The first time, I visited Odessa for a week in July, 2013.

I really enjoyed this fabulous city during the period of my short visit. Odessa is a very cosmopolitan, multi-cultural and multi-lingual city which reserves a ‘Mediterranean soul’ inside as well. Also, the city contains a ‘female soul’ and maybe that’s why they call it ‘Odessa Mama’.

I liked this city much as a traveler who spent his vacation in the summer time. Local people were usually very kind and helpful. I liked also its buildings, streets, parks, opera house, sculptures, beaches, cafes, restaurants, lounges, bridges, trams etc. They were all really very impressive.

Deribasovskaya Street is the most popular street in Odessa city center. It looks like ‘Istiklal Street in Istanbul’. There are many nice cafes, restaurants, and stores. I can advise you to take a pleasant break at the City Garden, Bellini Lounge, Compot (Delicious bakery) and Lviv Handmade Chocolate. And Maman was my favorite restaurant in Odessa.

City Garden, a small, lovely, green and quiet park with a nice fountain, is located near Deribasovskaya Street. Usually, in the afternoon you may see well-dressed old ladies (babushka) with their hats and sunglasses.

In the street, children can have a chance to ride a pony.  The lights of a small luna park near the street make the place is much more colorful and enjoyable.

I have been to opera houses in Kiev and Minsk also. But my favorite is the Odessa Opera House definitely. People come here very well-dressed and stylish. This shows how they are keen on opera and art.

When you pass the Opera House after 5 min walk, you can reach to Istanbul Park and famous Potemkin Stairs. Most probably, you haven’t seen Battleship Potemkin (original title Bronyenosyets Potyomkin) directed by Sergei M. Eisenstein in 1925. It is an important movie for entire Cinema history. Anyway, you should come and see Potemkin Stairs which were visible on that ‘famous’ movie.

Also, It was very nice when you come across with Pushkin in Odessa streets. Do not forget to take a photo or selfie with Pushkin statue in front of the orange walls of a building.

For me, the most impressive buildings of Odessa are Bristol Hotel and Mozart Hotel which is located near to Opera. Also, it was a very pleasant surprise to come across with historical old Customs building from Ottoman times.

When I go abroad I usually visit fruit and vegetable markets. It is a very good opportunity to communicate with local people and buy some fresh fruits. So, I highly recommend you to visit Odessa market too.

Taxi is cheap in Odessa generally. You may also raise a hand to ask for a car driver on the street. If they are available, they can drop you there for the almost half price of the taxi cost. It might come rather strange for you but it is very normal in Odessa. So, do not hesitate for it. Of course, I don’t advice you to do it at night or out of the city.

Nostalgic trams are the cheapest way for transportation. You can also choose minibus to go to the public beach.

For accommodation, there are many options in Odessa. I preferred to stay in Apart-Hotel Kostandi. Their suit rooms are very comfortable and large, including a kitchen and a private bathroom. It is a very clean hotel with kind and helpful staff. Hotel is located in Pastera Street which is 3 minutes away from City Garden and Deribasovskaya Street.

Ibiza Beach Club and Itaka Club are nice places for night fun but too much crowded. I also like the Central Bar in the city center with good live music.  Arcadia is a historical part of Odessa, Ukraine, which is known as a famous resort. You can reach there by taxi maximum in 15 minutes.

Below photos taken by me could give you some idea about the city. And I hope, you can also discover Odessa someday in the near future! Just enjoy it!