vladivostok tourism

The Top 18 Things to Do in Vladivostok, Russia

Russia's forgotten eastern metropolis beckons

 saiko3p/Getty Images

It's tempting to think of Russia as nothing more than Moscow and St. Petersburg, even if you've never been the country. After all, the vast majority of the country's population lives in and between its two largest cities, and Siberia is super cold if nothing else . 

But Russia's Far East is a worthy destination, and not only because it's convenient (nonstop flights to Beijing, Seoul and Tokyo are available). The top 18 things to do in Vladivostok will surprise and delight you!

Go Back in Time at Vladivostok Fortress

Restless Globetrotter/Flickr/ CC BY 2.0

Not too far back in time, however. Like most of modern Vladivostok itself, the city's fortress only dates back to the late 19th century, when the then-recent Russo-Japanese War made its construction a big obligation for the local government. At the very least, the Fort offers a beautiful view of the city and its harbor, not to mention a very brisk wind on all but the hottest summer days.

Follow in the Footsteps of Vladimir Arsenyev

Beloved by Russian people (but especially citizens of Vladivostok) for his 19th century explorations of what would become Russia's Far East, Vladimir Arsenyev is in many ways the reason the city exists at all. Trace his story by visiting related city attractions , such as Marakov Square, Hotel Versailles and of course, Arsenyev Museum. This is a great way to disprove the notion that Vladivostok, while younger than most major cities of Russia, has no heritage—it's got tons!

Take a Boat Ride in Golden Horn Bay

Allan Dooley/Public Domain

If you're looking for a mix of Vladivostok's exotic eastern flair and its wild Arctic scenery, why not go for a boat ride in beautiful Golden Horn Bay? Boats depart from several places along the city's waterfront, and although this could be a chilly prospect in winter, it's always a picturesque choice, particularly around the time the sun is setting.

Go Green at the Botanical Garden

Mikhail Alexandrov/Public Domain

You say you prefer terrestrial delights? Head north from the city center (and well away from the water) toward the Vladivostok Botanical Garden, which also serves as a research institute for the Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Enjoy the company of thousands of different plant species, most of which exist indoor so that you can enjoy them year-round.

Stroll Along the Embankments

Want if you want to enjoy Vladivostok's seafront, without actually going in the water? A perfect compromise is a stroll along the embankments of Amur Bay, which are beautiful year-round, but especially during the summer when locals take to them. A particularly beautiful sight from these shores is Russky Bridge, an ultra-modern cable-stayed marvel that connect the city's main peninsula with one of its islands.

Ride a Stand-Up Paddle Board

If, on the other hand, a boat ride is not an intimate enough ocean connection for your trip to Vladivostok, you could get even wetter—namely, by going on a stand-up paddle boarding trip. This is possible (though perhaps unadvisable) outside of summer, but if you get a warm day, you might be surprised just how enjoyable arctic water sports can be. Just make sure to get on shore before the sun sets (which is thankfully late, almost 9 p.m., in summer in Vladivostok).

Meet the Dolphins of Primorsky Aquarium

Certainly, cold water temperatures are no skin off the noses of any of the marine animals that call the Vladivostok area home. Of course, if you don't want to see them in the wild, there's an easier option: Primorsky Aquarium, which is architecturally stunning in addition to being home to cute (and talented!) dolphins.

Twice per day, the dolphins put on a show, and though you can't swim with them (unless, of course, you stay in town and become a certified trainer), you might be able to get some face time.

Hit the Beach

What's crazier than taking a boat ride or stand-up paddle boarding in Vladivostok? Well, depending on the time of year, going to the beach! To be sure, while actually entering the water can be a frigid proposition even in the summer, the golden sands of beaches like Kungasny Beach and Luzarnaya Bay are inviting places to sunbathe when the sun is bright in the sky. Even during the winter Vladivostok's beaches can be enchanting, particularly when the snow is falling.

Catch an Organ Concert

Photo courtesy of Artem Ganzha for The Pacific Russia Tourism Alliance

The bad news? There's only one pipe organ in Vladivostok. The good news? It's an epic instrument, both in terms of its sound and its story. See this behemoth in action at Most Holy Mother of God Catholic Church, and learn about its interesting life: An idea birthed in Austria, then designed and built in the Philippines before taking shape in Russia's Far East.

Visit the church's official website (TIP: Use a browser that has a built-in translator, as an English-language version is not currently available) to see the full schedule and if it corresponds with your trip to Vladivostok.

Look Into the Eye of the Tiger at Primorye Safari Park

Photo courtesy of the  Amur Tiger Programme

It's no secret that Siberian tigers are native to, well, Siberia, but you probably didn't realize that you could encounter the great cats (albeit somewhat domesticated ones) only a short drive from Vladivostok. Primorye Safari park is perfect for travelers who would love to venture deeper into Russia's wilds to see animals in their native habitats, but lack either the time or the fearlessness required. 

Relax in the Square of the Sister Cities

saiko3p/Getty Images

Did you know that Vladivostok's sister cities number 14, and include world cities like Busan, South Korea and San Diego, California? This fact is commemorated on plaques in the aptly-named Square of the Sister Cities, though you don't need to know history in order to appreciate the communal chill of this meeting point, which is beautiful no matter what part of the year you take your trip to Vladivostok.

Go Fishing (in All Four Seasons!)

watchsmart/Flickr/ CC BY 2.0

That Vladivostok is paradise for fishing is not a shock, given that the city is surrounded by water on nearly all sides. It might not be surprising, either, that fishing is an all-season activity, given what this list has taught you about how year-round a destination Vladivostok is. Still, if you have any interest in fishing, it might be worth your while to dedicate time to the sport, be it morning smelt fishing in winter , or a squid-fishing expedition on a summer night.

Explore the Vladivostok Catacombs

Photo courtesy of  Vladivostokskij digger-club  for The Pacific Russia Tourism Alliance

Vladivostok isn't as old as many other cities in Russia, but its past hosted enough darkness that some of it manages to persist until today. Case in point is the Vladivostok Catacombs, which along with a variety of serpentine galleries and warehouses makes up an intricate underground world you'll be eager to discover, particularly during the cold months.

