Location: Odessa
Top Things to do in Odessa
Top Restaurants in Odessa
Countries
Things to do in Odessa, Odessa Oblast: The Best Cultural Tours
With just over a million people, Odessa is Ukraine’s fourth-largest city. Set in the country’s south along the Black Sea coast, Odessa was founded in the late 18th century as a Russian naval fortress. For many years in the mid-19th century, it was a free port, becoming home to a multinational populace. In 1905, it was the site of a major Russian Revolution uprising by crew members of the Battleship Potemkin. The nice old town area has a beautiful opera house, and the city has many great beaches.
Restaurants in Odessa
1. Ukraine - Moldova Tour by Minivan from Kiev
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Guided tour to Ukraine and Moldova by minivan in a small group up to 6 people for 10 days. We welcome you to join this terrific tour by minivan through Ukraine, Moldova and Transnistria, where you will learn the history of two former USSR countries. You will walk around Kyiv and will be impressed by the antiquity and greatness of this city of contrasts. You will discover amazing ancient castle in Kamianets-Podilskyi and will feel the atmosphere of cosy and real European city of Chernivtsi which has deep Romanian influence. Odessa will surprise you with its charisma and hospitality. Moldova is a home to a rich wine culture. And Transnistria – unrecognised country – will overwhelm you by going back to USSR! Join us on this beautiful journey and connect with friendly people who will overwhelm you with their legendary hospitality. Let’s enjoy Ukraine and Moldova together as locals do!
Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Accommodation with meals as per itinerary, Professional guide, Tour escort/host, Round-trip shared transfer, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Bottled water, Local taxes
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities, International flights
Reviewed By XcLuSivRN
I chose to go w/ JC Travel b/c they had the best price and I liked that I can visit the 3 main cities--Kyiv, Lviv, and Odessa. I wanted to go visit the Holodomor during their remembrance day and Julia (the owner) did everything she can to accommodate me w/ during COVID mandates in Ukraine. She even reminded me when to get my COVID test done b/c you can't get it done too soon or too late esp when my travel time was like 28 hours. I also had to buy COVID health insurance as well, but it was really cheap (11 days for about 12 USD). All her tour guides and drivers were very helpful as well. I can't say enough good things about them. They really take good care of you. Now, why Ukraine? Ukraine is one of the countries open for travel for Americans during COVID and also b/c I love history. I didn't realize this but you get so much for your money traveling here than you would in other parts of Europe, including Russia. Kyiv has a lot of history w/ Russia/USSR (Kyiv also accept USD there btw) and another 2 hours up north is the Chernobyl nuclear plant (Pripyat), which most Americans don't know about unless they have HBO. Pripyat is an abandoned city that was once filled w/ so much life and dreams of a better future.. (Imagine being told to leave your home NOW and never see your home and valuables again b/c they would be looted or liquidated). The stray dogs are also wonderful. There were at least 3 dogs that act as a guide. I saw one of them leading another group and then another two that later found us and then later found our driver. I feel like you can't get lost in Pripyat Then there's Lviv if you want that European feel to it for less than half the cost. Odessa is by the Black Sea and its history is much more diverse. I had such a great time shopping and eating great food. Even though COVID makes life harder (b/c I hate masks and lockdowns), I'm so glad I chose Ukraine and was able to make it out here before our stupid mayor and governor told us we can't travel. Anyway, I would really recommend JC Travel. Julia is very organized and always there for you. Her guides speak very good English and you really get that first class treatment w/ this tour company!
2. Odessa's Hidden Story: the Catacombs
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
A walk through the largest system of the underground tunnels in Europe. The most comprehensive tour of the Odessa Catacombs. From to 200-year old mines and quarries to criminal headquarters to WW2 partisans’ base this is an exciting story of the hidden under the ground Odessa. We'll start the underground journey with a walk through the authentic mines and quarries (aka wild catacombs). We'll explore how the miners created the tunnels about 200 yrs ago and see original artifacts of that period. Odessa's catacombs and the criminals. Discover how the smugglers used the tunnels and hear fun stories of Odessa's criminal world. A walk through the WW2 resistance quarters will take you back in time to Odessa's occupation and show how people lived under the ground. And as we get outside the tunnels, we'll glimpse at the local village and see the route we covered under the ground. Join us on this fascinating journey as we explore the underground city bringing its history to life.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, All Fees and Taxes
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Grant H
Had a great day with Olga! Best way to see & learn about the culture and history of the beautiful city. Food was great! I now have done the Pub tour, Food tour & Catacombs with them & highly recommend!
3. Musical and Cultural Odesa
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Odessa is a city with a rich musical and cultural history. Let's discover why so many musicians came out from Odessa, what inspires poets and writers, why they returned here for a breath of this unique air. And you will feel why the main words of our anthem are "there is a city that I see in my dreams". You will be guided through the lives of the world-famous musicians who were born and studying in Odesa. You will hear how Odesa inspired them and what they brought to our culture. This tour is all about classical music exactly in Odesa, the local mix of culture and art. You could listen to some piano compositions by Liszt, Chopin or Rachmaninov. The tour route is in-between the Academy of Music, Music College, two Music Schools, Philharmonic, Opera and Ballet House, and modern places for listening to music.
Inclusions: Guide
Exclusions:
Reviewed By krs0ne
It was an awesome off the tourist track expedition! The guide was well informed and his stories was interesting to hear.
