How to save living in Kiev

Ukraine (especially Kiev) is a place where two different expats can come and live, and after some time one says, "this place is so expensive!" while the other says, "this place is so cheap!". Let us share some know-how to reduce costs to a minimum, using techniques that the locals have improved.

Start with the place where you will live. Of course, the most convenient option is a hostel. And not always the hostels in the center of Kiev are expensive, such as ZigZag Hostel. But if you are really the enemy of neighbors in the room, then share with someone two-bedroom apartment, and pay $ 200 instead of $ 300 for one-bedroom apartment. It’s such a serious job to find a good neighbor. We recommend the web site olx.com.ua for finding rooms to rent (choose "rooms for rent" in the drop-down menu). Real estate agents usually take a fee of 50% of the first month's rent and it can be expensive for you. It will be easier for you to find family or the young couple who are looking for a good neighbor and want to share with you the kitchen, warm and cozy.

Use only public transportation, preferably the metro. It is cheaper than a taxi or to fuel your own car. The most popular public transport in Kiev - is the subway. By metro you can always get to any place in Kiev, as well as here there are no traffic jams or accidents. Of course, in the mornings and evenings there will be a bit crowded, but it is safe and not expensive. In addition, you can purchase a monthly pass or 15 days, which will also help you to save time and money.

Finally, there is a theme of food. It will be cheaper if you buy groceries once a week and in the big hypermarkets like Auchan for example. In such places are usually more choice and there are some discounts or promotions.

In general, the best option - it is hostel. Especially in center of Kiev. As a rule, there is always metro station near the hostel, supermarkets, cinemas, gyms and other conveniences. In general, all that is needed. And most important – it is clean and warm there. Everyone chooses his way.. Well, but you would rather choose the way in ZigZag hostel;)

Traveling in Ukraine and you do not know what you can do in Kiev? The capital of Ukraine is an ancient and modern. This town is loyal to the grumpy grandmothers, to oligarchs in expensive jeeps, surrounded by parks and noisy highways, first-class supermarkets, hostels, which are waiting for visitors to show them the way to a real adventure.

There are so many places to see and visit in Kiev, that it is often confusing which point for start to select. At the same time, some of the best sights of Kiev is not in the traditional guidebooks, although the locals love them. In order to manage to get to the most authentic and genuine experiences, we made a short list of amazing things in Kiev, and we hope ZigZag Hostel would be for you as an ideal base for exploring Kiev.

           1)      St. Cyril's Church (Church of Saints Cyril and Athanasius of Alexandria).

This small and at the same time the old church was built after the ascent to the throne of Kiev in 1139 Chernigov Prince Vsevolod II, and then became the family tomb of Chernigov princes Olegovich. In 1950 during excavation under the church there was discovered an underground passage leading to the numerous burial caves. But 10 years later the entrance to the cave was littered with stones and poured with concrete. On June 14, 2011 the parish was transformed into St. Kirillov Monastery

            2)      Take a walk through the parks of Kiev.

Kiev is undoubtedly considered to be the green capital, and has dozens of beautiful parks for short walks. Mariinsky Park is one of our favorites in the list of things to do in Kiev! Not only because it is in close proximity to the ZigZag hostel, but also you can see the beauty of the Dnieper from it. At the same time, the Mariinsky park has beautiful architectural landmarks as the Mariinsky Palace, the building of the Kyiv Academic Puppet Theatre, and the bridge of lovers - popular with honeymooners.

            3)      Find out more from the National Museum of Chernobyl.

Chernobyl tragedy is the worst nuclear accident in the world. Pripyat, the town closest to the reactor (3 km distance), had around 49,000 residents before the disaster. Now nobody lives there. The city of Chernobyl is only 4 kilometers south from the reactor. Traveling to the exclusion zone is very popular among tourists. And ZigZag hostel will arrange for any tourist excursion on any day, with English-speaking guide. But if you still do not have the opportunity to visit Chernobyl, you can visit the museum, which is located in Kiev.

4) Explore the museum of one street and buy handmade jewelry on the Andrew's descent.

One Street Museum is definitely one of our favorite places in Kiev! It has the fascinating and rich history of the capital of Ukraine. Andrew's descent is a small hill which is used to connect the Upper Kiev with a commercial district of Podol, located on the Dnieper river banks. The street is packed with historical attractions: St. Andrew's Church of the 18th century in baroque style, mysterious Mikhail Bulgakov house in the style of "The Days of Turbines" and the castle of Richard the Lionheart. Andrew's Descent is also famous for its Art bazaar, craft shops and local artisans. Take a stroll down the street or take a master class in one of the Ukrainian crafts!

