Welcome to the City of Odessa - a legendary city of romance, art, humor, poems, theaters and museums, the unique city, known for its immense cultural heritage!

Odessa is situated in Eastern Europe, at the Black Sea coast. It is a very important port and one of the most beautiful cities in the Ukraine and Europe at all. The city itself is full of historical, architectural and cultural interest, proud of its past and its traditions.

Have you ever been to the contest "Miss World"? No? Then you should just come to Odessa, as the most beautiful women in the world are here. We dare think that we shouldn't convince you of that fact because you might already know that!

So let us take a stroll along OdessaЊs elegant streets with impressive buildings which will remind you of the previous epochs and generate romantic ideas. Having arrived to the heart of Old Odessa - Deribasovskaya street, you get an opportunity  to admire the beauty of Odessa Opera and Ballet House which is well known to be a copy of Vienna one but with its own exotic story and talents. The Passage Hotel building is particularly notable for it's fabulous design and sculptures inside the atrium passage itself located at the north end of the street. You can also find here the Souvenir Market with a crowd of artists and craftsmen demonstrating their works. Prices are really low, and some items are gorgeous. A really great opportunity to get originally Odessan souvenirs. Deribasovskaya is the most  popular walking street with it's numerous cafes, shops, and restaurants, so while wandering you should not  worry about your lunch because you can have it right here in one of the cafes with outdoor seating.  

Frantsuzsky Boulevard which used to be home to Odessa's wealthy merchants, now is one of the most picturesque resort districts in Odessa. The cobblestone and tall acacia trees on this boulevard are most reminiscent of Old Odessa. The steep hill parts the Frantsuzsky Boulevard from 3 beaches beneath. Paths and stairs lead downhill to the Sea through a green zone closed to vehicle traffic. It is a favorite sight for picnics.

Looking on to the city from the side of the port you are faced with unique ensemble of Primorsky Boulevard. At the center of the boulevard is the bronze monument to the Duke de Richelieu, (Governor General of the Novorossiisk territory and Governor of the City of Odessa), which was erected in 1826 and is one of the oldest monuments in Odessa. Its bas- relief depicts agriculture, trade and justice.

From the foot of the monument the stone steps of the Potemkin Stairway descend. Potemkin Steps is the first name which crosses oneЊs mind when Odessa is mentioned. They are really great when you look at them as the Stairway counts 200 steps. But if you try to climb it you will believe the Odessa citizens who consider the Steps to be the Eighth Wonder of the World. You are sure to loose your weight when climbing the steps Џ just imagine 200 steps!

Shady platens and chestnut trees, numerous benches and magnificent sea view make the Primorsky Boulevard irresistible both for tourists and Odessans. People coming here stay for hours gazing at the Sea Port full of ships, boats and yachts and enjoying shade and sea breeze.

At the west end of the Boulevard is Count Vorontsov Palace and a Grecian colonnade which overlooks the harbor and also provides a fine view of the bay.

Next to the palace is the Tyoschin Most (Mother-in-lawЊs Bridge), a foot bridge built over a gorge by a considerate son-in-law in the 1950s so his mother-in-law could visit him more easily or so she would not have an excuse to stay overnight. The Bridge, together with the well and sculpture of girl with a jar is also called ‹Piece of Old Odessa. Newlyweds traditionally come here to have their pictures taken.

If you are a real connoisseur of art Odessa has prepared a wonderful surprise for you. It is well known for its theatres and museums. Altogether it has six theatres, a circus, a philharmonic society, a film studio, nine museums and a picture gallery.

Having discovered enough of history, architecture, art and culture you will certainly would like to have a rest and relax. An excellent climate has made Odessa one of the finest holiday sea resorts in the Ukraine. Specific beaches with wonderful wind caressing your face are waiting for you.

Arcadia is the largest, most popular beach and the most developed beach in Odessa. It looks gorgeous in summer Џ plenty of flowers, shady trees, numerous restaurants and cafes with tidy sea view terraces. Being a little bit pricey, they are really good for drinks and snacks. Besides swimming and sunbathing, you can rent paddleboats, rowboats and other sailing vehicles for moderate prices. Arcadia is also the nuclear of OdessaЊs night life, which is no less active than the day one. Arcadia stretches along the sea for many kilometers and provides you with all kinds of entertainment, including the best night clubs, casinos, variety-shows, live music, cozy cafes and restaurants where you will spend unforgettable time!

And at last if you are a nature lover or just want to spend romantic hours with a lady, you may take a stroll in green quiet parks, where you can sink into the atmosphere of calm and happiness and forget about everything in the world. Shevchenko Park stretches along the sea and covers 90 hectares with a wide variety of tree species. The City Park (Gorsad) near Preobrazhenskaya Street boasts dozens of craftsmen, vendors and musicians.

Odessa Botanical Gardens will bring you relaxation and new discoveries. Beautiful gardens were founded in 1867 and transferred to Frantsuzsky Boulevard (where they are nowadays) in 1880. Rare and extinct plant species may be encountered in the gardens, over 800 varieties of trees and plants from different climatic zones of CIS and other countries grow here. With the Sea as a background, the beauty of the gardens is immense.

We hope you will enjoy your trip to Odessa!