A Digital Nomad Guide to Odessa

Odessa Visa

Ukraine is a very welcoming country and does not require many countries to obtain a visa before entry. There are around 80 countries, including the European Union, that can enter Ukraine without needing a visa. Visitors from these countries can stay for up to 90 days within a 180 day period; however, there are some restrictions to certain countries on this list. Please check with your embassy in Ukraine to see if your country is on this list and if there are any differences regarding your entry. If you are not from a visa-exempt country, then you will need to obtain a visa. The next level of entry is an e-visa, which can be purchased for $20 USD and will allow a single entry and up to a 30 day stay for either business or tourism. You can pay $30 USD if you would like a double entry. There are around 45 countries that qualify for this type of visa.

There are some countries that Ukraine asks to apply for a visa before arrival and will require biometric control measures once you enter the country. If you are from one of these countries, then you will be required to participate in taking fingerprints and a photo upon arrival.

Culture and Food in Odessa

Odesa has some of Ukraine’s best cuisine, and there is a great selection of restaurants and bars to experience this. Being on the Black Sea, you will see many seafood restaurants, and there are many regional dishes that you must try when in the area. This was one of the things I enjoyed most about being in Odesa, as you get to see firsthand the creative side of the country and how locals have experimented with the culinary scene. The gastronomy industry has boomed in Odesa in recent years, and you will find a huge selection of cuisines from across the globe.

Traditionally Ukrainian cuisine revolves around meat and bread, as these are staples of diets in this region of the world. Rich, hearty meals such as stews and soups are very traditional in Ukraine.

Traditional Ukrainian Food

If you want to try local dishes, then the best restaurants are Molodost and Kompot. Molodost is a cute restaurant serving lots of traditional Ukrainian specialties served in a fun way. Their beer comes in mason jars, and the food is served in alternative and unique dishes, which make the presentation special. One thing that makes this restaurant stand out is the attention to detail of how they serve the food, so if you are looking for traditional food served in a unique way, then this is the place. If you are looking to try traditional food on a lower budget, then Kompot is another good place to eat traditional Ukrainian specialties. It is a lower-end restaurant, but the food tastes great! Finally, there is Kumanets which is a very touristy restaurant and can become very busy during the peak tourist season; however, they serve a great selection of local specialties. 

Seafood

Odesa is a hub for seafood, as it is located on the Black Sea, which is a fruitful ocean full of a wide variety of aquatic life. Being a port city means that it has become one of the main fishing hubs of the Black Sea for both trades locally and internationally. Some of the most popular seafood dishes are mussels in cream, Bichki Bullfish, fried shrimp, fish soup, and shellfish known as rapani. Some of the best seafood restaurants are Kotelok Mussel Bar, P1 Prosecco Bar, and Bar Ustrichnaya. 

Fast Food

You will find some chains that you may recognize in Ukraine, such as McDonald’s and KFC, but these can be extremely overpriced when compared with local fast food options. You will find many “American” style diners and burger restaurants in Odesa. Some of the best local fast food places to eat are Mr. Chef and VLAVASHE.

Street Food

Sometimes street food can get a bad rep, but I think it is one of the best ways to understand a country and its people. Generally, this is where you will see locals eating, especially if you find street food stalls at the markets. Pryvoz Market is the oldest produce market in Odesa, and you will find many vendors cooking up local treats as well as selling local produce. If you want to try something different and authentic, then head here. You will find bread, pastries, and other small snacks here. Deribasovska Street is another popular place to head for street food, and there is a good selection of places to get snacks here.

Vegetarian, Vegan, and Dietary Needs

Odesa has a good selection of restaurants and cafés that offer specific dietary-friendly foods. There isn’t as much choice here as being in the capital; however there are still some options. Some of the best vegetarian restaurants are Wild Sandwich, True, and Vitary. Websites such as happycow.net are great networks for finding vegetarian and vegan restaurants in a city that you are heading to.

