Odessa is the 5th largest city in Ukraine and the most important city of trade. Odessa is the largest city along the entire Black Sea. Many years ago, Odessa was once the 3rd leading city in old Russia, after Moscow and St. Petersburg. Odessa looks more like a city located on the Mediterranean, having been heavily influenced by French and Italian styles. Odessa has always had a spirit of freedom, probably endowed to her by her location and by her ability to accept many different peoples. The city is a diversity of Ukrainian, Russian, Moldavian, Greek, Romanian, Bulgarian, Caucasian, Jewish, Turkish, Vietnamese and so forth. Modern Odessa is a city rebuilding herself, and her downtown is slowly being revitalised. Odessa is well-known as the capital of humour, probably due to the great variety of people and her southern location on the Black Sea. Today, Odessa is referred to as the "Pearl of the Black Sea", "Odessa Mama" and "Southern Palmira" by many.

THE OPERA HOUSE is one of the best in Europe, goes after Vienna Opera House from architecture standpoint. Exquisite inside decor in the style of Viennese baroque blended with elements of the Italian Renaissance and French rococo, sculptural groups taken from Greek mythology, the stucco moldings and guilt friezes combined with the red velvet of the seats and boxes - all this tends to create a special atmosphere.

DUKE DE RICHELIEU Statue of the Duke of Richelieu. The Duke of Richelieu was one of Odessa's founders. The bronze statue was first erected in 1828 by the St. Petersburg sculptor I. Martos and architect A. Melnikov. The Statue is located just before the Potemkinskaya Stairs, one of the most famous attactions in Odessa                                      Built in 1837, POTEMKIN STEPS are the best place to view the busy harbors and the bay. The famous monument to Duke de Richelieu overlooks steps of 142m length. Looking down from the top, the steps themselves become invisible, only the landings can be seen. On either side of the stairs there is a stone parapet and the two appear to run parallel. This, however, is an optical illusion, because in reality the width of the stairs of the bottom flight is double that of the top flight. At the bottom of the steps is the city's brand new passenger ship terminal and convention center.

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, 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 so called 'Piece of Old Odessa" - steep bridge, the well and sculpture of girl with a jar. Newlyweds traditionally come here to have their pictures taken. . DERIBASOVSKAYA STREET Is the very heart of Odessa. What lends Deribasovskaya its unique character is magnificent architecture, tons of people leisurely sitting on terraces of numerous cafes and restaurants, perfect cobblestones, no vehicle traffic and big shady linden trees. This special character has survived even through the Soviet times when conforming Soviet canons was highly recommended. Deribasovskaya leads to the City Gardens with its fountain, old summerhouse and sculpture of lion and lioness. City Gardens were laid out shortly after the foundation of Odessa and were its first park. The Souvenir Market with a crowd of artists and craftsmen demonstrating their works is situated right here. Prices are really low, and some items are gorgeous. Bargains are common. Don't miss it if you want to get originally Odessan souvenirs

The cobblestone and tall acacia trees on this boulevard are most reminiscent of Old Odessa. This place was home to Odessa's wealthy merchants in old days. Now this is one of the most picturesque resort districts in Odessa. The cable car rides from the Boulevard down to the Lanzheron Beach. It is fun and costs less than 1 hryvna. 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.

Arcadia is the most developed beach in Odessa. It looks gorgeous in summer - 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. If you are taking kids, check out Tropicano Children World - probably, they would like it. There are several outdoor nightclubs by the beach in Arcadia. Surely, Arcadia is not for solitude seekers, but they can find a quiet place by walking further.