Potemkin Stairs
192 steps connecting the upper city to the port, made famous by Eisenstein.
Odesa
The pearl of the Black Sea — humour, jazz and the best beaches
Odesa Oblast, Ukraine1,001,558
About the city
Odesa is Ukraine's largest Black Sea port and a city with a character unlike any other. Greek, Italian, Jewish and Ukrainian influences mix in the language, architecture and food.
The historic centre — Odesa Opera, Deribasivska Street and the Potemkin Stairs — is a UNESCO site.
Coaches connect Odesa with Kyiv in 5–6 hours, with Lviv and the border town of Izmail, as well as Chișinău in Moldova just 3 hours away.
Top places to see
Odesa Opera
One of Europe's most beautiful opera houses, in Viennese Baroque style.
Deribasivska Street
The pedestrian heart of Odesa's centre, full of cafes and souvenir shops.
Prymorskyi Boulevard
The seafront promenade with views of the Duke de Richelieu monument.
From our travel blog
3 min
Odesa cuisine: what to try first
Forshmak, sprats in tomato and Black Sea mussels.
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Herring forshmak is an essential starter at Pryvoz market or any traditional bistro.
Bulls in tomato — a classic Black Sea street snack. In summer, grilled mussels with white wine are a must.
For something sweet, honey cake at Charlottes or Lozhechka is the go-to.
3 min
Odesa beaches — which one to pick
Lanzheron, Arkadia or Otrada.
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Lanzheron is the closest to the centre — perfect for a quick dip.
Arkadia is the main nightlife beach, with clubs and bars.
Otrada is quieter, family-oriented, with seaside restaurants along the shore.