Private Odessa Criminal History Tour
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Uncover mysterious and exciting dark past of the beautiful Odessa city! A thrilling private 2.5-hour Criminal Odessa Tour is created especially for those who adore seeing things how they are! Fascinating journey through the most intriguing events and places of city’s criminal history will show you the dark side of Odessa. This exciting tour will introduce you to outstanding gangsters, who once lived in Odessa, and whose life stories have not faded in centuries.
Available options
Criminal Odessa Tour - Minibus
2.5-hour private tour for maximum 15 persons, including an expert guide and transportation by minibus<br/>Pickup included
Criminal Odessa Tour - Minivan
2.5-hour private tour for maximum 6 persons, including an expert guide and transportation by minivan<br/>Pickup included
Criminal Odessa Tour - Car
2.5-hour private tour for maximum 3 persons, including an expert guide and transportation by car<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Private tour
Professional guide
Transport by private vehicle
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Detailed itinerary
1
Find out the most thrilling stories about the dark past of Odessa city! Fascinating criminal history of Odessa starts from the very day of its foundation. Being a new port city with tempting opportunities to get rich quickly, the city attracted many people with a dubious reputation.
Walking through the streets that once were home for the famous gangsters, the criminal past of the 19th-20th centuries Odessa will surprise you with its scale and intensity.
2
Explore the most significant places of the criminal Odessa, including the famous Shevchenko Park, where one of the legendary fortress’ walls is still visible, and the customs’ office. Moreover, you will visit such intriguing crime-related places as Myasoedovskaya and Moldavanka Streets, the quarantine harbour and the famous “Chumka”. The Moldavanka district became popular because of Mishka Yaponchuk, the famous chief of Odessa mafia, who was born here. Moreover, the higher robbery academy, preparing “staff” for both the Russian Empire and campaigns abroad, was operating in Moldavanka. Odessa was a home for numerous legendary thieves, pickpockets and tricksters, including well-known Sonka the Golden Hand and others.
3
Hear the criminal stories, related to the port.
What's not included
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
DE
RU
EN
Important information
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Important notes
• Please, contact the local service provider before travel to verify pickup time by email info@greentourua.com or by calling +38-068-143-18-40
• Additional local contact number +38-093-587-29-15
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
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
