Visiting Odessa Ukraine
I visited the seaside town of Odessa Ukraine in the summer of 2021.
Does Russia Occupy Odessa?
No, Russia does not occupy Odessa, Ukraine. While the town made preparations to defend itself, the Russians were never able to enter the city. [Update]
And, even though Russia didn’t take over Odessa (as of this writing), It’s probably not wise to visit at the moment. The war is still ongoing.
But when the war is over, Odessa is a great Ukrainian city to visit.
Is Odessa Ukraine Worth Visiting?
Odessa, Ukraine is definitely worth visiting. It is a beautiful and historic city with a unique mix of cultures and influences. Geographically speaking, Odessa is a city located in the southern part of Ukraine, on the northwestern coast of the Black Sea. It is situated approximately 440 kilometers (270 miles) south of the Ukrainian capital city, Kyiv.
I talked about Kyiv and Kharkiv earlier in the article: Return to Ukraine: Kharkiv the Heart of Eastern Ukraine.
What is Odessa Ukraine famous for?
Potemkin Stairs
The Potemkin Stairs in Odessa, Ukraine is a historic landmark that consists of a grand staircase of 192 steps leading from the city’s waterfront up to the central part of the city. As illustrated in the book Odesa: A Beautiful Print
It was built in the late 19th century and is named after the battleship Potemkin, which played a role in the 1905 Russian Revolution.
Interestingly, the staircase is a popular tourist attraction and has been featured in several films, most notably in the famous Odessa Steps sequence in Sergei Eisenstein’s 1925 film “Battleship Potemkin.” The staircase is considered a masterpiece of urban design and offers panoramic views of the city and the Black Sea.
For me, the Potemkin Stairs were similar to the Library of Congress steps in Philadelphia which are famous as the “Rocky” Steps from the American boxing movie Rocky.
Odessa Opera and Ballet Theater
The Odessa Opera and Ballet Theater is a historic theater located in the heart of Odessa, Ukraine. It was built in the 19th century and is known for its beautiful architecture, which combines elements of Baroque and Renaissance styles.
The theater is home to a world-renowned opera and ballet company and is a popular destination for visitors to Odessa. The theater hosts a variety of performances throughout the year, including classic operas, ballets, and musical concerts. It is considered one of the most important cultural institutions in Ukraine and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Derybasivska Street
Derybasivska Street is a pedestrian boulevard located in the heart of Odessa, Ukraine. It is one of the city’s main attractions and is known for its lively atmosphere, with numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops lining the street.
The street is named after a famous Ukrainian military leader and politician, Andriy Derybas, and is considered the center of the city’s social and cultural life. It is a popular destination for both tourists and locals, especially during the summer months when the street comes alive with street performers, musicians, and other entertainers.
You will find a lot of great restaurants on this busy street. Odessa has a rich culinary tradition and is known for its seafood, meat dishes, and desserts. Some popular local dishes include borscht (a soup made with beets and meat), varenyky (dumplings filled with potatoes, cheese, or meat), and shashlik (grilled meat skewers).
If you’re not on the Beach in Arcadia, all the cool bars and clubs are located on this street.
The Odessa Port on the Black Sea
The Odessa Port is cool. It is a popular destination for tourists, who can take boat tours of the harbor or enjoy the views of the Black Sea from the port’s scenic promenade. In addition to being a tourist attraction, the Odessa Port is the largest port in Ukraine and one of the busiest ports in the Black Sea region, serving as a key hub for trade between Europe and Asia. The port handles a wide range of cargo, including grain, oil, coal, metals, and containers, and has modern facilities that allow it to accommodate large vessels.
Odessa Museum of Western and Eastern Art.
The Odessa Museum of Western and Eastern Art is a major cultural institution located in Odessa, Ukraine. It was established in 1922 and features a vast collection of artworks from Europe, Asia, and Africa. The museum’s collection includes paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from various historical periods, from ancient times to the present day. Some of the highlights of the collection include works by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Caravaggio, as well as an extensive collection of Ukrainian and Russian art. The museum is a must-visit for art lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
What is the Best Time to Visit Odessa Ukraine?
The best time to go to Odess is in the summer. The city is alive during the warm summer months. As a result, Odessa has beautiful beaches. The most popular ones are:
What are the Best Beaches in Odessa
Arcadia Beach
Arcadia beach is known for its wide sandy coastline, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant nightlife scene. The beach is also home to several nightclubs, making it a popular destination for partygoers. In the summer months, the beach hosts various events and festivals, including concerts, beach parties, and sports competitions.
Arcadia is really what you think of when you think of the party life in Odessa. Ibiza nightclub is here and probably the most famous club in Odessa. I stayed here and it was fun.
Lanzheron Beach
Lanzheron Beach is a small, pebble beach located in the city center of Odessa, Ukraine, near the Shevchenko Park. It is the oldest beach in Odessa and is known for its clean, clear water and relaxed atmosphere.
Where to Stay in Odessa, Ukraine?
I stayed at the Frapolli Hotel on Derybasivska Street and the Red Line Club Hotel on Arcadia Beach when I was in Odessa.
I recommend staying in either of these two places.
Derybasivska Street Odessa, Ukraine
Derybasivka is the heart of Odessa and is a great location to stay if you want to be close to the city’s major attractions, including museums, theaters, shops, and restaurants. There are numerous hotels and apartments available on and around the street, catering to all budgets and preferences. Staying in this area allows you to experience the city’s unique culture and lively atmosphere, with the convenience of having everything within walking distance.
Arcadia Beach Odessa, Ukraine
On the other hand, if you are looking for a beach vacation, Arcadia Beach is the perfect spot. The beach is located about 7 kilometers from the city center. It offers a variety of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget hostels. Staying in Arcadia Beach allows you to enjoy the beautiful coastline, the vibrant nightlife, and a wide range of water sports and recreational activities. The area is also well-connected to the city center by public transportation, so you can easily explore the city when you are not at the beach.
What Language is Spoken in Odessa Ukraine?
When I was in Odessa in 2021, everyone spoke Russian with a handful of people speaking English. Now after the war, I understand most Ukrainians in Odessa speak Ukrainian. The English level here is very low.
Russian was the dominant language in the city, and it was the most commonly used language in daily life, particularly in communication with strangers, in public places, and in business settings. Ukrainian was and is the official language of the country. But, most people in Odessa are bilingual and can speak both languages fluently.
Conclusion
When the war is over, Odessa Ukraine is definitely worth visiting. I can see why people from all over the former Soviet Union still come down here for vacation.
