Kiev (or Kyiv when translated from Ukrainian) is the ideal place for those who seek the never-ending nightlife and a closer acquaintance with the locals. In the large capital of Ukraine, the number of tourists is noticeable smaller than one would expect. The locals are always hospitable, and the city center is an absolutely peaceful and safe place: nobody will harm a lady walking in a semi-dark underpass near midnight.
Kreschatik, Kiev’s main thoroughfare, is dotted with expensive boutiques, such as Louis Vuitton or Gucci, and always packed with people, many of whom are simply strolling and enjoying a sunny spell while sipping a bear. Much like in any other metropolis, young people gather in groups to watch street performers or simply relax.
The locals speak both Ukrainian and Russian, the two languages being minimally different. Both languages use the Cyrillic font, so many words are spelled identically.
The favorite pastime of single men is shooting. You can choose from among an arsenal ranging from ancient bows and crossbows, pistols and air guns, to Kalashnikovs and sniper rifles. The shooting range is half an hour’s drive from the city center. Besides the shooting range proper, it includes proving grounds where you can take a tank for a ride, and a restaurant serving Ukrainian shish kebab.
As night is drawing near, you can head into the city center to relax and enjoy the Ukrainian hospitality: during a supper at a traditional restaurant you will be offered to sample several kinds of vodka. Foreign tourists are also offered to learn the Russian style of drinking vodka: downing three double shots in a row followed by a snack and a story from the person sharing the table with you.
Besides traditional Ukrainian restaurants, you will find Caribbean bars with Latin American music, modern discos with Techno, Haus, Rave and other electronic music types. Nearby you will find Italian and French cuisine restaurants, fast food joints, German and Irish beer pubs. Nightclubs open at 8 p.m., but young people converge on them closer to midnight and party until dawn.