Odessa Nightlife

Odesa is a bustling city with some of the best nightlife in Ukraine. There is something to suit everyone; whether you want to hang out at a chill wine bar or you want to dance the night away at one of the many clubs, there will be something that appeals to your taste. 

Nightclubs

Odesa has a buzzing nightlife scene with a variety of nightclubs, offering various packages and vibes. If you want to dance there are nightclubs or if you want to sing there are karaoke bars and if you want to party on the beach there are beach clubs too. There is an endless choice in Odesa, and here are some of the best-rated nightclubs in Odesa. Bright Club & Karaoke Rooms and Itaka are great choices, but check if they are still open before you go, as things are rapidly changing in Odesa.

Bars

If you are looking for somewhere to have a few chilled drinks in a venue that has character, then Stich Bar is highly rated for its inventive cocktails and is located close to the center. Other popular bars are The Flacon and the Fitz. 

Opera and Ballet

Odesa is famous for its opera house, so one of the most popular things to do in the evening is to go to the Opera. This beautiful and prestigious venue offers some of the world’s best Opera and ballet shows for a price that you can’t say no to. Their tickets start from as little as $1.80 USD to watch a show, which is an incredible price considering the average cost of watching a show in other countries is over ten times the cost. Tickets and performances can be found at operahouse.od.ua/.

Walking Tours

There is a great selection of tours in Odesa, from bar crawls to food tours and city night light walking tours, so you will not get bored in this beautiful city. The best way to find a walking tour is by visiting the tourist information center once you arrive, and then you can see what is available. Update in February 2024: please check carefully before you go to see which walking tours are still available.

Beach Clubs

The best beach clubs are located on the beaches just south of the city center, and there is a huge selection to choose from. Many are great lounge spots during the day, and by night they turn into great beach nightclubs. Some can be very expensive because they are located directly on the beach, offering a very stylish venue to party the night away. Mantra Beach Club is one of the most popular beach venues as it brings in DJs from around the world, and the parties run until 6 am on weekends. Other beach clubs include Ibiza Beach Club, Bono Beach Club, and Mafia Rave Terrace Club.

Things to do in Odessa

Odesa is full of things to do, from visiting museums, enjoying a walking tour to admire the grand architecture, or swimming in the Black Sea. You will find so much on your doorstep to keep you entertained. Update in February 2024: please check each attraction to see its current status. Many attractions may not currently be available. 

• Museums and Galleries

  There is a great selection of museums and galleries in Odesa, showcasing the rich history and culture of Ukraine. If you are a history fan, then the best museums that give you a window into the history of Ukraine are Odesa Archeological Museum, Odesa History Museum, Museum of heroic defense of Odesa, Odesa Numismatic Museum, and the Holocaust Museum. The best museums for art, art history, and literature are Odesa Fine Arts Museum, Odesa Museum of Western and Eastern Art, Odesa Pushkin Museum, and Odesa Literature Museum. As well as traditional museums, you will find museums that are dedicated to specific industries or crafts, such as the Cognac Museum, the Chocolate Museum, the Museum of Sound, Museums of Smuggling, and the Maritime Museum. Most museums will cost under $5 USD for entrance, but they do vary.

• Walking Tours

  Odesa offers a wide variety of walking tours. The city has endured a complex past, which is often witnessed through the buildings and architecture. Walking tours come in varying forms, and prices can range from being free to costing up to around $30 USD. You will find many tour operators offer free city walking tours, which operate on a tip-based system. The tour is free, but you are expected to tip your guide at the end. This is a great option for someone on a lower budget who wants to learn more about the city, as you can choose how much you pay. Always remember to be fair when tipping. There are specific tours dedicated to certain themes, such as music and culture tours, gastronomy-focused tours, and of course, standard walking tours the focus on the buildings and history of Odesa.

• Underground Odesa

  Similarly to some other major cities, Odesa has its very own underground city and catacombs. You can get a guided tour of the labyrinth that lies beneath Odesa for around $19 USD, and it is a really unique experience. Most guided tours include items such as torches and a professional guide who will explain the history as they take you through the hidden maze that is a lesser-known attraction of Odesa.

