Best Things To Do in Odessa City Tour – Sightseeing in Odessa
A Black Sea Port city – Odessa in Southern Ukraine is known for its wildest nightlife, dark-colored waters of beautiful Black Sea, sunshine weather, humorous people, chestnut trees and unique historic grandeur. Odessa’s history, culture, and architectures are influenced by French, Italian, Greeks, Turkish and Russian and that is why it also serves as Window to Europe. Odessa is known as “The Pearl of the Black Sea”. Once upon of time, it was supposed to be a powerful military base for the Black Sea & Mediterranean Sea. In this post, let’s check about Best Things To Do in Odessa City Tour.
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Best Things To Do in Odessa City Tour | Odessa Sightseeing Tours
ODESSA OPERA HOUSE AND BALLET THEATER
The second biggest Opera in the world after La Scala in Milan and is also considered as one of the most beautiful Opera houses in Europe. This 19th-century Baroque style architecture has stunning exteriors, adorned with mythological heroes – Orpheus playing cittern, dancing Terpsichore and muse of tragedy Melpomene. Not only exteriors are splendidly beautiful but interiors are also impressive as well. It has a unique acoustics arrangement that even the whispering sounds can be heard from any part of the hall. Tickets to play or ballet are not expensive deal here and within the range of 15 to 20 Euro per person, you can enjoy your beautiful evening here.
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ODESSA PASSAGE
Odessa Passage is located on the corner of Deribasovskaya street. This splendid historical complex – “Passage” is also one the most beautiful architectural masterpiece of Odessa. Constructed in the 19th century have architectural styles of Baroque, modernism, classical types. Earlier this used to be a most luxurious hotel in southern Russia. Now also the hotel is there on the top floor but it lacks the modern day’s luxurious amenities. At present, there are many luxury shops, boutiques, art galleries on the ground floor.
POTEMKIN STAIRS
Featured in iconic movie Battleship Potemkin, this was built in the 19th century which was constructed to access the city from the harbor on the Black This is the most famous symbol of Odessa and it is constructed with such an illusion, that it looks endless though there are 192 steps with 10 Landing spans. On the top of stairs, there is a monument of Duke de Richelieu who is the founder of Odessa.
DUC DE RICHELIEU MONUMENT
The great-great-grandson of the famous cardinal of France, Richelieu was exiled from France to Russia in 1790. He joined the Russian army and fought with the Turkish He was appointed Governor of this place which was situated on the Black Sea which was further named as Odessa by Catherine. Richelieu’s goal was to make Odessa a true European styled city, which can be depicted from its beautiful architectures and organization of this city.
HOUSE WITH ONE WALL
Is this a house or just a front façade with balconies and windows. This magical house is located on Vorontsov Lane and when you pass through the front of this house it looks like only a front façade standing up. Normally houses have 4 or more than it but if you closely look this building from the lateral side then it is made up of thing triangular block with 3 walls. As the architect of this building faced a financial crisis during construction he decided to adjoin two lateral walls and saved money of 4th It was built 150 years ago and the name of the architect is still not known. This is the most unusual building of Odessa and attracts many visitors throughout the year. This illusion house has many beliefs associated with it among locals and it is popularly known as DEVIL’S OR WITCH’S HOUSE.
FOUNDERS OF ODESSA MONUMENT
This prominent area of Odessa was completed in 1797 is also known as Monument to Catherine and her companions. When Odessa was 100 years old, this monument was set to dedicated to founders. It is believed that Catherine has given the name of this city – “Odessa”
DERIBASAVASKAYA STREET
This main street is the most vibrant and colorful location of Odessa. There are numerous boutiques, luxury shops, cafes, restaurants, and street plays. Also, the street is full of the festive atmosphere due to pony rides, toy dog rides for children, street shopping, funky art and paintings shops, dance and music shows, puppet shows and many more. A perfect place for dining and feel the vibe of this vibrant and colorful city.
BACKYARDS OR COURTYARDS OF ODESSA
As Odessa has many boulevards designed by French, Italians, and Greeks there are many interesting buildings and their backyards. Discover the unique and hidden backyards inspired by different architectures like the beauty of Italian courtyard or an elegant French Palais.
ODESSA HARBOUR
Odessa is the major harbor or seaport of Ukraine and also of whole Black Sea. A great place to walk along and watch the loading and unloading of cargoes, cruises sailing out or in, luxury yachts and many marine activities. You can also hire a cruise for an hour and sail around the skyline of Odessa, around the lighthouse and take the closeup view of harbor or port.
LANGERON BEACH & NEMO DOLPHINARIUM
This is very crowded and is a public beach. I would not suggest swimming here as it is crowded too much. There is always some shows of Dolphins in this Dolphinarium which is adjoining the beach. There is Nemo resort besides it, where you can stay and enjoy marine activities. There is a wooden promenade beside this beach where you can walk along and enjoy the beautiful views of the Black I would not suggest swimming here as it is overcrowded here because this is a public beach.
