NIGHT LIFE

There is a vibrant bar and club scene in the city centre but in the warmer days of spring and summer, buying a beer on the street is a budget-friendly and more sociable alternative to hiding out in a pub, but those Ukrainians who can afford the higher prices will still gather indoors.

This means it can be difficult to find an empty table on weekends, especially when many popular expatriate hangouts offer drink specials at peak hours. On weekends and holidays, the main street of Khreshchatik and the Podil district are closed to traffic, making them Kiev's most active scenes for nightlife, people-watching, or a casual stroll as the days get longer.

For something a little more active and exciting, jazz and techno dance clubs are busy any time of year and a perfect way to see the locals showcase their fashion conscious identity.


BARS:

Kiev has a bar for every occasion - cosy bars; loud bars; themed bars - you name it and its here! You'll find a wide range of imported beers and spirits as well as excellent locally brewed beers, vodka's and cognac's. Ukraine is famous for its array of Vodka's or 'Horilka' as it is locally knows including Hetman and Nemiroff. Vodka flavoured with honey and pepper, called Pertsivka in Ukrainian, is a must if you want to taste the local specialty. Don't be surprised to see a whole bottle being consumed over dinner, punctuated by frequent toasts!

O'Brien's Irish Pub - need one say more! The name speaks for itself, offering a wide range of beers, liquor and hot snacks. And as always, in every major city, there is invariably at least one Irish pub…





Golden Gate Irish Bar - …in Kiev there are two! Robin and his charming staff offer "One Hundred Thousand Welcomes" to all patrons - in addition of course to the numerous choices of beers, liquor and extensive bar menu. The Golden Gate Irish Bar is also home to the monthly meetings of the Kyiv Lions Club.




Arena Beer House - part of the Arena Entertainment complex, the Beer House offers not only its own beer (brewed on the premises), but a wide range of drinks and an excellent menu to choose from.

Arena Sports Bar - located on the 2nd floor of the Arena Entertainment complex, the Sports Bar displays a myriad of sports memorabilia and offers a wide range of tasty Italian snacks.


Le Cosmopolite Belgian Beer Cafe - famous for its selection of beers and menu of snacks, soups, salads - and of course Belgian cuisine. There is even a 1 metre long sausage for those with a big appetite or who want to share!

Shooters - very popular with the foreign community.


CLUBS:



Carribean Club - for those who love the Latino experience - the salsa, samba and the tango.

River Palace - located on the Dnipro River, the River Palace is a former Nile River Cruise Ship that has been converted into a fun filled entertainment club, offering a sports bar, disco and casino - with regular musical shows and famous international acts.

Millenium Club - located in the Dnipro Hotel, the Millenium Club boasts non-stop erotic shows by truly beautiful dancers, complete with private shows and table dancing. Open from 21.00hrs - 06.00hrs. Entrance fee is currently UAH 100. Hot Tip: Don't forget to confirm in advance the price of any drinks that you order..

Taboo Cabaret & Lounge Bar - famous for its exotic cabaret shows and located in Kiev's only 5 Star Hotel, the Premier Palace.


GAY CLUBS:

Pomada (Lipstick) Club



Located in Zankovetskoi St (Metro Khreschatyk), Pomada Club caters for Kiev's gay community is also very popular with visitors from overseas. The interior design is unique but also provocative with 3 halls - one of which is a restaurant, the other a seating area and a dance area with popular DJ's.


JAZZ CLUBS:

Art Club 44 - One of the city's most popular live music venues offering a selection of eclectic music and jazz. Address: Khreshchatik 44; Tel: 279 41 37. Open: 10:00-02:00

Jazz Club - This is a great place just to relax and enjoy the live jazz music with tasty food and friendly staff an added bonus. Address: Druzhby Narodiv Blvd. 3 ;Tel: 528 30 60. Open: 11:00-23:00

Miami Blues - This restaurant serves both European and Ukrainian cuisine and there are private booths for romantic dinners accompanied by live jazz. Address: Chervonoarmiys'ka 114; Tel: 239 11 33. Open: 24 hours

Dixieland - The Dixieland has been reckoned as one of the most stylish restaurants of the Ukrainian capital. Every night Jazz, Blues, Ragtime, Swing, Soul reign at the Dixieland. Jazz here is more than background music, providing a pleasant addition to the refined dinner. Address: Kyrylo-Mefodyivska,14/2 Street ; Tel: 236 82 28