Vladivostok is a port city in Russia, located on the Sea of Japan and a stone’s throw from China and North Korea. In addition to its strategic position that makes it is easy to travel to other Asian countries, the city has several attractions, such as its impressive bridges and its iconic lighthouse. Find out all the things to do and see in Vladivostok, the last stop on the Trans-Siberian Railway.
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Things to do in Vladivostok Russia
Russky Island Bridge
In 2021, Vladivostok hosted the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum. In order to commemorate the event, this enormous bridge, 320 metres high and almost 2 km long, was built. This bridge, which connects the city with Russky Island, is certainly one of the most characteristic sights of Vladivostok and one of the city’s must-see spots.
Egersheld Lighthouse
If you look up Vladivostok on the internet, one of the first images you will see is this beautiful white lighthouse. This is the Egersheld Bay Lighthouse, one of the city’s most famous landmarks, not only because of its beautiful white brick and red roof, but also because of its location. The lighthouse is located in the sea on a small mound of sand that connects with the mainland through a sand spit that is often covered by water. So if you’re lucky enough to have good weather on your trip to Vladivostok, don’t miss the Egersheld lighthouse, because it’s an experience you won’t always be able to enjoy.
Vladivostok Fortress Museum
Construction began on the old fortress of Vladivostok in 1878 as a preventive measure against possible attacks from Japan, however it was never completed. It is the best place to learn about the history of the city and see it with your own eyes.
In the museum you can see the old cannons that defended the city, as well as other weaponry and a large exhibition of maps, photographs and other documents that tell the history of Vladivostok.
Triumphal Arch
When you hear “triumphal arch”, the first thing that comes to mind is probably the Arc de Triomphe in Paris or others with similar architecture. But that’s only because you haven’t yet seen Vladivostok’s Arc de Triomphe. Ornate and colourful, it honours the visit of Tsar Nicholas II and decorates a beautiful park. Although, sadly, this is not the original, which was destroyed during the Soviet revolution, this 2003 replica is well worth a visit.
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Zolotoy Bridge
Like the Russky Island Bridge, the Zolotoy Bridge was built in 2012 for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum in Vladivostok. The bridge crosses the Zolotoy Bay, which in English means “golden horn”, so called because of its horn shape. Both the Zolotoy Bridge and the Russky Bridge are two impressive constructions that give the city a modern and monumental feel and are, without a doubt, two must-see sights in Vladivostok.
Soviet submarine S-56
Very close to the Zolotoy Bridge is the Soviet Submarine S-56, used in 1942 in World War II. Today it is a museum honouring the Russians who died in this war. You can visit inside, which takes you straight back in time. It is fascinating to be able to see a ship of this size with your own eyes.
Vladivostok train station
One of the reasons Vladivostok is famous is for being the last stop on the Trans-Siberian Railway, and the railway station where the world’s longest journey ends is a real marvel. The station was opened in 1893 and is home to a display of authentic railways of the time.
Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.
Things to do near Vladivostok Russia
Beaches of Vladivostok Russia, the best things to see in the surrounding area
The coastal city of Vladivostok has some wonderful beaches close to the city centre. Here are two of the best beaches in Vladivostok, which are very close to each other and only about 30 minutes’ drive from the city centre.
- Lazurnaya: if you visit Vladivostok in summer, when temperatures reach 26 degrees Celsius, you will probably want to enjoy the sun and the good weather. To do so, and especially if you have some extra time in the city, the best thing to do is to visit Lazurnaya beach. This is one of the busiest beaches in Vladivostok and overlooks a beautiful cliff.
- Steklyannaya: Also known as Glass Beach, Steklyannaya Beach is a place like no other. It is a beautiful beach surrounded by vegetation where instead of sand, the shore is made up of small crystals of infinite colours that have been washed ashore by the waves.
How to get to Vladivostok Russia?
By plane
Despite having its own airport, Vladivostok International Airport (VVO), there are no direct flights to European cities. All of them have at least one stopover in Moscow and the average round-trip cost is around €900.
By train
As mentioned above, Vladivostok is the last stop on the classic Trans-Siberian route from Moscow. Therefore, one of the most popular ways to reach the city is by train. The journey lasts twelve days, allowing you to take it easy and discover the whole of Russia. This legendary journey costs €7,390 and includes accommodation (on board almost every night).
Things to do in Vladivostok Russia in 1 day?
- Vladivostok railway station
- Zolotoy Bridge
- Submarine S-56
- City centre
- Egersheld Lighthouse (despite being one of the most legendary places in the city, it is also one of the most remote, 7km from the centre)
Where to eat in Vladivostok Russia?
Vladivostok, because of its geographical position, has a cuisine that integrates elements of traditional Russian cuisine as well as Chinese and Japanese and, being a port city, a lot of fish and seafood.
- In the main streets you’ll find street food stalls where you can sample Solianka and Ukha (fish and seafood soups), as well as other fresh seafood.
- Supra: A good restaurant at a very affordable price where you can enjoy traditional dishes such as crab khinkali (a type of dumpling), scallops, prawns… and empanadas. Average price: €9.
- Zuma: A delicious fusion restaurant. The menu features dishes from Russian, Chinese and Japanese cuisines, with fantastic sushi, soups, grilled meats, etc. Price range: €20-40.
Where to stay in Vladivostok?
- Sea Breeze Vladivostok boutique hotel: This beautiful and friendly 3-star hotel is located 0.6 km from the centre of Vladivostok and 450 metres from the beach, offering rooms with sea views. Continental breakfast for €4. Average price per night: €82.
- Primorye Hotel: A good 3-star hotel at a budget price. It is a 10-minute walk from Zolotoy Rog Bay and has rooms with a view of the bridge. Average price: €45 (high season €68)
- Zemchuzhina Hotel: A comfortable and pleasant hotel within walking distance of the city centre and the beach. It is also a 3-star hotel with a good breakfast for €6. Average price: €58.
Tips for your trip to Vladivostok Russia
- The Russian currency is the Russian rouble (1 rouble = €0.012).
- Change your money in advance, as currency exchange at airports is more expensive.
- Always carry some cash, not all shops accept cards.
- To travel from Spain you need to apply for a visa.
- To get a visa you need to take out travel insurance.
- If you want to avoid the cold, but also large crowds of tourists, travel in May and September.
- Take some warm clothes even in summer.
- If you’re travelling in winter, don’t forget to pack warm clothes – maximum temperatures don’t go warmer than -10°C and minimum temperatures can easily exceed -17°C.
- Vladivostok is a highly militarised city, so be careful about taking photos of official buildings and the military.
How to organise what to see in Vladivostok?
Sign up or download the Passporter App and discover all its useful features.
- Get inspiration from the experiences of other travellers.
- Create your own itinerary and add the app’s suggestions to it.
- Add the spots you are most interested in, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest listed in this post as a reference).
- Organise your itinerary by days and according to their location (you can take inspiration from the routes presented in the post).
- Check the travel budget that the app calculates for you based on your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
- Make the necessary modifications and you are ready for your trip.
- Finally, share your experience. Upload photos of every place you’ve visited to the app and recommend to other travellers all there is to see in Vladivostok, Russia.
If you have any doubts about how to plan your itinerary, you can read our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.
FAQs about Vladivostok
Ordinary visa: €60 issued in 10 days.
Express visa: €115, issued in 3 days.
Vladivostok is a small city and visiting it won’t take too long. So if you’re just passing through, don’t worry, one day is enough. However, if you have the opportunity to stay longer, all the better! This will give you the option to go on excursions and visit new places.
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