queen mary tour discount

• Hotel Rooms Choose from 200 original first class staterooms and suites Specials & Packages Packages & Special Offers Services & Amenities Modern amenities and world-class service Fitness Room Rejuvenate with our fitness options
• Attractions Tours & Exhibits Get an up close and personal look at the Queen Mary with our exciting tours & exhibits Fourth of July Celebration Celebrate an all-American 4th of July aboard The Queen Mary! Queen Mary Heritage Foundation Membership Experience everything the Queen Mary has to offer with a tour package
• Dining Casual Dining Enjoy inspired meals and quick bites at our restaurants Chelsea Chowder House Bars Enjoy the 1930's classic sophistication of the Queen Mary bars Royal Sunday Brunch A local favorite, voted “Best Brunch” by OpenTable Group Dining The Queen Mary offers several dining options for large groups or those seeking a unique dining experience
• Meetings & Weddings Meetings Explore one of the most unique meeting and conference venues in Southern California Weddings The Queen Mary has been host to unforgettable weddings for over 70 years Socials The Queen Mary is the ideal location for any social occasion Event Spaces Over 80,000 square feet of meeting and exhibit space across 14 Art Deco salons
• History Timeline Re-live the Queen Mary’s rich history, from her ground-breaking construction to today Stats & Fun Facts Everything you ever wanted to know about the Queen Mary Design & Preservation Learn about the era of elegant Art Deco design and how the Queen Mary is maintained with preservation projects Press Releases Press Releases about the Queen Mary Amateur Radio Discover the on-board radio stations starting in the 1960s
• Visit Hours & Parking Find open times for the Queen Mary and its dining and parking. On-Board Shopping An array of unique shops featuring souvenirs, one-of-a-kind treasures, clothing, memorabilia, historic documents, artwork and more Nearby Attractions The Queen Mary is a great central hub to all of Southern California’s most popular attractions Directions Your guide to getting to the Queen Mary
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Queen Mary Long Beach Tours and Attractions 2024

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The Queen Mary has resumed tours for the first time since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic beginning April 1, 2023.  Tours available include the Glory Days Historical Tour, Steam and Steel Tour, & Haunted Encounters Tour  

Queen Mary is located across the bay from The Pike at Rainbow Harbor, home to the Aquarium of the Pacific Long Beach. The Queen was moored in Long Beach in 1967 and opened as a tourist attraction in 1971.

The Steam and Steel Tour will take guests approximately 25 ‘ below the water line, where they will have a chance to walk through Boiler Rooms 1- 4, as well as the Water Softening Plant and the Turbo-Generator Room 1. The haunted tour is a one-hour tour that will share many of the more well-known or infamous stories of the paranormal residents that now occupy the legendary ship

Queen Mary Long Beach is a fun day trip where the whole family can find something to enjoy. With discounts, you can make a trip to the Queen Mary easy on your budget.

Queen Mary History

Queen Mary sailed on her maiden voyage on May 27, 1936, and later became the fastest passenger ship to cross the Atlantic. She lost the title to the SS Normandie in 1937 and recaptured it in 1938.

With the outbreak of World War II, she was converted into a troopship and ferried Allied soldiers for the duration of the war. Following the war, Queen Mary was refitted for passenger service and, along with Queen Elizabeth, commenced the two-ship transatlantic passenger service that the two ships were initially built for.

The two ships dominated the transatlantic passenger transportation market until the dawn of the jet age in the late 1950s. By the mid-1960s, the ship was aging and though still among the most popular transatlantic liners, was operating at a loss.

After several years of decreased profits for Cunard Line, Queen Mary officially retired from service in 1967. The ship left Southampton for the last time on October 31, 1967, and sailed to Long Beach, California.

Queen Mary Hotel

The Queen Mary is a full-service hotel, historical landmark, and entertainment venue.  The hotel has original staterooms spanning three decks and eight complete suites. Each cabin is uniquely appointed, and embellishments include rich wood paneling, Art Deco built-ins, original artwork, and portholes for outside cabins.

Queen Mary Events

Queen mary dark harbor.

(No Schedule yet) Dark Harbor is not for younger children. This annual Halloween event is one of the most popular scary attractions in Southern California. Live entertainment,  gruesome mazes, and ghost ship tours are all part of the fun.

Queen Mary Christmas

(No Schedule yet) Queen Mary Christmas is a family-friendly holiday event held on the ground of the Queen Mary. The ice theme of the original Chill festival has been updated into Alice in Winterland. Rides, a vast ice slide, and a Santas Village are all designed as a place where families can enjoy the holidays together.

Nearby Queen Mary Attractions

Aquarium of the Pacific Long Beach

Aquarium of the Pacific houses over 12,000 sea animals displayed by area of origin. Visiting this historic ship and Aquarium of the Pacific is a great way to spend a day.

Cabrillo Aquarium San Pedro

The Cabrillo Aquarium is nowhere near as large as the Long Beach Aquarium.  However, it does have one advantage; admission is free. This aquarium exhibits sea creatures that live in Southern California. There are lots of hands 0n exhibits, plenty of exciting fish tanks, and a walkway down to some attractive tide pools.

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#OnlyinLB: The Queen Mary

The historic RMS Queen Mary is the most iconic aspect of the Long Beach skyline. The 1930s-era Cunard ocean liner is permanently docked on the Long Beach waterfront as a floating hotel and attraction, and recently reopened after undergoing beautiful restoration work. History buffs, Art Deco enthusiasts, fans of the paranormal, and lovers of all things nautical will have the hotel stay of their dreams on board Long Beach’s luxurious ocean liner. This summer, stay on the ship to experience the amazing history, setting, and amenities offered by the Queen.

ACCOMODATIONS

A stay on the Queen Mary (1126 Queens Hwy) allows you to follow in the footsteps of Classic Hollywood celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn, and historical figures like British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who signed the WWII D-Day Declaration on board. The suites and staterooms transport you to another time with vintage wood paneling and original artwork. Book two or more nights to receive waived valet parking, or stay five or more nights for 18 percent off and $40 nightly food and beverage credit. Plus, you can bring Fido—dogs under 25 pounds are welcome to join you on your stay.

TOURS AND EXHIBITS

Overnight stays include self-guided admission to the ship’s exhibits and discounts on day tours , like Haunted Encounters, which features the ship’s most notorious ghost stories and the chance to visit its paranormal hotspots. The Glory Days tour highlights the ship’s history , including its role as a troop transport during World War II. Before you go, download the ship’s map , which lists not only dining and shopping locations, but also must-see points of interest, like the engine room and ship model gallery.

ONBOARD DINING AND BARS

The Queen Mary offers several dining options on board, from casual to more formal settings. The Observation Bar is a time capsule of 1930s Art Deco with its original mural over the bar, period furniture, and distinct lack of television screens. Stop in for a drink at sunset, followed by a stroll on the newly restored Observation Deck outside. The Chelsea Chowder House and Bar is a tribute to the traditional British fish house. Grab a lobster roll or fish and chips with the family. The highly rated Royal Sunday Brunch in the Grand Salon offers champagne, live music, cuisines from around the world, and a carving station serving prime rib and leg of lamb.

