9 Great Reasons To Visit Vladivostok

Vladivostok in Russia has been ranked among the 10 most beautiful oceanfront cities on the globe by National Geographic, and rightfully so. With so much to see, do, and appreciate, we’ve put together a list of our top reasons to take a trip today.

1. The Best Season to Visit

The best time to head to Vladivostok is between early August and the end of October. It is during this time that you can enjoy frolicking in the ocean and getting a tan in Russia. In October, when Moscow’s trees are nearly bare, Primorsky territory goes through its yearly peak in sunny days. You’ll want to catch the fall colours in Vladivostok as they shade the hills against the backdrop of the blue ocean.

2. Russia’s Equivalent of the Staten Island Ferry

Be sure to take a trip on the ferry to Russky Island. It’s just a 30-minute ride and 50 rubles for a roundtrip, making it a really cheap way to take in the sights of the harbour from the open decks.

3. Central Square

Be sure to visit Ploshchad Revolyutsii to relax and watch the locals go about their daily routines. You’ll see the pair of statues that are a memorial to honour fighters who brought this part of Russia under Bolshevik control, and there are plenty of skateboards showing off their skills, too. There are often protest marches on the square, also.

4. Sportivnaya Gavan

While there are plenty of exciting Vladivostok tours to take part in, be sure to visit this busy summertime promenade and beach. It’s a short walk away from Central Square and while there is a swimming ban, locals continue to splash around in the water between the yachts of the marina. There is a small amusement part here with plenty of rides of children to enjoy and a Ferris wheel, as well as plenty of stalls for refreshing snacks, drinks, and souvenirs.

5. Museum Vladivostok Fortress

The fortress overlooks the see and was built over a century ago with the aim of guarding against Japanese invasion. You will notice that the ground is wash with defused bombs, small military vehicles, and chain guns. You can visit all of those for free and for a small fee, you can enter the fort to see displays of Russia’s history.

6. Dinamo Stadium

Just off the Sportivnaya Gavan, you will find the popular stadium, home to FC Luch-Energiya Vladivostok – a local premier league soccer team.

7. SK Olimpiets

You won’t want to miss out on a visit to the basketball stadium which is home to Russia’s super league and the BC Spartak Primorye.

8. Eagle’s Nest Hill

This is one of the highlights in downtown Vladivostok. Here you can take in panoramic views of the city and check out the local radio-transmitting centre and television tower. You can either hike up the hill or ride up on the funicular, but be sure to take your camera to capture those amazing views. Interestingly, Eagle’s Nest is an extinct volcano and is part of the Sikhote Alin mountain range.

9. Don’t Forget to Try the Food

Vladivostok is a hodgepodge of eastern and western influences and since it is the largest easternmost city in Russia, it sits on the North Pacific, which means you can enjoy cuisine ranging from traditional Russian to Georgian, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, and even Czech. You can even fish for your very own sea urchins to try.

Book a trip to Russia today and make sure that Vladivostok is included in your list.