12 Fun & Amazing Things To Do In Vladivostok, Russia

1. Vladivostok Train Station

Both a starting point and a finish line, the Vladivostok Train Station is where the Trans Siberian Train arrives from or departures to Moscow, 9,288 kilometers (5,771 miles) away. It is worth a visit even if you don’t plan on taking the train, since it is one of the oldest and most beautiful buildings in town. Founded simultaneously with the railway in 1891, it was rebuilt in 1912 in the same style as the Yaroslavsky railway station in Moscow - some joke that you cross Russia only to get to the same place. With stunning ceilings, beautiful mosaics and other gorgeous details, this architectural gem is filled with history and tradition.

Vladivostok Train Station

Address: Aleutskaya, 2, Vladivostok, Primorskiy kray, Russia

Website: Vladivostok Train Station (in Russian)

2. Popov Island

Located in Peter the Great Gulf, Popov Island is very popular among the locals and one of the most visited spots in the Gulf. With lovely pebble beaches and warm waters in the summer, it is the perfect site for outdoor recreation. It also features the Far Eastern Sea Reserve and the Museum of Nature. The island serves as a marvelous option for scuba diving as well, since it has an amazing diversity of local sea fauna, like sea stars. The best time to go is from July to September, and you can reach it by ferry in 1 hour and 40 minutes. Make sure to check the schedule in advance on the port since the time table varies along the year.

Popov Island

Address: Morskoy vokzal (Ferry Port), Nizhneportovaya 1B, Vladivostok, Primorsky Krai, Russia

Website: Popov Island (in Russian)

3. Vladivostok Fortress

Considered one of the most powerful naval fortresses in the world, Vladivostok Fortress is a unique historical monument that those interested in military science will love, but can interest the general public as well. It has never been involved in military actions, since after its construction in the late 19th-century it became virtually impossible to attack the coast. Nowadays, you can access interesting exhibits about the medieval period of the Primorye history and the history of Vladivostok Fortress’s creation and the town’s foundation. The facilities include outer exposition of artillery armory and samples of construction machinery.

Vladivostok Fortress

Address: Batareynaya ul., 4 А, Vladivostok, Primorskiy kray, Russia

Website: Vladivostok Fortress

4. Primorsky Aquarium

The project of the Primorsky Aquarium began with a request of President Putin. Even before the construction was finished, it was already seen as one of the biggest aquariums in the world. Primorsky Aquarium has an important goal related to scientific discovery and research, but is an attractive venue to visitors because of the large scale exhibits and animal shows. The building is a spectacle on its own - created by the Design Institute of Vladivostok, is was built in the shape of a shell. You can get to the Aquarium’s gate on public transport and take a free shuttle service that will take you to the ticket office.

Primorsky Aquarium

Address: Russkiy Ostrov, Vladivostok, Primorskiy kray, Russia

Website: Primorsky Aquarium

5. Tokarevsky Lighthouse on Egersheld Peninsula

One of Vladivostok’s icons is Tokarevsky Lighthouse (Mayak Tokarevskiy), where all the roads symbolically end. It is one of the oldest lighthouses in the Russian Far East and sits on a man-made island connected to land by a narrow path. It is possible to walk on it and reach the lighthouse if the tide is low, and give the illusion that you are walking on water.

It is a fantastic place to visit all year round, with beautiful beaches to enjoy in the summer, wonderful frozen water scenery in winter and the possibility of spotting seals in the early spring.

Tokarevsky Lighthouse on Egersheld Peninsula

Address: Tokarevsky Cape, Vladivostok, Primorskiy kray, Russia

Website: Tokarevsky Lighthouse on Egersheld Peninsula

6. Zolotoy Bridge

A dominant structure that astonishes everyone because of its great size and modern design. The Zolotoy (Golden) Bridge connects the city’s downtown with the Churkin district, which was very welcomed among the locals. It has a total length of 1,388 meters (4,554 feet) and a 226.25 meters (742.3 feet) height, offering a breathtaking view. You can stop by at any time, since its illumination makes it worth a visit in the evening too. Make sure to stop by the lookout deck for pictures.

Zolotoy Bridge

Address: Goldern Horn Bay, Vladivostok, Primorskiy kray, Russia

Website: Zolotoy Bridge

7. Moloko & Med Restaurant

Feeling hungry? Moloko & Med (Milk & Honey) is located in Vladivostok’s city center and has a sophisticated urban atmosphere and menu. It’s great for having breakfast, but serves as a nice space to have a drink in the evening as well. They offer a variety of meals with Italian and French influence, but if you are looking to taste some Russian dishes this is a good choice too. In addition, the lovely terrace can be a cool place to relax while enjoying your meal.