TRANSPORTATION

During your stay, take advantage of free transit services to go ashore and visit downtown Long Beach for shopping and dining. Long Beach Transit’s free Passport buses stop at the Queen Mary every 30 minutes and make stops in downtown Long Beach and at The Pike Outlets , the Aquarium of the Pacific , and Shoreline Village .

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

With the Queen Mary as your home base, you can plan day trips to visit local attractions the whole family will enjoy. Across the water, visit Southern California’s largest aquarium and its 12,000 animals at the Aquarium of the Pacific (100 Aquarium Way). Continue the nautical theme of your stay and tour the USS Iowa (250 S. Harbor Blvd), a battleship docked in nearby San Pedro that served in World War II, Korea, and the Cold War. Or grab dinner at one of the many lively restaurants on Pine Avenue downtown. After painting the town, you’ll be glad to retire to your cozy stateroom to gaze at the city lights from the porthole.

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Events in Long Beach

Special events in Long Beach invite visitors to experience a variety of festivals, sporting events, concerts, and celebrations throughout the year.

The single block stretch of First Street, between Elm and Linden Avenues, in Long Beach’s East Village Arts District, presents an amazing amalgam of places to eat, shop, drink, grow

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Katherine Legge and Takuma Sato, drivers with a legacy of winning races, breaking barriers and setting milestones, will be honored at this year’s Long Beach Motorsports Walk of Fame ceremony

Long Beach Museum of Art in Long Beach “The location is breathtaking. The exhibits are always interesting and top-notch. They do a lot for the community, too. And Claire’s, the

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You’ve just seen the symphony or a great comedy show at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, and now you’re looking for a place that’s open late where you

Long Beach has a rich musical heritage, one that’s added to every summer through a wide array of music festivals. These single and multi-day events not only offer a wide

The East Village Arts District in Downtown Long Beach has fostered a tight-knit community of women-owned businesses. These independent shops and eateries contribute to the neighborhood’s authentically creative vibe as

There are lots of beloved coffee shops in Long Beach, as increasing interest in specialty coffee has led to a boom of roasters in the city. Just about anywhere you

Queen Mary is back in business after 2-plus years. Free tours fully booked

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The Queen Mary is back in business.

Beginning Thursday, fans of the aging Long Beach tourist attraction will be able to tour sections of the vessel for the first time since March 2020, the city of Long Beach announced this week . To celebrate, the city is offering free guided tours for a limited time.

The hour-long tours include biographical lessons, including some haunted history, about the Queen Mary and access to select areas of its promenade deck, all led by a docent. Tours were full by Tuesday morning , according to the city’s website.

The hotel, restaurants, bar and other amenities will remain closed until plumbing and other repair work are completed in early 2023 , according to the city.

Queen Mary to get $1 million more in repairs ahead of reopening in Long Beach

Millions of dollars have been poured into repairing the Queen Mary, which was closed due to the pandemic in 2020 and is expected to reopen this year.

Nov. 2, 2022

The occasion comes after the pandemic shuttered the converted British ocean liner to the public and a series of renovations, including critical structural repair work , delayed its reopening. Several studies have estimated the vessel needs hundreds of millions of dollars of upgrades to continue operating. A 2021 report called for $23 million in immediate repairs to prevent the ship from capsizing.

The city has previously said that about 75% of the process — largely plumbing, mechanical and other metalwork — should be completed by the end of the year. All internal repairs should be wrapped up in early 2023, allowing the city to work on aesthetic projects, like painting and flooring.

“The Queen Mary has been an icon of our Long Beach shoreline for 55 years,” Councilmember Mary Zendejas said. “We remain dedicated in our efforts to preserve the ship’s history and structural safety. I look forward to welcoming the community back on board!”

Over the last 50 years, Long Beach has brought in several firms — including Walt Disney Co. — to try to convert the former ocean liner-turned-floating hotel into a profitable tourist attraction, with mixed results. Disney planned in 1990 to incorporate the ship into a $3-billion sea-themed amusement park but ditched the idea a few years later.

Long Beach had considered sinking the 86-year-old ship after taking control of the vessel last year from the previous lease operator, Eagle Hospitality Trust, which filed for bankruptcy and defaulted on lease agreements. But even scuttling or scrapping it brought an estimated $190-million price tag , officials learned.

Keeping the Queen Mary afloat has cost an estimated $6 million since the restoration project got underway earlier this year . But officials say the price tag is offset because the ship generates revenue through special events and filming opportunities, including a popular Halloween celebration .

More to Read

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March 14, 2024

New rooms, tours, activities: Queen Mary is royal again, Long Beach says. But at a whopping cost

Queen Mary, once a sinking white elephant, shows signs of remarkable revival

Jan. 4, 2024

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Alexandra E. Petri is a former Los Angeles Times staff writer who covered trends and breaking news. She previously covered live news at the New York Times. A two-time reporting fellow with the International Women’s Media Foundation, she graduated from Penn State with a degree in journalism and international studies.

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The Queen Mary

rate per night

based on 647 reviews

About The Queen Mary

• Hotel Room You’ll have a private room with all the hotel’s amenities
• Freebies This stay includes Wi-Fi for free

Climb aboard The Queen Mary and enjoy art deco staterooms and adventures on one of America’s most historical and stately water vessels. Whether guests are traveling in groups, as couples, as solos, or with family, The Queen Mary will make guests feel welcomed.

Docked in the Port of Long Beach in southern California, The Queen Mary is conveniently located near plenty of on-shore attractions, including the Aquarium of the Pacific, the Museum of Latin American Art, Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center, and The Pike Outlets mall. It is about a 40-minute drive from Los Angeles International Airport, and less than an hour from downtown Los Angeles.

The Queen Mary houses 347 first-class staterooms that are available as Flexible Rates, Bed and Breakfast Packages, the Romance Package, and the Catalina Package. Guests can choose the Harbor View Deluxe King, which is the most popular room option with views of Long Beach city while the Family Stateroom King and Twin Bed option is ideal for parents traveling with children. The B340 Suite is the famously haunted room that will delight thrill-seekers.

Amenities and activities on The Queen Mary are fun and informative. Guests can peruse corridors of boutique shops filled with memorabilia, clothing, and historical artifacts. The Glory Days Tour explores The Queen Mary’s history, including its construction and days as a World War II troopship. The Queen Mary is considered one of 10 most haunted places in America. Discover why during the onboard Haunted Encounters and Ghosts and Legends experiences.

Dining aboard The Queen Mary can be a casual or elegant affair. From the Sunday Champagne Brunch to Chelsea Chowder House, guests are sure to be enchanted.

Whether guests are history buffs, looking for a uniquely romantic setting to enjoy with their partner, or want a relaxed family vacation, The Queen Mary is the ideal setting.

Photos of The Queen Mary

Latest deals for the queen mary.

* Total includes estimated local taxes & fees payable on check out.

