7 Secret Courtyards In Odessa You Should Explore

If you want to see what the real Odessa looks like, you should explore its secret courtyards. Unique architecture, historic buildings and a lot of greenery are waiting to be enjoyed and captured on Instagram. Therefore, look out for a lovely sunny day, put on some comfortable shoes and set off on a journey to the secret courtyards in our guide.

Knyazheskaya Street, 17

This artsy courtyard on residential Knyazheskaya Street is situated on the edge of the city centre. It is known for an impressive mural that does much to spiff up the old, ageing building. The mural raises the issue of diversity and unification of peoples, as the artist (Wanjah) believes that our souls are closer than our minds think. Thus, this courtyard is a must-visit when doing a walking tour of Odessa’s murals or if you’re simply in love with contemporary street art.

Knyazheskaya Street, 17, Odessa, Ukraine
A post shared by Елена Горянская (@elenagorianskya) on Nov 18, 2017 at 10:32am PST

Zhukovskoho Street, 27

Zhukovskoho Street, 27, Odessa, Ukraine
A post shared by Vladimir | Odessa, UA 🌊 ⚓ 🇺🇦 (@seemyodessa) on Jul 9, 2018 at 1:25am PDT

Grecheskaya Street, 27

Historically, the locals of Odessa originate from different cultural and ethnic groups. Grecheskaya Street (Greek Street) is evidence of this, as its name is connected with the Greeks who lived here long ago. This is one of the oldest streets in the city, which was formed to be a trade centre. Not surprisingly, its courtyards are shabbier than many others. However, such an appearance has its warmth and shows what the real Odessa looks like.

Grecheskaya Street, 27, Odessa, Ukraine
A post shared by Tamara (@tamara.lafee) on Jul 16, 2018 at 12:55am PDT

Pushkinskaya Street, 12

The street named after Russian poet Alexander Pushkin is one of the most refined avenues in the central part of Odessa. It is where the Odessa Museum of Western and Eastern Art, the Odessa Pushkin Museum, one of Odessa’s best hotels named Bristol, as well as monumental St. Elijah’s Monastery are located. It is also worth paying attention to the courtyards of Pushkinskaya Street, particularly the one located in the 12th building. Its ochre-coloured walls are decorated with beautiful paintings and curly green plants.

Pushkinskaya Street, 12, Odessa, Ukraine
A post shared by Нина (@ninaskubriu) on Aug 22, 2017 at 8:44am PDT

Bunina Street, 15

Bernardazzi is an exquisite restaurant in the heart of Odessa. It occupies a unique historical building that is more than 100 years old. The venue is principally known for its secret summer patio, hidden from the city noise and the crowds. The splendid courtyard has an extraordinary atmosphere, with cooling shade, live music, delicious food and drinks, and, of course, excellent service.

Bunina Street, 15, Odessa, Ukraine
A post shared by Katerina Zamoriy (@katerinazamoriy) on Sep 8, 2017 at 11:56am PDT

Nezhinskaya Street, 58

Nezhinskaya Street in Odessa hosts a number of charming courtyards amid the concrete jungle. Tall buildings with wooden windows resemble the shots from old Soviet films. As the street is more than 200 years old, many of the buildings are architectural monuments of local or national significance. For example, the building at Nezhinskaya, 58, was built in the late 19th century. Experienced tourists know that you should marvel at such sights from the roof on the building. So, head to the top of the Mama Hostel and get a different vantage point over the typical Odessa courtyard.

Nezhinskaya Street, 58, Odessa, Ukraine
A post shared by Kira (@iv_kira) on Apr 11, 2015 at 4:19am PDT

Uspenskaya Street, 40

It is important to say that Uspenskaya Street has its special charm. Before the 19th century, various educational establishments, small factories and workshops were located here; at the beginning of the 1900s, the street became populated with majestic mansions that, fortunately, have preserved their luxurious interiors, stucco mouldings and frescoes to this day. Therefore, not only are the courtyards on the street notable but so are the entrances to the buildings with tunnels, sculptures and fascinating exterior decorative elements.

Uspenskaya Street, 40, Odessa, Ukraine
A post shared by Vladimir | Odessa, UA 🌊 ⚓ 🇺🇦 (@seemyodessa) on Jul 26, 2017 at 9:45pm PDT

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.