A shaded university botanical garden of about 22 hectares in the middle of Kyiv, with winding paths, a rose garden, ponds and a tropical glasshouse, reached directly from the Universytet metro station.
The A.V. Fomin Botanical Garden belongs to Taras Shevchenko National University and lies on the slope behind the red university building on Symona Petliury Street, a few steps from Universytet metro station. It is the easiest green escape in the city centre: a network of shaded paths climbs gently through collections of trees, shrubs and flowering beds, with benches and viewpoints over the surrounding streets. A loop of three to four kilometres can be walked in about two hours at a relaxed pace, with extra time for the greenhouses, which are entered separately and are best visited as a guided tour. Spring (late April to May) is the peak for magnolias and cherries, and September-October brings strong autumn colour. The paths are mixed asphalt and packed earth and become slippery after rain. Opening hours, ticket prices and greenhouse access have changed repeatedly during wartime, so the garden should be phoned or checked on its website before a visit. Air-raid alerts apply as everywhere in the city: the nearest dependable shelter is the Universytet metro station next door.
| Distance | 3-4km of looping garden paths |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1.5-2.5 hours |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Trailhead | Red metro line to Universytet; trolleybus and minibus stops on Shevchenko Boulevard and Petliury Street |
| Best season | April-October |
| Address | vul. Symona Petliury 1, Kyiv 01032, Ukraine |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Shevchenko district, central Kyiv, next to Universytet metro
What to bring
- Comfortable flat shoes
- Water bottle
- Light rain jacket
- Phone with the Air Alert app (alerts.in.ua)
Location
vul. Symona Petliury 1, Kyiv 01032, Ukraine
50.4412, 30.5085 View on map
Highlights
- Spring magnolias, cherry blossom and lilac alleys
- Rose garden and pond area in summer
- Autumn colour across mature maples and oaks
- Greenhouse complex with tropical and subtropical plants
Tips for visiting
- Phone +380 44 239 31 90 or check botanicus.kiev.ua before going; hours and greenhouse access vary by season and security conditions.
- Enter next to Universytet metro station, which doubles as the nearest air-raid shelter.
- Bring flat-soled shoes; side paths are earth and slick after rain.
- Visit on weekday mornings for the quietest paths.
When to visit
Late April to May for blossom; late September to mid October for foliage.
Accessibility
Main alleys are paved and mostly passable for strollers, but the garden is hilly and secondary paths and greenhouse steps are not wheelchair friendly.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to the Fomin Botanical Garden?
Take the Red metro line to Universytet station; the garden gate is beside the station on Symona Petliury Street.
Is there an air-raid shelter nearby?
Universytet metro station, a minute's walk from the gate, is used as a shelter during alerts.