• Gastronomy Attractions

  For the foodie, Odesa is a great city to be located, as it is on the Black Sea, which provides a diverse variety of seafood dishes, as well as traditional Ukrainian specialties. There are many food-related tours, and many are walking tours where tasters are given at each stop. These types of tours tend to cost around $30 USD, but they can go up to around $60 USD depending on the amount of food included. There is a great selection of cookery classes offered in Odesa. From cheese-making to learning how to make traditional dishes such as borsch and varenyky. You will be able to find a cookery class that appeals to you. Cookery classes tend to start at around $23 USD, but they can also go up to costing around $90 USD.

• Beach Day

  For someone who likes to be mindful of their budget, then a simple beach day is a great way to enjoy being in Odesa without having to spend a fortune. Although having said that, it is possible to use one of the beach clubs to rent sun loungers which will cost. There are many beach areas which are free and if the weather is great then why not take a picnic and a book and relax for a while. Many beach clubs operate along the seafront, offering sun loungers, umbrellas, and drinks services for a fee. Some of the most popular beaches are Lanzherone Beach, Dolphin Beach, and Wild Beach.

• Opera House

  Odesa is a city that has a rich musical history, and it is famous for its grand opera house. Even if you don’t make it to see an opera, just admiring the building makes for a great afternoon. The opera house was built in the 1800s by Russian architect Thomas de Thomon. If you do want to see an opera, tickets sell for as little as $2 USD.

• Famous Monuments and Statues

  As well as the Opera House, there are the Potemkin stairs, Statue of the Duc de Richelieu, the Sailor’s wife monument, Monument to L. Utesov, and the wings of victory. Why not rent one of the nextbikes and take a self-guided tour around all the monuments of Odesa.

• Markets

  The best produce market in Odesa is the Privoz Market (Pryvoz Market). It is Odesa’s largest and oldest farmers market, and you really get to experience the hustle and bustle of daily market life in this area of the city. It is located just outside of the city center and should take around 20 minutes to walk from the center. This is also a great place to get fantastic local produce at a low price.

• Day Trips and Excursions

  There are many excursions from Odesa, so if you want to escape the city and head to the countryside, then you should look at your options. Belgorod Dnestrovsky fortress is a popular destination for a day excursion to learn about Ukraine’s history in defense. Kyiv, the capital city, is a five-hour drive away from Odesa, so it is a little far for a day trip, but it is common to go for a few days or a long weekend. The Sukhyi estuary and ecological park is a popular destination for a day trip, especially if you are craving being in nature.

Best Time to Visit Odessa

Odesa is located in the northern hemisphere on the coastline of the Black Sea, so it has an oceanic climate. It rains all year round with around 180 dry days and the best time of year to visit is between May and September. The summertime is when you will have the best weather, warmest temperatures, and mostly clear skies. The highest average temperature in Odesa during the summer is in July, and temperatures reach as high as 28°C (82 F). 

Temperatures and seasons begin to change around September, October time and you will notice a drop in temperatures as Odesa enters the autumnal months.

The winters are quite mild as Odesa is on the coast, and on average, the lowest temperatures are in January, and they can get down to as low as 2°C (35 F). However, it is quite normal for temperatures to drop down to -1°C (30 F) at night.

During the summers, the water temperatures can also reach up to 28°C (82 F), which is pleasantly warm for an ocean in Europe. At their lowest, the water temperature can drop to 6°C (42 F) at night and during the winter months.

Odessa for Families

Odesa is a great city for families as there is a lot to do as it is a developed city with a variety of services, schools, daycares, and activities. There is a very small ex-pat community, so you may find it difficult to find other foreign families in the city, as most ex-pats head to the capital city Kyiv; however, there are some in the area. It is always best to speak with ex-pats who have moved over so you can really understand what life there is like as a foreign family. 

