Odessa, Ukraine-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Morning

  • 9:00 am: Arrive at Odessa International Airport (ODS)
  • 10:00 am: Take a taxi or bus (e.g. Marshrutka #123) to your hotel in the city center
  • 11:00 am: Check-in at Hotel Complex “Odessa” , a 4-star hotel located near the city’s main attractions

Afternoon

  • 1:00 pm: Grab lunch at Karavan, a popular Ukrainian restaurant serving traditional cuisine
  • 2:30 pm: Visit Odessa City Hall, an impressive building that houses the city government and offers great views of the city
  • 4:00 pm: Explore the nearby Deribasovskaya Street, a pedestrian shopping street lined with cafes, shops, and street performers

Evening

  • 7:30 pm: Enjoy dinner at Gogol Restaurant, a restaurant serving Ukrainian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere
  • 9:00 pm: Take a stroll along the city’s waterfront, the Lanzheron Beach, and enjoy the sea breeze

Things to know

  • Odessa has a humid subtropical climate with warm summers and mild winters.
  • The official currency is the Ukrainian Hryvnia (UAH), but most places accept credit cards.
  • Learn some basic Ukrainian phrases, such as “hello” (vitayu) and “thank you” (dzhakuyi).

Day 2: Museums and Historical Sites

Morning

  • 9:00 am: Visit the Odessa Museum of History, a museum showcasing the city’s history and cultural heritage
  • 11:00 am: Explore the nearby Primorsky Boulevard, a beautiful waterfront promenade with stunning views of the Black Sea

Afternoon

  • 1:00 pm: Grab lunch at Varenyk, a Ukrainian restaurant serving traditional dishes like pierogies and borscht
  • 2:30 pm: Visit the Museum of Western and Eastern Art, a museum featuring an impressive collection of art from around the world

Evening

  • 7:00 pm: Enjoy dinner at La Bohème, a cozy Italian restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere
  • 9:30 pm: Take a walk along the city’s historic Arcadia District, known for its beautiful architecture and lively nightlife

Things to know

  • The Odessa Museum of History is closed on Mondays.
  • The Primorsky Boulevard is a great place to take photos, but be mindful of your belongings.

Day 3: Beaches and Parks

Morning

  • 9:00 am: Spend the morning relaxing at Lanzheron Beach, one of Odessa’s most popular beaches
  • 12:00 pm: Grab lunch at a beachside cafe or restaurant

Afternoon

  • 2:00 pm: Visit the nearby Odessa Botanical Garden, a beautiful park featuring a variety of plant species and walking trails
  • 4:30 pm: Explore the historic Sapun Mountain, a scenic hill with stunning views of the city and sea

Evening

  • 7:00 pm: Enjoy dinner at Shustovskaya Street Food, a food court serving traditional Ukrainian street food
  • 9:30 pm: Take a leisurely walk along the beach or in the park to enjoy the evening atmosphere

Things to know

  • The Lanzheron Beach is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing.
  • The Odessa Botanical Garden is closed on Mondays.

Day 4: Shopping and Markets

Morning

  • 9:00 am: Spend the morning shopping at Primorsky Boulevard Market, a bustling marketplace featuring local vendors selling fresh produce, souvenirs, and more
  • 11:30 am: Grab lunch at Odessa Café, a cozy café serving light meals and pastries

Afternoon

  • 1:00 pm: Visit the nearby Deribasovskaya Street, a pedestrian shopping street lined with high-end boutiques, souvenir shops, and more
  • 3:30 pm: Explore the historic Odessa Art Palace, a stunning building featuring art exhibitions, concerts, and cultural events

Evening

  • 7:00 pm: Enjoy dinner at Bakery & Café, a bakery serving freshly baked goods and light meals
  • 9:30 pm: Take a stroll along the city’s shopping streets to enjoy the evening atmosphere

Things to know

  • The Primorsky Boulevard Market is closed on Sundays.
  • The Odessa Art Palace is closed on Mondays.

Day 5: Day Trip to nearby towns

Morning

  • 9:00 am: Take a day trip to Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi, a charming town located about an hour and a half from Odessa
  • 12:30 pm: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi

Afternoon

  • 2:00 pm: Visit the nearby Kilia Castle, a stunning castle dating back to the 16th century
  • 4:30 pm: Explore the historic Odessa’s Old Town, featuring beautiful architecture and cultural landmarks

Things to know

  • The Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi day trip requires some planning, so be sure to book transportation in advance.
  • The Kilia Castle is a must-visit for history buffs.

Transportation

  • Odessa has an efficient public transportation system, including buses, trams, and marshrutkas (minibuses).
  • You can also take taxis or ride-sharing services like Uber.
  • Be mindful of your belongings when using public transportation.

Tips and recommendations

  • Try some traditional Ukrainian cuisine at one of the many local restaurants.
  • Visit the city’s many museums and cultural landmarks to learn about Odessa’s rich history and culture.
  • Take a stroll along the waterfront or in one of the city’s many parks to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Accommodation

Getting there

  • Odessa International Airport (ODS) is located about 5 km from the city center.
  • You can take a taxi or bus from the airport to your hotel.

Language

  • Ukrainian and Russian are the official languages of Ukraine, but many locals speak English as well.
  • Be sure to learn some basic phrases in Ukrainian, such as “hello” (vitayu) and “thank you” (dzhakuyi).

I hope this helps! Enjoy your trip to Odessa!