Get on Island Time

Photo courtesy of the  President of Russia official website

If you search the internet for "photos of islands near Vladivostok," you might not feel like putting on a swimsuit—and that's fair. But whether you're able to look past the lack of tropical water and appreciate the turbulent surf of Kuril, or just happen to visit Popov Island on a sunny and relatively warm day, day tripping it to any of the islands near Vladivostok is a great way to disconnect and relax.

Watch a Match at Dynamo Stadium

Pressphotos/Stringer/Getty Images 

Although Vladivostok's own soccer team isn't known for its win record (Luch-Energia's perpetually poor showings have become even more of a sore spot now that Russia's hosting the World Cup), the stadium they play at occupies a soft spot in locals' hearts. The city's new stadium, which is currently under construction on nearby Russkiy Island, will become the city's main one after the Cup has finished.

Visit a Triumphal Arch

Martin Moos/Getty Images

If you've explored Europe, you probably know that Paris' Arc de Triomphe is far from the only triumphal arch on the continent—Bucharest and St. Petersburg, anyone? In fact, you can find a triumphal arch in Vladivostok, the Arch of Prince Nikolai, and while it's not as immediately iconic as Paris' (or even the one in New York's Washington Square Park), it features intricate painting and is definitely worthy of a selfie or two.

Pay Your Respects at the Marine Cemetery

Vladivostok is not only a current hub for Russia's navy, but has historically served as an important point of origin for seafaring Russians military vessels. Unfortunately, this means that many seamen have found their final resting place here. Why not pay respect to them at the Vladivostok Marine Cemetery? Even if you can't read Cyrillic and don't know the stories of the men who perished, it's still a worthwhile and solemn stop.

Take the Trans-Siberian Railway Out of Town

mcdermp /Getty Images

If you've finished discovering Vladivostok (not that you can ever really finish) and still have some time left, take advantage of the city being the eastern terminus of the iconic Trans-Siberian Railroad, and embark on a westbound journey. Whether you go all the way to Moscow, or stop in destinations like Beijing, Ulaanbaatar or Russia's fairy-tale city of Tomsk , Vladivostok doesn't have to be the end of your journey—it can be the beginning.

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Explore Vladivostok

Plan your trip to vladivostok: best of vladivostok tourism.

Essential Vladivostok

Vladivostok Is Great For

Eat & drink.

Art & history

Shopaholics

The great outdoors

• Lotte Hotel Vladivostok
• AZIMUT City Hotel Vladivostok
• Primorye Hotel
• Astoria Hotel Vladivostok
• Vladivostok Grand Hotel & Spa
• Restaurant OGONEK
• Fifth Ocean
• Russian Island
• Russky Bridge
• Lighthouse Egersheld
• S-56 Submarine Museum
• Astafyev's Bay
• Trans-Siberian railway experience with Dacha tour and Automobile Antiques Museum
• Private tour: Russian Dacha+Trans-Siberian railway experience
• Amazing Safari Park with Siberian Amur Tiger Watching Private Tour
• Urban legends of Vladivostok
• Winter Skiing in Unique Place & Dinner

Understand [ edit ]

The area that is now Vladivostok was historically part of the traditional homeland of the Manchus, who would conquer China in the 17th century and establish 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.

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. The city is separated from its southernmost part, Russkiy Island, by the Eastern Bosphorus strait; there are a couple of smaller sparsely populated islands, Reineke and Popov.

From its foundation in 1860, as a naval base, the city received the status of free port, that boosted international commerce and development. The October Revolution brought Japanese, American, French and Czechoslovak armies who sided with the Whites. From 1958 to 1992, Vladivostok was off-limits to foreigners; it was finally re-opened for tourism after the fall of the Soviet Union. The city centre, at the edge of the water, has sweeping boulevards of ornate, century-old buildings; magnificent, decaying, and in dire need of a scrub. Further out, on the steep hills overlooking the bay, similarly decaying Soviet blocks dotted with new high-rise buildings provide accommodations for most of the city's residents.

There are beautiful oak woods surrounding the city, which along with Nakhodka , could be a starting point for weekend bus-tours to the winter ski-slopes, or waterfalls in summer. A few lotus lakes are an attraction for campers and forest lodgers when the flowers are blossoming in August.

Climate [ edit ]

Vladivostok is at the same latitude with Russian subtropical sea resort of Sochi , but its average annual temperature is nearly 10 degrees lower due to the Siberian High that brings cold winds from Yakutia for much of the winter. Thus the winter is typical for Manchuria: cold, clear and very windy. The snow is scarce and in some years may not fall at all.

January is cold at -14°C (7°F), and August is fairly warm at 24°C (75°F), though these are average temperatures, and hot/cold spells can bring much more extreme conditions. It is not unheard of for temperatures to drop below -30°C in February, and similarly August can be over 30°, but in general August and September bring the most sunny and pleasant temperatures. The end of summer, however, could bring Pacific monsoons that last for a few days in a row.

Get in [ edit ]

See Russia#Get in for visa requirements to Russia.

By train [ edit ]

Tickets for the Trans-Siberian Railway sell out and it is best to buy tickets well in advance. Tickets are sold by the operator as well as via agencies and resellers.

The main line of the Trans-Siberian Railway runs between Moscow and Vladivostok. Major stops from Vladivostok include Ulan Ude (62-67 hours), Irkutsk (81 hours), Krasnoyarsk (99 hours), Novosibirsk (113 hours), Omsk (121 hours), Yekaterinburg (134 hours), Nizhni Novgorod (5 days), and Moscow (6 days).

By boat [ edit ]

If you enter Russia by boat, you can stay for 72 hours without a Russian visa. For more information, see Russia#Get_in .

The ferry port in Vladivostok is right next to the train station.

To/from Korea and Japan [ edit ]

Business Intour Service is the official booking agent for ferries operated by The Far Eastern Shipping Company (FESCO) between Vladivostok and the Fushiki port in Takaoka , Japan . The trip costs ¥48,400 including meals (alcohol costs are additional). The ships do not have many working amenities. Ferries both ways leave on Friday evening and arrive two days later on Sunday morning. You'll need to arrive at the port a few hours early for immigration procedures.