ARCADIA BEACH
It is called IBIZA OF EASTERN EUROPE. As most of the wildest clubs, hippest bars are located here. Here people chill in daytime and party till dawn.
LOVE HEART SCULPTURE
Odessa has a lovely romantic atmosphere and thousands of lovers spend their unforgettable moments here.
FALTZ-FEIN HOUSE (HOUSE WITH THE ATLANTANS)
While driving across one of the streets, during the architectural wonders tours, you would figure out a massive sculpture with two huge men holding celestial globe on their backs in front of the doors.
TRANSFIGURATION CATHEDRAL
Russian Orthodox Cathedral dating since 1808 which was destroyed by Stalin but now was restored. It has beautiful interiors.
WHY VISIT ODESSA | BEST THINGS TO DO IN ODESSA CITY TOUR
- Exotic and wildest Nightlife. Odessa offers you wide range of Bars and Pubs which you can check by reading this Bars in Odessa/Nightlife in Odessa article. Prefer to stay in the historic center. I stayed at the Marlin Hotel and loved my stay.
- Summer Festivals – Dozens of International festivals take place which is attended by well-known personalities from art and culture fields. Check the list of events and festivals in Odessa on their official tourism site.
- City of Love and Romance. While Odessa is known as a city of love and romance, be aware that a Ukraine brides scam is common in Odessa
- People of Odessa are very jolly and humorous with friendly communication skills. Odessa is also called as CITY OF SMILES and therefore every year LAUGHTER FESTIVAL OR HUMOROUS FESTIVAL is held on the streets of Odessa.
- The climate of Odessa is very mild and moderate with 290 days of sunshine all year around. Mild climate with long summers and the attractive Black Sea attracts many tourists.
- Check out the funky and colorful cars in Odessa. There are many colorful vehicles with old models moving around and is a good photo opportunity with it.
HOW TO REACH ODESSA – Best Things To Do in Odessa City Tour
- Odessa can be reached through trains from Kiev/Kyiv. Check their timetable by clicking this.
- A new, beautiful and sloppy highway takes you to Odessa from Kiev/Kyiv. The whole drive is 5 to 6 hours if you don’t take in between stops. I took this road trip and did a stopover at Nuclear Missile Base station for a few
- Odessa has its own airport which can be connected through domestic carriers and some International routes too.
Stay near or at Deribasavaskaya Street. Click here to check my review on my stay at the Marlin Hotel which has marine-themed interiors.
BEST TIME TO VISIT ODESSA – April to October
TIPS FOR UKRAINE | BEST THINGS TO DO IN ODESSA CITY TOURThe currency of Ukraine is Ukrainian Hryvnia, also known as UAH.
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- Check closing days of monuments, museums, and cathedral before planning your visit.
- People do not understand ENGLISH much so there can be Language problem but you can rid of by using Google Translator. Always keep your Google Translator ready. Google Translator or any Translator App on your mobile is a must in Kyiv.
- There are different Visa formalities for Ukraine. Check on their website for more information. Indians now can visit Ukraine through Visa on Arrivals with small half an hour formality of stamping at Airport of Kiev. Check this official website for Visa information.
- Spring and Summers (April to September) are the best times to visit Ukraine
- Ukraine is well known for vibrant Nightlife. Nightlife lovers will enjoy in Ukraine.
- Ukraine offers various cuisines and you will not find any problem regards eating out. Kiev even has a beautiful street food culture. Vegetarians can find many options in Italian, Georgian, Indian and Grilled Section of Ukrainian Cuisines.
- Ukraine is safe and only you have to take general precautions.
- Ukraine is not very expensive. Shopping is good and affordable.
- For transportation in towns or cities of Ukraine, you can use Uber, Metro and walk. Walking along Historic town is best. Uber is also quite efficient here. For inter cities you can take a flight, rail routes or taxis. Taking taxis from one city to another is not very expensive in Ukraine.
Go for an Odessa City tour either through walking tours, cars or buggy rides. People hire colorful scooters for local commuting in Odessa.
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Odessa looks like a beautiful place near Kiev . Infact Ukraine is fascinating for me . I will definitely look it up while planning a trip there .
Stunning photos!
Great write up! I’ve heard of the Devil’s house but never knew it looked like this. How creepy; the fact that the architect is still unknown. I wonder if he left some clues lying around. I’ve already bookmarked this page for my future trip to Odessa.
Thanks Daniel!
Lovely post. I had seen a video of the cheerful Isckon monks dancing and singing hare rama in the streets of Europe, your picture reminded me of that. I will definitely save this for my trip to Odessa
Ukraine has been on my bucket ist for a very long time. Odessa seems to be such a pretty gem and I absolutely want to go. What is the best season to visit?
