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7 Incredible Things to Do in Vladivostok, Russia
On the far flung area of the Russian Far East, Vladivostok is vastly different from the capital of Russia, Moscow, over 9,000 kilometers away. With its strategic location close to China, North Korea and Japan, Vladivostok is a fascinating mashup of both Russian and East Asian cultures that's unlike anywhere else in the world. Coupled with Vladivostok's mix of beautiful Russian and Asian architecture, this seaside city is one of the most up and coming tourism destinations in the country. If you're still not quite convinced, here are eight fascinating things to do in the beautiful Russian city of Vladivostok.
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7 Incredible Things to Do in Vladivostok, Russia
Vladivostok Golden Bridge
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A major landmark in the skyline of Vladivostok, the Golden Bridge or Zolotoy Bridge is a phenomenal feat of architecture that spans across the city's Golden Horn Bay. A modern face of the city, the unique pylon supports of the bridge are shaped into a 'V' rather than the normal 'A' style bridges.
While you can see the bridge from all over Vladivostok, the viewpoint at Eagle's Nest Hill (Vidovaya Ploshchadka Orlinoye Gnezdo) is one of the best, a hilltop point that offers stunning vistas towards the bridge and the bay area.
Russky Island
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With a number of islands off the coast from Vladivostok, there are plenty of places to explore just outside the city. Russky Island is one of the easiest to get to and the largest island next to Vladivostok connect by a bridge to the mainland. The island is full of natural landscapes, forests and some beautiful beaches that you'd never normally associate with Russia. If you're heading there during the warmer months, consider visiting Philippovsky Bay, a long stretch of golden sand on the coast of the island.
Beautiful Architecture of Vladivostok
Vladivostok Station
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Vladivostok is full of beautiful European architecture, it's often touted as the only European city in Asia. The Old Town of Vladivostok is where most of the city's impressive and historic architecture can be found. Famous for being the last station along the iconic Trans-Siberian Railway, Vladivostok Station is a beautiful example of 17th century Russian architecture, despite being built two centuries after. Even if you're not planning to take a train anywhere from the station, it's well worth heading to for seeing the beautiful design.
Vladivostok Old Town
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While Vladivostok itself is not a particularly old city, with most of the oldest buildings today built in the mid-19th century, the city is full of some beautiful architecture, much of which is concentrated around the city's 'old town'. Extending around Vladivostok's first street, Svetlanskaya Street, this historic district is home to some of the city's most picturesque buildings.
Cathedral of the Intercession
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Russian cities are usually known for their incredibly beautiful Eastern Orthodox churches and Vladivostok is no exception. Built in 1902, the stunning shining gold and blue domes have become an iconic landmark of Vladivostok. The gorgeous interior is just as beautiful as the church viewed from outside.
Tokarevsky Lighthouse
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Strategically located at the southern tip of Vladivostok, the Tokarevsky Lighthouse has been directing ships for over a hundred years. The lighthouse is only accessible during low tide, at other times the thin strip of land connecting it is under water. The view from here is spectacular however as you can see all across towards Russky Island. It's also a popular place for seal watching.
Feast on the Local Cuisine
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While Russian cuisine doesn't tend to get much love, there are a number of unmissable restaurants in Vladivostok that are well worth making the trip just to eat at. With influence from neighboring Asian countries and a surplus of seafood from the surrounding waters, the food in Vladivostok is both delicious and unique. Kvartira 30 is a great place to go for a feel of the local cuisine, you can even go there for cooking classes. Lozhki-Ploshki is another local favorite for classic Russian dishes and the Russian pancakes at Uh Ty Blin are some of the best you'll find east of Moscow.
Vladivostok is famous in particular for scallops, crab and smelt, of which you'll find gracing tables in restaurants all over the city.
Where is Vladivostok?
Located in Primorsky Krai, a territory of the Russian Far East, Vladivostok is often touted as the city on the edge of the world due to it's location at the far east coast of Russia. It's easy to get to Vladivostok from most cities in East Asia, with a number of flights from major cities such as Tokyo and Seoul. Or consider taking the Trans-Siberian railway from Moscow to Vladivostok and stop at places in Siberia along the way.
What's the Weather like in Vladivostok?
While winters are much less brutal than places further north in Russia, the temperature in Vladivostok is still bone-chillingly cold during winter months.
The best time to visit Vladivostok is from September to November, when temperatures are not too cold and there's less chance of rain. While it's warmer in the summer from June to August, it's usually rainy most days in Vladivostok during these time. If you don't mind the cold, Vladivostok is beautiful in the winter and the chance of raining is much less, however temperatures can often drop as low as −20°C.
