Odessa travel guide

The historic Black Sea port of Odessa was founded in 1794 by Katherine the Great as a naval fortress, and has survived Ukraine’s conflicts and political change for the last 200 years.

The city itself has a lovely old town with quirky buildings and a beautiful Opera House. The buzzing cobbled Deribasovskaya Street with its cafés and statues, and Primorsky Boulevard that leads to the famous Potemkin Stairs, are the beating heart of the city. There are plenty of beaches for safe swimming in the summer months.

Top things to see and do

• Wander around Odessa city centre – it’s the best way to see its beautiful, bizarre and eclectic architecture
• Enjoy an evening of music or ballet in Odessa’s Opera House, considered to be among the most beautiful in Europe
• Dare to explore the underworld of Odessa’s catacombs – the world’s largest network – and end up at the Museum of Partisan Glory
• Go shopping in Odessa’s markets – you can buy everything from a single apple to a Soviet-era Lada car
• Sample traditional cherry kompot – a warm fruit drink
• Head for Odessa’s harbour and walk down the iconic Potemkin Stairs featured in Serge Eisenstein’s influential 1925 film, Battleship Potemkin

Tips for travellers

Head 44 km west of Odessa to Mayaky, the entrance to the Dniester Delta National Park. This is a wetland of international importance and home to many endangered species of plants and animals. You can follow nature trails, go birdwatching and enjoy a home-cooked fish menu at lunchtime.