Kiev's nightlife tends to be rather spread out but you could do worse than start an evening on Khreschatyk, which has the highest concentration of bars, bierkellers and cafes - many of which are open 24 hours. Garish casinos and strip clubs have proliferated in the more relaxed sexual and commercial post-Soviet atmosphere. But there is a diversity of good quality entertainment for night owls, from barge parties to underground jazz venues.

Bars: Hard to find but a relaxed hang out off the main street Khreschatyk, Baraban, Prorizna 4A, serves good food and drink at reasonable prices with live music. The Marocana Fashion Café, Lesi Ukrainki boulevard 24, is a Moroccan-style bar is a welcome addition to Kiev's bar scene and has proved a big hit with the city's glamorous inhabitants. Stay all night to enjoy the traditional Moroccan breakfast. An ironic take on Ukrainian youth's Soviet era angst, the Wall, Bessarabska Square 2, a Pink Floyd inspired basement bar, is popular with expats and locals and has a good variety of beers and food at reasonable prices. It attracts a young fun crowd. Safe, Chervonoarmiys'ka 23, a lounge bar popular with Kiev's glitterati, is surprisingly relaxed with its understated décor and DJs playing fun rather than full-on sets, while Bar on 8, A Tarasova Street 5, is the perfect place to enjoy a sundowner while admiring the golden domes of St Sofia's Cathedral. Golden Gate Irish Pub, Zolotovoritsky 15, has the largest selection of draught beer in Kiev - including of course Guinness.

Clubs: Head for Orangerea, Basseyna 4, only if you're wearing your best glad rags; there's a strict 'face control' policy operating here for those wanting to hear the best in house music. Or try Sound Planet, Dmitrievska street 18/24 (website: www.soundpla.net), democracy in action for lovers of dance music. It's a vast venue with a reputation to match that attracts international DJs.

Live Music: Kiev is crammed with great jazz and blues venues and Swing, Vladimirskaya street 11 (website: www.swing-jazz.com.ua), is one of the best established of them. Kiev's only Latin American club, the Caribbean Club, Kominterna 4 (website: www.caribbean.com.ua/en) specialising in dance classes and live acts, is also one of its oldest. It opened in 1998 and quickly became hugely popular thanks to its friendly and lively atmosphere. Art Club 44, 44 Khreschatyk boulevard, has a loyal following for its high quality live offerings of all types of music (except hard rock) in a brick lined basement. It attracts a younger crowd than Swing.