The Eastern Dream boat of the DBS Ferry Company [dead link] operates service to/from Donghae , South Korea (US$180+) and Sakai Minato , Japan (US$220+). From March to November the ferry leaves Sakai Minato on Saturdays, briefly stops in Donghae on Sundays and arrives in Vladivostok on Mondays. In the winter, the ferry lays over in Donghae until Monday and arrives in Vladivostok on Tuesday. The nearest major city to Sakai Minato is Kyoto , 3 hours by train. (Update: DBS got bought by a Korean company, here's the website with the prices: http://dwship.co.kr/en/passenger/passenger.asp )

There is also a ferry service connecting Vladivostok and Sokcho , South Korea. It costs about US$200 and takes two days. One ship leaves Sokcho each week, on Thursday, although they become more frequent in the summer months (June-August).

By cargo boat [ edit ]

It is also possible to travel to/from anywhere in the world by booking a berth on a cargo boat. Usual caveats of freighter travel apply, though (it's definitely not for a casual tourist), and one need to keep in mind that Russian border and customs officials aren't used to people traveling this way.

By car [ edit ]

Vladivostok is not only the eastern end of the Trans-Siberian railway, but of the Trans-Siberian Highway as well. The ferry from the South Korea and Japan seem to carry cars and motorcycles [dead link] , although they are not roll on-roll off ships, like ferries in Europe, and there is some bureaucracy involved transporting cars from one country to another. You can get in from China by road as well, for example via the Suifenhe border crossing.

Get around [ edit ]

By foot [ edit ]

The city centre is only a short walk from the train station, and most of the sights can be reached easily on foot. Aleutskaya St runs north/south, passing the train station; head north to Svetlanskaya St, which is the main east/west road for the city.

As much of Vladivostok is situated on steep hills, walking can be physically demanding. The ice and wind in winter and the conditions of the pavements mostly preclude bicycle use.

However, MTB and weekend bike tours are very popular among the people for there is quite a lot of scenic places hard-to-reach by vehicles but still worth the effort. The most attractive destinations range the closest islands and the coastline even when the ice covers the bays.

See [ edit ]

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. (Both destinations usually have food and drink vendors.)

Civil engineering buffs can gawk at the numerous construction marvels peppering the city streets since the 2012 APEC Summit, including the two enormous bridges across the Golden Horn Bay and Eastern Bosporus strait (the Russian Navy officers first exploring the area were big fans of Istanbul harbour), the latter of which is the largest cable-stayed bridge in the world. Locals are more ambivalent about all that construction, but the bridges and hotels nevertheless already have become a frequent visitor attractions, and the Golden Horn one is greatly praised by the locals, as it radically relieved the permanently congested Lugovaya square, taking about half of its traffic.

Museums and memorials [ edit ]

For connoisseurs of Lenin statues , don't miss the one overlooking the train station from the west, next to the post office (the popular joke goes that the World Proletariat Leader says "You're going the right way, comrades", while pointing at Japan). There are also some interesting statues heading east on Svetlanskaya, both Soviet-era and abstract.

• 43.113017 131.889237 6 Naval Memorial , Korabelnaya Embankment .  

Other attractions [ edit ]

• 43.005079 131.555507 17 Primorskiy Oceanarium , 25, Akademika Kasyanova St . A large aquarium located on Russkiy Island that also has dolphin shows and many many other exhibits showcasing colourful coral fishes, predatory moray eels, sharks, etc. ( updated Jan 2020 )

Events [ edit ]

• Every September, golden season by balneological standards, the city holds the Pacific Meridian International Film Festival [dead link] and welcomes Russian cinematographic beau monde and often first stars from the West like Gérard Depardieu.
• International Jazz Festival — Vladivostok, organized by Vladivostok Philharmonic.
• Every last Sunday of September - Tiger's day

Learn [ edit ]

• The Far Eastern National University is one of the top five Russian universities and has over 35,000 students. In addition to Russian courses, there are also Japanese, Korean, German, Thai, Vietnamese and Indonesian centers in the university.
• The Vladivostok State University of Economics and Service [dead link] also offers Russian courses for foreigners [formerly dead link] at decent prices. Both universities can set you up in their dorms as well as do the necessary paperwork for you to study in Russia.
• Japanese center in Vladivostok offers Japanese language course and business seminars.
• 43.114636 131.876002 1 Alliance française . ( updated Sep 2018 )

Buy [ edit ]

There's a GUM (former Kunst&Albers) department store on Svetlanskaya, across from Ploschad Bortsov Revolutsii, and electronic stores further east that can help with power converters and the like.

Local markets are spread throughout Vladivostok and provide the basic groceries for a neighborhood. Some even have a butcher but most all provide sausages and frozen meat. Larger markets sell clothing, shoes, and everything else imaginable in addition to food.

• 43.118695 131.882174 2 [dead link] Mir Pryazhi ( World of Yarn ), 10 Semyonovskaya St ( off Aleutskaya St ), ☏ +7 4232 220640 . Daily 11:00-18:00 . A nice place to buy local crafts (handmade jewellery, knitwear, porcelain beads). The shop also sells yarn and handcraft items.  
• 43.166758 131.913005 3 Sinyaya Ptitsa ( Blue Bird ), 46 Russkaya St ( to Vtoraya Rechka ), ☏ +7 9244 296159 , [email protected] . Daily 11:00-18:00 . A variety of Vladivostok's souvenirs, Russian handmade folk ceramics Gzhel.  

Sleep [ edit ]

Dorms [ edit ].

Russian dorm rooms in Vladivostok range from awful to OK. Generally, foreigners are dormed in reasonable accommodations, but you should know exactly what you are getting into before arriving. Important things you might take for granted include: private or communal kitchen and bathrooms, number of roommates, number of clothing washers and dryers.

The Far Eastern National University (above) offers reasonable dorm rooms but foreigners are separated from Russian students, so if you are looking for more Russian immersion, ask them about arranging a home stay.

Stay safe [ edit ]

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.

Connect [ edit ]

The main post office is on the other side of Aleutskaya from the train station. Internet access is available on the first floor of the post office. There are a few Internet cafes in the town center.

ATMs are easy to find, and most are connected to international bank networks. Otherwise, many hotels have exchange desks, although some have exchange rates decidedly skewed in their favor. Banks are the most obvious choice for currency exchange. There will also be dodgy money-changers near Sportivnyaya Harbor.

