What not to miss in Odessa

There is a city in the south of Ukraine that we call the capital of humor. It is located on the northwestern shore of the Black Sea, and it is the largest Ukrainian marine port and one of the oldest cities. Today, I will tell you what not to miss in Odessa - the pearl of Ukraine. It is the city that combines gorgeous antiquity with extremely creative modernity in itself.

Odessa beaches

When we are talking about the nightlife of Odessa, great parties and celebrations, the most popular place for such events is Arkadia. It is one of the most famous beaches in Odessa. During the daytime, you can relax here on the sea bank or near the swimming pool, drinking cocktails and sunbathing.  When the night comes, you can continue your vacation in one of the modern nightclubs listening to the performance of Ukrainian or European artists and musicians. Arkadia Beach takes its name from the mountainous region of Greece with the same name. Legends have it that Arkadia is the place of continuous happiness, calmness and peace - an ideal place on Earth. The second famous place in Odessa is Langeroun Beach. It is situated not far from the center of the city. There is a big green park there. Also, you can attend the extremely cool Odessa Dolphinarium "Nemo" and visit a lot of modern restaurants. 

Odessa dolphinarium "Nemo"

Пляж Ланжерон, 25, Odesa, Odes'ka oblast, Ukraine, 65000

Odessa catacombs

True hidden gems in Odessa are its catacombs. It is a network of underground passages that were formed after the shell mining. The history of the catacombs begins in the 1830s. In fact, Odessa was built with the stone that was extracted from the catacombs. The approximate length of Odessa's catacombs is 2500 km. This is one of the largest underground labyrinths on Earth. In essence, it is a huge underground city with its streets and squares.

Odessa Catacombs, Ukraine

Velyka Arnauts'ka St, 56, Odesa, Odes'ka oblast, Ukraine, 65000

Other Odessa must-see places

If you want to buy something, no matter what it is, you should go to “Pryvoz” market. It is the most famous market in the southern part of Ukraine. Its name does not have a direct translation, but the closest meaning would be "import". There, you can find almost everything you need and even more. Among the architectural sights of Odessa, the first place take the Potemkin stairs, which earlier were called the Richelieu stairs. In the past, there were 200 steps, but eight of them were filled up during the expansion of the port. The stairs connect the port with the city center. The soul of the city is definitely Deribasovskaya Street. This is a favorite place for long walks with lots of colorful Odessa restaurants and recreation areas. In the center of this street, there is a famous Monument to the 12th Chair, in regards to the novel "Twelve Chairs" by Ilf and Petrov.

Pryvoz Market, Odessa

Novoshchipnyi Ryad St, 82, Odesa, Odes'ka oblast, Ukraine, 65000

Potemkin Stairs, Odessa

Potemkin Stairs, Odesa, Odes'ka oblast, Ukraine, 65000

The monument to the 12th Chair, Odessa

Monument to Ilf and Petrov, Derybasivska St, Odesa, Odes'ka oblast, Ukraine, 65000

The Opera and Ballet Theater is the architectural pearl of Odessa. The building was built in the style of Viennese baroque. Odessa opera house is a place that represents the perfect combination of art and wealth. As one article is not enough to show you how rich and beautiful Odessa is, this was a brief guide on what not to miss when you visit the pearl of the Black Sea and Ukraine.

Odessa Opera and Ballet Theater, Odessa

Chaikovs'koho Ln, 1, Odesa, Odes'ka oblast, Ukraine, 65000

Сover photo © credits: iStock/nektofadeev@gmail.com