For Odessa you can go from March till October. As it has long summers
Wow! Such an amazing city tour. That house with one wall is amazing. It reminds me of an episode from a cartoon show, Mr. Bean.
Ha Ha GD … You remembered Mr. Bean, it is a good place to be filmed.
This is a very useful and detailed post. I love the look of the architecture in Odessa it looks so ornate and interesting. I’ve never really thought about visiting here, but I guess it’s another place I need to add to my list!
Thanks Paul and yes you should add Odessa to your wish list.
Wow what incredible architecture to explore in Odessa! This is the first I have heard of Odessa, and amazing to know it is the Pearl of the Black Sea. The Odessa Passage looks absolutely incredible and what a place to enjoy the Baroque architecture from the 19th century. And how cool is the house with one wall – it totally would look so deceiving if you looked from the front, but on the side it’s quite trippy.
Thanks Soraya, yes I too heard of Odessa for first time when, I planned for Ukraine. But it is really a pearl of Black Sea.
Wow. Posts like these show us new places and surely Odessa is one of them. I had never heard of it unless read about it on your post. It surely is The Pearl of the Black Sea. The architecture is brilliant specially the house with one wall looks interesting. The city looks colourful and vibrant. The night life is interesting as well. Thanks for sharing a great destination as always.
Thanks Amar! Yes Odessa is the party city of Eastern Europe.
I have always said that Ukraine is Europe’s hidden gem and this post just proves this! Odessa sounds like such a wonderful location to visit. The architecture is exactly something that I would chase. What interesting the story of that house with only one wall! I have bookmarked this for future reference because I really need to visit Odessa soon ❤️❤️ thanks for sharing this!
Thanks Lulia!
First of all I didn’t know where Odessa was until I read your blog. I’ve never even considered visiting Ukraine. Now I’m going to look at the flight options.
The house with one wall looks liked the most interesting place to visit. Tho bad the architect is unknown.
Thanks Bhusa!
Odessa is an interesting place. Having the influence of so many cultures and countries definitely makes the place colourful and interesting. I am pleasantly surprised to see the Hare Krishna troupe if Iskon there. The house with one wall also looks intriguing. I really want to see its architecture. Thanks for this wonderful post.
Odessa looks so beautiful! I would love to visit the Witch’s house! How strange that they do not know who the architect is! I love how he just thought to join the walls, quite innovative!
Thanks Anna, yes some stories are quite interesting and weird too
I’m not much of a city person; I prefer island life and swimming in crystal clear waters. BUT, I never realised how gorgeous Odessa is! The house with One Wall sounds super cool. Plus, who wouldn’t want to catch a ballet performance for 20 euros at the world’s second largest opera house! What a win-win!
Thanks Zoya!
Odessa is stunningly beautiful. I had no idea that the city had the second largest Opera house in the world. Definitely want to check that out. The architecture and sculptures in the Passage are beyond belief. So beautiful. Our family would be intrigued by the House with One Wall. What an interesting, mysterious story behind the construction.
Thanks Lance!
I have been meaning to go to Ukraine and this article has given me great courage. I has no idea Odessa was great for night life! I guess a lot of the Europe is. And the architecture looks breathtaking too. Its great to know locals are friendly!
Thanks Kreete!
Your Pictures are really beautiful and i love how rich the architecture is . It’s shame that i never knew about Odessa in Ukraine. When i first read, i thought it’s Odisa which is in India. Am glad I got to know about this beautiful city through your blog
Thanks!
I would love to take the buggy ride for the city tour. Odessa seems to have really lovely architecture, I did not have any idea that it did. I especially love the Opera House and Ballet Theatre, and the Odessa passage. Also, Deribasavaskaya street sounds like the kind of place I’d like to spend some time exploring.
Thanks Medha! You would surely love it…
I have always wanted to visit Odessa, Ukraine is always one of my must see countries in eastern europe. I love the idea of that facade or 3 walled house… I think that is the best novelty place! I will bookmark this post for when I finally get around to booking a trip here!
Thanks!
I kept staring at that photo of the house with one wall … that is a must-see! The architecture in Odessa looks so grand. Love the Odessa Passage! One of these days I will make it to Ukraine.
Thanks Michael!
Odessa looks amazing! I need to make it Ukraine sometime soon. Thanks for the detailed info.
OMG that Odessa Passage sculptures are very unique, literally made me jaw-dropped. The locals are very blessed to have this beautiful city, I wouldn’t get tired admiring these beauty. Thanks for making me dreaming!
Thanks Blair!