Cope [ edit ]

Consulates [ edit ], go next [ edit ].

• The Trans-Siberian Railway will be the means of exit by most, either heading west towards Moscow or into China. The next major stop is the Russian city of Khabarovsk, some 700 km (435 mi) off. Smaller Ussuriysk may be an interesting city for eager traveller as well as a connection point to China. As a side trip visit Nakhodka .
• North Korea 's airline Air Koryo offers flights to Pyongyang .

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THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Vladivostok

Things to do in vladivostok, explore popular experiences, top attractions in vladivostok.

Other Top Attractions around Vladivostok

What travellers are saying

• Lighthouse Egersheld
• Russian Island
• Russky Bridge
• Eagle's Nest Mount
• Golden Bridge
• Golden Horn Bay
• Cape Tobizina
• Botanical Garden-Institute
• Astafyev's Bay

Must-see attractions in Vladivostok

Zarya Centre for Contemporary Art

Vladivostok

The full renovation and repurposing of a former clothing factory into a giant creative complex containing offices, studios, cafes and work spaces is one…

Russky Island

A fully militarised zone for most of the past 150 years, this big island just offshore has been reinvented as a business and academic centre and is home…

Primorsky Oceanarium

This massive new development on Russky Island is one of Vladivostok's planned key attractions and opened with great fanfare in 2016. It's a vast space in…

Arsenev Regional Museum

This recently redone museum dates from 1890 and offers three floors of galleries, although there's little in the way of English labelling. Exhibits delve…

Transfiguration Cathedral

Vladivostok was building a massive new cathedral on its central square at the time of writing, and it's set to be one of the city's most recognisable…

Antique Automobile Museum

If you’re a bit of a car (or Soviet) nerd, the Antique Automobile Museum is an absolute classic. A room full of Sovietmobiles (motorcycles too) from the…

Of Vladivostok's multiple, numbered defensive forts, No 7 (14km north of the centre) gets our vote. It has 1.5km of tunnels, pretty much untouched since…

Hermitage Vladivostok

This gorgeous tsarist-era building in the centre of Vladivostok is the latest big cultural institution to open a Far Eastern campus. Once complete, the…

Vladivostok’s well-oiled funicular railway makes a fun 60-second ride up a 100m hill every few minutes (unless the old girl is experiencing one of her…

S-56 Submarine

Perched near the waterfront, the S-56 submarine is worth a look. The first half is a ho-hum exhibit of badges and photos of men with badges (all in…

Popov Island

Just beyond Russky Island, Popov Island is better regarded for its beaches and filled with many guesthouses and dachas. You’ll probably need to stay…

Voroshilov Battery

This Soviet battery, now a military museum, was built in 1933–34 and housed 75 soldiers at its peak. Underground you can explore the guts of the battery,…

Vladivostok Fortress Museum

On the site of an old artillery battery overlooking Sportivnaya Harbour, this museum has cannons outside, a six-room indoor exhibit of photos and many,…

Primorsky Picture Gallery

Vladivostok’s main art museum on Partizansky pr has long been under renovation and shows no sign of reopening any time soon. In the meantime, some of its…

Sportivnaya Harbour

This charming harbour is a lovely place to wander along the seafront and is a popular place for locals on the warm summer nights. Its walkway extends some…

Discover Vladivostok: 14 Best Things to Do During Your Visit

By Author Christian L.

Posted on Published: June 20, 2020  - Last updated: February 3, 2021

Categories Destinations , Europe , Russia

Panoramic view over the largest city in northeast Russia.

The city of Vladivostok in Russia is not exactly what you would call a famous tourist city. With a name that means “Ruler of the East,” you can find the city in the Far Eastern Federal District of Russia.

Locals mostly know Vladivostok as a naval base, and it serves as Russia’s largest commercial port on the Pacific coast.

Although it is not the first thing you think of when travelling, this city has a lot of activities and more that you can do while you’re there. If you want to visit somewhere new and that people likely have never been before, then consider going out and discovering the beauty of Vladivostok.

Here are 14 of the best things you can do during your trip to the enchanting city of Vladivostok, Russia . If you are already in eastern Russia and Siberia, so are one of the best places to visit Lake Baikal .

Top Things To Do In Vladivostok

Visit the vladivostok fortress..

Since Vladivostok is the home of the Russian Pacific Fleet, it makes sense that you can observe a mighty naval fortress while you’re there.

When you’re in the city, you can visit one of the most potent naval strongholds in the world, which is the ​Vladivostok Fortress​.

For any history or military science lovers, visiting the Vladivostok Fortress is something you’d want to see. Consider taking a guided tour around this fortress for more information if you want an in-depth look into the fortress’s history.

Witness breathtaking views at the Eagle’s Nest.

If you have a limited time to spend in Vladivostok, you should make a stop by the ​Eagle’s Nest Hill​ to get the best view of the city. You can get a majestic view of the city skyline as well as the Golden Horn Bay.

You can go to the Eagle’s Nest at any time, but it is truly best when the sun is setting.

Behold the wonder bridges of Vladivostok.

Zolotoy Bridge

While you’re travelling all around the city, you should take the time to admire Vladivostok’s bridges.

Back in the day, Vladivostok took a longer time to get to Russky Island, across Zolotoy Rog Bay and Amur Bay. With the help of their bridges, though, it’s easier to access other aspects of the city.

Come to Tokarevsky Lighthouse.

Tokarevsky Lighthouse

Local and foreign tourists alike should make a stop by the ​Tokarevsky Lighthouse​, where the land stops and the Pacific Ocean starts.

The lighthouse stands on a human-made island, and you can walk to it through the spit when it’s low tide. During the winter season, you can see from the Tokarevsky spit some spotted seals swimming in the waters.

Make sure to leave enough space between you and the seals while observing them, though

See local art Zarya Centre for Contemporary Art.

If you’re a fan of contemporary art, you should consider stopping by the ​Zarya Centre for Contemporary Art​.

Even if you’re no artist, you can still enjoy interacting with the many exhibitions in it. Aside from the exhibits, you can also find a reading room inside. You can also have a relaxing time at the small coffee shop while you’re there.