Prices are based on 1 night, not including taxes and fees

Amenities at The Queen Mary

• Fitness center
• Room service
• Tea/coffee maker
• Business center
• Flat-screen TV
• Meeting/Banquet facilities

Services and conveniences

• Conference rooms
• ATM on-site
• Express check-out
• Safety deposit box
• Currency exchange on-site
• 24hr front desk

Accessibility and suitability

• Pets allowed on request. Charges may apply.
• Increased accessibility
• Hypoallergenic
• Designated smoking area
• Fire extinguisher
• Air-conditioned
• Smoke alarms

Things to do

• Beauty salon
• Bicycle rental
• Laundry facilities
• Laundry service
• Iron and ironing board
• Family rooms
• Storage available

Parking and transportation

• Private parking

Media and entertainment

• Terrace/Patio
• Alarm clock

Health and safety

Family friendly

• Kid-friendly buffet

Reviews of The Queen Mary

All reviews are collected from real users with a verified booking made with KAYAK or one of our trusted external partners.

Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.

• Great historical place to stay. (in 17 reviews)
• Great location and unique experience. (in 24 reviews)
• We loved the Queen Mary. (in 73 reviews)
• The room was absolutely disgusting. (in 267 reviews)
• it was on a historical landmark. (in 1 review)
• Resort fee & parking fees. (in 13 reviews)

Traveler type:

Time of year:, traveler rating:, what's nearby.

• Museum of Long Beach 193 yd
• RMS Queen Mary 255 yd
• Long Beach Cruise Terminal Dome 297 yd
• Shoreline Village 0.5 mi
• Aquarium of the Pacific 0.7 mi
• Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center 0.8 mi
• Pike at Rainbow Harbor 0.8 mi
• The Pike 0.9 mi
• City Hall Long Beach 1.1 mi
• City Place Shopping Center 1.4 mi
• Museum of Latin American Art 1.7 mi
• Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum 1.7 mi

Essential information about The Queen Mary

When to book a room at the queen mary, top tips for your stay at the queen mary.

• If you’re after a cheap room at The Queen Mary, then you should consider staying during the low season. The cheapest deals can generally be found in March and April.
• Prices can also vary depending on which day of the week you stay. For the best room deals at The Queen Mary, plan to stay on a Sunday or Saturday. The most expensive day is usually Friday.
• The cheapest price a room at The Queen Mary was booked for on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks was $202, while the most expensive was $416.
• How long should you stay at The Queen Mary? KAYAK users usually book their rooms here for 1 day.

FAQs when booking at The Queen Mary

Does the queen mary host any special events.

The Queen Mary has become known for hosting many different signature events that occur on an annual basis. For example, the Waterfront Cook-Off always takes place in May, and consists of BBQ food, such as chilli and ribs, as well as a selection of craft beers. February marks the time of the hotel’s Chinese New Year celebration, as well as the ScotsFestival & International Highland Games. If you enjoy running, make sure to keep your eyes open for one of the Queen Mary’s races, such as the Queensway 5K in March.

What kinds of amenities does the Queen Mary offer for weddings?

If you would like to host your wedding reception at the Queen Mary, there are several luxurious venues for you to choose from, including the Grand Salon which is composed of 9,000 sq ft and can hold up to 700 people. The hotel also offers a selection of wedding packages that start at $65 per guest, with many of them including amenities such as 1h beverage receptions, 3-course meals, a wedding cake, a dance floor, a champagne toast, and simple tablecloths and napkins.

Are there any kid-friendly activities offered on the Queen Mary?

The Queen Mary contains a state-of-the-art 4D theater that shows two 18m short films discussing the history of the ship and information about the ocean’s most famous predator: the shark. Tickets start at $8 per adult and $6 per child aged 4 to 11. Kids will also love visiting The Shipyard, an impressive replica of the ship that is made from over 250,000 Legos and measures over 26 ft long.

What is the best way to travel from Los Angeles International Airport to the Queen Mary?

If you would like to travel from Los Angeles International Airport to the Queen Mary as affordably as possible, you can use public transportation, such as the Green Metro Line or the 232 and Passport buses, all of which will take approximately 1h 30m. For a quicker option, consider grabbing an Uber, which will cost between $29 and $38 for an UberX, and $47 to $61 for a larger car that can fit four to six passengers, known as an UberXL.

Does the Queen Mary offer any special tour packages or passes?

For those that are planning on visiting a lot of the exhibits and tours that are offered on the Queen Mary, consider purchasing a First Class Passport which costs between $30 to $40 a day for adults. This pass will give you access to all of the attractions on the Queen Mary, including temporary exhibits and tours. It is also possible to purchase a pass that allows you to visit some of the attractions on the Queen Mary, such as a tour of your choice, as well as the USS Iowa, another historic ship that is located within easy walking distance of the hotel. Prices for this pass start at $45 for ages 12 and up, and $29 for kids between the ages of 4 and 11.(Prices checked 09/05/19).

Where is The Queen Mary located?

The Queen Mary is located at 1126 Queens Highway in Port of Long Beach, 1 miles from the center of Long Beach. Museum of Long Beach is the closest landmark to The Queen Mary.

When is check-in time and check-out time at The Queen Mary?

Check-in time is 4:00 PM and check-out time is 11:00 AM at The Queen Mary.

Does The Queen Mary offer free Wi-Fi?

Yes, The Queen Mary offers free Wi-Fi.

How far is The Queen Mary from the airport?

The Queen Mary is 5 miles from Long Beach Municipal. The Queen Mary is 14.4 miles from Hawthorne.

How does KAYAK find such great The Queen Mary hotel deals?

KAYAK scours the web for all room deals available at The Queen Mary in Long Beach and lets you compare them to find the best rate for your stay. Many different travel sites will offer discounts or deals at different times for rooms at The Queen Mary and KAYAK will provide you with prices from a huge range of travel sites. That means that you can always find a great deal for The Queen Mary.

Nearby hotels and places to stay

Most recommended, good to know.

The Queen Mary Will Reopen to Visitors With Free ‘Thank You' Tours

The city of long beach announced that guests could enjoy "select elements" of the ship while on a free guided tour; reservations are now open., by alysia gray painter • published december 12, 2022 • updated on december 15, 2022 at 3:59 pm, what to know.

• The Queen Mary has been a Long Beach landmark since 1967; the retired Cunard-White Star ocean liner crossed the Atlantic hundreds of times, starting in 1936, and served as a troopship in World War II
• The ship shuttered in March 2020; the City of Long Beach resumed control of the vessel from Urban Commons in 2021, with a commitment to address the many repairs needed to her hull and elsewhere
• "Select elements" of the Queen Mary will be open to the public starting on Dec. 15, 2022; first-come, first-served reservations may be made online

When facing any challenge, be it large or small, we do sometimes wonder if we will sink or float.

And, if things are especially auspicious, if we will sail into a brighter future.

That last option is always the option we want, of course, in pretty much every case we face, and in the case of the Queen Mary ?

Get Southern California news, weather forecasts and entertainment stories to your inbox. Sign up for NBC LA newsletters.

The "sail forward" promise of the world-famous ocean liner, a Long Beach landmark that's been in need of a hefty amount of TLC, is becoming clearer by the day.

So clear, in fact, that the City of Long Beach announced on Dec. 12 that "select elements" of the permanently moored vessel will reopen on Dec. 15, 2022.

