There are numerous vendors at The Duke in Maritime Boulevard (Primorsky Boulevard) offering you lots of souvenirs including those dating back to the Soviet times.
I would describe it as a trap because lots of foreigners are attracted by the good-looking Soviet orders made of silver and guilded ones dating back to the times of the World War II.
The problem is that they are sold freely for $10-$15 a piece like the one on the picture - the Order of the Patriotic War, First Class;
But you can hardly take them home through our strict customs at the airport for according to the Ukrainian legislature they belong to historical values and may not be taken across the stateborder...
My American friend whom I saw off at the airport had to give me three orders back hoping to be able to take them home some day later...When?...
Unique Suggestions: Buy some simple badges and not orders that belong to historical values.
If you still have them, try to make an innocent face passing the Ukrainian customs at the airport red lane, especially after your baggage has been X-rayed and your souvenirs have been discovered. They will be confiscated without any ceremonies...
Just smile it off...
Just remember the soldiers and officers had to fight for those orders during the whole war...
Fun Alternatives: buying some simple badges and souvenirs
Updated Oct 1, 2011
When we arrived in Odessa, first we wanted to find a place to sleep. We checked in our guide-book for some reasonable priced hotels and went to see what they can offer. To our surprise and disappointment and concern all were full. Then we tried at some local tourist office where the lady told us it won't be easy to find a place to stay just for that day but for some 5 days.
Unique Suggestions: If you want to stay in Odessa in summer, make sure you book in advance or you'll end up wandering around searching for a free bed.
Fun Alternatives: Luckily we found a place to stay. Check my hotels & accomodations tip.
Written Aug 7, 2005
Watch out for missing canal grids in Odessa. Especially at night they can be dangerous tourist traps ;-)
Unique Suggestions: Cry out loud.
Fun Alternatives: At night only go the same streets you already took during daylight.
Written Aug 31, 2004
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7 Reviews and 23 Opinions I have been to this hotel several times (last time beginning of May 2009) and I know already why...
Black Sea Hotel (Chernoye More)
5 Reviews and 69 Opinions Hotel is comfortable and convenient located. I stayed here in 2003 and was quite satisfied. Not very...
3 Reviews and 69 Opinions I loved it. This place was reasonably priced, and had everything available to me (except a...
Reviews and photos of Odessa attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Odessa sightseeing.

Watch out for missing canal grids in Odessa. Especially at night they can be dangerous tourist traps ;-) Cry out loud. At night only go the same streets you...
76 members live in Odessa
Q: Good Morning to all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Any idea about Odessa Ukrain?? I am planning a bussines trip for a week. Any suggestion...

A: The famous stair down to the maritime terminal, well-known from the movie "Potemkin", I believe it was, is rather deteriorated but still worh visiting. There are lots of...
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In 1834 when the resort of Odessa was only beginning to develop I.Vitsman, a resort doctor, said, "Located on the hills, washed by the Black Sea from the south and the west, surrounded by steppes...
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The Southern Capital of Ukraine

The Southern Palmira, the Black Sea Pearl, the small Paris, all these names have been attributed to Odesa. According to European standards, Odesa is a relatively a young city. Founded in 1794 by......
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La plus méditerranéenne des villes d'Europe

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The Russian Empress Katherine II the Great founded Odessa in 1794 which means it is quite a young city. It is named after the ancient Greek colony Odessos erroneously believed to had been once...
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Odessa sits on the Black Sea and is a diamond-in-the-rough. It is a large city (2 million inhabitants) that is still reacclaimating to a capitalist economy after 75+ years of being in the Soviet...
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