check out the map at the bottom of the article to find out booth at the MAC conference (G26).

Ukrainian National Chernobyl Museum

I understand HBO already put out a show regarding Chernobyl, but if you’d like to get up close and personal with the artifacts, then I recommend heading to this museum. You’ll be able to see exhibition rooms filled with distressing pictures, models, and displays of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant explosion which caused radioactive material to be spread over Europe. Sounds gruesome, right?

Golden Gate of Kyiv

Initially built in 1037, the Golden Gate was surrounded by high ground ramparts and deep ditches on the outside. It was part of fortification that served as the main entrance to the city. However, by the 17th century the Golden Gate was nearly due to all the wars that had been fought. Authorities tried to repair the gates several times but with little success. Finally, in May 1982, on the 1500th anniversary of Kiev the Golden Gate was finished and reopened.

St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery

This temple is one of the main temples of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Kiev Patriarchate. The original cathedral was built in 1108 but was destroyed by the Soviet regime in 1930 for having no “historical value.” The new cathedral was then constructed and completed in May 2000. It is one of the most honored places among the pilgrims.

The Motherland Monument

Talk about a tall woman! This statue is 340 ft tall and weighs 450 tons (900,000 lbs)- yowzah!  Motherland Monument was built in 1981 to commemorate the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany during World War II. The statue can be seen all throughout Kiev and is part of the Museum of the History of Ukraine in World War II.

 *If you want to get a really good look of Kiev, then you’ll want to climb the stairs inside towards the Motherland sword.

Museum of the History of Ukraine in World Word II

The museum is a memorial complex honoring the German-Soviet War (World War II) and is located in the southern outskirts of the Pechersk District of Kiev. It is one of the largest museums in Ukraine featuring over 300,000 exhibits and the perspectives of the war through the Ukrainians point of view.

Hryshko National Botanical Garden

The spectacular garden is one of the biggest national parks in Europe and displays over 13,000 collections of plants, flowers, and trees all used for horticultural research at the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences. Construction began in 1944 with the labor being done from the prisoners at war. It took many years to be completed but was finally finished in 1964. One of the most spectacular natural sights in Kiev is the blooming of the lilacs that take place in this garden. It happens in May and attracts many tourists, artists, and photographers.

National Opera House of Ukraine

The National Opera House of Ukraine wasn’t always called this. It began as the City Theater, which was built in 1867 but later burnt down in 1896 from an unextinguished candle. After the fire, the City Council announced an international competition to design a new building for the Opera Theater in Kiev. The winning proposal came from Victor Schröter and in September 1901 the National Opera House of Ukraine was born.  

St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Cathedral

One of the most beautiful buildings in Old Kiev, the Neo-Gothic style church, stands out among the other buildings for its exquisite beauty and design. This church was built in the late 19th century to accommodate the 40,000 Catholics living in the city. It was the second Catholic church built in Kiev, and although it is no longer a religious building it is still worth visiting to appreciate the master piece of architecture.

Andriyivskyy Descent

The most famous cobblestone street in Kiev, popularly known as the Montmartre of Kiev, connects the Upper Town neighborhood and the commercial Podil neighborhood.  It’s surrounded by towns, shops, and local food and restaurants. 

Places to Eat

Shoti

Shoti offers a Georgian haute cuisine, delicious traditional homemade bread, and a vast selection of wines. The chef created the menu after traveling all over Georgia and was inspired to create dishes from different regions of the country.

Pizza Napulé

Offering more than 30 types of pizza, Pizza Napulé gives Eastern Europe a little piece of Italy. The restaurant was even given the Certificate Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, which confirmed the pizza in Napule is authentic Neapolitan.

Tsarske selo

Now, if you want to try a true Ukrainian cuisine, then you’ll want to stop here. The restaurant opened in 1998 and is the first Ukrainian restaurant of national cuisine. Dishes are prepared according to old recipes and the inside of the restaurant is made to represent a Ukrainian village from the eighteenth century.    

Basarabsky Market

Better bring a local with you if you plan to buy any food here. The name of the game is “haggle.” The goods are not marked with prices and your job is to haggle with the workers. However, they do not speak English, which is why you need a local. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s a fun place to witness Ukrainian culture.

Clubs and Bars

CLOSER

CLOSER is a nightclub housed in an old factory in the district of Podil. It’s a multi-use venue that hosts parties, art exhibitions, and live performances as well as festivals. The club is among Eastern Europe’s best-known spots for house and techno.

Caribbean Club

A place that has it all! Caribbean Club holds a concert hall, night club, and restaurant. The chic club offers all genres of music but is most popular for their Latin parties: salsa, kizomba, bachata, zouk, tropical cocktails and bright lights everywhere.

Sky Bar

A lively club, named for its location on the upper floor of Arena City features a killer view, dance floor, and karaoke lounge. Make sure to dress to impress because they won’t let you in wearing your gym clothes *wink.*

Hangover

Plan beforehand because it’s difficult to get a table on a Friday and Saturday, but the lounge offers a dance floor and bar if you can’t get a table.

Loggerhead

A speakeasy bar in the heart of Kiev, hidden in a secret courtyard behind the iron door. The venue is underground, so if you are planning to visit on a Friday or Saturday evening, then you’ll want to email (don’t call) a few days before to make reservations for a table.

Now, I’ve given you all the information on traveling through Ukraine, but now I’d like something in return. I’d like you to meet us at our booth. You can find us at G26.

By: Lauren Van Sloten