Shop in one of the oldest Russian style shopping centres.

Glavnyi Universalnyi Magazin also known as just GUM.

One of Vladivostok’s more popular spots would be the Glavnyi Universalnyi Magazin or ​ GUM ​, the oldest soviet-style shopping centre in Vladivostok.

Nowadays, you can find a courtyard around the same area where you can find a variety of shops and restaurants that sells Russian souvenirs and more.

Relive the heroic past inside the S-56 submarine.

Another part of Vladivostok’s naval history that you can observe is the C-56 or S-56 submarine. It is situated in the Naval Memorial Museum. The ​ S-56 submarine​ is famous for being the most efficient submarine during World War II in terms of its torpedo usage.

One story surrounding this submarine is that many times people thought and declared the submarine as dead 19 times. Despite this, the S-56 managed to come back every time.

Go on a hiking tour at Cape Tobizin.

Cape Tobizin

Cape Tobizin​ is a fantastic spot in the Russky Island in Vladivostok. The main selling point of Cape Tobizin would be its incredible rock formations.

According to scientists, the rock formations in Cape Tobizin are because it used to be an ocean floor. Volcanic activity caused this particular area to become land.

The rock formations at Cape Tobizin are new structures worth hiking to, but you have to be careful. If you want to be extra safe, make sure that you bring ​hiking poles ​ with you.

The hike to get to Cape Tobizin isn’t too long. It’s around five kilometres or about three miles, which means that it won’t take you more than two hours.

You can go on a hiking tour to get to Cape Tobizin. Once you’re there, you can relax, drink some tea, and enjoy the view before going back.

Explore underground Vladivostok.

A riveting “attraction” that you might want to try in Vladivostok would be its underground tunnels. It spans the entire city and is connected to the Vladivostok Fortress.

The underground Vladivostok contains and functions as a catacomb, drainage, bomb shelter, and so on. You can go on a tour underground by joining the Vladivostok Digger Club.

Discover the secrets of Millionka.

Another curiosity in the city of Vladivostok is a neighbourhood with blocks of distinct red-brick buildings. This area is the Millionka neighbourhood, a place used to have gambling houses, opium dens, brothels, and more that were run by Chinese gangs back in the day.

This unique and gritty history of ​Millionka​ has made it a budding home for an alternative and urban culture that attracts plenty of artists.

If you want to get a breathtaking view of Vladivostok’s urban history, Millionka is worth the visit.

Admire marvellous exotic plants at the Botanical Garden.

Plant lovers all over the world will always love going to gardens. If you’re the same, you should stop by the Botanical Garden.

The Vladivostok Botanical Garden is the best place to admire exotic plants. You can admire the garden using your sense of sight and your sense of smell, given the variety of plants inside.

Walk along the embankments.

One of the best ways to spend some time with your family in the city and lose yourself in the crowds would be through the Vladivostok ​seafront embankments​. The dams around the city are the best places to enjoy a walk. You can admire the view, maybe stop by a cafe, and enjoy people watching.

Ride on the Funicular.

In admiration of the cable cars in San Francisco, Vladivostok created its version ‒ The Funicular.

Despite the short ride on the funicular, which only takes less than two minutes, the view over the Golden Horn Bay is worth the less than two-minute ride.

Experience a Russian steam bath

If you want to have a spa day while in Vladivostok, you should stop by a ​Banya​, also known as the Russian version of a sauna.

It’s an old Russian tradition that people still do to this day. The steam bath will help improve your circulation and will help you relax.

Plan a Visit to Vladivostok!

Vladivostok might not be the first thing on your list of places to travel to or maybe not even this part of Russia. Still, it is an experience that you won’t have anywhere else.

If you’re tired of going to famous tourist spots around the world and want to try something new and unique, this part of Russia has uniqueness in spades. Next time you’re planning your next trip, consider scheduling a visit to Vladivostok if you are in Russia!

top 14 things to do in Vladivostok in Russia

Monday 5th of April 2021

It is a strange (to me) mix of Russian and oriental architecture and culture. The people are friendly and hospitable. I enjoyed my visit and would recommend at least 3 weeks to see all the sights in the city itself and the nearby area.

• The Top 10 Things To...

The Top Things to Do and See in Vladivostok

Vladivostok has a unique, remote location in the Russian Federation: you can fly to Tokyo in just under three hours, but Moscow is nearly nine hours away by plane. Once known as the Wild East due to its reputation as a mafia hub, this port on the Sea of Japan now boasts attractions like the Zarya Centre for Contemporary Art and the S-56 Submarine Museum. Popular with international business travellers as well as those disembarking the Trans-Siberian Railway – which terminates here – Vladivostok has excellent opera, funky modern art, delicious food and a fascinating history. Here are the top things to do in the city.

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Visit the Russian Opera House

Opera House, Theater

All steel, glass and sharp angles, the Russian Opera House turns heads in Vladivostok. Built for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in 2012, it’s essentially a cube within a cube with glass walls. Step inside and prepare to be wowed: the venue has three stages – the grand hall, the small stage, and the summer stage, open from late spring until early autumn. Visit the most modern theatre in the Far East and enjoy its culture with old opera, ballet classics or breathtaking symphonies.

Try traditional food at Lozhki Ploshki

Restaurant, Russian, $

Escape the bitter outdoors in this local favourite serving classic Russian dishes: beetroot-rich borscht , homemade pelmeni dumplings in chicken-and-veg-laden soup, or varenyky (potato- and fried-onion-stuffed Ukranian dumplings). The basement setting makes a great place to idle, channelling industrial and rustic styles with exposed pipes, dangling wooden utensils and hanging baskets. Finish with piping-hot tea from a traditional samovar.

Tour the Fish Market

Market, Russian

The best pescatarian supplies in the city are sold at Sportivnaya Market, the largest market in Vladivostok and a long-standing favourite among locals. You can often buy the freshest produce straight from the people who netted the catch, and the fish and shellfish here are cooked there and then. Order up plenty of Kamchatka crabs, king prawns or small crayfish, and savour your bounty immediately on benches overlooking the waterfront. Once you’re sated, explore further – this may be a food market, but you’ll find everything from CDs and DVDs to kitchenware, clothes and toys.

