Euro Away Days: Your one stop guide to cool Kiev

It might be a bit of a stretch at a shade over three hours flight time but Kiev makes it very much worthwhile with some mega food, great pubs and pretty special nightlife.

Chelsea have already sampled the delights of Ukraine’s capital, but it’s now Manchester City’s turn as Manuel Pellegrini’s men face Dynamo Kiev in their Champions League last 16 first-leg contest.

But whatever happens on the pitch, City fans are in for a great trip and here’s a quick guide to everything you need to visit in the Ukrainian capital…

DRINK

City fans might recognise a former Premier League striker while enjoying a pint or two of Rogan, with adverts for the beer often doing the rounds online featuring Chelsea’s former not-so-legend Andriy Shevchenko.

If you’d rather forget about Shevchenko’s attempt at an acting career, head to the Slavutych Shato Brewery in the centre of town for some excellent local beers produced on-site.

There’s plenty of great places to go in the centre of the city, none more so than the Lucky Pub which features 11 LCD screens for all the football, 12 draught beers including Newcastle Brown Ale and regular music nights.

FOOD

You can’t go to Ukraine and not have bread. The country is often referred to as the breadbasket of Europe and up to 77 different varieties of bread creations have been counted in the country.

Fall in to any local bakery in the city and you’ll be dazzled by the sheer range available. Khlebnoe Mesto is a particularly popular option, located just around the corner from Kiev’s main train station.

The focus here is on whole grain, corn flour, oats and dried fruits to produce light and delicious breads. The coffee isn’t bad either and the bakery even owns singing birds in a golden cage to make your experience just that little more special.

The local bread will be great for dipping into another Ukraine favourite, borscht soup.

With temperatures dropping to 3 degrees in the Ukrainian capital this week, you’ll want a bowl of this hot beetroot-based soup to warm you up ahead of the big game.

NIGHTLIFE

Whatever your preferences, Kiev has your post-match night out catered for.

Nobody is quite sure how to describe Club Azhur, but everyone has a good time. Head down after the game and experience an unusual but popular night of tunes from the 60s, 70s and 80s. It isn’t your ordinary club.

Located on the seventh floor of the Arena Entertainment Complex, Barsky provides you with stunning views over the city. The coolest of the cool head here so you’ll want to dress up smart or you won’t be let in. Seriously. You won’t.

CULTURE

Kiev is actually home to around 40 different museums, but head to the Ukrainian National Chernobyl Museum so you can go home and impress (bore) your mates about something not many people know that much about.

It may seem a little odd to have a museum about a nuclear meltdown, but it’s right in the middle of town and has been well put together to provide a very engaging trip.

If you want striking architecture, then Saint Sophia’s Cathedral will make you get your camera out.

The original foundations of this World Heritage-listed site were laid over 1000 years ago and along with the similarly aged Kiev Monastery of Caves make up two of the biggest tourist attractions in the city.

Whatever your preference, Kiev will keep you plenty satisfied.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

Fancy a flutter? Sign up today to claim up to £50 in free bets.