There are places in Odesa where the air itself seems to remember footsteps — and not always those of law-abiding citizens.
Here, Moldavanka is more than just a neighbourhood. It has a character of its own: sharp-eyed, full of history, and packed with legends usually told in a low voice… but somehow loud enough for everyone to hear.
The route begins in what Odesa locals would call “quite a neighbourhood”: Bohdana Khmelnytskoho Street, Zaporizka Street, just a few blocks from the Jewish Hospital, with Myasoedovska Street, Banny Lane, Prokhorovska Street and Chumka nearby — an entire map of Odesa’s urban folklore.
And hidden here is one of the most legendary crossroads in the history of criminal Odesa. Of course, you can sing about Deribasivska and Rishelievska — and you would not be wrong. But Odesa knows how to surprise you: the best stories do not always begin in the most photogenic places.
This is where Mikhail Vinnitsky was born — better known as Mishka Yaponchik, the legendary gangster who inspired Babel’s Benya Krik. A famous criminal hideout was located here too, along with the legendary “school for thieves” that gave Odesa enough stories for an entire encyclopedia: tales of Dvoyra and the boy with a music folder, mannequins covered in little bells, and pianos on which future “virtuosos” of the Privoz Market trained their fingers as if preparing for a concert rather than a chase.
From here, the story of Odesa opens up even further: Sonya the Golden Hand, Kotovsky, Ataman Grigoriev, the old Odesa prison, the catacombs and their secrets.
This is not a horror tour and not a collection of bloody crime stories. It is part of the city’s memory — a mixture of humour, adventure, cunning and that very Odesa talent for surviving with style.
Criminal Odesa is a tour for those who want to see the city without the gloss — but never without its sparkle.
Here, Odesa does not make excuses. It simply tells its stories. And it does so with a smile.
Tour Program
- Start: Cathedral Square (by the Transfiguration Cathedral) Central Odesa begins at its “grand entrance”: this is where legends sound respectable, while the facts are already giving them a suspicious look.
- Pasteur Street The main walking route through the old city, where local tales can be tested against reality — block by block.
- Historic Hospital Quarter on Pasteur Street A place with a difficult but honest urban memory: here, Odesa’s history is not invented — it is recorded almost like an official report.
- Odesa Ukrainian Music and Drama Theatre named after V. Vasylko (on Pasteur Street) A place that shows how Odesa has always known how to turn anxiety into a story, and rumours into a whole genre — sometimes a very successful one.
- Former Criminal Investigation Department Building This is where the “criminal legend” becomes especially interesting to unpack: somewhere around here, the city learned to tell the difference between gossip and evidence.
- Courtyards and Passageways of the Old City Centre Perhaps the most Odesa-like part of the route: passageways “with history”, courtyards “with character”, and those very places where films like to embellish reality — and the city later sets the record straight.
- Finish: “The Orange That Saved Odesa” Monument The final stop comes with classic Odesa logic: a serious story told through a symbol that makes you smile. And somehow, it makes perfect sense.
What’s Included in the Price
- 2–2.5 hours of a walking tour led by one of Tudoy-Syudoy’s distinctive local guides
- Engaging stories and fascinating facts that will make Odesa come alive
What’s Not Included in the Price
- Personal expenses
We Recommend Bringing
Dress comfortably and for the weather. Comfortable shoes are a must — Odesa is best enjoyed when you can take your time and look around, not when your feet are begging you to stop.
On a hot day, bring some water and a hat. The Odesa sun is welcoming, but it has plenty of character.
And make sure your phone is fully charged before the tour: you’ll come across beautiful photo spots much more often than power sockets.
Guest Photos
Photos of our guests and their brightest moments during the tour.
This short promo video will give you a taste of the experience:
Frequently Asked Questions About the Tour
Are we really walking, or does the guide have Tram No. 5 parked somewhere nearby?
Yes, this is a walking tour. We move at a relaxed pace with regular stops — Odesa is a city to explore with your eyes, not race through on tired legs.
How long is the tour — “just a little while” or “long enough to become a local”?
Usually around 2–2.5 hours. The pace is moderate, and the route is designed to be interesting and enjoyable — not a workout.
How can I pay for the tour?
You can pay for the tour:
- online through our website
- by bank card transfer — our managers will send you the payment details by SMS
- in cash at our office
What are the cancellation and refund terms if your plans suddenly take a different turn?
We understand — life can be a bit like an Odesa tram: sometimes it suddenly changes direction. If you cancel your booking and let us know in advance, the refund policy is as follows:
- 7 calendar days or more before the tour — 100% refund
- at least 72 hours before the tour — 50% refund
- 1 day before the tour — 25% refund
Where do we meet, and how do I know it’s our guide — not just someone standing there looking important?
The meeting point is listed on the tour page and in your booking confirmation. Please arrive 10–15 minutes early — that gives you enough time to find the group and still look like you were the first one there.
What should I wear and bring with me — besides a good mood (which is highly recommended too)?
Comfortable shoes are a must. Water is recommended. In summer, bring a hat and sun protection; in cooler seasons, dress for the weather. If you’re planning to take lots of photos, make sure your phone is fully charged — Odesa has a habit of filling up your camera roll very quickly.
