Location: Vladivostok
Top Things to do in Vladivostok
Top Restaurants in Vladivostok
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The 10 Best Things to Do in Vladivostok, Russia
Vladivostok (Russian: Владивосто́к, IPA: [vlədʲɪvɐˈstok] ( listen), literally ruler of the east) is a city and the administrative center of Primorsky Krai, Russia, located around the Golden Horn Bay, not far from Russia's borders with China and North Korea. The population of the city as of 2017 was 606,589, up from 592,034 recorded in the 2010 Russian census.
Restaurants in Vladivostok
1. Bridge to Russky Island
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Alex S - Canberra, Australia
This bridge and the Golden Bridge that feeds traffics to it are impressive architectural and engineering achievements. They were also built in a very short time period adding to scope of the achievement.
However, you can only really look at them from shore or from a boat. Driving across is impressive but does not give you an idea of the scope of the engineering. You cannot stop on the Bridges anyway.
I recommend a harbour cruise as this really gives you a better impression on what was achieved as well as an opportunity to look at the harbour as a whole.
2. Golden Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 685 reviews
Reviewed By Alex S - Canberra, Australia
This bridge and the Russian Island Bridge it feeds into are impressive architectural and engineering achievements. They were also built in a very short time period adding to scope of the achievement.
However, you can only really look at them from shore or from a boat. Driving across is impressive but does not give you an idea of the scope of the engineering. You cannot stop on the Bridges anyway.
I recommend a harbour cruise as this really gives you a better impression on what was achieved as well as an opportunity to look at the harbour as a whole.
3. Lighthouse Egersheld
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 558 reviews
Reviewed By Andrew M
My son and I visited the lighthouse on our last day in Vladivostok. We took the 6:30am bus from he city. at the Seraya loshad bus stop. The bus stop is on Aleutskaya Street, a five minute walk from Central square.The popular buses that ply this route are # 59,60,62 and 81. It was a 15 minute trip, and 10 bus stops from town. The fare was 20 rubles. The last stop is at Anna Shchetinina Park, which is recommended for a short visit, as there are great views of the Bay and Russky Island Bridge from here. Note that after arriving at the Park, which is 4km south of the city, you will still have a 2km walk to the lighthouse.
After exiting the bus walk in a southerly direction, and past the bus terminus on the right hand side. All buses turn around at this section, for the return journey into the city. Walk up a slight slope , and a gas station will come into view on your left, and a tall apartment complex on your right.The remainder of the walk is downhill and quite easy. A few more minutes and the lighthouse, and power grid will be seen below. There area few places along the route where you can clamber up the bank and take photos of the lighthouse in the distance. There are a few side roads on the right, but stay to the left as this is the general direction of the lighthouse.
At the bottom of the hill is a paved food and beverage area, which has coin vending drink machines. There are a few benches, and fixed binoculars where coins can be inserted for a view of the harbour. Keep walking past the power grid, and on the narrow path to the lighthouse. The path was almost completely covered when we visited. We took quite a few photos here with the lighthouse in the background, and a few photos next to the lighthouse. We were the only visitors at this time. By the time that we decided to leave the strip was entirely covered and we got the best photo, which appeared to show my son walking on water.
We then relaxed on the benches in the parking area, and watched sea gulls and the boats in the harbour. The walk back is a little more difficult, as you will now be going uphill. We got a bus at the park, and were back in town by 8:30am. If you are an early riser and do not mind a bit of a stroll in the morning, this will be an unforgettable experience. Remember to bring some bread for the fish and seagulls, as we regretted this error This was one of the most memorable experiences on our trip.
4. Russian Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 620 reviews
Reviewed By Andrew M
After the loss of Port Arthur in Dalian to the Japanese in the Russo Japan war of 1904-1905, it became extremely important for the defences of Vladivostok to be improved. In 1904, there were four forts in Vladivostok, two on the hills overlooking the city and two at the northern end of Russian Island. In 1904, Japanese Cruisers bombed Vladivostok, but there was no return of fire as the coastal batteries were not yet complete. The Tsar made a plan to improve the fortifications in Vladivostok to 16 forts, 10 in and around the city area and 6 on Russky Island. These improvements were done between 1905 and 1914. On Russky Island, 4 forts were added to the southern coast of the island, and were numbered 9-12. The forts of Russian Island were named after the princes of the 11th century' and princes from the Moscow region in the 14th - 15th Century A total of 24 coastal batteries were added around the fringes of the Island to further strengthen defences.
During the Russian Civil war in 1917, Vladivostok was invaded by the Czechoslovak forces. Other international forces including the USA, Canada and Japanese were also stationed in Vladivostok. These forces eventually withdrew up to 1920, but the Japanese remained until 1922. After the Russian Civil war ended, the Bolsheviks signed a treaty with Japan to demilitarize Vladivostok. The forts were abandoned after the civil war, and scrapped.A few of the batteries were upgraded during World War 2, with the Vorishilov Battery, located high in the hills above Fort # 12, being the main improvement to the Islands' defences. These forts are of great historical importance, as they are the last forts of this type built in the world. The technological improvements of WW1, which included the invention of tanks and aerial bombing rendered a stationery target as a liability, as the mobility of forces became more important.
