Vladivostok : The Russian City on the Edge of the World

How to travel to the edge of the world and not fail: we present you a guide to Vladivostok with advice on how to avoid tourist traps, what to do and what not to do in the only Russian megalopolis on the shores of the ocean. Vladivostok, located more than 9,000 km east of Moscow and separated by seven slots of the capital, is the first city in Russia to receive the New Year. National Geographic includes this cosmopolitan city on the list of the most beautiful maritime cities in the world. In its streets, you can still find sailors, and you can hear the seagulls. The travelers are mistaken continuously when entering the taxis because the cars have the steering wheel to the right.

1. Cable-Stayed Bridge

Two cable-stayed bridge of Vladivostok (Golden and Russian) - a real decoration of the city, hovering above the guttered structure, which gives it a unique and recognizable look. They pretend to be the symbol of the Primorsky Territory and the architectural masterpiece of the 21st century. The length of the Golden Bridge is about 1.4 km, of the Russian Bridge - 1.1 km. Construction of pontoons was carried out between 2008 and 2012 in preparation for the APEC summit.

2. Russky Island

The island is located in the Peter the Great Bay, a few kilometers from Vladivostok. Being part of the urban district, it has a rugged coastline, in which small bays are hidden, and all is covered with hills. In Russia there is a promenade, a dolphinarium and an oceanarium, but its main value is nature, stunning views of rocky shores and a mighty ocean. In summer this place is perfect for swimming.

3. Golden Horn Bay

A long and fairly narrow bay, on both banks of which are located on city quarters and seaports. Through it, the golden bridge is thrown. This is quite a busy place, as ships are moored continuously to the shores (sometimes even submarines are shown!) And ship repair companies are continually rustling. At night, the bay is a grand spectacle, shining with thousands of lights.

4. Sopka Eagle's Nest

The hill is about 200 meters high and the highest point of Vladivostok. At its top is the television tower, and around it, there are residential quarters. The part of the territory of the hill is covered with forest. Of the sights, you should pay attention to the monument to Cyril and Methodius and located around the observation deck, from where you can admire the panorama of Vladivostok and the Golden Horn.

5. The Quay of the Cesarevitch

The dam is on the edge of the Golden Horn, it was built in 2012 on the next anniversary of the holding company "Dalzavod", a ship repair company, at the opening of which there was Emperor Nicholas II. The length of the alley is 600 meters; there are a walking and park area, several cafes and a playground. From here depart boats in short excursions along the bay.

6. Nikolai's Triumphal Arch

Initially, the gate was erected in 1891 in honor of the visit to the city of the future Emperor Nicholas II. The Tsarevich came to Vladivostok as part of a round-the-world trip. The structure is a smart and elegant arch of brick and stone, made in the Russian-Byzantine manner. In the upper part is the image of the patron saint of Nicholas the Wonderworker. The original gates were blown up in 1930 as a symbol of autocracy. The modern building is the construction of 2003.

7. Vladivostok Gum

The oldest store in the Far East, which began with the trading house "Kunst and Albers", founded in 1864. This company at the beginning of the XX century was the largest in the region and worked until the 1930s. The historic building was erected according to the project of G. G. Yunghendel. It is decorated with bas-reliefs, abounds in decor and elements characteristic of the German Baroque, which makes it a valuable architectural monument.

8. Vladivostok Cable Car

The system of lifts, which has been operating since 1962. The lower station is on the street. Pushkin, upper - on the street. Sukhanov. The main passengers are tourists and students of FEFU (university buildings are located close to the stops). On the rails, there are two wagons of the type of tramways with a capacity of up to 40 passengers. Before the advent of the lifting system, the way up could be overcome by a rather steep staircase.

9. Vladivostok Fortress

The complex of defensive constructions of the XIX-early XX centuries, which is considered one of the most fortified and mighty coastal fortresses. It is interesting that its construction was never completed due to the First World War and the October Revolution that followed it. When building the complex, Russian engineers took into account the experience of the Russo-Japanese War, the terrain and future tasks, which made the fortress almost impregnable.

10. Intercession Cathedral

The main temple of Vladivostok was built in the early XX century and destroyed in 1935. Nearby there was a cemetery with the graves of the participants in the Battle of Tsushima. In Soviet times, in its place was a park. The parish began to revive in the 1990s, and the new cathedral was built only in 2007. The modern building is built on an old foundation and is almost a complete copy of the historic building.

◎ Closing

For most residents of Russia, Primorsky Krai is almost as exotic as Korea or China. Due to the huge distances, Vladivostok seems so far away that it is easier to get to another country than to overcome these thousands of kilometers. The capital of Primorye is not a typical Russian city. This is the territory of the grand Pacific Ocean, incredibly beautiful bays, bridges, ships and fresh seafood. In the city you can visit a real Chinese or Korean restaurant, and not its imitation, as it usually happens, to admire the observation platforms on the bizarre forms of the Golden Horn, wander through the hills of the Russian Island, go to the modern oceanarium or prefer an exciting sea voyage. Whatever the tourist does, he has an unforgettable experience.