Odessa , Ukraine

Odessa's Hidden Story: the Catacombs

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About this experience

A walk through the largest system of the underground tunnels in Europe. The most comprehensive tour of the Odessa Catacombs. From to 200-year old mines and quarries to criminal headquarters to WW2 partisans’ base this is an exciting story of the hidden under the ground Odessa.

We'll start the underground journey with a walk through the authentic mines and quarries (aka wild catacombs). We'll explore how the miners created the tunnels about 200 yrs ago and see original artifacts of that period.
Odessa's catacombs and the criminals. Discover how the smugglers used the tunnels and hear fun stories of Odessa's criminal world. A walk through the WW2 resistance quarters will take you back in time to Odessa's occupation and show how people lived under the ground. And as we get outside the tunnels, we'll glimpse at the local village and see the route we covered under the ground.

Join us on this fascinating journey as we explore the underground city bringing its history to life.

Available options

Odessa's Hidden Story: the Catacombs

Pickup included

What's included

All Fees and Taxes

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

We'll walk through the authentic mines, aka “wild catacombs”. See how the smugglers and the WW2 resistance used the tunnels.

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

This tour isn't infant-friendly

About Odessa

Odessa is a vibrant port city on the Black Sea known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and lively cultural scene. Its unique blend of Ukrainian, Russian, and Mediterranean influences makes it a fascinating destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Potemkin Stairs

The iconic Potemkin Stairs are a famous landmark in Odessa. They lead down to the harbor and offer stunning views of the Black Sea.

Historical 30-60 minutes Free

Odessa Opera and Ballet Theater

This beautiful theater is one of the most famous in Ukraine. It hosts world-class performances and is a must-visit for culture lovers.

Cultural 2-3 hours for a performance 100-500 UAH

Odessa Cathedral

This stunning cathedral is a masterpiece of Ukrainian architecture. It's a peaceful place to visit and offers beautiful views of the city.

Religious 30-60 minutes Free

Odessa Archeological Museum

This museum houses a vast collection of artifacts from the Black Sea region, offering a fascinating glimpse into the area's history.

Museum 1-2 hours 30-50 UAH

Odessa Beach

Odessa's beaches are a major attraction, offering a relaxing escape with beautiful sea views and a lively atmosphere.

Beach Half day or full day Free (sunbeds and umbrellas for rent)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Borscht

A traditional Ukrainian beetroot soup, often served with sour cream and garlic bread.

Soup Vegetarian (without meat)

Foroshok

A traditional Odessa street food, similar to a hot dog but with local flavors.

Street food Contains meat

Paska

A traditional Ukrainian Easter bread, often served with sweet toppings.

Bread Vegetarian

Plov

A Central Asian rice dish with meat, vegetables, and spices, popular in Odessa.

Main course Contains meat

Popular Activities

Boat trips on the Black Sea Hiking in nearby nature reserves Sunbathing on Odessa Beach Visiting spas and wellness centers Attending performances at the Odessa Opera and Ballet Theater Exploring historic sites and museums Swimming Boat trips

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the peak tourist season with warm weather and numerous festivals. The beaches are crowded, and the city is bustling with activity.

22°C to 30°C 72°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Ukrainian
Widely spoken: Russian, English (in tourist areas)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Ukrainian Hryvnia (UAH)

Time Zone

EET (GMT+2)

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Odessa is generally safe for tourists, but as with any city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas
• Use licensed taxis or app-based services
• Be wary of strangers offering help or services, especially at train stations and airports

Getting there

By air

Odessa International Airport • 7 km from city center

By train

Odessa Central Station

By bus

Odessa Central Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The tram system is a historic and scenic way to get around Odessa. It's affordable and covers many major attractions.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uklon, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

City Center Arcadia Moldovanka

Day trips

Bilhorod-Dnistrovsky

80 km • Full day

A historic town with a medieval fortress and beautiful views of the Dniester River.

Vylkove

200 km • Full day or overnight

A small town on the Danube Delta, known for its unique delta landscape and birdwatching opportunities.

Chornomorsk

15 km • Half day

A small coastal town with beautiful beaches and a relaxed atmosphere.

Festivals

Odessa International Film Festival • July Odessa Jazz Festival • September Odessa Opera and Ballet Theater Season • September to June

Pro tips

Visit the Potemkin Stairs at sunset for the best views
Explore the underground catacombs for a unique and fascinating experience
Try local street food like foroshok and chebureki
Attend a performance at the Odessa Opera and Ballet Theater for a cultural experience
Relax on the beaches of Arcadia for a peaceful escape