Kyiv

Kiev, the capital of Ukraine, is one of Eastern Europe's oldest cities and had an earlier golden age as the capital of the Kievan Rus, the first Ukrainian state. Following years under Soviet rule, today it is Ukraine's most cosmopolitan city, offering multi-ethnic restaurants not found in the rest of the country and was a center of the Orange Revolution of 2004. Amazing sights like the Pecherska Lavra (cave monasteries ), Chernobyl Museum, commemorating the nuclear tragedy, and 11th Century St Sofia's cathedral offer glimpses into the little known Ukrainian history. It's not advisable to drink the tap water, but street food is fine and often delicious, whether it's ice cream or Kvas, a brewed bread drink. A vaguely wild atmosphere persists , evidenced for example in the practice of hailing regular cars and haggling for a price rather than waiting for a scarce taxi. (This is only recommended if travelling with a native). The winters are long and dark, but summer is green and fruitful, fitting for a city regaining its place as a European capital.