Hostels in ODESSA, UKRAINE

Odessa – City of Monuments and Museums

Odessa, a resort and port city located along the Black Sea in Ukraine, also called as the “Pearl of the South” for its special ambience and architectural style is a leading tourist destination in Ukraine.

History
The city’s history goes back to the 14th century when Khadzhibey’s Tatar fortress was built here. Till the coming of the 18th century, the Polish-Lithuanians, the Turks and the Russians had had controlled the city. The city got its port and name in 1795. The 18th and 19th centuries brought big riches to the city under the Frenchman Duke de Richelieu. The city was lucky to enjoy substantial freedom during the Russian rule. Till late 19th century, the importance of Odessa port was next only to St. Petersburg.

Popular Places and Attractions
The Catacombs are Odessa’s biggest attraction. This labyrinthine underground tunnel system was built in place of abandoned limestone mines during the 19th century and is more than 400kms long. Resistance fighters, smugglers and partisans extensively used the catacombs during Odessa’s early history. The 192 steps at the Potemkin Stairway are popular for the optical illusion created by them. The steps can only be seen when standing below them. From the top of the stairway, the steps are almost indiscernible.

The city also has several good beaches such as Lanzheron, Otrada, Malibu, Arcadia and Dolphin. Some other popular attractions are St. Ilea Cathedral, Duke de Richelieu Monument, Catherine Square, Concert Hall, City Garden, Primorskiy Boulevard houses, Literature Museum, Opera House, Art Museum, Picture Gallery, Shevchenko Park’s World War II Memorial, Archaeology Museum’s 160,000 exhibits, St. Pantheleimon Orthodox Church and the Marine Fleet Museum.

Getting Around
Buses, trams, minibuses, taxis, trolley-buses and rented cars are the various modes of transportation available for getting around Odessa, to help guide you round the city keep some change handy to pay for your fares.

Places for Entertainment
Cafes are available in abundance all along the popular Deribasovskaya Street. The Sobornaya Square is also a good place for people-watching. All of Odessa’s nightlife revolves around the Arcadia beach and its several restaurants, clubs, cafes and bars. The Privoz is an enormous indoor/outdoor market and enjoys the reputation of being the best shopping destination in Ukraine. Ballet House, dancing venues, strip clubs, patios, film screenings, exhibitions, literature nights, and rock and Jazz shows and festivals are few other avenues of entertainment that can be taken up by visitors. Salsa, Reggae, Cumbia and Meringue rule the dancing venues of the city and enthusiasts can also seek help of expert trainers for learning a shake or two.

Accommodation
Budget hotels, youth hostels, bed & breakfast, motels, guesthouse, apartments and church houses are available for looking after the accommodation requirements of tourists.

Currency
The Hryvnia (UAH) is the official currency of Ukraine. Its exchange value is 1 UAH for every 0.125 USD, for the latest exchange rate check the news and internet. Credit cards and traveller’s cheques are also usually accepted. Payment in foreign currency, though accepted by many shops, is illegal.

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