Vladivostok (Russian: Владивосто́к, vlah-dee-vah-STOHK) is the eastern terminus of the Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia's largest port to the Pacific Ocean, and the base for the Pacific Fleet. With 600,000 inhabitants, it is the second-largest city in the Russian Far East, after Khabarovsk.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
The area that is now Vladivostok was historically part of the traditional homeland of the Manchus, who conquered China in the 17th century and established the Qing Dynasty. It was ceded to Russia in the 1858 Treaty of Aigun, one of the many unequal treaties that China was forced to signed with Western colonial powers in the 19th and 20th centuries. Following annexation, the Chinese and Manchu populations were ethnically cleansed from the region, and today, the population is overwhelmingly ethnic Russian. Surrounded by Amursky Gulf from the west, Ussuriysky Gulf from the east, and Golden Horn Bay along the south, Vladivostok is the home of the Russian Pacific Fleet.
Vladivostok has a wide range of transportation, from streetcars to a funicular railway. The trams and trolleybuses, unfortunately, are mostly gone in an effort to improve traffic: this hasn't worked, mainly because at least two lanes on most streets are still taken for unregulated parking. However there is talk of reinstating at least some trolleybus routes, and lengthening the network to include some suburban destinations.
If you've arrived in Vladivostok on the Trans-Siberian, at the end of a trip that began in Moscow, head straight for Sportivnaya Harbor. The still waters of the sea will likely provide sweet relief after several days on the train. However, if you're fresh off a ferry from Japan or Korea, head up to Svetlanskaya and Ploschad Bortsov Revolutsy for a stroll to get your land legs back.
If you'd like to swim, the beach at Sportivnaya Harbor is the place to do it (not Golden Horn Bay, where the Pacific Fleet is parked). Be sure to salute the half-submerged mermaid statue out in the water - when they finally fish it out of the water, that is, the statue was driven off its foundation by the shifting ice and sunk several years ago. Alternately, in the winter, locals aren't shy about strolling out on ice. 1 Russkiy Island (Остров 'Русский'). The closest and the largest island, connected by two bridges, is a nice place for swimming, sun-bathing, or biking on the gravel roads as an alternative to the city's beach.
Small kiosks sell samosas and other local snacks for 100 руб or so. For fast food, Hesburger, Cinnabon, Royal Burger, Bubo, Bite Burger, RestoGrad (РестоГрад), Country Fried Chicken, restaurant network Republic (Республика) can be easily found in the centre. Burger King is among the representatives of the world fast-food networks. 1 8 Minut Stolovaya, Ulitsa Aleutskaya, 11. A buffet restaurant (updated May 2022) Sunday morning brunch at the Vlad Inn (below) is a tradition for the handful of ex-pats living in the city. 2 bar «Drugoe mesto» (Bar «PlaceDifferent»), Ulitsa Admirala Fokina, 16А (City centre, just steps away from main city square), ☏ +7 4232408143. 12:00-02:00.
1 Club Cuckoo, 1A Okeanskiy Prospect (Centre, near the overseas passenger terminal and main square), ☏ +7 423 299-58-58. F Sa 23:00-06:00. The most glamorous night club in the city. There can be very strict rules of who's let in but foreigners usually pass, just speak English. Hosts the best parties in town, including DJs from Moscow and London. ticket 500 руб at door; drinks 150-350 руб. Lebowski Bar (Лебовски Бар), 56 Svetlanskaya St, ☏ +7 953 210-71-74. Disco music, a bar and a dance-floor. Next door is 8 Minut Stolovaya where you can enjoy a decadent dessert.
A few roads can only be crossed by poorly-lit underground passageways, which can be a bit nerve-wracking at night. Beggars tend to congregate near the doors, including children with very quick hands, so cover your pockets as you pass. Although you'll see plenty of locals stripping down for a swim on the boardwalks off Naberezhnaya, take care; there is plenty of rusted metal about. Stick to the beach unless you're very confident in your tetanus shots.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
In Jul, Vladivostok typically sees ~26°C daytime highs and 10 rainy days.
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