Like any other bustling metropolis, the city of Kyiv offers attractions from sunup till sundown. And nighttime proves to be no less exciting for bar lizards, club fiends and even for those who just want a relaxed and cosy night out with friends and family. Whilst it may not compare to the likes of Los Angeles, Paris or New York, Kyiv’s pulsating and lively nightclub scene still has a lot to offer for night owls. Check out some of the highly recommended places to chill out or party.
Arena
Located in Basseina Street near the Bessarabskyi market, Arena is said to be the coolest and most popular dance club in the city. The swanky multi-level place has every entertainment attraction you can think of – a casino, a sports bar, a sushi restaurant, a VIP area for those wanting exclusive parties, and a large dance floor. This is the place for the hip and happening crowd in Ukraine and Russia.
PaTiPa
If clubbing is your scene and you want a younger crowd then head on out to Muzeyniy Pereulok Street and check out PaTiPa. Regulars swear by the topnotch DJs who mix the music in the club – whether it’s house, RnB or hip hop, the crowds just keep coming in. PaTiPa just opened in 2005 but has quickly gained massive popularity amongst the 20-somethings, expats and even tourists.
Babuin
Also known as “Baboon” or “The Stoned Baboon” the café/bar/bookshop/restaurant on Bogdana Khmelnytskogo is a place for people to decompress, unwind and basically just have a good time. It hosts a variety of events such as concerts, DJ nights, book signings and art exhibitions. With free WiFi, visitors can hang back and enjoy the music and drinks.
Decadence House
Conveniently located in downtown Kyiv, this bar/club is one of the city’s places to ‘see and be seen.’ An Italian restaurant by daytime and a trendy, upmarket bar at night, Decadence House is the party place for those who want to party with glam queens and rich men. Not everyone can get into the club, it is very exclusive and charges a cover fee of $20 for men. Once you get in however, you’re assured of a good time amid the beautiful and elite of Kyiv.
Forsage
One of the largest dance clubs in Kyiv and a definite favorite among club enthusiasts, Forsage is located in Garmatna Street, near the National Aviation University. It has three massive dance floors with a capacity of over 1000. DJs from all over the world consider this one of the best clubs to spin house and techno music in and it is said that more than 300 DJs have come to play in the club.
Freedom
Located in Frunze Street, Freedom is a luxury entertainment complex with everything from a casino, a dance club, a strip club, a concert hall and VIP rooms. Be prepared to spend when you enter the club, drinks are pricey and you have to pay an entrance fee. However, if you are in the mood for a live show or a Russian pop act, this is the place to go to.
Privilege
From the same owners of Privilege Club in Ibiza comes this hip bar and club in Parkova Lane 2. Whilst it is not big as the original party place in Ibiza, Privilege Kyiv is impressive enough to check out: an open-air amphitheatre, a dance club, three bar and VIP sections. Privilege Kyiv opened in 2007 and is said to be gearing up for the huge crowds partying during the Euro 2012 finals.
Shooters
Over at Moskovskaya Street is another party place for the young, the hip and the beautiful. Shooters is a disco, restaurant and a lounge bar that is popular among the expat community and the young professionals. Whilst the atmosphere may not be as upbeat and as exciting as the other dance clubs, Shooters continuously draws in the crowd with its good music, well priced drinks and nice decors.
Chocolate
A relatively new entrant in Kyiv’s club scene, Chocolate is located in Shota Rustaveli Street and is close to most major hotels and residential buildings in the center of Kyiv. It calls itself a “Pre Party Place”, with its cocktail and food offerings, soft background music and inviting interiors. Whether you’re planning to spend the whole night painting the town red, or just in the mood for a laid-back night smoking Hookah with your friends, Chocolate is a stylish place to consider.
Caribbean Club
Tired of the usual RnB, house and trance music? Head out to Kominternaya Street 4 for a Latin flavour. Caribbean Club attracts a multinational crowd with its Latin music tunes and good Caribbean food. Special parties are also regularly held in the club.