4. Pub Walk Tour in Odessa
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Fun story of beer making and drinking in Odessa. A stroll around off-the-beaten path areas of the historical quarter. Local beer at three pubs each with a different flavor. An interesting conversation about things local. This is what our Pubs Walk is about. The great thing about this walk is that you spend about twenty minutes getting to know a neighborhood and then we go in one of its pubs with “history”. Here you can enjoy a drink, absorb the ambience and discuss what you have heard so far with your guide. We'll talk about history and local lifestyle, drinking traditions and eating habits and whatever else has caught your attention. Once you have finished your drink, your guide will bring you back on route before stopping off at another hostelry for a break and more discussion. So, looking for a walking tour with a difference? Consider the Pubs Walk and discover a whole knew side to this fascinating city.
Inclusions: Services of the guide
Exclusions: Beer is not included into the price of the tour
Reviewed By Grant H
Had a great day with Olga! Best way to see & learn about the culture and history of the beautiful city. Food was great! I now have done the Pub tour, Food tour & Catacombs with them & highly recommend!
5. "Why Odessa is awesome" walking tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
This tour is the perfect introduction for Odessa with historical and cultural information. How did the city of Odessa get started? Where did this special mentality its inhabitants have come from? There's a story about all the things around and I know all of them. This tour will help you understand why Odessa is so special, colorful and multicultural city. As your guide I'll show you what is worthy to see. I know all the best spots and great views :)
Inclusions: Photographer can come along to capture beautiful moments of our tour
Exclusions: Usually we take a pause to rest and have a coffee. It's optional. Drinks and food in cafe are not included in tour price
6. Relaxed one day walk in Odessa
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
We offer relaxed and friendly styled walk in the city of Odessa, we take you through the iconic places but in a local way, we know many secret and authentic spots. We also give you hot tips and can give you recommendations about places to eat, visit and see during your visit to the city.
Inclusions: Funicular fee, Private Guide, Trolley fee
Exclusions: Snacks, Bottled water, Private transportation
7. Best of Ukraine: Kyiv, Lviv and Odesa
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Visit 3 main tourist centers of Ukraine in one tour! Observe the diverse architectural styles in Kyiv, feel the atmosphere of old cozy Europe in Lviv and go deeper into the culture of locals in Odesa. This tour gives you everything you were looking for in every tour - join the city tours which will lead you into the history and culture of each city, find out more about the lifestyle of the locals and take your free time to feel yourself a discoverer! Go beyond it and take optional tours that meet your own interest! Let’s discover Ukraine together!
Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, All Fees and Taxes, Air-conditioned vehicle, Local guides in each city
Exclusions:
Reviewed By mitch s
JC Travel arranged a two week tour of the Ukraine. They worked with us in establishing the itinerary, selecting hotels and arranged all transportation, guides and sights within the cities selected. Everything was most professional from knowledgeable guides, to excellent drivers, to hotel locations and all transport to and from hotels and airports. Julia, the owner, is personally involved in arranging all aspects of the tour and everything was well organized and ran like clockwork. Couldn't be more pleased and recommend highly.
8. Private Walking Tour of Odessa Catacombs with Hotel Pick up
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
The Museum of Catacombs on Moldavanka district is considered one of the best in Odessa (one of the world’s unique attractions). The route is absolutely safe. We accept tourists from 2-3 years. The tour is conducted by speleologists. Each hall is stylized to its own theme. At the end of the tour the guests a sweet surprise awaits. In helmets and with flashlights, you will go to the dungeon, going down to the depth of an 8-storey building. You will see an anti-nuclear bunker, underground lakes, bones of ancient animals and other finds of cavers. You will hear stories about the foundation of quarries, the slave trade, smugglers, as well as the partisan movement during the Second World War.
Inclusions: Local guide, Private tour, Coffee and/or Tea, Hotel pick up and drop off
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Y961SGannag
It was an incredible and interesting tour. Our tour guide Oleg is an awesome encyclopedia about Chernobyl catastrophe. He knows everything, his attitude towards true history and people is sincere and respectful.
9. Odessa Food Tour
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Get adventurous. Eat local. Explore more. You'll literally eat your way through Odessa's historic quarter on this tour. You'll enjoy a variety of Odessa’s traditional appetizers, Ukrainian dumplings (aka Pirogi) and delicious local desserts while exploring Odessa’s history and culture. All tastings are done seated in local restaurants each with a different flavor. To walk off some calories we'll do sightseeing in between the tastings. Odessa offers a unique cuisine – a mix of Greek, Bulgarian, Jewish, French, Russian and Ukrainian. During this tour you will enjoy a variety of food specialties that has secured Odessa’s reputation as being one of the greatest culinary and cultural centers of Ukraine and the former USSR. You will explore the history, culture and lifestyle that make Odessa so unique and set it apart from other Ukrainian cities. We are happy to do this tour for 1 person. If group size matters for you, please contact us prior to coming to the tour regards the group size.
Inclusions: Snacks
Exclusions: Any beverages (bottled water, beer, juice, alcohol)
Reviewed By Grant H
Well, thanks to covid we had the entire place to oursevles. Sasha again was an awesome guide providing us with a historical look at early Odessa. I recommend her highly! Next time we will try the wine tour!
10. Odessa sightseeing city tour
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
Sightseeing excursion by car or minivan though Odessa’s historic quarters. During this trip we will visit and see the most important and beautiful places of Odessa.
Inclusions: Driver/guide, Local guide, Professional guide, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Transport by private vehicle, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Bottled water
Exclusions:
Reviewed By U1559GLkellyw
Roman is personable, knowledgeable and speaks wonderful English. Kristina at Tairov was a delightful hostess and we enjoyed our private tasting. We enjoyed the experience so much, we are booking another tour tomorrow!
TAGS