I’ve fallen in love with the architecture of Odessa. It looks incredibly beautiful and extremely fascinating. The city has a lot to offer. I like its unique and interesting sites – the Love Heart Sculpture, Odessa Passage and the house with one wall (quite spooky). The views of the Odessa Harbour are breathtaking.
Thanks Shaily, even I too loved its architectures with influence of many cultures.
Not gonna lie, my butt felt a little numb thinking about that 5 to 6-hour drive. BUT the architecture and sculptures are just so stunning I’m in awe! I guess it’s totally worth it. And the second biggest opera house in the world?! My dad lovesssss operas so I guess this is the perfect family trip destination for us!
I know, 5-6 hours is slightly long but if you go by road trip then it is worth as it passes through sunflower fields and various beautiful countrysides.
Odessa looks so pretty, and very colourful too. I love that one walled house, Witch’s House, it’s so unique! I can also see the French and Italian influence here in the buildings. Would love to visit and see the city for myself one day.
Thanks Lisa!
Its an intriguing piece of writing very well supported by awesome photographs. Odessa is a new thing and I have added this in my bucket list. House with single wall and Passage would be great to explore. Loved your narration.
I’m hearing more and more about people visiting Odessa. The mild climate really helps encourage walking around. It’s a shame that the beaches are so crowded. Their heart sculpture is a great way to handle the love locks that have become a problem in other cities. Did you put a lock on the heart?
Yes, but the other beaches are not very crowded which are slightly far from city center.
The Witch’s House surely is captivating me. Places like that make me want to ring the bell and ask whether I can come and look inside. I like the Opera House and the Odessa Passage as well. And I think it’s smart for the city to built the Heart Sculpture for people to hang their padlock rather let people to hang them on a bridge that can damage the bridge construction.
Thanks Umiko!
I can see myself enjoying while walking through the vibrant streets of Deribasavaskaya (whew!). I love taking photos of everyday happenings and sights in a given place. I’m also curious whether visitors can take a peek inside the House with One Wall.
I never inquired about visiting witch’s house from inside as I was afraid of those super natural stories
I would love to see this usual building up close. It fascinates me and I believe that it would be awesome to see it. Would love to learn more about this witch’s house.
Thanks Clarice and yes witch’s house is still a mystery.
The city itself reminds me a lot of Milan I don’t know how but they bring the same aura and building designs. Great list of things to do in Odessa. Hopefully, I will visit here one day.
Yes, it has Italian influence in their architectures and that is why you see similarity with Milan
WOW! Absolutely Fab city it is. Odessa looks like a whole package for explorers. There is so much to explore in the city. Would love to visit and feel it in person.
Thanks!
I really like these old archways and the buildings that have been conserved so beautifully. Apart from that, these funky cars sound like a really nice thing to observe when traveling here. I would really like to explore Odessa.
Thanks Ansh!
Fantastic post, packed with such great information and tips, I have bookmarked for future reference. Your photos were stunning and it’s definitely a place I would love to visit, thanks for sharing this inspirational post.
Thanks Eliza!
I found this to be a tremendously interesting post as I have never read anything about Odessa before. I am of Ukrainian Canadian heritage and would love to visit Ukraine.
Thanks Doreen and it is great to known you are Ukrainian as i loved people there
So beautiful! Your photos are amazing. I would love to visit here. Thank you for some great information.
Thanks!
This looks like an amazing city to visit. Will add it to my tour when I head in that direction. Thanks for sharing
Odessa is such an underrated city. I always wanted to visit because this city is tightly related to the history of my country but after reading your post I want to go even more. Thank you for sharing.
Yes Odessa is very under-rated but it is worth visiting.
So fascinated by tge house with one wall and the Odessa passage sculptures. This place has something of interest for everyone.
Thanks Anahita!
those architecture are amazing!! looks very historical place to visit
thanks for sharing
Thanks Mayuri! Odessa is lovely and for Indians , Ukraine have introduced e-Visa too
Odessa looks so amazing! It has everything for everyone. It looks like the weather is always nice there. I hope to visit Ukraine someday!
Thanks
Wow ! Those architectures are amazing ! I really should visit Odessa some day ! =)
Thanks Jeremy!
Always love your detailed posts. Frankly I had never heard of Odessa in Ukraine. It does look like an interesting place. Would love to see the passage and the one-walled house.
Thanks Soumya! Even I too not heard much of Odessa before going but it is very popular in eastern Europe for Black Sea and vibrant life
Such an informative post! My partner and I are planning to explore Europe more in the near future and will be suggesting we head here. The buildings look so beautiful!
Thanks!
Odessa looks a very beautiful city and very clean too. I love architecture and for sure would love to tour the city under this perspective.
Thanks Federica!
i’d really love to be on a walking tour around a city i visit, unless it is raining! odessa is amazing.. everywhere i look, i feel there’s something for my eyes to feast on esp the architectures ! hope to get here some day!