How to visit these areas? The public is invited to join a series of limited-time guided free tours.

The free tours will serve as a sincere and celebratory "thank you" extended to "... the community for their patience and support during the ship's closure," shared the statement from the city.

Visitors will again be able to stroll a select stretch of the view-blessed Promenade Deck as well as the opulent Observation Bar, as well as a few other picturesque spots on the destination, which has become known for its Art Deco details and stately spaces that seem untouched by time.

Signage will also note what sort of repairs are ongoing around the vessel, bringing guests up-to-speed as to what has been happening since the ship's closure in March 2020.

Shipshape: The Queen Mary Looks to Reopen Later in 2022

A Bright Bounty of Beautiful Bulbs Will Illuminate The Mission Inn

"I am thrilled to welcome visitors back onboard the Queen Mary and share the beauty and history of this landmark with our community once again," said Mayor Robert Garcia.

"I thank our City staff for their dedication throughout the critical repairs process to ensure the ship’s safety and preservation."

Long Beach has been working hard to address those much-needed updates since it resumed control of the ship from Urban Commons, the previous lessee, in June 2021.

Permanently moored in Long Beach since 1967, the Queen Mary was famed as an elegant passenger conveyance over several decades, and as "The Grey Ghost," a troopship, in World War II, where it was also known as Winston Churchill's "headquarters at sea," a place for the prime minister of the United Kingdom to conduct important work while traveling.

Since dropping proverbial anchor in California some 55 years ago, the grand boat has served as a hotel, dining destination, and a place for festivals and special events.

A few large-scale events returned ahead of its reopening, with basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal's Halloween happening taking place just outside of the landmark in October 2022.

The ship's haunted history remains a draw for devotees of the supernatural, and its ghostly reputation will be touched upon in the new tours, too.

You can reserve your spot online now, but the first-come, first-served tours are expected to fill up quickly.

This article tagged under:

Queen Mary Tour: Embark on a Fascinating Journey Back in Time

If you have harbored a lifelong fascination with history, luxury, and maritime marvels, embarking on the RMS Queen Mary will be nothing short of a dream come true. Also known for once being one of the grandest cruise ships at sea, this stately liner offers an array of guided tours into its storied past.

Follow along as we delve deeper into information on tickets, tour passes, and myriad experiences offered on this historic ship.

Why Visit Queen Mary

Joining the Queen Mary tours ranks among the must-do experiences in the City of Long Beach. You’ll find no shortage of activities to prevent a dull moment aboard the former majestic cruise ship.

This legendary ocean liner, now an iconic fixture in Long Beach, offers a rare glimpse into the golden age of sea travel, adorned with Art Deco elegance and a storied past. For instance, immerse yourself in the grip of history by exploring world war exhibits or stepping inside the suite of Sir Winston Churchill. Don’t miss the ‘Sir Winston and the Queen Mary Exhibit’, a tribute to the legendary Sir Winston Churchill and his connections with the ship.

For a deeper dive into its rich past, join one of the many guided tours, each unraveling a different layer of history or mystery. Whether you’re a history buff or a paranormal enthusiast, the Queen Mary has something enthralling for everyone.

Queen Mary Ship Tours

The steam and steel tour.

If you’ve always had a fascination for seafaring vessels, the Steam and Steel Tour is for you. This Queen Mary ship tour lets you weave your way down to the belly of the ship as you make your journey five decks below the water line to the massive engine room.

Related Post: 7 Best Restaurants Near the Aquarium of the Pacific

As you navigate through the labyrinth of pipes and turbines, the tour brings to life the ship’s operational secrets and technological prowess. The Steam and Steel tour aboard the RMS Queen Mary is an immersive experience, offering a rare glimpse into the mechanics that powered this legendary vessel. It’s a must-see for anyone intrigued by the intricate workings of historic cruise ships.

The Glory Days Tour

The Queen Mary Glory Days Tour is a journey that sweeps you off on a fascinating ride through the dazzling history of this magnificent ship. Considered by many as the best Queen Mary tour, it highlights the ship’s glamorous heyday as one of the world’s top cruise ships, showcasing her role in the glamorous 1930s when Hollywood was at its golden age.

From the promenade deck, where prestigious guests, like Sir Winston Churchill, once strode, to the grand ballrooms and luxe staterooms that highlight the vessel’s grandeur and historical significance. You will explore them all on the Glory Days Tour Queen Mary.

Haunted Encounters Tour

The haunted encounters tour on the Queen Mary is a thrilling journey into the paranormal realm. It’s perfect for guests seeking a touch of fright with their historical exploration.

The tour leads you through the ship’s most notoriously spooky spots, each with its own tale of ghostly activity or unexplained phenomena. You’ll visit locations such as the infirmary, where many passengers took their last breath, the First Class swimming pool, reputed to be haunted by women and children, and the famously haunted room B340.

Do phantom footsteps echo along the deserted corridors of the ship? Have passengers from past voyages never truly disembarked? Gather your courage and join the Haunted Encounters Tour to find out! You can purchase a Queen Mary tour ticket that includes the haunted encounters experience.

Paranormal Ship Walk Tour

Ever wondered what it’s like to explore a ship after dark, where echoes of the past might be more than just memories? Step into the world of the paranormal with the Paranormal Ship Walk, also known as the Queen Mary haunted tour after dark.

Related Post: USS Iowa Battleship Museum: Discount Tickets and Reviews

This isn’t your average stroll through the historic ship. It’s an immersive experience that’ll take you through the ship’s most reputedly haunted areas. Brave the midnight air and learn about the ship’s ghostly residents from expert guides.

Feel your heart race as you listen to tales of unexplained phenomena and eerie encounters. The Queen Mary haunted tour is an incredible journey that promises chills and thrills that will keep you on the edge from start to finish.

The Grey Ghost Project Tour

The Grey Ghost, as the Queen Mary was known during wartime, has numerous stories of ghostly apparitions and strange incidents. Over the past 60 years, the Queen Mary has been the site of countless sightings, from swaying chandeliers to high-spirited poltergeists.

Embark on a three-hour journey with a paranormal expert using the latest tools of the trade and a combination of scientific methods. This Queen Mary ghost tour is a genuine encounter with the ship’s otherworldly ‘guests’. Be forewarned, this tour is not for the faint-hearted.

Queen Mary Tour Passes

Queen mary passport.

The Queen Mary Passport is your all-access key to a comprehensive experience of this historic ship. It’s an exceptional choice for visitors who want the full Queen Mary adventure.

With this passport, not only do you get Queen Mary tickets for entrance, but it also includes one guided tour of your choice – be it the enlightening Glory Days Historical Tour, the spine-tingling Haunted Tour, or the fascinating Steam & Steel Tour.

In addition to the guided exploration, the passport grants access to all exhibits, dining outlets, and retail shops. It’s perfect for those who prefer the flexibility of a Queen Mary self guided tour as well, allowing you to wander and discover at your own pace.

Grey Ghost Project & 57 Ghosts Experience Pass

For those drawn to the paranormal, the Grey Ghost Project & 57 Ghosts Experience Pass is a must-have for exploring the eerie side of the Queen Mary ship tours Long Beach.

