Odesa is one of Ukraine’s most fun cities, located on the shores of the Black Sea. Indeed, it is a particular favourite among local holidaymakers and beach-goers and has plenty to keep any visitor interested. With a rich cultural history, incredible markets, and underground wonders, here are our ideas for the best things to do during 24 hours in Odesa.
1: Relax on one of Odesa’s many beaches
Odesa is frequently described as the ‘pearl of the Black Sea’, with miles of beaches to be enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. Indeed, people flock to the sands in their thousands during the summer.
This area of Odesa comes to life in warm weather and is top of many visitors’ lists. You can choose one of the ‘public’ beaches or pay for an afternoon of indulgence at a private club. Either way, you won’t be short of options.
2: Admire Odesa’s beautiful architecture
When you wander the streets of Odesa, you can’t help but admire the beauty of the buildings. There is a real variety throughout Odesa, and – at times – you could imagine yourself to be in Italy or France.
The great thing about Odesa’s architecture is that you can enjoy it whilst walking between sites. It’s a perfect bonus for 24 hours in Odesa.
3: Learn about the history of the Odesa Jews
Odesa was once home to hundreds of thousands of Jews. But, sadly, all too familiar horrors – such as the pogroms under Tsarist Russia and the Holocaust during the Second World War – saw this population plummet over successive generations.
The number of Jews living in Odesa continues to decline to this day. However, visitors can now visit the Jewish Museum of Odesa. Here, you can learn about the rich history of the Jewish population. It is an intimate museum, with exhibitions detailing the timeline up to the present day.
You can find the Jewish Museum of Odesa on Nejinskaya Street.
Read next: One night in the Ukrainian town of Rakhiv
4: Admire the busy Port of Odesa
Beaches aren’t the only way Odesa uses its location on the Black Sea! Odesa’s port is Ukraine’s most extensive and is an almost constant hive of activity.
While visitors may not usually wander right up to the docks, both Istanbul and Shevchenko parks have excellent vantage points. The forest of cranes and shipping containers provides an interesting contrast to the frivolities of Odesa’s beaches!
5: Sample the goods at the famous Pryvoz Market
Pryvoz Market dates back to the 19th century and is the largest food market in Odesa. You can find meat, fish, vegetables and everything in between among the hundreds of stalls – shopping here is an authentic ‘local’ experience.
Take some time out of your 24 hours in Odesa, and get lost in the maze of Pryvoz. One word of warning – the meat section will remind you of the “full process” of preparing an animal for sale!
Pryvoz Market stands close to Odesa station, at Pryvozna Street.
6: Explore the mysterious Odesa Catacombs
The Odesa Catacombs are immense. With roughly 2,500km of tunnels snaking their way underneath most of the city, they can claim to be the most extensive catacomb system in the world. From their origins, mainly as limestone quarries whilst the city expanded, the legend of the catacombs grew over the generations. They have been used for everything from hiding WWII rebels to smuggling illicit goods.
Despite their famous size, only a fraction of the catacombs is officially open to tourists. Nowadays, they form a compelling – and dangerous – challenge for thrill-seekers and urban explorers. If you’d like to learn more about the incredible history and stories behind the catacombs, you can book tours through specialist operators. It is strongly recommended that you do not try and explore without a guide. Indeed, people have infamously got lost and never returned!
7: Take a stroll around Shevchenko Park
Heading back above ground, Shevchenko Park is one of the largest and most popular in central Odesa. Home to everything from outstanding views across the Black Sea to monuments celebrating important national figures, the park is a great place to enjoy sunny weather if beaches aren’t your thing.
Shevchenko Park is also home to Chornomorets Stadium, which hosts the football team FC Chornomorets Odesa.
8: Race up the Potemkin Steps
The Potemkin Steps is an imposing cascade of 192 steps, which stand a stone’s throw away from the entrance to the port. The steps were initially designed to be a spectacular entryway to the city.
Centrally located, the Potemkin Steps are perfect for adding to a one-day itinerary in Odesa. If you’re super fit, you can race up and down on foot before taking a well-earned rest on the beach! However, if that sounds too much like hard work, a short funicular ride will take you up and down.
9: Sample some classic Ukrainian food at Deribasivska Street
Deribasivska, an entirely pedestrianised street, stretches nearly a whole kilometre through the heart of Odesa. We’d recommend heading here towards the end of your day in Odesa and winding down at one of the dozens of restaurants and bars.
There’s a great selection of eateries to choose from – why not to the chance to sample some classic Ukrainian borscht? So tuck in, and watch the world wander past you.
10: Get cultural at the Odesa Opera
If people-watching over a bowl of borscht isn’t quite how you want to spend your evening in Odesa, how about a trip to the opera?
The Odesa National Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre is perhaps the most iconic building in the city. Behind the beautiful baroque exterior is a fine auditorium, which hosts some of Ukraine’s best opera and ballet performances. Remember to dress up if you are ending your 24 hours in Odesa here – there is a strict dress code!
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Wow, i’d never thought about visiting here but it sounds like an amazing place full of crazy history!
Thanks Vicky! It’s not easy to get to Odessa from the UK, but it’s certainly an interesting place to visit if you’re ever nearby! Thanks again for reading 🙂