10 Best Places to go on Dates in Odessa

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#1 - Beaches

The beaches and magnificent landscapes along them, mild warm climate attract tourists from over Russia and CIS. There are quite a number of beaches in Odessa: Arcadia, Otrada, Lanzheron, 16th fountain to name just a few. The bathing season starts in early May and lasts till the end of September.

In the last years Odessa beaches are much better maintained. There are all kinds of water facilities offered at the beaches. So besides swimming and sunbathing, you can rent a rowing boat, a skiff, a catamaran, a scooter for moderate prices, do some windsurfing or fly on a hang-glider or parachute. And at nighttime, a walk on the beach, watching the sunset, is definitely the most romantic thing to do.

#2 - Arcadia

Arcadia is the most well-known and popular beach in Odessa. It looks gorgeous in summer - plenty of flowers, shady trees, numerous restaurants, cafes, bars with tidy sea view terraces. Along with being reasonably priced, they offer very good variety of drinks and food, both typical Ukrainian ones and exotic dishes. There are also plenty of outdoor nightclubs, concert halls, discos by the beach in Arcadia. It is the prime place for entertainment and nightlife.
Surely, Arcadia is not for solitude or seekers, but they can find a quiet place, too if walking further.

#3 - Romantic sailing on a boat

When it is hot and sunny, and this is what they have in summer in Odessa, there is nothing better then sailing in the vast expanses of the Black Sea on a yacht or a boat along Odessa coast. Fresh gentle breeze, salty splashes of water, whispering waves and picturesque Odessa sea view will not leave you indifferent.

#4 - Theater lovers: The Opera House

The Opera House was built in 1887 and ranks among the best in Europe and is the second after Vienna Opera House from architectural viewpoint.

Exquisite inside decor in the style of Viennese baroque blended with elements of the Italian Renaissance and French rococo, sculptures representing the characters of the Greek mythology, the stucco moldings and the red velvet of the stalls and boxes - all this tends to create a very special atmosphere.
Besides, there is an observation ground on the roof of this tremendous building from which the whole city can be seen.
Ballet and opera performances are really good, too, though they probably will not impress you as much as those performed by the troupe of the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow or Mariinsky in St. Petersburg.
Location: per. Tchaikovskogo, 3. tel. 29-13-29

#5 - Deribasovskaya street

Deribasovskaya street is the very heart of Odessa. Deribasovskaya owns its unique atmosphere to magnificent architecture, friendly people leisurely sitting on terraces of numerous cafes and restaurants, perfect cobblestones, no vehicle traffic and big shady linden trees. This very special spirit has survived even through the Soviet times when conforming Soviet canons was highly recommended.

Deribasovskaya street leads to the City Garden with its fountain,old summerhouse and sculpture of lion and lioness. City Garden was laid out shortly after the foundation of Odessa and was its first park.
The Souvenir Market with a crowd of artists and craftsmen demonstrating their works is situated right there, too. Prices are really low, and some items are gorgeous. Bargains are common. Don't miss it if you want to get authentic Odessian souvenirs.

#6 - The statue of Duke Richelieu and Potemkin steps

The famous monument to Duke de Richelieu, the founder of the city, who was devotedly serving Russian but raised in France, is the most popular dating place for all the Odessites. If someone wants to make a date, in most cases he will say "meet me by the Duke". Also, people come here if they feel lonesome. One can be sure that by the statue of Duke he will meet his old friends or get acquainted with new ones.

Right from the monument there start the famous Potemkin steps. Built in 1837, Potemkin Steps of 142m length offer a breathtaking view of the busy sea harbor and the bay. 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 bottom steps are twice as wide as the top ones. By the bottom of the steps there is the city's brand new passenger ship terminal.

#7 - An exciting little adventure: "cableway" from the French boulevard down to the seaside

The cobblestone pavement and tall acacia trees on the French Boulevard are most vivid reminiscences 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 steep hill divides the French Boulevard from 3 beaches beneath. Paths and steep stairs lead down to the Sea through a green zone closed to traffic. It is a favorite sight for picnics.
If you decide to descend by the cable car rides from the Boulevard down to the Lanzheron Beach. It is a lot of fun and excitement and costs almost nothing.

#8 - Fine Arts Museum

The Museum has an amazing collection of icons from the 14th and the 15th century as well as the paintings by such prominent Russian artists of 18th and 19th century as Aivazovsky, Repin, Vrubel, Serov, Savrasov and Kramskoy. Besides, the museum exhibits paintings of early 20th century.

The building of the museum used to be the palace of Count Pototsky and was construsted in 1805. Exquisitely ornamented halls with painted ceilings, beautiful hardwood floors, made of rare sorts of wood and fine marble fireplaces are a good enough reason to visit!
Location: Sofiyska street, 5a

#9 - Odessa by Night

The period of twilight hardly exists in Odessa, as well as in all southern cities by the coast of the Black Sea. Night comes suddenly and catches you unawares.

But Odessa by night is as beautiful as at daytime. Some areas are gorgeously illuminated and look quite different. You will definitely enjoy strolling along the city streets, boulevards and beaches, which do not become less animated when darkness falls.

As most of the European cities Odessa's night life is bright and wild. It is not the life you would expect after midnight on the 43d street in New York City, but the life as you would find in Paris or Rome. People go out, walk in the streets and enjoy life. The first place that can be recommended is Odessa seaport. It has very popular dance club right on the roof.

At this place shows and discos go on till about 4-5 o'clock in the morning. And of course, Arcadia, the most popular beach and a great entertainment center under the open air, will also offer you a big variety of opportunities for outdoor dancing and dining.

#10 - Nature resort: Shevchenko park

A park named after national Ukrainian poet T. Shevchenko, is a huge park full of magnolias, ancient platens, acacias, chestnut trees, and other exotic southern trees which smell ad blossom so wonderfully during summer and spring.

A walk in its shadowy stone paved alleys among the statues and monuments, each having its own history and legend, is just a blessing. Numerous benches and magnificent sea views make the Shevchenko park irresistible both for tourists and Odessites. People coming here, stay for hours - gazing at the Sea Port full of ships, boats and yachts, enjoying shade and sea breeze.

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