Moloko & Med Restaurant

Address: Sukhanova St., 6A, Vladivostok, Primorskiy kray, Russia

Website: Moloko & Med Restaurant

8. Naval Memorial - S-56 Submarine

The C-56 or S-56 (“S” stands for “Srednyaya”, which is Russian for “medium”) is a submarine that had an important role in the naval history of Russia and in World War II, as it is considered the most efficient one in the Soviet Navy in the use of torpedoes. It is now opened for the general public as part of the Naval Memorial Museum, which has two parts: the first one is dedicated to the history and most important events in the Russian Navy, while the second part is the submarine itself. It has become a very popular attraction in Vladivostok and a great way to meet something that fills the locals with pride.

Naval Memorial - S-56 Submarine

Address: Korabelnaya nab., Vladivostok, Primorskiy kray, Russia

Website: Naval Memorial - S-56 Submarine (in Russian)

9. Zarya Centre for Contemporary Arts

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Standing at the entrance to Vladivostok and reachable by public bus, the Zarya Center for Contemporary Arts is the perfect place to experience the local modern art scene. With a mission to support the emerging artists of the city, the center offers a space to promote and inspire creativity. It operates under the banner of experimental methods of interaction between artists and audience, and offers an interesting display of exhibitions and events that appeal to art lovers, but to the general public too.

It is located in an old Soviet garment factory and features a wonderful reading room with Wi-Fi, where visitors can mingle with the artists. Admission is free.

Zarya Centre for Contemporary Arts

Address: prosp. 100-Letiya Vladivostoky, 155, Vladivostok, Primorskiy kray, Russia

Website: Zarya Centre for Contemporary Arts

10. Bridge to Russky Island

Built for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) conference that took place on the Russky Island in 2012, the Russky Bridge is the longest cable-stayed bridge in the world. With a 1,104 meter (3,622 feet) long central span, it is an impressive piece of engineering that connects the city to the island and provides a beautiful landmark to Vladivostok. You can take the bus to the DVFU campus if you wish to go through the bridge by public transport, and then commute to a minibus that takes you round the island, which offers beautiful beaches and interesting forts.

Bridge to Russky Island

Address: Nazimov peninsula, Vladivostok, Primorskiy kray, Russia

Website: Bridge to Russky Island

11. Witness majestic singing at the Mariinsky Theatre Primorsky Stage

Visiting a country like Russia is a great feat on your travel bucket list and it ought to be a shame if you didn’t get to see a spectacular Russian performance at a local opera house. Grab the opportunity to catch an opera show at the Mariinsky Theatre Primorsky Stage and witness glorious opera singing from the world’s most renowned opera singers and performers. This Russian Opera House is was built back in 2012 for the APEC Summit and is renowned for its incredible design, boasting glass walls, and three stages for seasonal shows. Ongoing shows include Peter and the Wolf, a symphonic tale for children best attended by those traveling with families. There’s also the Christmas classic, The Nutcracker which is also a ballet show combined; truly a must-see when visiting a one of a kind country like Mother Russia.

Russian Opera House

Address: Theatre Square, 1, St Petersburg, Russia, 190000

Website: The Mariinsky Theatre

Opening hours: time varries

Price: 2.35 USD to 47.07 USD

12. Visit a "banya" and get beate by a "venik"

After exploring Vladisvotok, it’s no doubt some travelers will feel sore and craving a massage or a solid sauna session. Instead of a normal back or foot rub, go the extra mile and book a few hours relaxing in a local bathhouse where travelers can see what the one of a kind experience of a Russian steam bath is really like. There are several public bathhouses called “banya” all over Vladisvotok, where people are fully naked and comfortably sit and wait to perspire. Apart from the steam baths, there’s also the famous tree-branch-whipping from a Russian masseuse who uses birch tree branches, better known as “venik” to finish off your spa session. This may seem odd but it is a very common and rejuvenating practice many Russians like when spending time in a banya. Best to give thanks right after as it is considered rude to shoo them away.

Visit the Yamskie Banya

Address: Russia, St. Petersburg, ul. Dostoevsky, d.9

Website: Yamskie Banya

Opening hours: General Branches: 8:00 am to 11:00 pm, Mondays to Sundays; Suites and Rooms: 9:00 am to 11:00 pm, Sundays to Mondays

Price:3.92 USD to 7.37 USD

The unofficial capital of the Russian Far East

Its unique geographical location made Vladivostok an unbreakable military position, but it’s now heaven for visitors who are delighted with the breathtaking panoramic views and vibrant cosmopolitan vibe that this city provides. Take it as a wonderful way to start or as an incredible finish line to your journey, and be sure that Vladivostok will give you a great time.