my name is brad and I will be in Odessa for about a year working as a consultant from new york and looking for places to visit.

Answered by Jack4952 , Odessa, Ukraine

Brad,

I am Phil from Boston, currently living in Odessa. I just moved here 2 months ago, but have visited here MANY times for extended stays.

First, do NOT makes any deals with "guides", "hotels", apartments or whatever. The price they quote you will be ENORMOUS! They see an American and the prices increase by a factor of 10 - at a minimum! Example, a TAXI ride from the airport to the city center should costs the equivalent of about $9 USD ($1 USD = 8 rph) or about 70 rph. But one look at you and they will be asking for $200 USD, then lowering it to $150 USD because you "seem like such a nice guy and they love Americans"! A glass of great local beer costing the equivalent of 50 cents may have an initial price tag of $5 USD. Seriously, so be careful!

The BEST way to learn about Odessa is took do online searches on Google or whatever. Over time you will learn about the "hidden gems" from the people you meet here. In UKraine the first offer you get is NEVER the best! Get MANY offers and FIRM PRICES N WRITING before you commit - and let them know you are comparing their services and PRICES. They will reluctantly lower their prices a little, but will continue to bitch and moan as if you were killing their first-born child. However, if you remain FIRM and are willing to WALK AWAY (and NOT have any future dealings with that person, regardless of how low the price), the word gets around and prices will drop dramatically for you over time!

Of course, almost all tourists visit the cobblestone "pedestrian promenade" of Deribasovskaya Street. It is a wonderful place, but is a greatly over-priced "tourist trap"! Just the same, it has been and remains among my favorite places in Odessa - just be careful of thieves and pickpockets! (Advice: Do NOT carry your wallet or any credit cards when you go out. Exchange currencies at a BANK only, then pay CASH in Ukraine currency - which most places require anyway.

Have fun!!!

Answered by Marie Duner , Odessa, Ukraine

Brad, if you stay here for one year, you'll surely visit all kinds of places.
So take it easy and start with the ones which are in the very city centre.
Good luck!

Answered by Ekaterina , Odesa, Ukraine

Hi Brad! Welcome to Odessa.
For sure during a year you will see everything, even things you don't want to see..
And you will meet a lot of nice people.
Good luck!
If you have questions or smth you can write to me kate-oriflame@mail.ru

Answered by Oleg , Odessa, Ukraine

write me to virtuoso@ukr.net, I'll suggest a few options

Answered by Alyona , Odessa, Ukraine

Good day to you, Brad!
As I see, you've got some offerings as in what direction to go sightseeing, but in case you would find it interesting, I am an interpreter and looking for a serious, brainstorming work related to international relations. And I would be more than glad to hear that you or company you work for might need an employee.
I also organize the leasure time for tourists in Odessa, mostly excursions (around the main sights, cathedrals of Odessa, home yards of Odessa).
As for travelling around Ukraine, I would strongly advice you to visit Lvov, Ivano-Frankivsk, Vilkovo (close to Odessa), beautiful cities indeed.
You are wellcome to address with any further questions.

Answered by Lesya Dyachuk , Odessa, Ukraine

Hi, Brad!
I can show you the city or recommend places to visit or give some useful advice as Jack4952 did. )
Contact me decide@bk.ru
Welcome to Odessa!

Answered by Taisiya , Odesa, Ukraine

Hi Brad! My name's Taya and I work as a guide in Odessa and other cities of Ukraine. You might want to go skiing, have some fun time visiting Ukrainian Prague, Ukrainian Venice and have quite a few adventures. I guarantee - my advice will be on top!

Plus, I rent out my own apartment in the city center for single/double occupacy for a fair price.

If you please get back to me via info@dedic.ru and we'll discuss things ;)

Taya