5) St. Sophia Cathedral (UNESCO World Heritage).

St. Sophia Cathedral is considered an outstanding architectural monument and the leader of the most visited attractions in Kiev. Although we have tried to get away from the traditional lists of things, but St. Sophia Cathedral just need to be visited. It is beautiful, serene and calm.

6) Take a walk on the Landscape alley.

This is the kindest place in the capital: probably no one ever gave it without a smile. The mall was built in 1980 by architect Abraham Miletsky. In 2009, she began to grow with the addition of funky modern art sculptures.

And finally, come to ZigZag hostel to share your emotions and experiences with us.

Dishes which will make you return to Kyiv again and again

If you ever find yourself in Kyiv then you must try these dishes. Only after that you will be able to understand why so many people are ready die for Ukrainian kitchen.

• Borshch: Most people think this is a dish of Russian kitchen. However, this soup was created in Ukraine. The delicious combination of meat, carrots, beets and other vegetables will make you roll your eyes with happiness. Borsch is served with scones (donuts) or rye bread.

• Varenyky "Big delicious dumplings" – the way we explain to tourists in ZigZag hostel what varenyky is. The filling can be different. Starting varenyky with potatoes and mushrooms that would be as a main dish and ending with cherries that would make varenyky part of the dessert.

• Golubtsy: Different people prepare them in different ways. Some cook them small, some large. It is an original analogue of the Armenian "dolma" but in Ukraine they are wrapped in the cabbage leaves with rice mince instead of grape leaves. It is an ideal dish for the winter months. It is served with sour cream.

• Kyiv meatball: If you want a chicken, then nothing can be better than the chicken with butter and garlic, wrapped in the form of meatball. This dish is quite popular both for locals and tourists.

• Pancakes: Ukrainian pancakes are thin, that giving them contrast to American Pancake. You can choose your own toppings that you like. Pancakes even belong to a separate festival "Maslenitsa", during which you can be treated with pancakes with different fillings.

• Kvass is a soft drink which has very low alcohol content. This drink is made from wheat, sugar and apple. The drink was very popular even 500 years ago. It is also called Monk drink. It is ideal for a hot summer day, and even sale on the streets.

• Kiev cake: the cake popular for tourists, as it is possible to buy only in Kiev. You will find nuts, meringue and custard in this cake. If you're worried about calories, then stay away from this dessert. This cake will melt in your mouth. You can buy it at any store, and train stations.

Enjoy your stay in Kiev not only by excursions and also by food :)

Почему 20 лет – это лучший возраст для путешествий

Нет лучшего времени для путешествий, чем в свои 20 лет. Почему? Потому, что ты можешь делать ошибки, получать максимальное удовольствие от жизни. Обычно, в этот период жизни, ты наверняка думаешь, как обустроить свое будущее. Тот, кем ты являешься в 21, совсем не тот, кем ты будешь в 31. Так что используй это время, что бы объездить весь мир, расширить горизонты и только потом, когда ты будешь более уверен в себе, сможешь принимать важные решения.

1) Ты можешь пережить похмелье в свои 20. Пробуй новые сорта пива в Германии. Пей вино в тосканских долинах. На следующий день ты определённо почувствуешь похмелье, но не так болезненно, как это будет в 30.

2) Ты все еще можешь делать ошибки, от которых не будет последствий.

3) Твой мозг все еще в состоянии хранить информацию, потому что не полностью убил все свои клетки алкоголем. Узнавай столько, сколько ты можешь узнать. Выучи новые иностранные языки. Не теряйся!

4) Твои родители по-прежнему будут хотеть помочь тебе. Даже если ты уже достаточно взрослый, для родителей не пришло время, что бы принять это. Поэтому, если у тебя возникнут проблемы во время твоих путешествий, лучше обратиться за помощью к родителям до того, как они примут то, что ты самостоятельный человек.

5) Твое тело находится в своем физическом пике между 25-30 годами. Твои волосы все еще растут, твоя кожа упругая, а кости сильны, и наверняка есть мышцы. Купи большой рюкзак и путешествуй пешком. Так ты сможешь увидеть больше, нежели путешествуя в удобном кресле поезда.

6) У тебя есть возможность выяснить чего ты не хочешь от жизни. Иногда это занимает несколько ночей во время кемпинга на окраине Венеции, чтобы выяснить, предпочитаешь ли ты удобную кровать, нежели спать на камнях, в спальнике. А иногда это выясняется, когда ты ссоришься с человеком, который не разговаривает на твоем языке, и ты понимаешь, что определённо не хочешь учить его язык.

