Odessa, Ukraine
Museums
If you're in Odessa and interested in visiting museums, I recommend checking out the Odessa Museum of Western and Eastern Art, which features an impressive collection of European art from the 16th-20th centuries as well as Asian artifacts. The Odessa Archaeological Museum is also worth a visit, exhibiting ancient Greek and Roman artifacts found in the region.
In terms of similar museums, you might want to consider visiting the Fine Arts Museum in Kharkiv or the Lviv National Art Gallery in Lviv.
Food
Some of the most recommended, popular, and typical dishes to eat in Odessa according to locals include:
1. Deruny - potato pancakes served with sour cream or garlic sauce
2. Varenyky - boiled dumplings filled with potatoes, mushrooms, cabbage, or cheese and served with sour cream and fried onions
3. Borscht - a beetroot soup with meat, potatoes, and other vegetables, usually served with sour cream
4. Olivier salad - a traditional potato salad made with chopped pickles, carrots, eggs, and mayonnaise
5. Shashlik - skewered and grilled meat, usually pork or chicken
6. Odeska solianka - a hearty soup made with various meats, pickles, olives, and lemon juice
7. Black Sea fish - seafood dishes such as grilled mackerel, flounder, or sea bass are popular due to Odessa's proximity to the Black Sea.
These dishes can be found at many local restaurants and cafes throughout the city.
Activities
Sure, here are some fun activities that locals enjoy in Odessa:
1. Relax at the beach: Odessa has several beautiful beaches along the Black Sea coast, such as Arcadia Beach and Lanzheron Beach, where locals like to swim, sunbathe, and enjoy water sports.
2. Wander around the historic center: Take a stroll through the charming streets of Odessa's historic center, which is filled with ornate architecture, vibrant street art, and cozy cafes.
3. Visit the local markets: Check out the bustling Privoz Market or the more upscale Starokonny Market to experience the lively atmosphere and sample local food and drinks.
4. Attend a cultural performance: Odessa has a rich cultural scene, with numerous theaters and concert halls offering performances of opera, ballet, and classical music. You might also want to check out the city's lively street performers and musicians.
5. Explore the catacombs: Beneath the city lies an extensive network of underground tunnels and catacombs, some of which date back to the 19th century. Locals enjoy exploring these mysterious subterranean passageways on guided tours.
