Odessa

The main port city of Ukraine and one of the most atmospheric cultural capitals of Eastern Europe — around 1 million inhabitants on the shore of the Black Sea. Founded in 1794 by decree of Catherine II as the southern gateway of the Russian Empire. An architectural masterpiece of the 19th century with contributions from the French (Richelieu), Italians, Greeks and Jews. The birthplace of the "south-western school" of Russian-language literature — Babel, Ilf and Petrov, Olesha — of Odesan humour and of beach culture. Before travelling, you must check the current security situation — there is a war going on in the country.

Main sights

• Derybasivska Street — the main pedestrian street of Odesa, with cafes, shops and sculptures.
• The Potemkin Stairs (Potomkinski skhody) — 192 steps from Prymorskyi Boulevard down to the port, made immortal by Eisenstein's film "Battleship Potemkin" (1925).
• Prymorskyi Boulevard — the main promenade, with the monument to the Duc de Richelieu (the French governor of Odesa, 1803-1814).
• The Opera House — one of the most beautiful in the world, neo-baroque of 1887, with acoustics of international standing.
• The Vorontsov Palace and colonnade — the white colonnade of 1828 above the port.
• Hrecheska Square and the Greek Park — the Greek inheritance of the city.
• Moldavanka — the district of Babel's stories and songs, the home of Odesa wit.
• Pryvoz — the largest market in Odesa and the city's main gastronomic theatre.
• The port of Odesa — the foundation of the city's entire history.
• Arcadia — the main beach and entertainment district of Odesa.
• The Odesa catacombs — 2,500 km of underground tunnels, the largest catacomb network in the world (former 19th-century quarries).
• French Boulevard — art nouveau villas from the turn of the 20th century.

Food and prices

The cooking is Odesan: forshmak (chopped herring with apple), goby fish, aubergine caviar, borsch, pelmeni, challah, strudel. A strong Jewish and Greek inheritance. Lunch in a cafe 350-670 ₴ ($8-15), dinner in a restaurant 800-1,800 ₴ ($18-40). A glass of Ukrainian wine 130-270 ₴ ($3-6). A litre of petrol 58 ₴ ($1.3), public transport 18 ₴ ($0.40), a Bolt or Uklon taxi 130-450 ₴ ($3-10). Prices are as of 2026.

Transport

Odesa International Airport (ODS) has not operated since 2022 because of the war. Trains from Poland (Przemysl, Krakow) are the main way to get there, continuing on Ukrainian UZ trains. Around the city: trams, buses, marshrutkas, and Bolt and Uklon taxis. Given the situation in the country, check the current conditions, the curfew and the risks before travelling.

When to go

May to September, 18-28°C. July and August are the peak of the beach season, with the sea at 22-26°C. September is the optimum: warm, without the crowds. Winter (December-March) is 0-10°C and rainy. Given the current situation, you must check up-to-date security information before travelling.