Now, if you have been living in a warm country all your life where winter is nothing but a cool refreshing breeze that might only require you sometimes to wear light spring jacket, then we really need to talk before booking your ticket to Kiev my friend!

The first thing you need to do to stay warm in Kiev in winter is dressing up for it. Take into consideration your travel plans and what outdoor activities (like skiing and ice skating) you would like to experience.

The essential winter gear for every traveler to Kiev must include:

• Thermal underwear
• Warm socks
• Coat
• Winter boots
• Hat
• Gloves
• Scarf

Also, making some adjustments to your diet and skin care routine will help keeping you warm while walking the streets of Kiev and enjoying different outdoor experiences.

Now, let me share with you how to do that, starting with your wardrobe:

What to wear in Kiev during the winter

If you lived all your life in a warm environment where the coldest of days needs only a light spring jacket, you will need to make couple of new purchases before traveling to Kiev. Your checklist of winter wear for Kiev should look like this:

Thermal underwear

This is available for both men and women, yet for many women a pair of thick stockings is enough. While some winter thermal underwear comes in one piece, a traditional full thermal underwear includes a pair of pants and separate long sleeve top. The pants are essential, but the top is a matter of preference so at least get one pair of pants.

Warm pair of socks

You will need to keep your feet warm, find two pairs of good, thick wool socks. This is better than experimenting with layering and wearing several pairs of socks together at the same time. While that might work, it can also put pressure on your feet, and reduce blood flow to them, causing you start feeling colder instead.

Coat

You will need a heavy waterproof winter coat. Ideally, it should cover at least one-third the length of your thighs, never too big or too tight. Get one that fits enough for you to feel comfortable in it. Winter coats that come with a hood are more practical, especially when it starts snowing while you are outside. Search for something like Columbia or Parka’s winter coats within your price range.

If you are planning to use this coat only during your visit, consider buying a good secondhand coat in Kiev for around $18-$25, or a new cheap one on discount for around $35-$50.

Winter boots

Winter boots are the best footwear for the snowy or dry winter days of Kiev. Remember to look for three things in your pair of winter boots:

• Thick sole
• Waterproof surface
• Good warm winter lining (usually fur or faux fur)

UGG and Columbia boots are among the best winter boots I have used, so if you have a pair bring it with you, or you can look for something similar to them within your budget. Another practical and cheap option is to purchase a good pair of boots from one of Kiev’s secondhand markets.

Warm winter hat

You need to protect your head and cover your ears from the cold when you go outside, this is why wearing a winter hat will be essential for you, unless you want to spend the days following your vacation sick in bed!

I hope you are not thinking about wearing something like this:

It is so retro (very warm though!), and you do not need it. Any decent winter hat will be fine. Just make sure it stretches down to fully cover your ears. Trust me, you do not want them out in the cold!

Gloves

This one is totally up to you, but I will recommend getting a simple pair of wool knit gloves. You can buy a pair here from any small shop near the metro underground stations in Kiev starting from $2 -$5.

Scarf

While gloves can be optional, dismissing wearing a scarf during winter might cause great deal of discomfort to you every time you go outside. You will need a knitted or soft wool scarf and wear it any style you like as long as it fully covers your neck. The simplest and most practical is the Parisian knot. It works for men and women, will properly cover your neck, and give you stylish look. Play the video below to learn how to do it.

How to stay warm in Kiev in winter

In addition to the right clothes, there are couple of things you can do to stay warm in Kiev during the winter. These are my essential tips for travelers to stay warm in Kiev during the winter:

Drink water

You need to hydrate and drink fluids throughout the day, regardless if you feel thirsty or not. Failing to do so will cause your body’s core temperature to fall and you will start feeling cold despite being properly dressed.

Water is the best drink for all seasons, especially in winter. My doctors jokingly prescribe it as medicine, but there are no jokes about its value. It is better to avoid drinking it cold; have it at room temperature instead.

When outside, buy a warm drink on the go from any booth along the main streets like Khreshchatyk, at the entrance of entertainment and shopping centers, or any mobile coffee cart in Kiev. Try ginger tea with lemon and mint; the ginger in it will help boost your metabolism and immune system, as well as keep you warm.

