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Jan
10
Odessa Travel & Sightseeing Guide
Filed Under Ukraine
A trip to Odessa
Once an important shipping port in the Soviet Union, these days Odessa is part of an independent Ukraine. The once rich city now has a slightly unkempt appearance however the old town still contains a good number of historical buildings. Visitors can easily gauge what Odessa must have been like at that turn of the 20th century, when the city was a bustling port city on the Black Sea.
Flights to Odessa
Odessa plays second fiddle to the country’s capital Kiev, but it still remains the most accessible city in the country as far as international flights go. There are many direct flights to major cities in Europe, with the most frequently services being Vienna, Austria and Istanbul, Turkey. Aside from international carriers, LOT and Malev Airlines connect with Budapest, Hungary and Warsaw, Poland almost daily. There are daily flights to Moscow, and within the Ukraine, there are usually four of five flights per day to Kiev. If you are looking for a cheap flight to Odessa try lastminute.com.
Being on the Black Sea means it’s relatively easy to use ferries to reach places like Istanbul or the Romanian coast from Odessa. The train system is also an option once you’re in the country, with buses making the journey between Odessa and Kiev on a daily basis. The city itself has a good tramway and network of city buses.
Odessa
Sightseeing in Odessa
The most popular sight in Odessa is the old town itself, where the former glory of the Russian empire can still be felt. The rest of the city has not seen much care since the fall of communism, let alone the October Revolution. The Opera House that can be found in the old town is a tantalising example of what the city was capable of building in its heyday.
The Museum of Western and Eastern Art is a great place to spend an afternoon, with works by renowned artists such as Caravaggio and Aivazovsky appearing in the permanent collection. There are a couple of nice boulevards to stroll along, like the Promorisky parkway and the lively and colourful Deribasovskaya street, where many street sellers hock their wares to tourists.
Fun by night – eating, drinking and partying
The gastronomical fare in southern Ukraine is similar to that in other parts of Russia and the former Soviet countries of Eastern Europe. Hearty stews and meat figure prominently and are complemented by beer, which is widely available and enjoyed by all. Wine is also common, but the local varieties are very sweet. Fear not, the supermarkets stock most alcoholic beverages you could think of as well as food if you find ordering from a Cyrillic menu becomes tiresome.
Fun by day – shopping and activities
The shopping situation in Odessa has improved since the fall of the Soviet Union. You won’t see locals waiting in line for bread and toilet paper anymore, but don’t expect the variety you’d find on the Champs Elyssées either.
The beaches on the Black Sea coast are not ideal for swimming, but you will nonetheless see hordes of locals crowding onto the sand with the city’s industry all too apparent in the background. Film buffs will want to check out the Potemkin Steps, where one of the most famous scenes in cinematic history was shot in the film Battleship Potemkin.
Daytrips
A great place for spending the day is at the beautiful and scenic Arcadia Beach, which in the summertime is teeming with locals and tourists alike enjoying the sun and seaside air. There are rowboats, sailboats and kayaks for hire to explore the surrounding waterways while enjoying some exercise.
The University Botanical Gardens are located close to the city’s centre and are filled with exotic fauna and flora from around the world. Founded in 1867 the gardens are well established and feature some magnificent old trees. Guided tours are available to show you through the impressive grounds throughout the day.
The Privoz is one of the largest and most exciting farmers’ markets in the world alongside others in Istanbul and Mexico City. The markets can take hours to explore with numerous goods and produce available to buy. Guided tours are the best option for seeing the market to avoid getting lost.
Must-see attractions
Located in the heart of Odessa is the beautiful Deribasovskaya Street, which is the cultural centre with its magnificent Ukrainian architecture, numerous museums and galleries, alfresco cafés and trendy bars. The charming cobbled stone pedestrian streets are lined with trees and endless shops. The City Gardens boast an impressive water fountain and sculptures of lions and lionesses.
Odessa’s Opera House is one of the best in Europe, with fantastic architecture and workmanship. Inside the décor is of a Viennese style blended with Italian Renaissance details. Numerous plays, musicals and ballets are performed here throughout the year.
The Primorsky Boulevard and Potemkin Steps, built in 1837, are a significant part of Odessa’s history with the famous Duke de Richelieu monument overlooking the harbour and the bay area. The area is a postcard of traditional Odessa, being a favourite with photographers.
The Odessa Archaeological Museum is filled with over 160,000 exhibits from priceless pieces of jewellery and ornaments dating back centuries. There are pieces from the archaeological excavations of Olibia, Panticapea and Tyrus.
Best time to go
The Ukraine experiences extremely cold winters with temperatures dropping to -15°C. Summertime sees warmer weather with averages of around 20°C. For most tourists, travelling to Odessa is best in the summer when they can enjoy the beach and other attractions in warm and pleasant weather. Wintertime is also beautiful although adequate clothing is needed to protect against the harsh temperatures.
Rainy day suggestions
On rainy days, Odessa has a plethora of museums and galleries to visit. The Fine Arts Museum boasts an amazing collection of works from the 14th and the 15th centuries and the building used to house the magnificent paintings was once the palace of Count Pototsky in the 1800s.
The Naval Museum of Odessa has a vast collection of nautical equipment from early ships and a wealth of information and fantastic multimedia displays.
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