Odesa for tourists
Odesa is the true pearl of the Black Sea: a city with a rich history, picturesque architecture and a unique atmosphere that wins you over at first sight. Everyone will find something special here. Beach lovers can enjoy the sun and the sea, history and culture fans can explore its many museums and historic sites, and those who love nightlife can dive into the buzz of its bars and clubs.
Odesa has plenty of places worth seeing: beautiful parks and gardens, its famous beaches, unusual monuments and one-of-a-kind buildings, as well as charming Odesa courtyards. To enjoy the city to the full, all you need to do is buy a train ticket and set off on an unforgettable trip. On the Odesa railway station page you will find everything you need about the train timetable, so you can plan your journey as conveniently as possible.
Cultural Odesa
Planning a holiday in Odesa? The city's sights are fascinating in their variety and character. But where should you go, and what is worth visiting? Every visitor asks these questions. Ask a friend or colleague who often visits the city, and you will get a whole list of recommendations and tips.
Opera House
The Odesa Opera House is an architectural gem that draws tourists from all over the world. Its grand neo-Renaissance building impresses at first sight. Even if you are not an opera fan, visit the theatre to enjoy its luxurious interior. It is a must for your list.
Odesa Zoo
Whether you are travelling by car or by train, Odesa Zoo is a great place for a family day out. It is one of the oldest zoos in Ukraine, home to around 2,000 animals from all corners of the world. Here you can see rare and exotic species that will delight children and adults alike.
Dolphinarium
Don't miss the chance to visit the Odesa Dolphinarium and enjoy its shows. It is a place that brings incredible emotions and unforgettable memories.
Odesa Botanical Garden
For nature lovers, the Odesa Botanical Garden will be a real discovery. Here you can see a wide variety of plants from around the world, stroll along quiet paths and enjoy the peace and beauty of nature.
Historic sights of Odesa
Odesa Catacombs
The Odesa Catacombs are one of the city's best-known mysteries and a sure draw for tourists. This sprawling network of underground passages and tunnels stretches for dozens of kilometres beneath the city, making for fascinating guided tours. A trip through the catacombs is an incredible adventure that will leave lasting impressions.
Odesa Passage
Odesa is rich in architectural masterpieces, and the Passage is one of them. If you are wondering where to go while walking along Derybasivska Street, be sure to stop by. Although the building has not been restored for a long time, it is still impressive in its grandeur. Its stucco work and statues of atlantes leave no visitor indifferent. It is also worth peeking into the hidden courtyard with the narrowest street in Odesa, lit up in the evening. There is a great place to relax here too: the cosy Fox & Pipe Irish pub, which beer lovers are sure to enjoy.
What to see for free in Odesa
Free Odesa: what you can visit without spending a penny. The city offers lots of interesting places you can see for free, leaving tourists and locals alike with wonderful impressions.
Places in Odesa every tourist should visit
The narrowest street in Odesa
The narrowest street in Odesa is one of the city's real secrets. It is located in a courtyard of the famous Passage on Derybasivska Street. The historic cobblestones and the look of the place recall the narrow medieval streets of old European towns. You enter this unique Odesa courtyard through the "Artists' Shop" souvenir store.
Arkadia
Arkadia is Odesa's best-known beach district. It has numerous cafes, restaurants, nightclubs and amusement rides. Arkadia is ideal for those who want to combine a beach holiday with lively nightlife.
Unusual places in Odesa
Odesa is famous for its unique courtyards which, unlike those in Tbilisi, are often locked with keypad entry. Still, some of them can be visited on your own or with local enthusiasts.
Bernardazzi Courtyard is a perfect spot for a photo shoot and a glass of wine at the restaurant of the same name. It adjoins the Odesa Philharmonic at 15 Bunina Street.
The courtyard at 5 Yuriia Oleshi Street is an easily accessible, authentic space with photogenic arches, popular with photographers.
Palais-Royal is the courtyard behind the Opera House. You can sit on a bench under the huge crowns of plane trees, have a coffee at the "Shchastia" cafe or try fried gobies at the "Salieri" restaurant.
The through courtyard is a passage that takes you from 19 Pastera Street to 4 Yelysavetynska Street.
The historic Shcherbakov-Mikhelson House (30 Nizhynska Street) has a cosy courtyard and three statues on one of the buildings that have survived to this day. They depict ordinary people: a grammar-school pupil, a peasant and a townsman with a suitcase.
The courtyards of the Moldavanka district are often open and accessible. Here you can see classic "Italian balconies" and plenty of Odesa cats.
The One-Wall House is a famous spot at 4 Vorontsovskyi Lane, where you can see the illusion that the building consists of just one wall.
The House with Atlantes, where huge atlas figures hold up an enormous globe, is one of Odesa's landmarks, at 7 Hoholia Street.
The Shah's Palace is located on Zhvanetskoho Boulevard.
The Lutheran Church is a sand-coloured Gothic-style church at 68 Novoselskoho Street.
Odesa gardens and parks
- Odesa Arboretum (Peremohy Park) is a lovely place with paths and lakes that are home to ducks, geese, swans and turtles. Hundreds of tree species blossom here in spring, and it is pleasant for a walk in any season. In the evening the lake is lit up with unusual illuminations.
- Shevchenko Park is right next to Lanzheron Beach. Tulips are planted here in spring, and in the warm season you can ride the Ferris wheel, which gives you a view of the whole city. A ride costs UAH 100 for three turns.
- Istanbul Park runs parallel to Prymorskyi Boulevard, from the City Hall building to the Potemkin Stairs. It is a cosy park with benches, lawns for picnics, a playground, a fountain and a dog-walking area. Tourists especially like Istanbul Park, unlike the neighbouring Greek Park.
You can find more tips and news in the AnyTrain travel blog.