This pass is specially curated for visitors who seek an immersive ghostly experience. It grants access to an array of paranormal tours aboard the ship, each offering a unique glimpse into the Queen Mary’s mysterious and otherworldly occurrences.

The pass takes you beyond the standard historical narratives, plunging you into the heart of the ship’s most haunted spaces and tales. Ideal for thrill-seekers and ghost hunters, this experience brings a spine-chilling dimension to the traditional maritime tour, making it an unforgettable journey into the supernatural.

Stay at The Queen Mary Hotel

Extend your Queen Mary experience by staying on board as a hotel guest! Nestled in the heart of the City of Long Beach, this unique hotel offers a stay like no other. Each room is steeped in history, combining the charm of the 1930s with modern comforts. As a guest, you’ll have the opportunity to explore areas of the ship that are off-limits to day visitors, making your stay even more special.

No rooms available at The Queen Mary Hotel? No problem! Stay at a hotel near The Queen Mary and discover the convenience and charm of Long Beach and the surrounding area. Many of these hotels offered discounted rates when booked through Tripster, allowing you to enjoy a high-quality stay without stretching your budget.

Tripster offers the option to bundle your hotel booking with discounted attraction tickets , turning your stay into an all-inclusive adventure. Whether you’re here for the ship’s history or the city’s vibrant culture, staying nearby ensures you’re at the heart of it all.

What Did We Miss?

Have anything to add to our guide? Leave us a comment below!

Written by Nicole King

There are only two things that make Nicole really happy–books and travel! When her head’s not buried in a book, she’s most likely...

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https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/thequeenmary-attractions/items/?flow=929124&full-items=yes

there are some hotel packages which you may already be aware of

https://queenmary.com/hotel/specials-1/

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• What Things Can I Do in Long Beach

JOIN US TONIGHT FOR HALLOWEEN

OPENING NIGHT - SEPTEMBER 28TH

Season tickets on sale soon, long beach, ca, alongside the historic queen mary, the biggest sale of the season, for a limited time only.

We like to kick off the season with something special for all of our dedicated fans. Discount presale tickets will be available for a very limited time or while supplies last. This will be our best deal of the year so make sure to sign up for Early Access! We expect these tickets to sell very quickly so don’t miss out!

The only way to unlock this incredible discount is to register through the form below.

VALID ANY OPEN DATES 9/28/23 – 10/31/23*

*excluding 10/21 or 10/28/2023, buy now - select your date later.

Buying your presale tickets has never been easier! You can purchase your discount tickets now and then select your date once it gets closer to the date you would like to attend.

ALL NEW FOR 2023

The RMS Queen Mary was originally designed as a luxury cruiseliner, but during WWII she was tasked with carrying troops to battle. For this, her exterior was repainted battleship gray, making her impossible to spot in the mist, and earning her the nickname the “Gray Ghost.”

After being permanently docked in Long Beach in 1967, she became a hotel and tourist attraction until 2020 where she sat vacant for three years, allowing the spirits of those who have perished onboard to become louder and stronger than ever. As part of the 2023 reopening of the Queen Mary, we’d like to invite you back into the belly of the ship to see what spirits lurk in the dark damp corridors. Step inside, “The Grey Ghost”….

HALLOWEEN LIVES HERE

What is shaqtoberfest.

Shaqtoberfest is a massive Halloween festival in Long Beach, California. With The Historic Queen Mary as the backdrop, Shaqtoberfest will be the ultimate Halloween destination this October!

Presale Restrictions

2023 Presale Ticket Vouchers are only valid for standard nights of operation from 9/28/23 through 10/31/23 at Shaqtoberfest excluding 10/21 and 10/28. Vouchers may not be redeemed for any potential special events. Presale Ticket Vouchers may not be redeemed for any other special events. No refunds are given under any circumstances on a Presale Voucher or redeemed ticket. Vouchers have no monetary value and may not be resold or transferred. 

Presale Ticket Vouchers can not be combined with any other discounts.

Presale Voucher ticket types can not be upgraded after purchase. If you would like to purchase a higher tier ticket make sure you select that ticket type when purchasing your Presale Voucher.

Presale Voucher redemption dates are subject to availability. Make sure to redeem your voucher for your preferred date in advance to ensure availability. Purchasing a Presale Voucher does not guarantee entrance into the event. Admission can only be guaranteed once you redeem your voucher for a specific date and time. Unredeemed presale vouchers expire at 10/31/23. We reserve the right to add Blackout dates at any point for any reason.

Presale Vouchers are subject to availability and are very limited. Registering, waiting in the queue, visiting our website at the designated launch time does not guarantee you their will be ticket availability remaining.

EVENT MAY BE TOO INTENSE FOR CHILDREN 12 & UNDER

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Shaqtoberfest

Halloween festival in long beach, ca, 1126 queens hwy, long beach, ca 90802.

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Historical Kyiv private walking tour

One thousand years of Kyiv history in a 3 hours private walking tour. During the tour we’ll take a stroll through the legendary streets of the ancient city, immerse ourselves in its magnificent past and will see the main historical sights built in XI century: the St. Sophia Cathedral, the Golden Gate, The St. Michael's Monastery and other local attractions.

Order Individually

from 60 $ per person

Stage Voices

Monologues, scenes, reviews, commentaries, one-act and full-length plays, interviews, and events from the world of theatre, the kyiv city ballet to tour the us in an american premiere…september – october 2022.

The Kyiv City Ballet  ( www.kcbtheater.com ), under the artistic direction of  Ivan Kozlov , announced today a U.S tour from  September 16 to October 24, 2022 . The Fall tour is a US premiere and marks the  Kyiv City Ballet’s  first United States performances ever. 

The day before Ukraine was invaded in February,  The Kyiv City Ballet  unknowingly took one of the last flights out of Kyiv. The company flew to Paris to begin a long planned tour. They have not returned home. The country of France sheltered them and the company has been performing throughout France, and now Europe, since the invasion began.

The US tour will include a full-length  Swan Lake  (choreography by Marius Petipa, Lev Ivanov and Ivan Kozlov), and a second mixed repertory program of three ballets:  Thoughts  (choreography by Vladyslav Dobshynskyi) a contemporary ballet,  Tribute to Peace  (choreography by Ekaterina and Ivan Kozlov) a neo-classical work, and  Men of Kyiv  (choreography by Pavlo Virsky )  a Ukranian folk dance.

“We are honored to share the beauty of ballet with US audiences, through Ukranian artists” said  Ivan Kozlov , Artistic Director. “Touring the States for the first time with a range of ballets makes an important global statement. It demonstrates the resilience of the Ukrainian people.”

The Kyiv City Ballet’s  mission is to bring joy to audiences through ballet by bringing exemplary artists to theatres around the world. In the past decade, the company has successfully toured throughout dozens of countries on four continents.

Two of Ukraine’s prima ballerinas:  Krystina Kadashevych  and  Oksana Bondarenko  will perform with the company on their US tour. The company’s principal dancer is  Vsevolod Maevskiy , a former soloist of the Mariinsky Ballet and Kozlov’s former student.

