Famous for its pleasant beaches, impressive 19th-century architecture, and mild climate, Odesa (also spelt Odessa) is an amazing port city located on the Black Sea in southern Ukraine. It is also popular as ‘Pearl of the Black Sea’. The monumental giant stairway Potemkin Stairs, the best-known symbol of Odesa, lead down to the beachfront. 27.2-meter (89.23-feet) tall red-and-white Vorontsov Lighthouse is another fabulous attraction in the city. Refresh your mind by strolling on the grand Primorsky Boulevard, which runs parallel to the water and is outlined with monuments and mansions. Visiting outstanding architectural attractions, such as Odesa Opera and Ballet Theater, will amaze you. Thus, being home to several incredible attractions, Odesa in Ukraine is popular for being a relaxing holiday escape for several tourists worldwide. And, if you are planning to spend your coming vacations in this port city, having a list of fabulous attractions and activities to enjoy will make your excursion here more enjoyable. Keep reading to find the best things to do in Odesa, Ukraine.
1. Explore Monument to the founders of Odessa
Located at Ekaterininskaya Square, Monument to the founders of Odesa is a commanding monument in this fascinating city. It was constructed in 1900, dismantled in 1920, and restored in 2007. This outstanding monument has several clues to the past of Odesa. Catherine the Great, who is famous for issuing a decree to develop a port and city at this location in 1794, stands on the plinth. And, the base of the monument has statues of Count Grigory Potemkin, known for being Catherine’s advisor; Platon Zubov, one of the favorites of Catherine; military officer José de Ribas; and François Sainte de Wollant, a Flemish engineer.
Monument to the founders of Odessa
Address: Katerynyns'ka Square, 5, Odesa, Odes'ka oblast, Ukraine, 65000
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
2. Offer prayers at Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral
Visit Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral, a Transfiguration Cathedral in Odessa, which is dedicated to the transfiguration of Saviour. This first and foremost cathedral in this port city was founded by Gavril Bănulescu-Bodoni in 1794, and it belongs to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. It was expanded well throughout the 19th century. However, in 1936, Soviets demolished the original structure. From 1999, its rebuilding started and, in 2003, the new cathedral was consecrated. There is a statue of Prince Mikhail Semyonovich Vorontsov, who is known to be the popular governer of Russia, on the cathedral square.
Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral
Address: Soborna Square, 3, Odesa, Odes'ka oblast, Ukraine, 65000
Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)
3. Soak in the rich culture at the Odessa National Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet (from USD 30.0)
Visit one of the most beautiful theaters in Europe by visiting Odesa National Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet. Tour through eye-catching exteriors and interiors of this theater. Stroll through its halls and visit the main auditorium. The Odessa Opera hall is popular for having hosted performances of well-known, talented artists. Climb the magnificent staircase to marvel at the top view and stunning ceiling. Get to know about the interesting story of this iconic theater that comprises its construction, restorations, fire, and glory.
Odessa National Opera and Ballet Theater Tour
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
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4. Get an insight into the regional history at the Odessa Archeological Museum
Are you a history buff? If yes, do not miss visiting Odesa Archaeological Museum when you are touring through Odesa, Ukraine. It is one of the oldest archeological museums in the country and dates back to 1825. It is home to about 170,000 exhibits, which are related to the noteworthy history of this region as well as Italy, Cyprus, Greece, and Egypt. You simply can’t miss viewing the sarcophagi, hieroglyphics, and papyrus in the incredible Egyptian galleries here. Also, you can find a big collection of 50,000 coins which belongs to Ancient Greece.
Odessa Archeological Museum
Address: Lanzheronivs'ka St, 4, Odesa, Odes'ka oblast, Ukraine, 65000
Website: Odessa Archeological Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 2 - 2.7 USD
5. Travel back in time at Vorontsov Palace
At the end of the beautiful Primorsky Boulevard pedestrian track, you will find spectacular Vorontosav Palace, which is an iconic 19th-century landmark and colonnade in this port city. Prince Mikhail Semyonovich Vorontsov hired Francesco Boffo, a Sardinian architecture, to design it. And, in 1830, this praiseworthy palace was completed. Impressed by the amazing work of Boffo, Vorontsov commissioned the architect to design the famous Potemkin Stairs. You can find a crescent-shaped colonnade present over the port. View the structures of a pair of lions guarding the palace.
Vorontsov Palace
Address: Vorontsovs'kyi Ln, 2Д, Odesa, Odes'ka oblast, Ukraine, 65000
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9:30am - 4pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
Price: Free
6. Climb the unique Potemkin Steps
You simply cannot miss climbing the iconic Potemkin Stairs, a giant stairway in this Ukrainian port city. They are paved with granite and are famous for being a formal entrance into Odesa from the sea. Originally, Potemkin Steps were called Boulevard steps, the Richelieu steps, or the Giant Staircase. This magnificent stairway was ordered by Prince Vorontsov as a loving gift to his beloved wife. You can find 192 steps in total.
