Khreshchatyk Street: History, Interesting Facts, and Where to Stay Nearby

Khreshchatyk Street: History, Interesting Facts, and Where to Stay Nearby
05.02.2026
Khreshchatyk is the heart of Kyiv. It is a place where history, modern city life, and tourist routes come together. For many visitors, this street is the starting point for exploring the capital — and for good reason.

A Bit of History

Khreshchatyk Street began to take shape in the 19th century on the site of an old valley. According to one version, its name comes from the word “khreshchatyi”, referring to the intersecting ravines that once crossed this area.

During World War II, Khreshchatyk was almost completely destroyed. After the war, it was rebuilt in the monumental style known as Stalinist Empire. This is why today the street is easily recognizable, with its wide avenues and distinctive architecture, and is considered a symbol of central Kyiv.

Khreshchatyk Today — The Center of City Life

Today, Khreshchatyk is:

  • the main pedestrian street on weekends;
  • a venue for city celebrations, concerts, and festivals;
  • home to dozens of restaurants, cafés, and shops;
  • conveniently connected to the metro and major landmarks.

Maidan Nezalezhnosti, Sofiyska Square, St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery, Volodymyrska Hill, and Podil are all within walking distance.

Interesting Facts About Khreshchatyk

  • The street is just over 1 km long, yet it is one of the most famous streets in Ukraine.
  • Earlier in the weekends, Khreshchatyk is often closed to traffic and becomes fully pedestrian.
  • All major city celebrations and public events take place here.
  • It is an ideal starting point for walking tours around central Kyiv.

Why Guests Choose to Stay in This Area

The Khreshchatyk area consistently remains one of the most popular locations for short-term rentals. The reasons are simple:

  • everything is close by — metro, cafés, historical sights;
  • no need to use public transport;
  • convenient for both tourists and business travelers;
  • a lively yet comfortable city-center atmosphere.

At the same time, many guests prefer not to stay directly on Khreshchatyk, but on quiet nearby streets, where it is more peaceful while still being just a few minutes’ walk from the center.

Where to Stay Near Khreshchatyk

In and around the Khreshchatyk area, there are many comfortable options for short-term stays — from compact studios to spacious apartments.

These options are especially popular with guests who:

  • visit Kyiv for 2–5 days;
  • want to stay in the city center without excessive noise;
  • plan to explore the city on foot;
  • value comfort and a convenient location.

Apartments in this area are particularly in demand on weekends, during holidays, and throughout major city events, so they are often booked in advance.

Additional Information

In the Khreshchatyk area, we offer a wide selection of apartments — from small studios to larger, more spacious options. This allows us to match different budgets and travel needs, whether it’s a weekend getaway, a business trip, or a tourist visit. We focus on guests’ preferences and select accommodation based on location, comfort, and current availability.

Conclusion

Khreshchatyk is an ideal place to experience Kyiv.

It combines history, modern life, and convenience, while staying nearby allows visitors to feel the rhythm of the city and save time on transportation.

If you are planning a trip to the capital and want to stay in the city center, the Khreshchatyk area remains one of the most convenient choices for a short-term stay.