Ride the Funicular

Amusement Park

Almost 60 years old, Vladivostok’s time-honoured transport novelty is still attracting crowds. It was built in 1962, when then-President Nikita Khrushchev, returning from a visit to the USA, recognised Vladivostok’s potential as the San Francisco of the USSR. The only one of its kind in Russia apart from a lesser version in Sochi, the funicular is actually a vital public service – although if you’re here as a tourist you won’t regret hopping aboard. The ride isn’t very long, but it’s cheap and passes through beautiful scenery. At the top you disembark right beside the main viewing platform on Eagle’s Nest Hill, which gives a mesmerising view.

Ascend Eagle’s Nest Hill

Natural Feature

A high point in downtown Vladivostok, Eagle’s Nest Hill rolls out the finest, most jaw-dropping urban panoramas. The geographical center of the city, it’s actually an extinct volcano, part of the Sikhote-Alin Mountain range, and sprouts a distinctive television tower and radio-transmitting centre. You can take the funicular or hike up the hill – there are about 370 steps, known locally as the health stairs – but either way the views of Vladivostok are utterly captivating, out over the glinting Golden Horn ( Zolotoy Rog ) Bay and the Sea of Japan.

Steam in a Russian bath at Banya More

Architectural Landmark

An authentic Russian banya session is invigorating and unforgettable. At Banya More, there are timber sauna cabins of varying sizes right on the beach. The extremes of temperature is what makes the Russian steam bath experience unique – furnace heat to get you sweating, transposed with ice cold to give your heart a kick start. Best of all is the gentle, aromatic beating delivered by the staff, using bunches of eucalyptus, birch and oak, which secrete aromatic oils.

Explore Zarya Centre for Contemporary Art

Since opening in August 2013, Zarya Centre for Contemporary Art has served as a space where people can interact with art in any way they like, including participating creatively. Contained within a converted factory loft, CCA Zarya encourages you to get involved in cinematography, theatre, literature, art, design and architecture, music and new media. Everyone is welcome – visitors to Vladivostok included – and lectures on various topics are conducted on a regular basis as part of an educational programme.

Enter S-56 Submarine Museum

A short walk from the port, the S-56 Submarine Museum showcases a submarine, completed in 1936, delivered to the Pacific Fleet in 1941 and which functioned until 1975. During World War II, it voyaged as far afield as the Caribbean. Today it stands on a pedestal, home to an intriguing museum. You can inspect the exterior of this 77-metre-long leviathan for a small price before entering. Inside, you’ll be able to view memorials to those who lost their lives during its long years of service, as well as see the living area, navigation rooms and where the crew slept.

Cross Russky Island Bridge

In preparation for the 2012 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit, two landmark bridges were built in Vladivostok. Russky Island Bridge – currently the longest cable-stayed bridge in the world – spans a mighty 3,100 metres, connecting mainland Vladivostok with Russky Island. The suspension cables are in white, red and blue colours, saluting the flag of the Russian Federation. Routinely likened to the picture-perfect Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Russky Bridge can be crossed by car in moments, but it’s a magnificent piece of civil engineering and visible from almost anywhere in Vladivostok. Jo Fernandez-Corugedo contributed additional reporting to this article.

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Incredible Vladivostok & The Russian Far East

You are here.

Often when people think of going to Russia for the first time they have a vague idea of what to expect from their trip. And even if potential travelers have some expectations, they don’t usually go beyond bears, balalaikas, vodka, and, of course, the two magnificent Russian capitals.

Although Moscow and Saint Petersburg are rightfully considered to be the heart of Russia, this incredible country is so multifaceted in terms of nature, culture, history, and people, that even if you put both of them on your travel agenda, you won't get much closer to understanding the enigma of the mysterious Russian soul (although will definitely fall in love with this one-of-a-kind country). To properly comprehend the splendor of Russia, you need to look off the beaten path. And one of the best places to have a closer look at is glorious Vladivostok .

Why Go to Vladivostok

The most significant city in the Russian Far East, Vladivostok is known as the town of sailors. It was founded only 160 years ago as a small military port and, despite being one of the youngest additions to the country, somehow managed to find its way to all the "Best Russian Cities to Visit" lists over the years.

Its name originated from the combination of two words, vladet  (meaning "to own") and vostok (meaning "east"), giving a clue for anyone, curious to find Vladivostok on a map.

For obvious reasons, the neighboring Chinese are not very fond of the city's name and if you happen to travel the land of the rising sun, you are most likely to hear them talk about the city, using its Chinese historical name Haishenwai, translated as the "small seaside village".

Quick Vladivostok Facts

• Location: Russia, Primorsky Krai
• Area: 331.16 sq km (127.86 sq mi)
• Population: 604,901
• Founded: 1860
• Currency: Russian Rouble

Surrounded by water on three sides, Vladivostok boasts a superb geographical location as well as the status of the home port of the Russian Navy fleet, located in the Pacific Ocean. As you can guess, the military importance influenced the development of the city the most.

During Soviet times, for 40 years the city of Vladivostok was a secret navy base, closed for any visitors who didn't have official (and usually work-related) permission to enter the picturesque town.

And almost half a century of isolation is what helped the capital of the Far East to keep its Russian identity despite being much closer to China and North Korea than to the capital of the country. Even more, both Los Angeles and Canberra are closer to Vladivostok, than Moscow is!

This amazing city is truly a remarkable place and an incredible fusion of Asian, European, and its native Russian cultures. But don't think that with all that influence, Vladivostok has lost its personality, far from it! On the contrary, it took the best it could from the different worlds and blended it into its identity, creating something special you won't find anywhere else in the world.

How to Travel to Vladivostok

As a rule, people prefer to spend a couple of days exploring Vladivostok within their extensive Russian getaway instead of considering the city as an independent holiday destination. And one of the most popular ways to see what Russia has to offer is by going on a legendary Trans-Siberian journey . And it's hardly a surprise! If you take one of the most scenic countries and the longest railway route in the world, add the comfort of a 1st class rail car and a knowledgeable tour curator to the mix, you'll surely get a recipe of a journey of a lifetime.