Potemkin Steps
Address: Odesa, Odessa Oblast, Ukraine, 65000
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily); best time to visit: 7am - 7pm (daily)
Price: Free
7. Visit the Odessa Passage for a true touristy experience
Make sure you visit Odesa Passage, an outstanding passage and a great hotel located on Deribasivska Street in the heart of Odesa. This attraction has four floors. You can find several boutiques on the ground floor and a hotel occupying the other three floors. Explore this splendid late 19th-century shopping track which is covered with a glass and metal canopy. Shop your choice of souvenirs and other items at the souvenir shops, boutiques and have refreshments at the cafes all of which you can find at this iconic Odessa Passage.
Odessa Passage
Address: Preobrazhenskaya Street 34, Odessa, Ukraine
Website: Odessa Passage
Opening hours: 11am - 8pm (daily)
8. Embark on an informative shore excursion to Port of Odessa
One of the biggest ports in the Black Sea basin and the biggest seaport in Ukraine, the Port of Odesa is a prominent attraction which you should visit during your holidays in Odesa. It features 80 yacht berths, a direct railway connection, and numerous venues for entertainment. Pay a visit to the passenger terminal which is accessed by a large number of travelers every year. Check out amazing maritime museums here. Behind the terminal building on the jetty, you can watch a statue portraying a fisherman’s wife holding a kid and viewing the sea as well as a couple of seafood restaurants and a small maritime museum.
Port of Odessa
Address: Mytna Square, 1, Odesa, Odes'ka oblast, Ukraine, 65000
Website: Port of Odessa
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8:30am - 5:30pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
Price: 4.01 USD
9. Reignite your love for art at the Odessa Museum of Western and Eastern Art
If you are an art lover, do not miss the great opportunity to visit Odesa Museum of Western and Eastern Art when vacationing in Odesa. This museum of fine arts is located on Pushkin street in a noble sky-blue colored mansion. It was established in 1923. You can find here exquisite art from western Europe, prominently from Italy and the Netherlands, as well as some porcelain, pieces of furniture, and weapons. Admire the beautiful painting by talented artists.
Odessa Museum of Western and Eastern Art
Address: Pushkins'ka St, 9, Odesa, Odes'ka oblast, Ukraine, 65000
Website: Odessa Museum of Western and Eastern Art
Opening hours: Thu - Tue: 10:30am - 5:30pm (closed on Wed)
Price: 2.45 USD
10. Drop by Park Tarasa Shevchenka while touring the city
Spend some relaxing time by visiting pleasant Park Tarasa Shevchenka which is located in the center of this Ukrainian port city. View the monument to Shevchenko present at the entrance and restored the monument to Tsar Alexander II. Stroll at your pace on the tracks of this charming park. Get rid of your stress by spending some time in this serene green space.
Park Tarasa Shevchenka
Address: Marazliivska St, Odesa, Odes'ka oblast, Ukraine, 65000
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
11. Shop till your drop at Sady Pobedy Shopping Mall
Posted by Alexander Co. Abroad on Friday, 10 August 2018
Shop all your favorite accessories, apparels, and other items at amazing Sady Pobedy Shopping Mall when touring through Odesa. This shopping center boasts a luxurious setting and is home to noteworthy shops of luxe class. At this lavish mall, you can not only find boutiques but also restaurants, concert halls, grocery delicacy-market, and art gallery. So, take time out of your busy travel schedule and visit this fabulous mall.
Sady Pobedy Shopping Mall
Address: Akademichna St, 28, Odesa, Odes'ka oblast, Ukraine, 65000
Website: Sady Pobedy Shopping Mall
Opening hours: 11am - 9pm (daily)
12. Witness a game of football at Chornomorets Stadium
Are you a big fan of football? If yes, have a great time watching a game of football at sprawling Chornomorets Stadium when holidaying in Odesa. This stadium was constructed in 2011 in this port city and houses FC Chornomorets Odesa. It can accommodate 34,164 spectators. So, book your ticket quickly and enjoy a game of football here.
Chornomorets Stadium
Address: Black Sea, Odessa, Odessa Oblast, Ukraine, 65000
Website: Chornomorets Stadium
Price: 2 - 8 USD
13. Party hard at Ibiza Beach Club
If you are looking for a great place to party with your friends when in Odesa, choose to party at Ibiza Beach Club, which is on the coast of the exquisite Black Sea. It is popular as one of the most prestigious clubs in entire Ukraine. The resort includes a beach zone, restaurant, and extensive terrace which overlooks the seafront, a pair of yachts, and white sandy shores. This club offers you hot appetizers, fresh salads, homemade pasta, soups, seafood, oysters, pizza, and many other delicacies. Order your choice of scrumptious cuisines or light snacks to please your taste buds.
Ibiza Beach Club
Address: Arcadia Beach, Odessa, Odessa Oblast, Ukraine, 65000
Website: Ibiza Beach Club
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
14. Take a guided tour to Museum “Secrets of underground Odessa”
Situated inside a fallout shelter, you can find Secrets of Underground Odessa Museum which offers you an insight of the guerrilla warfare which the locals used in World War II. Learn about the troubled past of the city by going for informative guided tours of this historic network of the underground tunnel. Originally, it was a quarry which then in 19th-century served as a prison for women and a secret place of gathering of the gangs of the area.