The best accommodation for families is to rent is an apartment, through companies such as Airbnb and booking.com as you are more likely to find a reliable form of accommodation. Alternatively, it is suggested to rent from a hotel as there may be advantages such as daycare services and facilities such as an onsite pool. Most apartments on Airbnb will cost around $1,800 USD for two bedrooms but make sure to shop around as you may find a hotel willing to charge a similar rate.

There are a handful of international schools in Odesa, teaching a variety of ages in multiple languages; however, these tend to be private rather than state schools. The British International School is one of the best in the city that teaches and looks after children from nursery school up to secondary education, following the British educational system. Another international school that teaches in French exists in Odesa, and it is possible that as demand grows, more appear. It is best to ask on ex-pat forums for information on schools in the city as this is where you can speak directly with people in Odesa. 

There is a great selection of activities to do with children in and around Odesa, from playing on the beach, admiring the museums, or letting off some steam at one of Odesa’s water parks. If you are visiting during summer, then you can really make the most of the outdoor and aquatic activities. Tickets cost around $14 USD for children and $21 USD for adults. Another great way to keep the kids entertained is at Odessa Dolphinarium Nemo. Here you can watch dolphin shows and even swim with some of the aquatic life.

Living in Odessa

Odessa Transportation

There are many ways to get around the city, and you will be able to find many affordable options to suit your needs. 

If you are keen to take taxis in and around the city, then you can use taxi apps such as Uber, Bolt, and Uklon. It is advised to use taxi apps rather than the taxis in the city. This is because you will get a fixed price whereas a lot of the taxis that run on meters will change the price and often make it three times higher if you look like a tourist. For a reliable and non-expensive ride, then make sure to use taxi apps. Also, you will not be able to hail down a taxi, they will only collect you from specific areas such as stations or the airport, and this makes using the taxi apps more beneficial as they will collect you from where you are.

There is a good selection of public transportation in Odessa, all at very low prices, but there are a few things to bear in mind before using. Most drivers will not speak other languages, so make sure you know where you want to get off. I usually use Google maps to help me plan my route as it will often tell you the exact line or bus number that you need to take. They will also only accept cash, so make sure to have change on you, and there is no city travel card system currently in place. Journeys can cost as little as $0.25 USD, so make sure to have small change.  The three main public transport options are the tram, trolley-buses and marshrutka’s, which are mini buses. Be aware that they won’t always run to a specific schedule, so be prepared to wait a while. If you do find yourself stuck, then visit eway.in.ua/en/cities/odesa/routes as this has live updates of services and information on breakdowns and accidents. Another negative to using public transport in Odesa is that it can often become overcrowded during busy times, which not only makes the journey uncomfortable, but it makes a prime location for pick picketers. 

If you prefer to combine exercise with travel, then the nextbike might be a great option for you. Like most cities, Odesa has a bike-sharing scheme called nextbike. Prices and sign-up options can be found at their website nextbike.ua/en/Odesa/prices/. You can get a month-long pass for $9 USD, which allows you unlimited use of the bikes for journeys less than one hour long. This is a very affordable method of transport; however, please bear in mind that there aren’t designated cycle lanes in the city, so make sure to be safe, wear a helmet and always be vigilant. Alternatively, if you prefer to just rent a bicycle, then there are many rental shops across the city, offering bicycles at affordable prices.

Fitness and Health

There is a good selection of gyms in Odessa, offering a variety of equipment, classes, and facilities. You will find that most are within walking distance of the city center, and there are at least ten that have high ratings, a great selection of equipment that is within a 15-minute walk. Some of the top-rated gyms in the city are Fitness Stadium, Yes Fitness Premium, and Strekoza.

There is a great selection of yoga studios and classes in Odesa that are very affordable. It is possible to find classes for as little as $5 USD drop-in. Makharadzh and Namaste are some of the best yoga studios in the city. 