In this case, amazing Vladivostok acts as the last stop on the Trans-Siberian Railway (or the first one, depending on whether you prefer to travel from Europe to Asia or vice versa), a grand final or an awe-inspiring opening of an incredible Russian adventure. Regardless of the direction travelers choose, usually, they have a couple of days to explore the wonderful city. And there are some incredible things to see.

Did you know? Amazing Vladivostok serves as the last stop of the legendary Trans-Siberian Railway, famous as the longest railway route on the planet!

Things to See in Vladivostok

• Russki Bridge

The striking symbol of the city, the Russian Bridge is one of the first places you should stop by during your Vladivostok travel . If you've ever wondered why locals affectionately call Vladivostok "our Russian San Francisco", one look at the elegant structure, strongly reminding the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge, is enough to satisfy your curiosity. The glorious construction looks very impressive in the daylight, but when the night falls and the Russky Bridge lights up, it switches from being very impressive to be unforgettable. The illumination was designed to make the structure look like it is floating in the air, leaving visitors with a bit of a mystical aftertaste as well as a bunch of amazing photos.

The construction of the world's longest cable-stayed bridge was accompanied by extreme weather conditions, including strong winds and very low outside temperatures. Even the installation of the final consoles, closing the structure had to happen at night! The reason for this is solar radiation, coming from the sun, that is capable of influencing the characteristics of the steel blocks ever so slightly, but for joining the grooves of such a complex structure extreme accuracy is a "must".

Top Vladivostok Attractions:

Submarine S-56 Museum

Eagle's nest observation point.

• Vladivostok Fortress Museum
• Primorskiy Oceanarium
• Bukhta Lazurnaya
• Popov Island

The legendary Submarine S-56 is one of the most remarkable Vladivostok tourist attractions. Once the most efficient Soviet submarine of the USSR during World War II, now it's an eternal monument to the bravery of the Russian soldiers.

In order not to sound baseless in our praises, let us share some interesting facts about the ship. The Submarine S-56 was declared sunk 16 times by Hitler's army, it destroyed 10 enemy submarines, seriously damaged 4 more, and became one of the first submarines to make its way around the Earth. And it's only according to the official figures!

The captain of the ship said that the real number of the submarine’s victories is much bigger but keeping any kind of records was rather difficult during the war and part of the data was lost.

Now the iconic ship has retired and serves as a living museum, welcoming hundreds of visitors every day. During the guided tour you can learn the history of the heroic ship and see what life was like for its crew all those years ago.

Another distinguishing characteristic that Vladivostok shares with The City by the Bay is that it was built on the hills, scattered along the shores of the Golden Horn Bay.

The Eagle's Nest is the highest hill in historical Vladivostok, part of the Sikhote-Alin mountain range, boasting a very interesting phenomenon called "Broken Bow" when, under certain conditions, the observer can see his or her shadow, projected on clouds and sometimes surrounded by colorful halo-like rings.

Although we can't guarantee that you will be able to catch the peculiar phenomenon when visiting the Eagle's Nest Observation Point on the top of the eponymous hill, we can promise that the incredible views over spectacular Vladivostok won't leave you disappointed.

There are two ways to get to the top of Eagle's Nest. You can choose an old-school way and get to the observation point by taking the stairs, although keep in mind that there are almost 400 steps, leading to the top. Travelers who prefer to put their energy into exploring the city rather than stair climbing are welcome to take a funicular that can take you to the Eagle's Nest Observation Point in a bit over 1.5 minutes.

Beyond Vladivostok: Russia's Far East Attractions

As you can see, Vladivostok is a remarkable place that is worth your attention, just as much as the whole region does. The Far East of Russia is extraordinary and, unlike the European part of the country, less discovered, not spoilt for visitors, but just as much ready to surprise.

If you feel like a trip to Vladivostok is not enough to quench your thirst for adventure, you can spice up your Russian Far East travel by visiting the "Land of the Leopard" National Park, protecting the endangered Amur tigers and Far Eastern leopards, the rarest big cats on the planet.

Or you can travel to the Russian Loch Ness, the Labynkyr Lake in the Sakha Republic (although locals prefer to use its unofficial name, Yakutia). According to the local legend, the lake is home to a terrible monster, called Labynkyr's Devil. Quite a few scientific expeditions, trying to find a creature were held over the years but to no avail, although the scientists were unable to prove that the devil is nothing more than local folklore. In 2005, the animal jaws and bones were found in the huge anomaly crack in the bottom of the lake, so the theory about the Labynkyr's Devil is still a mystery to be uncovered.

Into the Wilderness Spice up your Russian Far East travel by visiting the "Land of the Leopard" National Park, protecting the endangered Amur tigers and Far Eastern leopards, the rarest big cats on the planet!

Another interesting place to explore is the picturesque Kamchatka Peninsula. The area is overflowing with volcanos, there are 160 of them on the territory of 270 000 sq km (100 000 sq mi) and 29 are still active and can be hiked. The daredevils who've done it say that the views are jaw-dropping and that seeing the fumes, escaping from the top, and knowing that there are tonnes of molten rock under your feet definitely bring the experience into the "like no other" category.

Just staying in the capital of Kamchatka, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, surrounded by the three magnificent volcanoes, can be a nerve-wracking experience. Two of the giants are still active and from time to time travelers can feel the ground shattering beneath their feet which can be slightly shocking, to say the least. Locals, on the other hand, are very fond of the magnificent landmarks and affectionately call them "our domestic volcanos".

There is a lot more to Russia that meets the eye and the Far East Region of the biggest country in the world is a treasure waiting to be discovered! It boasts everything a dream travel destination has to have, including the remarkable cities, breathtaking nature, unique cultures, and amazing landmarks. And no Russia vacation can do without a trip to the miraculous capital of the Far East. If you are interested in booking a Vladivostok trip to see its wonders for yourself, don't hesitate to contact one of our experienced travel specialists for details.

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Vladivostok city, Russia

The capital city of Primorye krai .

Vladivostok - Overview

Vladivostok is a large city and seaport located in the Far East of Russia; political, cultural, scientific, educational, and economic center of the region; the administrative center of Primorsky Krai and the Far Eastern Federal District.

The population of Vladivostok is about 601,300 (2022), the area - 331 sq. km.

The phone code - +7 423, the postal codes - 690000-690950.

Vladivostok city flag

Vladivostok city coat of arms.