Minimizing your consumption of alcohol and coffee based drinks will help keep you hydrated, but do not let this stop you from enjoying a warm cup of mulled wine in one of my personal favorite Warm Cafes to Stop By in Kiev Cold Weather.

Moisturize

Dry skin and winter are not a good combination!

Avoid this by always moisturizing your body to help retain its heat. Any good lotion will be fine, however, natural oils are better. You might also want to keep a moisturizing lipstick in your pocket. In Kiev, you will find variety of them by the checkout counter of any big supermarket. My personal pick is the standard non-flavored Nivea moisturizing lipstick.

Eat your breakfast

Do not skip breakfast and remember to snack throughout the day.

As you know, your body focuses on self-preservation and it needs fuel to run on and will prioritize energy flow according to how much it has left. If you skip your meals, or do not eat enough while in cold environments, your metabolism will slow down to save energy and keep you warm, giving you that sleepy feeling throughout the day.

To avoid that, make sure to start your day with a good breakfast. Consider adding eggs and honey to this meal. Eggs are great source of energy, and honey will help boost your immune system.

As for snacks, you will need some dry fruits, cashews, and almonds; they will fuel your body and keep you warm.

Why less travelers visit Kiev during the winter?

People are hesitant about traveling to Kiev during the winter. After all, many have never experienced snow where they live, and the idea of doing so in what they believe is one of the coldest places on earth can be terrifying!

Moreover, it is easy to be afraid of traveling to Kiev in winter after all the history lessons and documentaries about how the brutal Russian/Ukrainian winter singlehandedly defeated two empires (France and later Germany).

Kiev winter should not terrify you

Well, beside this historic inaccuracy (that we are not going into!), and that Kiev is not the capital of Antarctica, winter in Kiev is not as brutal as you might think, and even the lowest of temperatures are manageable. For a start, we have central heating systems now and we have had them since the mid-20^th century, so unless you plan to go camping during your visit to Kiev, you will be fine anywhere you go!

And although there are practically four months of cold weather, the coldest period of winter is usually between mid-January to mid-February, during which temperature in Kiev falls considerably to reach -15°C (5°F) with occasional rare anomalies of -20°C (-4°F).

Nevertheless, this brutal time of the year is manageable. Having a decent winter coat, hat, pair of good boots and gloves will get you through without any worries.

Why is it better to stay in a hotel during winter

Staying in apartments in Kiev is always a good option. There is great variety of them all around the city. But one thing you must understand is that most of these buildings are historic and the infrastructure is not aging well.

Because of this, central heating is not as efficient as in newer buildings, so that can make for an unpleasant stay sometimes. If that happened, the apartment will not be as cold as ice, but its temperature might not be comfortable. If you find yourself in such situation, contact the apartment owner and ask for additional electrical heaters.

On the other hand, all decent hotels make sure their rooms are warm and cozy. Many handle the renovation of their internal heating network themselves or have their own heating system.

Staying warm on the streets of Kiev is not complicated. Our winter, like any other time of the year, requires adjustment, many of which I covered here.

No need to worry about the snowy winter in Kiev, it is easy to adjust and you will be fine!

If three million residents can do it, so can you.

Contact me and we will plan your perfect winter trip to Kiev together!

The post What to Wear in Kiev During Winter: Tips to Stay Warm appeared first on Kiev Tour Guide | Private Tour Guide in Kiev.

Although it might sound unbelievable for people who have not been to Kiev before during winter, the city is very active throughout the colder times of the year.

I even have the impression that our city is livelier during winter than any other season of the year, especially when it comes to nightlife entertainment, café/restaurant scene and cultural life.

It seems to me that the winter breeze ignites rather than paralyzes the vibrant city of Kiev. You will be surprised how amazing Kiev winter life is and how many activities you can enjoy during your winter trip to Kiev!

Where to go in Kiev in winter?

As I mentioned above, for a vibrant city like Kiev, cooler weather is never a showstopper. In fact, this season has its own pace of life with many things to see and do.

