Dynamo is Kyiv's home soccer team; Kyiv will host the 2012 UEFA final

Traditions linger as Ukraine moves forward

Practical Facts For Visiting The Ukrainian Capital

Information about Kyiv is available from In Your Pocket's online guide, whose comprehensive listings are a boon to visitors looking for the latest events as well as attractions and activities around the city as well as maps, flight arrival and departure schedules, and Customs and Immigration information.  Though Australians, New Zealanders, and citizens of Asian countries except Japan need a visa to enter Ukraine, US, Canadian, and most EU passport holders do not need a visa for a stay of less than 90 days.

Most of Kyiv's major attractions are located within a comparatively small area and can be reached on foot.  For visits further afield, hotels can arrange for taxis or for cars and drivers to be hired for the day.  The Kyiv metro provides inexpensive and efficient transport around town and to the city's outer districts.

Ukraine uses the Cyrillic alphabet, but don't let it intimidate you; just pretend you are doing a word puzzle in the Saturday newspaper with each letter representing another one.  Just remembering a few letters will make a big difference; many words like 'restaurant' and 'hotel' are easily recognisable with one or two letter adjustments, while Zara and Prada are hard to miss no matter what the alphabet.  If you don't like puzzles, ask for help; many people speak good English and Ukrainians are delighted to help someone who has chosen to visit their country.

Major European airlines like SAS and Austrian fly to Kyiv's Boryspil Airport, which is small and decrepit compared to the modern temples of aviation we see these days in such places as Hong Kong and Beijing.  You know what, though?  Surprising even myself, I liked it.  Disembarkation took place on the tarmac and passengers were transported by bus right to Immigration's door.  Immediately behind Immigration was the baggage carousel, and just on the other side of that, the exit.  None of the kilometres-long corridors found in newer airports, no steps down and then up again, no bombardment of overly bright, duty-free shop spotlights.  The distance from the door at Immigration to hotel car was less than 100 metres.  Do reserve a hotel car to save having to negotiate through the throng of taxi drivers waiting just outside Baggage Claim; both Radisson Blu and Hyatt Regency have brand-new luxury vehicles still scented with fresh leather.