“We are humbled that  Rhizome  has been asked to produce and strategically support the Kyiv City Ballet on their very first tour to the United States,” said producer  Kristopher McDowell . “That major cultural arts centers across the country are coming together to open their doors and their hearts is extraordinary. It is very clear this company and their artistry will have great appeal to non-dance and dance audiences alike.”

Ivan Kozlov  (Artistic Director)

Ex-Premier of the National Opera of Ukraine, The St. Petersburg Eifman Ballet, IBT (Internationale Ballet Theater), and the Mariinsky Theater; the choreographer and teacher Ivan Anatolievich Kozlov was born on 13 December 1982. In 2000, after graduating from the KGHU (Kiyv State Choreographic School), under the tutelage of the Honored Artist of Ukraine, Vladimir Denisenko, Ivan Kozlov was invited to join the ballet troupe of the National Opera of Ukraine, and simultaneously to the world- famous troupe of Boris Eifman in St. Petersburg. He worked as an artist in both troupes. During his work in the theater of B. Eifman, Ivan performed the leading parts in the following repertoire: “Red Giselle”, “Don Quixote”, “Russian Hamlet”, “Anna Karenina”, and “The Brothers Karamazov”. In the troupe of the National Opera of Ukraine, he performed the leading parts in the ballets Swan Lake, Giselle, Spartacus, Don Quixote, Viennese Waltz, and many others. Ivan Kozlov worked under contract as a leading soloist of the “Internationale Ballet Theater” in the United States. From 2007 to 2010, he was the premier of the ballet troupe of the Mariinsky Theater, where he performed the leading parts in nearly the entire repertoire of the theater, as well as in numerous concert numbers. Ivan is a laureate of many ballet competitions, including the Serge Lifar International Competition (2002, silver medal) and the X Moscow International Competition (2005, silver medal). Among the teachers of Ivan Kozlov are some of the most outstanding dancers of the 20 th  century: People’s Artist of the USSR, Irina Kolpakova, People’s Artist of the USSR Vladlilen Semenov, People’s Artist of the RSFSR, Sergei Berezhnoi, Premier of the Mariinsky Theater, Eldar Aliyev, and Honored Artist of Ukraine, Anatoly Kozlov. Since 2014, Ivan Kozlov has been the executive of the theater, “Kiev City Ballet” with which he has successfully toured Europe and the world.

Rhizome Consulting LLC (producer)

Rhizome formed in 2020 by combining the resources of KMP Artists, Sheffield Global Arts Management, and the firm’s strategic partner Ping Pong Productions. The firm provides customized strategies and innovative approaches for arts organizations globally. It works with cultural organizations and artists to innovate from a business perspective. Current Rhizome Consulting clients; include: The Scottish Ballet*; West Australian Ballet*; Beijing Dance Theater*; Charlotte Ballet*: Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre*; Chicago Children’s Theatre*; Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble*, Henning Rübsam*; Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Dancing Wheels Company*; MUMMENSCHANZ*; PHILADANCO!; Pioneer Winter Collective; Renegade Performance Group; VIVER BRASIL; Helen Pickett *;  Yuanyuan Wang *;  Kevin Lee-Y Green; Jody Oberfedler; Pioneer Winter; Vera Passos and André M. Zachery. Rhizome helped launch Artists Connectivity, a digital network and education program that connects over 3,000 professional artists. Artists Connectivity stimulates international collaborations between artists from 22 countries.   RhizomeArts.com

* Companies and Creatives available by arrangement with KMP Artists.

KMPartists.com

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How to visit Kiev in 4 days

By Joan Torres 10 Comments Last updated on April 9, 2024

The concept and perceptions of Kiev are a bit strange.

People who haven’t visited Kiev perceive it as a distant Eastern European city with close ties to Russia, a lot of apparent corruption and frequent protests going on.

The thing is that – as Bradt travel writer Michael Palin once said  – few stories in English romanticize Kiev and, for the last few years, with all the violent demonstrations and the ongoing war against Russia , many people from the West are even questioning the city’s safety and potential appeal.

Nevertheless, despite all these negative views, your perception of the capital changes radically as soon as you step into the city, because what you find is an extremely vibrant, energetic and beautiful capital with so much going on. 

Kiev is, in fact, one of my favorite cities in the world, but I only discovered that upon my arrival, because Kiev is a city that, unexpectedly, tends to wow all its visitors.

There is just so much to do here, from visiting Baroque-style buildings to a large WWII Heritage, loads of Soviet things to see, a great bar scene and, basically, something going on in almost every corner.

Traveling to Kiev won’t disappoint you.

I spent two weeks in the city and this guide contains everything you need to know to visit Kiev , including transportation tips, the best places to stay and, of course, the best things to do in Kiev in a 4-day itinerary, including off the beaten track stuff.

For a more practical guide to the country, don’t forget to read my ultimate Ukraine guide

In this Kiev travel guide you will find:

Table of Contents

• How to visit Kiev
• Moving around
• Where to stay
• Day 1 – Around Pecherski
• Day 2 – Around Shevchenkivskyi
• Day 3 – Around Podilski
• Day 4 – Get offbeat
• Day trips from Kiev
• More information

Travel insurance for Ukraine I recommend IATI Insurance : COVID-19 coverage + 5% discount Get your discount when buying through this link

How to prepare your visit when you travel to Kiev

Kiev is big, like damn big.

In area, it is almost as big as Berlin and definitely bigger than Madrid or Paris, so it might easily be the 3rd or 4th largest city in Europe.

Despite its size, however, it only has 3 metro lines.

It also has an extensive tram and city bus system but, when you have to make a connection, it just takes forever to reach some places.

Visit Kiev on a guided tour CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL AVAILABLE TOURS IN KIEV

Moreover, many things to do in Kiev, as well as bars and restaurants, are scattered all around the city, so you can’t just leave where you are staying and expect to find everything along the way. 

This means that visiting Kiev requires a bit of preparation and planning ahead, so that is why, in the itinerary section of this post, I thought it would be helpful to split all the places to visit in Kiev into area and day by day.

Kiev or Kyiv? The first day I posted something about Kiev on my Instagram Stories , I got a message from a young Ukrainian lady who was kind of upset because I spelled it Kiev instead of Kyiv. The fact is that Kyiv is the Ukrainian way of writing it and Kiev is the Russian transliteration, so given the current (and past) relationship between both countries, Ukrainians are a bit sensitive regarding this topic and, in any case, their spelling is the correct one, as the city was named after one of the three city’s founders, Kyi . As for me, in the article I am using Kiev because this is the term English-speaking people search for and, by any means, I don’t want to get political about it. In private, however, I will always spell it Kyiv. 

How to move around Kiev

Metro – As I said above, Kiev has two metro lines and one ticket costs as little as 8UAH, which is the equivalent of 0.30€. Something that surprised me about Kiev’s metro is that it is always very busy, no matter the time of the day.

Trams and city buses – Slower option but both tram and bus can take you literally everywhere. Google Maps can easily tell you which bus or tram number you should take when planning your route.

Taxi – It is easier if you download a taxi app and Bolt seems to be the most popular one.

