Odesa sights

"South Palmyra" is known even outside Ukraine. This colorful town with a sparkling humor is distinguished by a rich history (thanks to the multinational composition of the population). Therefore, the Black Sea "pearl" will find something to surprise tourists. We've compiled a guide to the main attractions and today we'll share information on where to go and what you should see in Odesa to get the full impression of the city.

Odesa's Top Attractions

Potemkin Stairs

This monumental structure of the southern city, which was praised in its time by Alexander Green and Mark Twain, is considered the symbol of the city and the main attraction of Odesa. Soaring upwards, the construction is among the most beautiful staircases in Europe. Today the stone staircase is one of the best places in Odesa, which is definitely worth visiting.

Take a few hours and go for a walk along the 192 steps. And if you have serious physical preparation - take part in the marathon to climb to the "top" of the Potemkin stairs. Such a sports competition is held on the Day of Physical Education Worker.
Address: Primorsky Boulevard.

Opera Theater

If you are wondering where to go in the evening in Odesa, we recommend visiting the Opera and Ballet Theater. This is one of the most famous places not only in Odesa, but also outside the country. The building, erected in the Viennese Baroque style, looks luxurious not only from the outside, but also inside. Fans of cultural recreation will appreciate the quality of acoustics.

Also an interesting place for tourists will be the museum at the Odesa Opera House. Its exposition will allow guests to get into the spirit of Odesa opera and touch its history.
Address: Tchaikovsky per.

Deribasovskaya Street

If you ask a passerby where to visit in Odesa, he will tell you that the "southern Palmyra" starts from the central promenade. This pedestrian street will please with the presence of cozy restaurants and cafes, store windows. By the way, one of them "Passage" was built back in the 19th century.

Primorsky Boulevard

The iconic historical landmark of Odesa, spreading on the precipitous coast, has repeatedly changed its appearance. Although the length of the boulevard is only 500 meters, it is home to the recognizable Vorontsov Palace, the City Duma and an abundance of architectural monuments (including the Duc de Richelieu, who "greets" visitors from his pedestal).

Monument to the 12th Chair

The life-size bronze monument is located on Deribasovskaya Street. It is erected in honor of Ilf and Petrov, who wrote the famous work. Getting closer to the back of the chair, tourists can read the most popular phrases of Ostap Bender and Kisa.
Address: Deribasovskaya Street.

Greek Square

The popular square for recreation, loved by both locals and tourists, got its name thanks to the Greeks who moved to Odesa under the patronage of Empress Catherine the Great. In addition to fountains and flowerbeds, it is home to one of the city's tallest buildings, the Athena shopping mall.

Odesa Museum of Western and Eastern Art

The building that houses the museum is an architectural monument of Ukraine, built in the middle of the 19th century. The interiors of the palace are decorated with moldings, carvings, and bronze fittings. The collection of the museum will allow visitors to familiarize themselves with the features of Eastern, Western European, and ancient art.
Address: Pushkinskaya St., 9.

Maritime Port

It is the largest passenger and cargo port in Ukraine. It has a sea station, around which the most interesting places in Odesa for tourists are concentrated: Potemkin Stairs, Primorsky Boulevard, architectural constructions.
Address: Tamozhennaya Square, 1.

Odesa Catacombs

In the Black Sea city, you will find sights that are underground. The ominous and mysterious catacombs are legendary. You can become a participant in a day or night excursion and immerse yourself in a "parallel world" that is 2.5 thousand kilometers long.

Privoz Market

Where to go in Odesa? Of course - to Privoz! A visit to the legendary market will help you feel the atmosphere and color of the city even better. It is believed that you can buy everything here. Looking at Privoz, do not forget to bargain.
Address: 14 Privoznaya Street.

Museums and Exhibitions of Odesa

People who prefer cultural rest should definitely visit the following places: Museum of Wax Figures "At Baba Uti", Museum of Contraband, Museum of Cinema.

Cognizers of quality alcohol will love the Shustov Cognac Museum. There are permanent exhibitions here, where you will learn many subtleties of making a strong drink.

If you're a real book lover, then be sure to check out the local Literary Museum. Inside you'll find 20 rooms, each representing a different artistic period.

What is there to see in Odesa for art and painting lovers? Odesa Exhibition of Paintings, Decorative Arts, and Photos by Ukrainian and foreign masters at the Museum of Western and Eastern Art is a place where a tourist should go.

Monuments of Odesa

The majority of them are located in the central part of the city. In addition to the Monument of the Bronze Duke, which is the very first monument in Odesa, here you should look at: Memorial to the Founders of the City, Monument-Dan to Odesa's Ilf and Petrov, Sculptural Ensemble "Laocoon". By the way, the latter is an exact copy of the artifact located in the Vatican.

Parks of Odesa

The oldest Park of the city, Im. Shevchenko, is full of historical sights: Quarantine Wall, monument to fallen sailors, monument erected in honor of T.H. Shevchenko.

Victory Park is a 10-minute walk from the famous Arcadia. It has everything you need for recreation: comfortable benches, sports and playgrounds, and the highest fountain in Odesa.

Stambulsky Park in Odesa opened recently but has already managed to be loved by locals and vacationers. Gravel paths lead to the outlandish fountain, which is a huge stone with a grotto.

If you're in Odesa on vacation with children, you should definitely go to the Botanical Garden of Odesa National University, which features a huge number of exhibits from around the world.

The Temples of Odesa

As you know, Odesa is a multinational city. Therefore, it is not surprising that there are quite a few buildings representing different religions. It is noteworthy that Odesa temples will be interesting not only for believers but also for lovers of unusual architecture.

The most popular temples in Odesa include: The Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Savior, the Armenian Church, located on a hilltop near the sea, The Church of St. Peter the Apostle, and the Lutheran Cathedral of St. Paul, which has Romanesque and Gothic "features".

Odesa's Observation Decks

Who wants to admire the beauty of the "Southern Palmyra" should climb to one of the observation platforms of the city. The Observation Deck of the Marine Station will allow you to observe the beauty and grandeur of the city's iconic buildings: the Vorontsov Lighthouse, the Opera House. There is a viewing platform and on the beach Arcadia.

We can't miss the Potemkin Stairs and the Teshchin Bridge, which overlooks the harbor and the old part of the ever-smiling, hospitable city.

Interesting places near Odessa

The surrounding area is no less interesting than the city itself. You can admire the historical grandeur and beauty of Belgorod-Dnestrovsky, which is one of the most ancient European cities. It is also worth visiting Shabo Village, which is the center of Odessa winemaking. On its territory there is a museum where you can learn about the process of formation of winemaking in the region.