Museum “Secrets of underground Odessa”
Address: 2nd Razumoskiy ln, 3, Odessa, Ukraine
Website: Museum “Secrets of underground Odessa”
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 9.95 USD
15. Meet the dolphins at Odessa City Dolphinarium
Are you fond of dolphins? Then, make sure you visit Odesa City Dolphinarium with your family for a memorable experience when in Odesa. Located at eye-catching Langeron Beach, 25, this fascinating dolphinarium is an excellent attraction which will cheer you up. Founded in 2005, this Nemo Dolphinarium greets you to view the best dolphin shows in Europe in which not only dolphins participate but also you can see South American fur seals and lions. Have a great time.
Odessa City Dolphinarium
Address: Langeron Beach,25, Odesa, Odessa Oblast, 65000 Ukraine
Website: Odessa City Dolphinarium
Opening hours: Sun - Fri: 10am - 8pm; Sat: 10am - 11pm
Price: 160 USD
16. Visit the Museum of Interesting Science
Do not miss the wonderful scientific experience by visiting the Museum of Interesting Science when vacationing in Odesa. The entire exposition here is interactive and lets you touch the objects and conduct interesting scientific experiments with your hands. It fascinates kids and adults alike. Children learn several things from the academic curriculum in a new and interesting manner.
Museum of Interesting Science
Address: Shevchenka Ave, 4Е, Odesa, Odes'ka oblast, Ukraine, 65000
Website: Museum of Interesting Science
Opening hours: 10am - 9pm (daily)
Price: 6 - 7 USD
17. Tour the interesting Odessa Film Studio
Do films fascinate you? Then, plan to visit interesting Odesa Film Studio during your excursion in this Ukranian port city. It’s famous for making entertaining films since 1907. It also offers production services for filming, television shows, advertising, series, and other new media. In October 2013, this amazing film studio in Odesa has opened a new multimedia art center. So, do include it in your itinerary.
Odessa Film Studio
Address: French Boulevard, 33, Odessa 65044, Ukraine
Website: Odessa Film Studio
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 3.98 USD (adult); 2.99 USD (child)
18. Discover the beautiful Primorsky Boulevard (from USD 90.58)
Have a pleasant walk on the charming Primorsky Boulevard, which is a cultured street and wonderful walkway perpendicular to the Potemkin Stairs’ upper landing, in Odesa, Ukraine. Watch the row of hotels and museums on the city side as you explore this boulevard. You get to see four lanes of pedestrian tracks which are separated by beautiful lawns on the harbor side. View Ekaterina Square, which is recently renewed and holds the monument to the famous Queen Ekaterina and monument to Duc de Richelieu.
Odessa City Tour: Full-Day Explore
Duration: 6 hour
19. Learn the history of war and resistance at Odessa Catacombs (from USD 62.27)
If you want to learn about the history of the war in Ukraine, pay a visit to Odesa catacombs. The catacombs are known for past activities, such as slave trading and smuggling to being a Cold War bunker and sheltering partisans. These underground catacombs will acquaint you with the history of underground life and certain facts relating to World War II.
Odessa: Underground Secrets Catacombs Tour
Duration: 3 hour
20. Take a lovely stroll at Deribasovskaya Street (from USD 56.72)
Deribasovskaya Street is a famous pedestrian walkway located in the heart of Odesa. It’s named in the honor of José de Ribas, who is popular as the head of civil and military administration, the builder of Odesa, and had an abode on this street. So, go for a refreshing stroll on this pleasant commercial Deribasovskaya Street when exploring Odesa.
Odessa: Sightseeing Tour with Transportation
Duration: 2.5 hour
21. Breathe in some fresh air at City Garden (from USD 56.72)
Are you a nature lover? Then, make sure you visit the verdant City Garden when touring through Odesa. It is the oldest park in the city and popular for its Love Tree sculpture. Situated in the town center, this park is home to the summer theater of Odesa Orchestra, pavilion, and many monuments and sculptures. Spend a relaxing and pleasant time here.
Odessa: Sightseeing Tour with Transportation
Duration: 2.5 hour
22. Witness the Cognac production process at N.L. Shustov Cognac Museum (from USD 67.0)
Cognac is known for its origin in the French town of the identical name, however, Shustov Cognac of Ukraine is one of the few foreign brandies which are allowed legally for being produced as Cognac. Learn about the interesting history when you tour through Shustov Cognac Winery Museum. Also, sample fine Cognacs.
Shustov Cognac Winery Museum Tour with Tasting in Odessa
Duration: 2 hours
Have a wonderful time exploring Odesa
Odesa is a splendid destination to explore when holidaying in Ukraine. Its iconic landmarks and various attractions offer you exciting activities to enjoy. So, make sure you go for all these things to do in Odesa, Ukraine, on your upcoming holidays here.
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