Although, indoor activities do in fact peak during winter season, there are not only indoor activities, but also plenty of outdoor activities

Winter in Kiev gives you amazing opportunity to have great time and experience:

• Kiev’s Christmas and New Year festivities
• Go skiing and snowboarding in the middle of the city
• Hang around and socialize with people in popular cafés and hookah bars
• Enjoy popular plays at Kiev theaters
• Party at Kiev nightclubs
• Spend a day relaxing in popular waterparks
• Learn to skate and much more!

Let us explore some of Kiev’s winter activities that you can experience yourself during you visit:

Skiing and snowboarding at Protasov Yar

You do not have to spend a lot or travel far away from Kiev to enjoy skiing.

Our city has its own skiing resort not far from the city center of Kiev. It is called Protasov Yar and is a popular winter attraction for everyone who enjoys winter sports.

You should give it a try, and even if you have never tried skiing before, do not worry, there are many trainers on site who can guide you and give you one-on-one training sessions for $20-$30 per hour.

Gear and equipment can be rented from the specialties booth at the base of the resort, near its entrance.

I highly recommend you go there and give it a try, just dress warm and get ready for an exciting experience.

Enjoy New Year festivities in Kiev

New Year is the mother of all holidays in Kiev, and in Ukraine in general. It is our main festivity and party of the year. No other event can even come close to it.

The New Year festivities start on the first day of December and continue through the first 7-10 days in January, until the holiday aura starts wearing off.

Our Christmas and New Year village that hosts the main festivities is located around the area of Sofiyivska Square and Mykhailivska Square.

The village has beautifully themed wooden booths that serves a variety of food, desserts, hot chocolate, and mulled wine making for good food tour. They occupy the short street, Volodymyrs’kyi Passage, which connects the two squares.

Sofiyivska Square is where you will find Kiev and Ukraine’s main Christmas and New Year. In the background, you can see the iconic bell tower of Saint Sophia’s Cathedral; it is a UNESCO world heritage site and one of Kiev’s top tourist attractions. There is an entrance to the cathedral’s complex territory at the tower’s base, make sure to spare sometime to explore the spectacular 1000 year old cathedral.

Take a cultural tour

Winter in Kiev is the spark that ignites its cultural life. The movie theaters are always busy, art galleries and exhibitions take place all over the city, with the most interesting at Pinchuk Art Centre and Mystetskyi Arsenal. As for the opera, despite its almost daily performances, it is a popular attraction and you will be lucky to get a ticket!

My personal tip for any tourist who appreciates Ukranian culture is to not miss the chance of enjoying one of the outstanding performances at the National Ukrainian Opera in Kiev. Our ensemble is among the best in the world with their breathtaking opera and ballet performances.

You might also entertain yourself by watching a play in Kiev. It is a good way to have a view into the art culture of Ukraine. If you cannot find an English performance, contact me to arrange a cultural tour that includes one.

Music concerts are also a common winter theme. Well-known singers visit, and local bands have life music performances throughout the week.

Many nightclubs host their own concerts during this season, so try to find one with an interesting program, or send a tour request and I will arrange it for you.

Spend a day at the water park

It might be cold outside, but you can still enjoy small piece of summer in Kiev’s favorite indoor water amusement park. Dream Island is probably the best waterpark in Kiev, with variety of slides and its own spa zone that comes with several hot jacuzzis.

The water park is a great way to rid your body from the cold of the day!

The waterpark is family friendly, located in a separate wing of Dream Town shopping and entertainment complex, covering 24,000 square meters (~6 acres). In that complex are also three restaurants, a sushi bar, and another bar that you will need to swim to in the middle one of the park’s pools. The price for a full day access is around $10.

Party at a nightclub

Winter is a good time to hit the clubs in Kiev, so why not join the party in one of Kiev best nightclubs?

I am sure that you will find it to be an amazing experience.

Our city is known as one of the best party capitals of Europe and its reputation as one continues to grow, leading to trends such as tourists who travel to Kiev for the weekend to experience the parties of its legendary nights.

I recommend going to Caribbean Club; it is an established nightlife destination and one of the best nightclubs in Kiev. Caribbean Club is very tourist friendly, as well as affordable.

The entrance fee is between $9 and $14.50 on average, depending on the type of event and day of the week. There are free days as well, but not according to the regular schedule (that I am aware of); you will need to confirm in advance.

