Besides offering a lot of places of interest, Odesa is an extremely comfortable for sightseeing tours chiefly because its most bustling attractions are located next to each other.

It’s better to start to know the Southern Palmyra from the very center of the city. First of all, head for one of the Odesa architectural treasuries, Opera House. By the way, the locals gave the opera house the nickname ‘Vienna cake,’ because of its round form and intricate decoration. The opera house impresses its guests with its luxurious decoration, which is considered to be the most beautiful part of the building. Use the chance to see not only its fantastically decorated facades, but also the incredibly beautiful interiors. Then walk along Lanzheronivska Street towards the sea. In its intersection with Pushkinska Street, the age-old neo-Greek edifice of the Odesa Archaeological Museum is located. If you have enough time, make a visit and admire valuable historic and cultural monuments of Northern Black Sea Coast, Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, as well as antiquities from Egypt.

There is another outstanding edifice behind it: the eclectic building of Palace of Gagarin Family that bore a strong resemblance to an austere medieval castle. As of today, it is occupied by Odesa Literary Museum, one of the most famous and visited in the city. In front of it – in the middle of Dumska Square – the building of Former Exchange stands. As of now, it is a home to Odesa City Council. This splendid neoclassic edifice with colonnade is one of the most important visit cards of the Southern Palmyra.

Then start to move along the well-known Primorsky Boulevard. It is a very interesting place with a good vibe that plays the role of the city’s gala facade. The boulevard meets guests, opted to come to Odesa by sea, and tries to impress them with all its beauty. This short street houses several interesting architectural monuments, the most famous of which is the hotel Londonskaya. Nicknamed “frozen music”, its elegant Italian renaissance edifice is rightly considered to be the finest in Primorsky Boulevard ensemble. Being next to the hotel, pay attention to the crystal dome that covers the archaeological remains of an ancient Greek settlement discovered recently.

Then walk along the boulevard towards the most famous symbol of Odesa, the monument to Duke de Richelieu, the first governor of the city and major contributor to its growth and development. His statue rises atop the legendary Potemkin Stairs, where spectacular views of the Port of Odesa with snow-white ships and yachts could be enjoyed. Don’t hurry to go down. Continue walking along the boulevard till the Prince Vorontsov Palace with luxurious belvedere colonnade, which embodied the best classicism traits. Also pay attention to the so-called Flat House, situated one minute away. Try to guess the secret of its original architecture.

Then return to the Monument to Duke de Richelieu, and either by Potemkin Stairs, counting its 192 steps, or by funicular go down to the Port of Odesa, whose history is closely linked to the city’s chronicle. Have a walk along its territory and admire its picturesque harbors. Also, visit the Seaport Terminal, one of the largest passenger terminals in Europe, and have a look at the original sculptures located next to it.

After that, return to the beginning of Primorsky Boulevard. Walk along Pushkinska Street towards Deribasovskaya, the most famous and colorful street of Odesa flanked with age-old edifices and numerous shops. Also Deribasovskaya Street houses a lot of cafes and restaurant so one can enjoy a meal here and then head for nearby City Garden to admire interesting monuments and sculpture, and have a rest after a bustling day.