The forts of Vladivostok have not been well maintained. It is local people who form clubs, which maintain the forts as best as they can. The lack of funding to maintain the forts is evident, as many of them have grafitti and rubbish all around. It is best to arrange a tour with a local, as due to metal supports being removed from the forts, some of them are not very safe. Many of these forts extend deep underground, and there is no lighting, so flashlights are a must. There was evidence of persons camping in the forts, so to ensure your safety, a local guided tour is recommended.
We visited Fort 12, on Russky island with our local guide, Elena. We drove as far into the forest as we could, and then walked for 10 minutes until the fort was in sight. A government sign proclaiming the fort as a historical attraction was posted, but the fort itself was not well maintained. We walked through a few rooms in the fort and went down the stairs leading to the depths of the fort which were dark and chilly. The fortification walls surrounding the fort were overgrown by trees, but you will be able to get a feeling of the overall construction and design of the fort by walking around the main fortification.
We then walked back through the forest and returned to the main road to head in a southerly direction towards the main coastal battery in support of Fort 12, which is the # 369 Velikoknyazheskays Battery, also known as the Grand Dukal. It was named after the Grand Duke Sergei Mikhailovich. Sergei was a General during WW1. He was executed by Bolshevik supporters, the day following the infamous execution of the Romanovs at Yekaterinburg in 1918. This battery took 4 years to build and was completed in 1914.It had four main guns which could rotate, and the walls were 3.5 meters thick. This battery defended an area of 2.5km on the coast. It was also upgraded and used during WW2. The circular bases on which the guns were mounted remain, but all guns were removed. The Government notice proclaiming it to be a historical attraction is posted on the entrance to the battery on the far right. The battery to the far left, has a picture of a Russian Orthodox Saint. Most forts and batteries had pictures of saints. The rooms beneath the gun locations were filthy and garbage strewn. I would advise not to go in these rooms if you do not have to, as photos of the entrances and stairs may be taken from outside.To the right of the Grand Dukal Battery , a short 5 minute walk will lead you to a lookout point. The forest and sea view are excellent here, and a great photo op.
We enjoyed our day trip to Russian Island, and the exploring of the forts and batteries. Note that some of the batteries are now inaccessible, due to local businesses that have taken over the land e.g the nearby much visited aquarium makes access to battery # 373 and # 374 impossible. Hopefully the Government will provide funds to restore and maintain these historical areas, as in 1915 Vladivostok had the reputation as the best fortified city in the world.
5. Voroshilovskaya Batareya Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 171 reviews
Reviewed By alexey2612 - Moscow, Russia
I got to the Battery myself on a public transport. I do not recommend this method unless you speak Russian and know your way around. I took a route bus from downtown Vladivostok to Russky island. It is the only one that goes there. After a long ride I got off at the first stop after the asphalt road ended. I was in the woods. So I hiked about half a mile in the forest along a gravel road. Thus I got to the battery. The entrance fee is 100 rubles. They charge 100 rubles to take pictures. You can also fire a small cannon for one thousand rubles. In order to visit the underground facilities you need to move like a real soldier. It is obviously not recommended for elderly and visisotrs with disabilities. I was the only visitor at the site. Quite a strange feeling when you walk all the corridors and can almost feel the atmosphere that was at this battery a long time ago.
6. Golden Horn Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 265 reviews
Reviewed By Vanrustle - Vladivostok, Russia
it's beautiful and easy to access. It's not allowed to stop on it and observe the bay from, only on special days. But there are a few points you can access to look at it from aside.
7. Nikolai's Triumphal Arch/ Arch of Prince Nicholas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 162 reviews
Reviewed By faithandhope2live - Canada
We wandered into this serene part of town after we enjoyed the funicular ride down the steep hill. This Arch is a typical golden colourful Russian structure facing the bay. That makes it a beautiful photo opportunity. The arch is also a good shelter from rain or sun. There are things to explore around that area, such as a St. Andrew's Chapel, The Memorial Complex and Submarine Museum.
Happy Travelling!
8. Eagle's Nest Mount
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 410 reviews
Reviewed By Kyle H
This was our favorite view of the entire city overlooking the Golden Bridge, River, and city itself. On site, there are statues of historical figures and many locals get married here. Similar to other places, it has become a tradition to leave a lock. TIP: Bring a lock for an additional photo opportunity. Enjoy!
9. Tsesarevich Embankment
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 324 reviews
Reviewed By Marina1779 - Vladivostok, Russia
But no more than that. You can walk, whatch the sunset, rollerskate and that is it. There are many interesting buildings there but all of them are enpty. there's nothing inside. It could be much better if they'd make something really interesting inside! But the seacview is really nice
10. Monument to Vladimir Vysotsky
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 120 reviews
Reviewed By наталья е - Vladivostok, Primor'ye, Russia
You won't be able to notice the monument from the street unless walking up the alley towards the Gorky Drama theatre. It's too small and difficult to locate especially in summer with all the greenery and trees around. Not the best place for the monument. It's also overshadowed by the monument to S.Lazo, which is much taller and bigger.
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