Interested in visiting Minsk? Read my 3-day Minsk itinerary

Best places to stay in Kiev

Wherever you stay, I strongly recommend you stay close to a metro station and, if possible, near the center.

Otherwise, getting back home every day can be a time-consuming experience.

Where to stay in Podil area

Podil is the fashionable neighborhood where you can find the old pre-Soviet architecture. It is attached to downtown, is very well-connected and here you will find a wide array of bars, restaurants, and cafés.

Backpacker Hostel – Dream Hostel Kiev – Top backpacking hostel in the city, with a great traveling atmosphere and great location. A really good place.

Budget Apartment – Danchenko’s Apartment – In Kiev, booking an apartment is a popular thing to do.

A good hotel – Bursa Hotel – A nicely decorated hotel with a trendy style in the heart of Podil.

Where to stay in Pecherski (downtown)

This is the area around Independence Square and where you can find some of the most famous landmarks such as Saint Sophia Cathedral.

Backpacker Hostel – Friends Forever – A great hostel at the heart of downtown.

Mid-range Hotel – Ukraine Hotel – Surprisingly, the famous hotel that overlooks Independence Square isn’t expensive at all.

Things to do in Kiev in 4 days

These are, in my opinion, the unmissable places of any Kiev itinerary.

Map of what to see in Kiev in 4 days

Each pin color refers to a different day of your Kiev itinerary

Day 1 – Things to do in Kiev around Pecherski

This is basically downtown and the first place you need to visit in Kiev is Independence Square, the most central square and from where you can do a loop while stopping by a couple of landmarks.

Independence Square

Or Maidan Nezalezhnosti in Ukrainian is one of the most beautiful and impressive squares I have ever visited in Europe , and one of the most symbolic as well, as Maidan has witnessed quite a few particularly violent and important revolutions, the last one being the Euromaidan , a series of demonstrations that lasted for several months back in 2014, when many people were murdered by the police.

You may remember these events because it was all over the news.

Today, at least during my visit, there is a permanent outdoor exhibition with photos and memorials from the protests.

As I said, I suggest you come here first but this is also one of the best places in Kiev to see the sunset.

Maidan Nezalezhnosti is definitely, one of the best things to see in Kiev.

Interested in booking a walking tour around Kiev? CLICK TO LEARN MORE

Saint Sophia Cathedral

This gorgeous cathedral was the first place in Ukraine to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. As in many places around Ukraine , you need to purchase a separate ticket for each place within the complex, including general entrance, getting inside the cathedral, going up the bell tour, visiting museums, etc.

I think the general entrance cost me around 65UAH (2.40€) – which was already enough for me – but if you want to visit everything, you may need to spend nearly 10€.

Food tip – Between Saint Sophia and Golden Gate you will find the Milk Bar , a Ukrainian café specializing in fancy dairy products and traditional pastries. Everything they serve is amazing, seriously, and I recommend you order Ukrainian Syrniki , which are some sort of cottage cheese pancakes with sour cream and honey. Delicious.

Golden Gate

This place is advertised everywhere as one of the best things to do in Kiev but, in my opinion, it’s pretty boring.

Basically, these are the last remains from what used to be Kiev before the Mongolian invasion in the 13th century. What I liked, however, is that there was always a street musician playing in front of the gates.

National Opera 

A Viennese style building constructed in 1901. You can’t get inside unless you purchase tickets and you can check all the events on this link .

St. Volodymyr’s Cathedral

One of the most important Orthodox churches in Ukraine is the Little Prince-themed Volodymyr Cathedral, completed in 1896.

Bessarabsky Market

This is one of the busiest markets in Kiev, and a cool place to take a break because inside there is a craft beer place and a pretty authentic Vietnamese food stall run by actual Vietnamese. 

Day 2 – What to do in Kiev around Shevchenkivskyi

The area around Shevchenkivskyi and Pechersk Lavra is my most favorite place to visit in Kiev, as it contains a large variety of very different sights to check out.

Hydro Park (Island)

Nobody comes here but I seriously recommend you stop by.

Hydro Park is the island located in the Dnipro River right in front of the Lavra, and one of the top places to go in Kiev.

On the shores that overlook the Lavra, there is a restaurant serving beer and Khachapuri Megruli , and I swear it was the best Khachapuri I ever had outside of Georgia, and you can trust my judgment because I lived in Georgia for 7 months . 

We were sitting under the sun, with a beer, an excellent khachapuri, the best views of the Lavra and there wasn’t anybody else around!

Arsenalna metro station

According to the locals and Wikipedia , Arsenalna is the deepest metro station in the world (105m) but, according to other sources like World Atlas , there is an even deeper one in Pyongyang, North Korea (110m).

In any case, unless you travel to North Korea, Arsenalna is the deepest metro station you will ever see. To get out, you need to stand on the two escalators for nearly 4 minutes (I timed it).  By the way, this is the closest metro station to the Lavra.

Salute Hotel

The coolest Soviet thing to see in this part of Kiev is an old hotel with an extravagant cylindrical shape. It must be a pretty awesome hotel to stay for a few days, and it is not very expensive.

Holodomor Memorial

Holodomor, better known in the West as the Great Famine , was a famine that took place in the 30s when several million Ukrainians starved to death.

This unfortunate event, however, wasn’t a coincidence but it was a real genocide organized by Joseph Stalin himself in an attempt to eliminate Ukrainian nationalism.

There is so much to say about it and I recommend you read the full story here .

One of the most sobering, yet interesting, things to see in Kiev is visiting the Holodomor Memorial, which is also a museum where you can read several absolutely crazy stories from survivors of the Great Famine. A must-see. 

Food tip – Before Salute Hotel, there is a traditional Ukrainian restaurant named Varenichnaya Katyusha that serves all sorts of local food and is always packed with Kievans. They have all types of Ukrainian dishes but their specialty is varenyky , which are the local dumplings. 

Pechersk Lavra

The top tourist attraction in Kiev, Pechersk Lavra, is a massive Christian Complex and the headquarters for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

Composed of several churches and cathedrals with white walls and shiny green and gold rooftops, Kiev Lavra is gorgeous, and spiritual. Most buildings you see here were built between the 11th and 18th centuries. 

The general entry ticket costs 80UAH and it allows you to climb the bell tower, as well as visiting the cave. I think this is more than enough but, if you are interested in visiting the museums and entering other churches, you will have to purchase separate tickets for each.

Want to visit the Lavra on a guided tour? CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Pechersky Park

This was something I wasn’t expecting. 

On my way to the Great Patriotic Museum, I bumped into a military exhibition.

Well, not one, but a few so if you are into military tanks, planes, and helicopters, Pechersky park has several outdoor exhibitions containing all types of military arsenal. Pretty cool. 

Some of the weaponry belongs to WWII and Soviet times but there are a couple of tanks (partially destroyed) that have been used during the ongoing war against Russia and each one has a plaque that tells the story of the tank and the soldiers that were riding in it. Some of the stories were pretty sad.

Great Patriotic War Museum and Motherland Monument

Soviets refer to World War II as the Great Patriotic War because it was a real conflict and struggle to protect their motherland, the Soviet Union, and the massive titanium statue that overlooks Kiev, wearing a sword and a shield with the hammer and sickle, represents precisely that.