7) Это абсолютно приемлемо зарабатывать деньги во время путешествия. И мы говорим не о проституции, а о работе бармена в Австралии, например, или официантом в Лондоне. Конечно же, эти деньги не помогут тебе взять ипотеку, но, по крайней мере, это поможет тебе всегда оставаться на плаву во время путешествия.

8) Твои 20 могут быть последним шансом сделать что-то сумасшедшее, что можно будет увлеченно рассказывать своим детям и внукам. Например то, что ты встретил монаха в Таиланде, потом вместе с ним сделали себе татуировки и отправились в трёхдневное путешествие на мопедах.

9) Твой мозг все еще развивается в 20, поэтому тебе намного легче адаптироваться в любой среде.

10) У тебя все еще есть хороший обмен веществ. Ты можешь съесть все, что хочешь без последствий. Мы не имеем в виду сырое мясо, но поучаствовать в конкурсе поедания сосисок, без страха набрать лишний вес – это всегда пожалуйста.

11) Ты можешь встреть новых людей, которые в дальнейшем будут самыми надежными и верными друзьями в твоей жизни. Каждый человек имеет уникальный опыт и перспективы, но все путешественники, как правило, любят единомышленников, что в дальнейшем строит неразрывную связь между ними.

12) Ты по-прежнему позитивен и счастлив в свои 20. Используй свою силу положительности, и не позволяй кому-то относиться к тебе с негативом.

13) Страх еще не охватил твою жизнь, так что сходи с ума пока ты можешь. Сноубординг в Альпах, скай-дайвинг в Новой Зеландии, серфинг в Коста-Рике. Вот почему твои родители так беспокоятсяJ

14) Ты не подросток, но и не взрослый человек. Путешествие - это прекрасное оправдание, чтобы "найти себя" и не торопись, чтобы действительно понять, что ты хочешь от жизни. Смотри на мир. Встречай новых людей. Живи в новых местах. Получай опыт от новых культур.

15) Начинай с родных мест. Киев - один из самых красивых и зеленых городов Европы. Мы предложим остановиться в ЗигЗаг хостеле и поможем с выбором культурных мест столицы.

10 rules of staying at the hostel

Most often, when people check into the hostel, they expect hotel standards included, so we decided to acquaint you with the standard rules of living in the hostel, so to say, for beginners.

Rule # 1 - always take along spare shoes
Mostly, in the hostels you will be kindly requested to take off the shoes at the entrance. To avoid a bad mood, just bring slippers with you, as you may need them also in the shower.

Rule # 2 - Prepare your suitcase for the check-out from the evening
By switching the light on and off at 5 am, looking for a passport or a toothbrush, packing repeatedly the bag or backpack at such an early time you will never make friends in ZigZag Hostel. Therefore, save your nerves and nerves of your future neighbors - prepare your stuff in the evening.

Rule # 3 - DO NOT pee in the public shower
It's horrible, rude and not nice at all. Usually, there are public semi-detached showers in the hostels. The people standing nearby will not be pleased to watch how you relieve yourself in the shower. That's why there are separate showers in the city- center ZigZag hostel, and no one can see you and what you are doing. But it doesn`t mean that you can do such bad things in our place, because we always care for not only moral, but also for health issues.

Rule # 4 - the bounds of decency
Never walk in your underwear in the hostel or in the shared room. Not everyone is particularly interested what kind of pans or pajamas you prefer. To prevent it, the hostel has showers or toilets, where there is enough space to change.

Rule # 5 - Respect others
Most often in hostels people believe that if they don`t want to sleep, the others don`t want to sleep as well. Be ready for it and stock up on earplugs.

Rule # 6 - Stop eating the other`s food
The hostel has shared shower and toilet, living room and lounge zone, but not food. But there will be always a person in the hostels who will eat your products. There are several ways to keep your food:

- store non-perishable foods in your room;

- buy products for one meal;

- don`t bring food to the hostel.

Rule # 7 - If you got sick, spend a little more money for a private room
It's better for your vacation as well as for the health of others. You will get rid of a sore throat and a cold much faster if you rest properly. At the same time, nobody in the hostel will remark you on your handkerchiefs or cough that does not let the others sleep at night.

Rule # 8 - Be kind to service staff
These people have to deal with unattractive and various things the whole day, so that to make their lives easier - take away food from the fridge when you leave the hostel, wash your dishes, do not leave a bunch of hair in the shower as well as a wet towel.

