NickTheBubble

Kyiv boasts the most impressive Metro system you will see anywhere round the world . The system is used by over a million people on a daily basis at covers over fifty two stations. The network opened up in the 1960's and has maintained the architecture and style to this modern day.

Admire the beautiful tapestries and lights of symmetry .

Arsenala Metro Station in Kyiv is the deepest in the world at 105 metres which is the equivalent of 346 feet. It derives the name from a Soviet Arsenal factory. When you first descend down it’s a real shock to the system due to the speed, height, and drop, but a unique experience that must be experienced. You will see locals strolling onto it at first but if you are a little nervous just take your time and keep to the right!

The black and white images just gives the network more iconic and retro feel.

Take a trip to Osokorky Metro Station where you will see magnificent artwork designed by a team of international talent (from Ukraine to Brazil). The eight images represent unity and the problems this wonderful country has encountered. Make your way upstairs for a different photographic view, and if you are lucky enough you will be able to capture both trains arriving in unison.

Visiting the worlds’ largest nuclear disaster zone is an exceptional experience, whether you are into the tv series, dark tourism or to satisfy your own curiosity. 

There are various packages to this site legally and illegally. I went with the official tour company and it was informative, fun and very well organized. If you are looking for the true adrenaline rush and wish to go illegally bear in mind it’s a three-day trip, and the police are not going to put you in the Hilton if they catch you. These adventurers are known as STALKERS.

Upon entrance to the zone you really do feel the aura of going to the restricted area where security is high but mainly for your safety

Upon entering the zone you will find the area well themed in order to get you in an exploratory mood, you may purchase everything from a boiler suit and a gas mask to chewing gum and a t-shirt. You may hire a Gieger meter for the day for those who want to record themselves, but don’t worry you have more chance of getting radiation on a plane than you have here. There are various checks around the tour to maintain your safety. Don’t lose or damage your meter, as I am not sure your holiday insurance will cover it!!!

On this tour, you stop at Dugar Radar which is an early warning radar system used by the Soviet Union in the middle of the forest.This radar was still operational up to 1989.

Obviously, this was once a huge part of the Soviet Union Communication system, but today it is seen as iconic and unusual building.

Moving on to the power plant itself, unfortunatley photographs are limited due to security.

When the disaster actually started the emergency team built a temporary sarcophagus (a massive steel and concrete structure covering the nuclear reactor number 4 building of the power plant).

We take this act of heroism for granted as we would be living in a very different world without the many brave quick-thinking people who lost their lives to save many.

Pripyat

The most famous town in the town in the zone, which unfortunately now is just a derelict relic. From a selfish point of view this part of the tour where you will find it most interesting purely as you discover the severe damage this town received. Always respect what these poor people went through.

Walking round a derelict town which has suffered from a disaster is intriguing but upsetting at the same time.

This really is a strange experience. What you must understand is when people were evacuated they thought they would return to their homes in a couple of weeks.

I can’t imagine the pain they went through as they were never allowed to return to their homes, neighbourhoods or livelihoods.

The most famous part of the town from the television and the photographs is the fun fair.

Just for the record there no people walking round with two heads or animals with ten legs, and definatley no zombies even though the fair ground does have a film shoot feel about it.

Kyiv is a vibrant city offering great entertainment, from restaurants, cool and hidden bars, and cuisine from all around the world. The city is obsessed with coffee which can be purchased almost anywhere. Below find four of the most unusual places to purchase coffee and tea. The London bus is cool as the upstairs is converted into a sit-down coffee shop. What else!!

When I say you can buy coffee 'anywhere', l mean any venue that can squeeze a machine in will offer you fresh coffee!!

Cuba Coffee is a cool spot  and offers some of the best blends in the city.

When it comes to dining out, Kyiv caters to every cuisine in the world, and sampling traditional local food is also a must. We all know eating 'fat' is bad for you – but it does taste damn good.

Kyiv Food Market is a trendy place offering food from all around the world. This place has a great vibe and you can purchase anything from a cake to oysters and a steak. All really excellent food!

Even though Chicken Kyiv is not from the city (was it invented in Paris, Moscow or an English supermarket?), it is still worth trying their version of it. I can promise it's much better than anything out of the UK supermarkets!

In the summer take a taxi to the edge of the city to Queens spa, this is a beach club within twenty minutes of the city, where you can relax in the wave pool, have treatments, and embrace the day's sun. The food is of top quality here and I sampled an Eastern European delicacy of Borscht, which presents a beetroot soup here inside a bread roll. Even if it may not be to your taste (if not, why not?!), you have to admire the creation.

When it comes to bars there is a plethora of them in the city, with a wide range of themes; my favorites are the hidden gems which are old bunkers converted into cocktail bars.

The barman will keep you entertained with cocktails depending on your poison!!!!!

Cools bars to look out for are Bar Dictat, Loggerhead Bar and the Paravoz speakeasy Bar.

My favourite bar has to be Alchemist bar – my apologies for the language, as I had had a few sherbets by then. I should point out you will not get in this bar unless you are here before the doorman start work or unless you are accompanied by a local.

Cherry Bars can be found all around Ukraine. I have to be honest it's not my bag but you must at least sample it once. Very popular for early evening drinks. 

I could go on for hours about the variety of bars and restaurants in this city. Pink Freud is a cool bar to check out – and look out for little courtyards which turn into a new world of lights, music and drinking. 

When the bars are over and you still want to carry on partying, there are cabaret clubs for dancing and sampling the unusual.

My favourite place is the Caribbean Club which is great for live acts and party dancing 

Brief view of the live acts 

Queen's nightclub is one of the craziest venues I have experienced – I will let the photos and videos describe this venue!

And now watch it live, in fairness, it was a great atmosphere but mainly for Kyiv's hip crowd which starts quite normal and then….

….suddenly the floor explodes into the craziness.

Welcome to the sporting world of Kyiv. Why 'sporting'? 
Upon arrival at the airport, you are greeted by a banner portraying the current Mayor and former boxer Vitali Klitschko.

Then, take the metro, east out of the city, cross the river and head to Kachalka where you will find an outdoor gym made out of scrap metal. Not your usual visit to Fitness First !!!

As you are training you will be able to gaze your eyes on the beautiful river of the Dnipro , where you can also hire a canoe and be at one with yourself or in a group . The river banks in summer are packed with people as it becomes a beach destination.

Visit the national stadium which is in the heart of the city where the National team play as well as big European nights for the local teams. This stadium hosted the 2018 Champions League between Real Madrid and Liverpool which was decided by a glorious goal by Gareth Bale.

I was lucky enough to experience a World Cup match between Ukraine and France. From the photo below you can just make out some football greats, such as Pogba, Greizman , Yarmelenko and Zinchenko.

As Kick – off looms the atmosphere for the game real warms up.  It's literally a wallpaper of blue and yellow, representing the colours of the Ukranian  Flag.

Please be upstanding for the National Anthem of Ukraine.

Within the staduim there is a little museum dedicated to the Klitshcko Brothers .!!!!

This is a really interesting insight into the brothers – where you can see all their achievements and memorabilia in one sighting. A must for all boxing fans.

Alternative sports are very popular here including skateboarding , roller blading and street biking.