Fomin Botanical Garden
Kyiv's historic botanical garden, a green oasis with 9,000 plant species, offering seasonal beauty and tranquil escapes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak bloom season
Fomin Botanical Garden
Best Time
Peak bloom season
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Kyiv's historic botanical garden, a green oasis with 9,000 plant species, offering seasonal beauty and tranquil escapes.
"Beautiful nature, smell of the fresh forest air, singing of birds and silence. Everything is in the centre of Kyiv!!"
🎯 Best Bloom Viewing
Visit late April to May for magnolias & sakura. Fall offers stunning foliage.
🚶♀️ Uphill Walk Ahead
The garden is on a hill; wear comfortable shoes.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Klimatron Conservatory
Greenhouse
A towering 35-meter greenhouse showcasing diverse tropical plants, including those from Madagascar and Asia.
Cactus House
Greenhouse
Boasts a vast collection, claiming over half of the world's cactus and succulent species.
Magnolia and Sakura Collection
Outdoor areas
Stunning displays of magnolias and sakura trees, particularly vibrant in late spring.
Aquatic Plant Houses
Greenhouses
Features circular and rectangular tanks with diverse aquatic and insectivorous plants.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time for Blooms
Navigating the Garden
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Best Bloom Viewing
Visit late April to May for magnolias & sakura. Fall offers stunning foliage.
🚶♀️ Uphill Walk Ahead
The garden is on a hill; wear comfortable shoes.
☕ No Food or Drink Kiosks
Bring your own snacks or coffee. You can buy plants though!
🗣️ Language Barrier
Staff speak Ukrainian/Russian. A translator might be helpful.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Best Bloom Viewing
Visit late April to May for magnolias & sakura. Fall offers stunning foliage.
🚶♀️ Uphill Walk Ahead
The garden is on a hill; wear comfortable shoes.
☕ No Food or Drink Kiosks
Bring your own snacks or coffee. You can buy plants though!
🗣️ Language Barrier
Staff speak Ukrainian/Russian. A translator might be helpful.
⏰ Arrive Early for Tours
For guided tours, arrive 20-30 mins before the start time.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Fomin Botanical Garden for its beautiful nature, peaceful atmosphere, and diverse plant collections, especially during blooming seasons. While some found it an 'ordinary park' in winter, others were captivated by the indoor conservatories and the sheer variety of species. The central location is a major plus, though the lack of food kiosks and the language barrier with staff are minor drawbacks.
"Beautiful nature, smell of the fresh forest air, singing of birds and silence. Everything is in the centre of Kyiv!! You can buy tasty coffee and ice-cream at the beginning of the garden and walk around it. Great place! We were in the morning of a weekday here, and its perfect time."
Anastasiia Dereviaha
"I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to this botanical garden. However, I could see only plant houses and everything outside is covered under snow. Stated with tropical house having plants of Madagascar and Asia, especially India. I could see here some medical and spice plants. Garden has tall glass house of about 26 meter. There are 2 trees, one gymnosperm and another palm as tall as 26 m. Best among the houses are cactus house with large collection of cactus and succulents. They are proudly say they have more than half of world's cactus. Next is 2 aquatic plant houses, one is circular and another one is rectangular in shape. Although there was not many plants due to winter, in one them about 50 species of insectivores plants were growing. The aquatic plant tank had different depth for different species of plants. Rain water is harvested in to the tank. It was a amazing experience in the botanical garden. Staff are highly knowledgeable and cooperative, but can speak only Ukrainian or Russian, translator is must for others."
Sanjeeva Nayaka
"It's calm place in the city centre. There are many interesting and rare plants, great collection of magnolias stay apart. The best time to visit is the end of April - May, but in summer you can hide from hot sun here, in Fall everything is beautifully yellow-orange-red.
Note that there are no kiosks with food/coffee. But you can buy plants here ."
Віра Кравчук
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The garden is conveniently located near the Universitet metro station in Kyiv. It's also accessible by foot from the railway station, though it involves an uphill climb within the park.
