Podil district

“But without Podil, Kyiv is not possible, as Saint Volodymyr without the cross.”
— words from a song

If you’ve never visited Podil — you’ve never truly been to Kyiv. Nestled beneath the Kyiv hills on the bank of the Dnipro River, Podil is the city’s oldest and most atmospheric historic district. In the era of Kievan Rus it was the beating heart of commerce — the trading quarter, the main port, the harbour and the customs house were all here, in the place once called The Lowest City. Today it blends ancient churches, majestic monuments, old merchant buildings and charming narrow streets into one unforgettable walk. A professional guide will uncover the hidden stories, forgotten legends, and remarkable characters who shaped this extraordinary neighbourhood.

This tour is for you if you want to know:

• why is Podil called Podil, and what does the name mean?
• where and when were the biggest trade fairs in Kyiv held?
• where was Mikhail Bulgakov born?
• why did Napoleon set fire to Podil?
• where is the Florivsky women’s monastery?
• did Peter the Great really live in Podil?
• where was the first shopping centre in Kyiv built?

Tour Highlights

Kyiv-Mohyla Academy · Kontraktova Square · St. Nicholas Prytyska Church · St. Elijah’s Church · St. Nicholas Naberezhny Church · Nativity Church · Florivsky Monastery · Samson Fountain · Kontraktovy House

✦ The list of objects and the route may vary depending on traffic conditions and church operating hours.

Good to Know

✦ Duration: 3 hours by private car  |  2 hours on foot

✦ Languages: English, Ukrainian, Russian — other languages available on request

✦ Pick-up: included from the city centre of Kyiv; pick-up from outskirts or suburbs available for an additional fee

✦ Dress code: casual

✦ Tour starts at a time convenient for you

✦ Available 7 days a week

✦ See photos from our tours in the photo gallery

Your tour will be led by a professional guide with a deep knowledge of Kyiv’s oldest district. From ancient trade routes to Cossack legends, from Napoleon’s fires to Soviet transformations — Podil holds more history per cobblestone than almost anywhere else in the city.

Photos

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Podil tour last?
The tour lasts 3 hours by private car or 2 hours on foot. Please let us know your preferred format when booking.

Where does the tour start?
Your professional guide will meet you at your hotel or any convenient location in the city centre of Kyiv — pick-up is included in the tour price. Pick-up from the outskirts or suburbs is available for an additional fee.

What is included in the tour price?
The price includes a professional guide and city-centre pick-up (for the car tour, the private car is also included). Entrance fees to any paid sites are not included.

What languages is the tour available in?
The tour is conducted in English, Ukrainian, and Russian. Tours in other languages — German, French, Spanish, Italian, Polish, Hebrew and more — are available on request.

Is the tour suitable for families with children?
Yes, the tour is suitable for the whole family. Your professional guide will present the history in an engaging and accessible way for visitors of all ages.

How do I book the tour?
Submit a request on the website or contact us directly: +380 96 370 33 83 (WhatsApp / Viber / Telegram).

More Kyiv Tours

• Dark Tour of Bucha and Irpin — War History Tour
• One-Day Dark Tour: Bucha, Irpin, Hostomel, Horenka & Moshchun
• VIP Sightseeing Tour of Kyiv by Land Cruiser Prado

Want to book this tour or ask a question? Book your tour or call us: +380 96 370 33 83 (WhatsApp / Viber / Telegram).