Odesa

The port city of Odesa is known for its beaches and 19th Century architecture including the Odesa Opera and Ballet Theatre. The city has a vibe all its own with refreshing museums to an active nightlife scene. Alternatively you could just come to relax and sunbathe on one of its beautiful beaches like Lanzheron Beach, which is the closest to the city centre with many restaurants, cafés and bars. Nearby you also have the Nemo Dolphinarium.

If it’s the classics you are more into then a visit to the 19th Century Odesa National Opera and Ballet Theatre is a must. The moment you step inside the magic happens, where you can appreciate the music of Russian musicians like Tchaikovsky and Stravinsky.

Odesa’s seaport is the biggest in the Ukraine and also an extremely important one situated on the Black Sea. Why not enjoy a walk along the harbour, where you will get a sense of the vitality of this city. Whether you come down at sunrise or sunset the area will offer some amazing views and where you can also see the hustle and bustle of ships and local people heading to the end of the pier.

The pedestrian only Derybasivska Street in the centre of the city has numerous shops, cafés, restaurants and bars to enjoy. There is so much to see and do here that it makes for a perfect place to come and feel the local vibrancy of the city.

Vorontsov Palace is truly an architectural gem. Built in 1827 on the site of a Turkish Fortress with a mixture of architectural styles later became the residence of the Russian Statesman and Military Leader, the Governor General Mikhail Vorontsov. Today it is an art hub and centre for youth cultural events.

The monumental 19th Century Potemkin Stairs have been immortalised in Eisenstein’s 'The Battleship Potemkin,' that leads down to the waterfront with its Vorontsov Lighthouse. The stairs give direct access to the harbour from the city as well as being a famous icon of Odesa. The staircases length gives you an optical illusion that they never finish however there are only 192 steps to climb over 10 equal areas. Once at the bottom and running parallel to the water, the grand Primorsky Boulevard is a popular promenade lined with lots of beautiful mansions and monuments.

If art is more of what you wish to enjoy then Odesa is definitely a city of art and culture. The Museum of Modern Art is well worth paying a visit too if you are looking to know more about the city’s history and the gallery has a particular emphasis on Eastern European art amongst its collections.

While in Odesa a visit to the N.L. Shustov Cognac Museum will give you a tremendous experience. The only one of its kind in the Ukraine, you can lift the mystery of this legendary drink and gather some insight into its history and the veil of secrecy over its birth in the cellars. The Shustov Cognac Museum exhibits a unique collection that dates back to the late XIX and early XX Centuries. This unique experience will give you an unforgettable journey in time and touch during your visit to the workshop of aging and blending cognac spirits.

The Odesa Catacombs lie underneath the city with a huge network of tunnels. They are a huge part of the city’s history, having been a refuge for Soviet Partisans during World War II and later smugglers. Today there is a small museum, which traces the history of the Partisan movement, the Museum of Partisan Glory and you can explore the tunnels by joining an organised tour.