Drink prices at the bar are similar to any midrange bar in Kiev. Also, you will not have a hard time entering because of their relaxed dress code.

If you prefer high-end clubs, then aim for the top of the mountain, and head straight to CHI, the flagman of Kiev nightclubs. It is pricier than Caribbean Club, has a strict dress code, and a “face control” policy.

You need to dress up, otherwise you will probably be disappointed at the entrance. I have more detailed information about Kiev nightlife, its best clubs, and bars in another post. Check out Kiev nightlife guide to find out how to navigate the nightlife scene in Kiev and make the most out of it.

Go ice-skating

There are number of ice skating rinks in Kiev. The best, in my opinion, is Dream Town ice skating skirt on the third floor of the complex. It is large enough that over 100 skaters can be on the ice and skate comfortably without feeling that it is too packed.

One hour of skating there will cost you between $2.50 and $5. That includes ice skates and protective gear. The interiors of the skating area are cool, so long as you ignore the weird artificial trees!

I think the interior designer went for a pool in a forest concept, although it seems to be missing something. But, New Year decorations are always magical!

If you prefer an open-air ice skating rink, you will like the Expo Center of Ukraine rink. Full day access will cost you around $3.50. It is usually active for one month, between mid-December and mid-January, as part of Kiev’s New Year festivities.

The place is well organized and the Christmas and New Year spirit makes it a favorite destination for families and young people. The positive energy and smiles there are infectious!

You should give it a try when you visit Kiev

Take a stroll in the snow

Walking the streets of Kiev after a snowfall is an enchanting experience. The weather feels warmer than what you would expect, giving you a cozy feeling as you stroll around the city. Do not be surprised to see some adults having a snow ball fight on the streets!

There are many spectacular places to go to in Kiev after a snowfall, like the monastery of caves, botanical garden, Andrew’s Descent, and Mariinski Park to name a few. A stroll along Khreschatyk Street after or during a soft snowfall will fill you with that New Year/Christmas vibe. Do not forget to capture the moment with pictures for an unforgettable reminder of your pleasant time in Kiev.

Enjoy a game of bowling

If you come to Kiev with some friends, and would like some indoor entertainment, going bowling will be a great idea. Go to Gulliver shopping center, it has a nice trendy bowling alley on the 5th floor.

There are other places like Dream Town and Jumbo Bowling Club that you can also try, but my recommendation is Gulliver as it is enjoying higher popularity mainly due to its location in the center of Kiev.

The cost is between $6 and $13 per hour, depending on the alley and time of the day. If you are a beginner, do not overthink it and just go, you will have even more fun!

Watch a movie

Why not?

It is not a bad idea to watch a movie if you have a unplanned time in your trip program.

Movies in all Ukrainian major movie theaters are played with Ukrainian voice over, so unless you know the language, you probably won’t understand anything.

Your options will be limited to movie theaters that have English movie nights. One that I can recommend is Zhovten Сinema. The English session is referred to with the shortcut ENG on the website.

Drink something hot

Kiev has incredible cafés where you can enjoy warm drinks in winter. You can read my short post about Warm Cafes to Stop by in Kiev’s Cold Weather for my top suggestions of places where you can enjoy a warm drink.

We also have a tradition of drinking mulled wine in winter, so join us for a cup during your winter trip!

If you do not drink alcohol, do not worry, barmen are creative and will show off a large collection of warm drinks unique to every café or bar you choose as your warming place.

You should also try a cup of warm hot chocolate at any of Lviv Chocolate Factory’s locations in Kiev. Personally, I prefer the one on Andrew’s Descent. The hot chocolate is too thick to drink; instead, you eat it with a spoon!

Lviv Chocolate Factory is a household name in Ukraine; all the chocolate they use is an in-house crafted chocolate. They also sell marvelous chocolate souvenirs, so do not forget to buy one before you leave.

Kiev winter is another dimension of entertainment and excitement that you should try if you have the opportunity. Learn how to stay warm in Kiev winter and you will be ready to enjoy your visit to our city.

Contact me to plan the best Kiev winter tour for you

The post Kiev in Winter: Where to Go and What to Do appeared first on Kiev Tour Guide | Private Tour Guide in Kiev.