Kyiv might not really be a beach city, but that doesn't mean you can't get your fix of watery vistas in the Ukrainian capital. Overlooking the Dnipro River — as long as you're willing to go on a bit of a mission to get there — here's our pick of the best waterside pubs and bars we think you should visit.
Yuzhniy Bereg Kieva (UBK)
Yuzhniy Bereg Kieva (South Shore of Kyiv) is a cozy beach club, located on Trukhaniv island. This is a great place to have a tasty meal and a refreshing cocktail, to enjoy a sunshine on the beach and to dance. Yuzhniy Bereg Kieva is open for everyone who just loves to have fun, therefore it is the right place to meet new interesting people. Office workers as well as creative individuals will feel comfortable here. The entrance to the majority of parties in Yuzhniy Bereg Kieva is free. During the day, Yuzhniy Bereg Kieva looks like a nice city beach with people calmly relaxing in the sun and swimming in Dnipro waters. But after 18:00, this place suddenly turns into a real open-air night club. People love Yuzhniy Bereg Kieva for lively DJ sets, delicious drinks and good hookah. The club regularly holds various thematic events, including rave and jazz parties, theatre and cinema evenings.
Address: Trukhaniv island, 200 m to the right from Pedestrian bridge.
Skvoreshnik (Birdhouse) Café is small wonderland in Kyiv. This is a fabulous small space, with four real tree houses: three for companies or families (4-5 people) and a secluded cottage just for two. Skvoreshnik Cafe is a vegetarian place that offers tasty and healthy food and has this special magical vibe, created by the surrounding green trees, charming decorations and, of course, friendly staff. The atmosphere is complemented with birds’ singing during the day and acoustic concerts in the evenings.
At the bottom, there are hammocks, swings and a small game table. Moreover, as the place has a pretty big capacity, acoustic concerts, lectures and master classes are usually held here.
Address: Trukhaniv island (after crossing the pedestrian bridge, follow the signs).
Read: Best Open-Air Party Venues in Kyiv
River Port
In summer 2016, the founders of well-known Gnezdo Bar opened a new dance floor on the bank of Dnipro River. The club, located near river port storages and production premises, impresses with an industrial underground atmosphere. River Port quickly gained popularity with its electronic music dawns, tasty cocktails and hookah. The club is focused on the development of Ukrainian electronic scene. The main purposes of River Port club are to make underground music more understandable and closer for a larger number of people and to popularize clubbing without excessive glamour and snobbery. The club attracts visitors with the opportunity to hang out in a unique place with industrial views on a river bank, hidden from the city noise in the very center of the Ukrainian capital. Parties with Ukrainian and foreign DJs are regularly held here. Well-known DJs from France, Germany, Lithuania, Spain, Italy, Czech Republic and Romania have already performed in River Port. Party organizers also support less-known musicians, if they feel potential in them.
Address: 67, Nyzhnii Val street
Sandali City Beach Club is the newest addition to a varied beach club scene on Trukhaniv island. The vast territory of the club offers a spacious pool, sun beds, umbrellas, the restaurant with terrace and tropic bar, volleyball field, hookah lounge, kids zone and many other attractions. There are 50’s themed bungalows for rent available for those guests who would like to stay overnight. Sandali Beach Club is planning on hosting numerous concerts and parties.
Kyiv has ample spots to sit a while and watch the waves. But when those places also have a bar for cold drinks and seaside snacks, you know you've hit the jackpot. These are our favorite places for drinks with a water view in Kyiv.
Image source: Facebook pages of businesses mentioned in the article. All images belong to their rightful owners.