Rule # 9 - Volume Down
Do you think you are doing a favor to your roommates in a hostel when listening to the music with earphones before falling asleep? It's true - you're doing a huge favor for us. But it does not mean that the music is playing softly, as people can be bothered even by the echoes of some motives that resembles a simple noise.

Rule # 10 – Tidy up after yourself
Leaving your shoes in the corridor of the hostel, where the people are passing by, is stupid. Leaving around you a pile of leftovers, dirty socks and things is rude. Therefore, we are asking to clean up after yourself, so that it would be nice to stay in ZigZag hostel in Kiev not only for you, but also for many other tourists.


What about some tips for survive in a hostel?

Survival Tip # 1 - Always wear flip flops in the shower.

Survival Tip # 2 – Be in time for a hot shower. If the hostel is overloaded, be prepared that you will not manage to take a hot shower. Therefore, do not be lazy and get up an hour before, then you will be able to catch the hot water.

Survival Tip # 3 - Always schedule your time. Not to miss your flight or tour, have a spare couple of hours.

Survival Tip number 4 - Be social. Your trip will be much better if you talk to people. You'll get suggestions on where to go, how to get there and you can even get invited to some events that you never heard about.


We hope that these tips will help to make your stay at the hostel in Kiev much more interesting and enjoyable!

The reasons to stay exactly in ZigZag Hostel in Kiev

• The hostel is situated in the very centre of Kiev city, that gives you the opportunity to move on foot only and look through all the sightseeings, which are located around. Furthermore, Palace of Sport and Palace “Ukraine” (for those, who attend events and seminars), as well as NSC “Olimpiyskiy” for eager sport fans
• We work 24/7
• Having stopped in ZigZag Hostel, you will feel the extent of economy. Remember, that expensive is not always qualitative.
• Friendly staff. The most helpful and kind administrators work in our hostel.
• Friendly long-livers of ZigZag hostel play important role as well. They in particular set warm and comfortable atmosphere, as well as give you advice on where to eat tasty food and where you`d better not go.
• We have wonderful discount program. For each case we select special price.
• Having chosen ZigZag hostel you will gain “international” experience. As ZigZag is not just regular building with two-store beds “hostelstyle”. In addition, you can meet lots of interesting people from all over the world, who can tell you increadible stories. You can also learn or practice foreign languages, which you might have forgotten.
• One of the advantages of ZigZag hostel is fully equipped guest kitchen, accessable at any time. Moreover, the same long-livers can treat you with tasty food, so you are able to degust cuisines of different countries of the world.
• We have the best lounge zone in the world. It has plenty of bean bags, plasma and free wi-fi, which you can use everywhere in the hostel.
• We give candies to the guests:)

Причины, по которым Вам стоит остановиться именно в ЗигЗаг хостеле в Киеве

• Хостел находится в самом центре Киева, что дает возможность передвигаться пешком и посмотреть все достопримечательности, которые находятся рядом. К тому же, вблизи находятся Дворец спорта и Дворец Украины (это для тех, кто посещает мероприятия и семинары), а так же НСК «Олимпийский» для ярых поклонников спорта.
• Мы работаем 24/7.
• Остановившись в ЗигЗаг хостеле, Вы почувствуете как экономите. Ведь дорого – не всегда качественно.
• Дружелюбный персонал. В нашем хостеле работают самые добрые и отзывчивые администраторы, которые помогут Вам с любой проблемой.
• Дружелюбные долгожители ЗигЗаг хостела тоже играют не маловажную роль. Ведь именно они задают атмосферу дома и уюта. Именно они подскажут, где вкусно кормят и куда не нужно ходить.
• У нас есть замечательная программа лояльности. Для каждого случая подберем спец. цену.
• Выбрав ЗигЗаг хостел, Вы получите некий “интернешнл” опыт. Так как ЗигЗаг в Киеве не является регулярной застройкой, обставленной двухъярусными кроватями под «хостел». При этом, Вы можете встретить много интересных людей с разных стран мира, от которых можно узнать много интересной информации, а так же выучить или же попрактиковать иностранные языки, которые подзабыли. 
• Одним из преимуществ ЗигЗаг хостела есть доступ к полностью оборудованной гостевой кухне. К тому же, возвращаясь к пункту 5, те же долгожители могут угостить Вас вкуснейшей едой. Вы сможете стать дегустатором кухонь разных стран мира.
• У нас самая лучшая в мире лаунж-зона. В ней много кресел-мешков, плазма и бесплатный WIFI, которым можно пользоваться на всей территории ЗигЗаг хостела.
• Всем гостям дают конфетки J