Yes, it's a calm oasis situated right in the city center of Kyiv.
Taking the metro to Universitet station is the most straightforward approach. From there, it's a short walk to the garden entrance.
Information on dedicated parking is limited, but it's generally recommended to use public transport due to its central location.
The main entrances are typically found near Petlyury Street and metal gates.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours vary by season and day. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, it's open from 11:00 AM, with tours at 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 2:00 PM. Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays also have tours at 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 2:00 PM.
Specific ticket prices are not detailed in the provided content, but it's generally an affordable attraction.
It's advisable to arrive 20-30 minutes before scheduled tours to secure your spot.
Yes, guided tours are offered, focusing on tropical and orange trees. Arriving early is recommended.
Yes, you can purchase plants directly from the garden.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! The garden offers beautiful scenery, especially during blooming seasons, making it a popular spot for photographers and artists.
The diverse plant collections, the towering Klimatron Conservatory, and the blooming sakura and magnolia trees are prime photo opportunities.
Yes, the garden is a popular location for plein air painting and art sessions.
No specific restrictions are mentioned, but it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and the environment.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer light, ideal for photography.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
The garden houses approximately 9,000 plant species, including a vast collection of cacti and succulents, tropical plants, aquatic plants, and seasonal blooms like magnolias and sakura.
Yes, it's described as a calm and beautiful place, perfect for enjoying nature, the smell of fresh forest air, and bird songs.
It's a tall, 26-meter greenhouse featuring plants from regions like Madagascar and Asia, including medicinal and spice plants.
While there are no food kiosks, you can purchase plants. Staff are knowledgeable but primarily speak Ukrainian or Russian. +1
The garden is located on a hill, so be prepared for some inclines.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during the spring bloom for a truly magical experience, or in the summer for a shady escape. The garden provides a peaceful environment for children to learn about different plant species and enjoy the outdoors in the heart of Kyiv.
🎨 Art & Photography Enthusiasts
This garden is a popular spot for plein air painting and photography sessions. The diverse plant collections, including the impressive cactus and succulent displays, offer a wealth of visual interest. Early mornings or late afternoons often provide the best natural light for capturing the garden's beauty.
🚶♀️ Nature Lovers & Relaxation Seekers
Explore the various themed areas, from the exotic plants in the conservatories to the seasonal blooms outdoors. The garden's central location makes it an accessible retreat for unwinding and reconnecting with nature. Remember to wear comfortable shoes for exploring the hilly landscape.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History and Scale
The garden's history is intertwined with scientific research and conservation. It serves as a living museum, preserving plant diversity and offering educational opportunities. The presence of historical elements, like the older sections of the garden, adds to its charm and significance.
Visitors can explore various sections, including the iconic Klimatron Conservatory, a significant structure built in 1977, which houses tropical flora. The garden's layout encourages exploration, with winding paths leading through different plant collections, making each visit a discovery.
Seasonal Beauty and Blooms
During summer, the garden provides a welcome respite from the heat, with its lush greenery offering ample shade. It's an ideal time for a leisurely stroll and enjoying the tranquility. As fall arrives, the garden dons a vibrant palette of yellow, orange, and red hues, offering a different kind of visual delight.
While winter may cover the outdoor plants in snow, the indoor conservatories, like the Klimatron and the Cactus House, remain a fascinating attraction. These climate-controlled environments allow visitors to experience exotic flora even in colder months, showcasing the garden's year-round appeal.
Navigating and Experiencing the Garden
While the garden offers a peaceful escape, it's important to note that there are no food or drink kiosks within the premises. Visitors are advised to bring their own refreshments. The staff are knowledgeable about the plants but primarily communicate in Ukrainian or Russian, so having a translator handy might be beneficial for non-speakers.
For those interested in learning more, guided tours are available, often focusing on specific collections like tropical plants or orange trees. It's recommended to arrive 20-30 minutes prior to the tour's scheduled start time to ensure a spot.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit