Attractions in Kiev... Museums, Art galleries, Churches, Pubs, and Night Life!?!

[Theonelight]

I am Luke and I will be coming to Kiev, Ukraine in late May or early June 2010. I was wondering what the main attractions I should visit in Kiev are. I am 28 year old male from the United States looking for something enriching on my trip. I love history and would like to get to know the local people at the same time...

Thanks In Advance
Luke

[AkMike]

There is a very long list. Start with the WW2 museum at the 'Iron Maiden' The Lavra Monestary is near that. Then hte churches above Independance square, The square itself and surrounding area. The view from the friendship arch is good on any day, better if the sky is clear.On an day it's wonderful to wander around and see the lovely ladies there.

[Theonelight]

That is a good start to do some research on... Thanks Man...

[AkMike]

No problem.. Just remember that google is your friend! You'll find alot there.
There is/was a lady that was offering her services as a guide here. You might want to consider her or one from your web search to show you around and interpret for you.
Kyiv is a huge city and it's hard to find your way around even after several trips there. The metro/underground train is the fastest way usually but the busses will get you there too. Taxis are a rip off for westerners. They will charge wayyy to much when they know you're from the US or elsewhere. Vultures!

Why are you going there?

[AkMike]

I'd suggest that depending on how long you plan to stay there that you either arrainge for a local to set up your hotel or apartment. The rates change if they know that you're a westerner. For Hotels, I've stayed at the Hotel Kyiv a shrot walk abouve the Independance Square or at the Spartack a quick bus ride from the square.
If you're going to be there a week or more look for a completely furnished apt.. Much cheaper and you can do your own cooking.
Get the russ/eng phrase book from lonelyplanet.com! It's a must if you're not fluent in russian! That and an eng/rus dictionary will help alot.

[Theonelight]

Well, I have always wanted to go number one! I was completely intrigued about the country in 1992 during the Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain. Of course they were part of the unified team during that olympics because the former soviet union had just broke apart from Russia at the time. I fell in love with the Tatiana Gutsou, from Odessa, Ukraine. I watch a documentory on her and the people it was wonderful. Take in mind I was only 10 years old at the time. It has been a dream to say the least. I am supposed to meet with a young lady there in Kiev and she is from Lugansk. We have been talking on the phone and emailing for a few months. I would like to meet her to say the least. She is not the main reason for me going though. I want to experience the country and get a feel for the rich history behind it.

[AkMike]

Ukraine has a very long very rich history that is amazing to me. Sometime go to Yalta, and see the sights there on the Crimea penn. Greek ruins at Sevastopol, the Crimean War, the Czar's summer palace, Count Voronsoff's Castle, And of course the 'Swallows nest'.
Bellakalava is a wonderful little hamlet tucked in just off the Black Sea that needs to be seen, The site of the"Charge of the Light Brigade". If you play your cards right it might take you the rest of you life to see it all. Just beware of the pitfalls and scammers that are out there strickly for the money,. Most of the folks in Ukraine are simply wonderful warm salt of the earth type people.