If you can only visit one museum in Kiev, it should be this one.

Would you like to visit the museum with a professional guide? CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Day 3 – Places to visit in Kiev around Podil

Podil area is the most European part of town.

Zhytniy Soviet Market

The best way to start your day is to check out this local market located in a Modernist Soviet building . It was built in 1982 and the interior is characterized by its peculiar roof. 

Interesting to see in this market are all the salo stalls. I have never seen so many together. Salo is like slices of pork fat, very salty, and Ukrainians either have it as a snack or with borsch, the local beetroot soup. I found it pretty disgusting but for Ukrainians, it’s like a delicacy. Anyways, Zhytniy Market has tens of food stalls and the ladies will invite you to taste it.

Chernobyl Museum

Extremely disappointing.

I don’t recommend you visit this museum because there is nothing to see, not even to read, and if you want to know about the nuclear disaster just book a tour to the exclusion zone . CLICK HERE TO BOOK A TOUR TO CHERNOBYL

Kontraktova Square and around

Podil’s center and where you find a lot of bars and restaurants.

Beer Tip – In Kontraktova Square, there is a beer store called Hop Hey that sells several types of craft draft beer to take away, a concept which I haven’t seen anywhere else. I think they have several shops across the city but, if you want to skip the overpriced beer of Kontraktova, Hop Hey is a great alternative (drinking in the street is allowed in Kiev).

St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery

The place where this pyramid of bright domes is built dates from the 11th century but it was demolished under Stalin’s command in 1937 and rebuilt afterwards shortly after independence. 

This is one of the most important religious places to visit in Kiev.

By the way, this monastery and the next places from the list are located in the upper part of Podil and to get there, you can get the funicular located right next to Poshtova Ploshcha metro station.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

I like Ukraine because today, religious places get mixed and camouflaged among Soviet stuff, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine is a clear example because this is an impressive concrete Soviet building placed right next to an important Christian site, St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery.

Saint Andrew’s Church

This Baroque-style church is one of the most emblematic things to do in Kiev, especially because from there, you get breathtaking views of Podil’s district. Check this great photo I took with my drone.

Kiev’s Old Town

Saint Andrew’s Church is the beginning of Kiev’s Old Town, a set of narrows alleys full of art galleries and painters that reminded me more of Paris than an Eastern European city.

Interested in booking a walking tour for your Kiev itinerary? CLICK TO LEARN MORE

Day 4 – Off the beaten track things to do in Kiev

If you are into quirky stuff, on your last day you may want to add the following places in your Kiev itinerary.

Tank Factory

Don’t get excited, not yet.

Around 20km from Kiev’s downtown, there is a functional tank factory but, as you may imagine, visits are not allowed.

The factory, however, has a tank graveyard which you may find if you are lucky because the industrial complex is huge. I personally walked all around the area and couldn’t find but I did find the tank road, which was a 500m muddy path full of tank marks that lead directly to a factory backdoor. 

Doing what I did was illegal so be aware of that and, if you want to try your luck, this is the location: 50.420848, 30.702709. There is a metro stop (Chernovyi Khutir) 2 or 3km away.

Kiev Crematorium

A great example of Soviet Modernism, Kiev Crematorium is one of the most unique Soviet buildings in Ukraine. As you may imagine, it is located in the middle of a cemetery, a pretty big one.

When we visited it, there were two funerals and it was a bit awkward, so we left pretty quickly.

If you like weird stuff, don’t forget to check the 7 most offbeat things to visit in Belarus

Underground Kiev

To be very honest, I didn’t take this tour but one of the coolest things to do in Kiev is visiting its underground tunnel system and checking out a nuclear bunker from the Cold War.

Kiev Circus and Obelisk Hero City

Not that offbeat because it is not far from downtown, but if you are interested in Soviet stuff, you can check out the Soviet Circus and the Obelisk Hero City, which commemorates the defense of the city during WWII and which has a Gold Star on its top, a symbol of heroism in the Soviet Union.

Best day trips from Kiev

The capital of Ukraine is also an excellent base for doing a few cool day trips.

Chernobyl Exclusion Zone

You already know about Chernobyl , so I won’t go into details, but the exclusion zone is 150km north of Kiev and, if you want to visit it, you must go on a tour (you can’t visit it independently).

Strategic Missile Museum

Seriously, this was one of the best places I visited in the whole Ukraine, an old Soviet nuclear missile launch facility today turned into an awesome museum where, besides checking out all the military nuclear arsenal, you can also get into one of the silos and the underground control room. Really worth the trip and my full review is on its way.

144km northeast of Kiev you find Chernihiv, a UNESCO World Heritage city and one of the most beautiful in Ukraine, containing beautiful churches and old architecture.

Despite being so close to Kiev, not many travelers decide to take this day trip but I personally think it is an unmissable attraction to visit from Kiev.

For more day trips, you can read this post from Kathmandu and Beyond . 

More information for visiting Kiev

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

Book your tour to Kiev

All guides and articles for traveling in Ukraine destination

• Travel Guide to Chernobyl
• Ukraine Travel Guide
• Lviv Travel Guide
• Ukraine Itinerary

Check more city guides

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• Muscat Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Dubai
• Beirut Travel Guide
• Erbil Travel Guide
• Tehran Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Astana
• Tashkent Travel Guide
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• Travel Guide to Minsk
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10 comments

Hard to take anything you say seriously after stating in the very beginning that Kyiv has only two metro lines.. haha

You are right, it was a small mistake. It has 3, not 2. After Kiev, I flew to Minsk, which only has 2 metro stations, that’s why the confusion. In any case, it doesn’t change anything. The city is too big for just having 3 metro stations.

I was just wondering. If you have any guided tours.? Any of these places you go?

Thank you for such a deep and wide view of Kyiv. After reading this article, I’m inspired to explore some new places of this vibrant city you’ve mentioned, that I didn’t know about, despite being a Ukrainian.

Thanks Iryna! It was a pleasure meeting you in Lviv 🙂

Thanks for the helpful article (and your blog, generally)! Regarding the Strategic Missile Museum, how did you get down here? Is there public transit, and any memory of how much it would cost? Thanks.

Hey! It was around 15USD per person, more or less. I went there from Kharkiv, doing several train/bus/hitchhiking combinations. It took me 2 days!

Ohh! Thank you so much for these warm words and a review of Kyiv city! As a tour guide in Kyiv, I am happy to read pleasant words, not only critique..Kyiv can definitely impress those who come for the first time and almost all my guests always want to come back, and explore more of it!

This is such a great, helpful article! Kyiv is such a special city that I loved, and what’s happening in Ukraine right now is horrific and I’m praying it’s over imminently. The people are warm and friendly and I cannot wait to visit this beautiful city and people again one day.

I can’t believe how an update on 13th September 2023 can fail to mention the war! Which was what I was interested in. An earlier review on TripAdvisor mentioned how crowded buses were and the difficulties finding a seat on long haul routes such as to Warsaw. A much more useful review would contain practical information instead of just being another puff piece. So 5 out of 10 for highlighting places to visit.

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