As well as gyms and fitness classes, there is always the option of sea swimming, but please be mindful of the areas you swim in due to pollution from the city and boats. Always check that you are swimming in a designated swimming zone.

Odessa People

Odesa is home to a mix of people from a variety of different backgrounds as it is a port town, and its culture has been influenced over hundreds of years. It was once part of the Ottoman Empire and the Soviet Union, so the place, as well as its people, has created a blend of multiple cultures. The city is often referred to as “Odesa Mama” by the locals, which is a nice little saying and sign of respect for their beloved town. 

The people are very friendly overall and have come from a mix of backgrounds and countries, which has created a very accepting multicultural city. As it is a port city and industrial town, there is a very strong work ethic, and in more recent years, the city has been attracting more global trade and has become one of the biggest business hubs in Ukraine. 

The main religion in Ukraine is Eastern orthodox, although you will find some people are catholic, and some areas of Odesa are quite religious. Particularly more so with the older generations, and you will find there is less tolerance from them for things such as the LGBTQ community. However, younger generations that have grown up since the collapse of the Soviet Union are less religious and more accepting. Older generations are also more likely to speak Russian as a second language, whereas younger generations are more encouraged to learn other languages such as English. As English is a more recent addition to education, not many people speak English, particularly public transport drivers and shop assistants; however, the number of English speakers is growing. 

People live in Odesa for different reasons, so this means that there are many types of people. As a beach resort city, you will find people who are more interested in a beach lifestyle, whilst those who work at the port are more into industry and trade. The city attracts many businessmen and women due to its high volume of trade.

Odessa Insurance and Medical Care

It is advised when traveling anywhere outside of your home country to always have travel insurance in place. There are many companies offering travel insurance specifically for digital nomads and backpackers. Ukraine often appears on the list of countries covered by standard travel insurance. Healthcare in Ukraine is not to a high standard, and this is something to be aware of. The quality of care is lower than in other places in Europe, but it is existent. It is possible that in some cases of emergency care, you will need to pay upfront before being treated, so always make sure to have some savings that can then be claimed back via your insurance.

Not all hospitals speak English or foreign languages, so always make sure to find an English-speaking clinic or take a translator with you. The best clinic for foreigners is the Clinica Medeya, which is one of the only foreign language medical centers in Odesa. Although Odesa is the fourth largest city in Ukraine, most bilingual doctors are based in the capital Kyiv. 

As for your personal belongings, it is always advised to take out gadget insurance, and Odesa is a place recommended to have insurance. Although crime rates aren’t too high, there are a high number of reported pickpocketing cases across the city. Always make sure to keep your expensive items close by and hidden to reduce attention. It might also be advised if staying in a hostel to take a padlock with you to use on lockers for your expensive items.

Make sure you are fully covered by reading our full Digital Nomad Travel Insurance guide.

Jobs in Odessa

Finding a job in Odesa may be a little difficult, and it will depend on the industry you work in and at what time of year you intend to visit. The most common job for foreigners is teaching English as in more recent years; there has been a surge in demand for learning English. ESL Employment, Total ESL, Learn 4 Good, and ESL Café are the best websites for finding English teaching jobs in Ukraine. 

Once you have found a job that ticks your boxes, if you are accepted for the position, then you will need to apply for a residence permit if you don’t have the right to work in the country. You should check with your embassy before you apply to see if you will need a visa or residence permit to work in Ukraine. Your employer should sort out your visa for you before your arrival. The best websites that advertise jobs for foreigners are Work.ua, Glassdoor, Jobs.ua, career jet, and jobble.com.ua. 

Another option for working is volunteering. Although it isn’t paid, you will find there are opportunities that offer discounts or freebies in return for your time. This may not appeal to everyone, but for those who want to access a local community and want to help out a local cause, then this is a great option. volunteerinukraine.com is a great resource for finding volunteering opportunities. There are many other websites such as goabroad.com, anyworkanwhere.com, and workaway.com.

Check out our Digital Nomads Jobs Postings to find the best jobs available for Digital Nomads.