Odessa was founded in the late 18th century by Russian Empress Catherine the Great. Ever since its foundation Odessa was home for multicultural and multinational crowd. People from all over Europe came to Odessa to make their fortune here, thus the city’s patchy and rather tatty appearance.

Odessa is truly magnificent city and has what it seems like endless number of attractions to visit. But if this is your first time to Odessa or you don’t have much time for sightseeing, this is top 5 must visit places you don’t want to miss.
Read: TOP 5 Odessa museums to visit
Deribasovskaya Street in Odessa

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Nothing will describe Odessa and its locals better than the main street. Deribasovskaya is considered to be the heart of Odessa. The monument to Joseph Deribas, the governor of Odessa, opens the street. If you take a slow walk further you will get to the city's famous garden which was opened in 1806. As time goes on the garden becomes more beautiful. There is a singing fountain over there. Also the street holds many hotels and inns. And, of course, we can’t ignore the most beautiful building of the street, and perhaps, of Odessa - «Passage".
Potemkin Steps

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The steps lead down from bul Prymorsky to the Sea Port and it is one more must visit places in Odessa Please pause at the top to admire sweeping views of the harbor. You may avoid climbing back by taking the free funicular railway that runs parallel.

Prymorsky Boulevard

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Sooner or later everyone gravitates to this tree-lined pedestrian zone with replica 19th-century gas lamps and park benches. At the boulevard's eastern end, you'll spot the pink-and-white colonnaded City Hall, originally the stock exchange and later the Regional Soviet Headquarters. The cannon here is a war trophy captured from the British during the Crimean War. In the square in front of City Hall is Odessa's most photographed monument, the Pushkin statue. Continuing along the boulevard, at the top of the Potemkin Steps you'll reach the statue of Duc de Richelieu, Odessa's first governor. At the western end of Prymorsky boulevard stands the semi-derelict Vorontsov Palace. This was the residence of the city's third governor, built in 1826 in a classical style with interior Arabic detailing. The Greek-style colonnade behind the palace offers brilliant views over Odessa's bustling port.
Odessa Opera and Ballet Theatre

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After being closed for several years for reconstruction, the theatre reopened to welcome eager visitors in 2007. You can take a Russian-language tour of the theatre, starting one hour before Friday and Saturday performances (UAH 100) or, better yet, take in a performance. Opera and Ballet Theater is considered to be the jewel of Odessa’s architecture. The Opera Theater was designed by Ferdinand Fellner and Herman Helmer, architect famous for designing world famous Vienna State Opera.
Arkadia Beach

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An evening at Arkadia is a must when in Odessa and this is definitely the city’s most popular must-visit place. The central part of the beach is almost entirely occupied by beach clubs, which have pools and double as nightclubs after sunset.
Read: Flying to Odessa travelling Tips
Odessa is an ultimate Ukrainian destination for holidaymakers and regular party crowd with its sandy beaches, warm climate and dozens of beachside nightclubs. «Destibations» brings you top 5 must visit places in Odessa.