Who said that ticking off your Guide's sightseeing suggestions is the ultimate way to see the city? How many of us went somewhere just to be tired of the same tour schedule, hordes of tourists with their noisy cameras and a feeling that, even though we flew/drove all this way to our destination, we've not managed to really get to know it?

Local travel is definitely on the rise, and rightfully so! Most locals keep the juiciest places in the city carefully hidden away from the eye of an average tourist. The most charming cafes, most incredible monuments and most beautiful getaways are usually off the guide books, tourist maps and travel routes.

Today we are bringing you some by-pass ways to experience Kyiv just like the locals love it - gorgeous, vast, controversial and incredibly real.

1. Sit down for a dinner with a local family

Nothing beats a hot and steaming plate of borshch, traditional Ukrainian staple dish. And what's more - nothing beats HOME-MADE hot and steaming plate of borshch.  No restaurant in Kyiv, no matter what its price tag is, will ever serve borshch, dumplings and other Ukrainian delicacies as good as they come from a regular Ukrainian housewife. They say, that every wife in Ukraine has its own version of borshch and you have to taste at least five of them to understand why this simple hearty dish captured the hearts of Ukrainians for centuries to come.

So, skip away the fancy restaurants, and busy fast-food places, and instead - opt for a dinner with a local Kyivan family! Taste fresh home-made food, sample traditional dishes that you'll never experience outside, and even have a take at making your own Ukrainian varenyky! (There's nothing better than finding some weird-shaped but made-by-you-only dumpling! :))

Join our Culinary Tour in Kyiv for the mouth-watering dinner with your local host family. 

 2. Try traditional Ukrainian crafts

Image courtesy of Rukotvory.com.ua

We give you one hour only and you'll be able to make these gorgeous traditional dolls by yourself. Using only natural materials, in the relaxing setting of Kyiv parks, and under the watchful eye of a local artisan, your artsy side will soar! Not a big fan of dolls? Well, why not trying to make some beautiful decorated eggs?

This centuries-old Ukrainian tradition is still lovingly preserved and carried on in most of Ukrainian villages and towns. Kyivan artisans are known for their intricate Easter egg decorations and will gladly take you into the magical and symbolic world of pagan Ukraine.

Join our Tour of Kyiv for a master class in traditional crafts from a local artisan. 

3. Explore Mizhrichynsky National park

If you go to the far north of Kyiv city limits, you'll get to Mizhrichynsky National Park - a piece of untouched nature, merely an hour away from the bustling capital city. The National Park, set up only in 2006, is an amazing green getaway for all nature lovers. Plenty of walks, beautiful lakes, rare bird and plant life, and simply a day one-on-one with the soothing nature of Ukrainian North.

To make the experience even more rewarding, we will team you up with our nature specialist, who will guide you along the Park's eco-trails, introduce you to the environmental challenges of the region and show you some incredible natural spots, known only to the local experts.

Join our KYIV TOUR and explore the natural beauty of Ukrainian capital

4. Cycle in the greenery of Golosiyivsky National Park

If hiking sounds a tad too boring for you, satisfy the adventurous side of you by going on an exciting off-road cycling tour in Kyiv! Golosiyivsky National Park, located within the city limits, has some great and easy-to-ride cycling trails, that cater to all sorts of cycling enthusiasts. Want to ride along the paved roads? Got it! Want to get out more into the woods? Not a problem! Dare to challenge your cycling skills in some rough terrain? Got that one covered as well!

Join our Cycling Escape Tour in Kyiv for some great cycling in Ukrainian capital

5. Explore rural countryside of Ukraine

For the real off-the-beaten track and a taste of true Ukraine, one has got to go out of the city and into the countryside.  A visit to Ukrainian village is a truly rewarding experience, and leaves you with the feeling of time travel. It's a place where people still grow their own food, where milk comes straight from the cow or a goat, where horse carriages are a common sight in summer time, where your desert is hanging on the tree in your house yard, and where afternoons are spent enjoying the serenity and quiet of nature.

And to top that, visit one of the local organic farms, springing up around the capital. Learn how sustainable agriculture can be a great solution to the poverty of rural areas and contribute to the economic development of local communities.

Join our Rural Kyiv Tour for a unique glimpse into a daily life of Ukrainian village!

 Have you been to Kyiv before? What was YOUR most popular off-the-beaten track spot? We'll add the most interesting suggestions to our next round of posts about Ukraine' capital!