Vladivostok city map, Russia

Vladivostok city latest news and posts from our blog:.

4 April, 2019 / Cities of Russia at Night - the Views from Space .

20 September, 2017 / Vladivostok - the view from above .

22 July, 2016 / Vladivostok Shrouded in Dense Summer Fog .

24 March, 2014 / The Bridge to the Russky Island in Vladivostok .

13 June, 2013 / Unique view from the pylon of the Russky Bridge .

More posts..

News, notes and thoughts:

8 September, 2012   / The 24th APEC summit, the meeting place of world leaders and businessmen, is being held in Vladivostok. It the most expensive APEC summit in history. The new complex of the Far Eastern Federal University on the Russky Island cost about USD 2.2 billion, cable-stayed bridge on the Russky Island - USD 1 billion, bridge over Zolotoy Rog Bay - USD 620 million.

1 September, 2012   / Total cost of preparing for the APEC summit in Vladivostok is comparable to the cost of the Olympic Games in London. In preparation for the event Russia spent more than $ 16 billion. The summit will be held in Vladivostok from 2 to 9 September. Was it the best way to spend the money? Rhetorical question.

History of Vladivostok

Foundation of vladivostok.

In the distant past, the territory of today’s Vladivostok was part of the multi-ethnic kingdom of Balhae (698-926). At the beginning of the 13th century, on the territory of Primorye, there were several towns of the Jurchen kingdom of Eastern Xia. All of them were destroyed by the Mongols as a result of the attack of 1233, after which the territory fell into desolation.

From the standpoint of official Russian historiography, until the appearance of the Russian pioneers, this region remained untouched and forgotten, which was partly facilitated by the policy of self-isolation pursued in China and Korea in the 17th-19th centuries. However, this is not confirmed by the testimonies of the Russian pioneers themselves. For example, Erofei Khabarov (1603-1671) in his letters reported that “this land cannot be taken over, because it is crowded and the fighting is fierce.”

In the first half of the 19th century, Okhotsk, Ayan, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Nikolaevsk-on-Amur alternately played the role of a stronghold of the Russian Empire in the Far East. However, none of these ports met the necessary requirement - to have a convenient and protected harbor, next to trade routes.

After the conclusion of the Aigun Treaty (1858), the Russians began to actively explore the Amur region, and as a result of the signing of the Tianjin (1858) and Peking (1860) treatises, the territory of today’s Primorsky Krai and Vladivostok was annexed to the Russian Empire.

In the summer of 1860, the first Russian military unit arrived in the Golden Horn Bay to establish a military post, which officially received the name of Vladivostok (“The Ruler of the East”), by analogy with the city of Vladikavkaz (“The Ruler of the Caucasus”).

More Historical Facts…

Vladivostok in the late 19th - early 20th centuries

A few years after its foundation, Vladivostok became the main port of the Russian Empire in the Far East. In 1871, the main naval base of the Siberian military flotilla, the headquarters of the military governor and other naval departments were transferred to Vladivostok from Nikolaevsk-on-Amur. According to the first census of 1878, there were 8,393 residents in Vladivostok, of whom 4,952 were Russians and 3,441 - foreigners. In 1880, Vladivostok officially received the status of a town.

In the 1890s, a demographic and economic boom took place in Vladivostok after the completion of the construction of the Ussuriysk branch of the Trans-Siberian Railway and the Chinese-Eastern Railway. According to the first census of the population of the Russian Empire of 1897, 28,993 people lived in Vladivostok. Ten years later, the city’s population tripled.

During the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905), Vladivostok was shelled from the sea by Japanese ships. However, a detachment of cruisers based in the harbor of Vladivostok remained the only combat-ready formation of the Russian fleet in the Far East until the end of the war.

The first decade of the 20th century was characterized by a prolonged crisis in the development of Vladivostok, caused by a number of reasons: change of government focus to Port Arthur (today’s Dalian in China), the Boxer Rebellion in North China (1900-1901), the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905), and finally the first Russian revolution (1905-1907).

A new stage in the development of Vladivostok began in 1907. The loss of Port Arthur again made Vladivostok the main port of the Russian Empire in the Pacific Ocean. Until 1914 (before the First World War), the city experienced rapid growth and became one of the economic centers of the Asia-Pacific region. The population of Vladivostok exceeded 100 thousand people. There were large Chinese, Korean and Japanese communities in the city.

During the First World War, Vladivostok was an important center for the import from allied and neutral countries of military-technical equipment for the Russian troops, as well as raw materials and equipment for industry.

Vladivostok from 1917 to World War II

On October 30, 1917, the sailors of the Siberian Flotilla decided to “rally around the united power of the Soviets” - power in the city passed to the Bolsheviks. However, on June 29, 1918, Czechoslovak troops (the Czechoslovak Legion) overthrew Soviet power in Vladivostok. In the fall of 1918, the troops of the United States, Japan, Italy, and Canada entered the city. Throughout 1919, the region was engulfed in a partisan war.

In order to avoid a war with Japan, at the suggestion of the Soviet leadership, the Far Eastern Soviet Republic, a nominally independent state, was proclaimed on April 6, 1920. Most of the foreign troops left Vladivostok in 1920, apart from the Japanese forces. Diplomatic pressure, as well as domestic protests and huge expenses incurred by the Siberian Expedition, forced Japan to withdraw its troops from Primorye in October 1922. In November, 1922, the Far Eastern Soviet Republic was liquidated and became part of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic.

Vladivostok was in decline, the city’s population decreased to 106 thousand people. In 1923-1925, the Soviet government adopted a restoration plan, during which the commercial port resumed operation. The Far East avoided the period of war communism, destructive for the country’s economy, and immediately found itself in the situation of the New Economic Policy, which allowed, to a certain extent, a free market.

In the 1930s-1940s, Vladivostok was used as a transit point for prisoners and cargo for “Sevvostlag” (North-Eastern Corrective Labor Camps) of “Dalstroy” (Far North Construction Trust). The Vladivostok transit camp, where prisoners were brought from all over the Soviet Union, was located in the city. The poet Osip Mandelstam died here. The following famous people passed through it: future actor Georgy Zhzhonov, writers Varlam Shalamov and Yevgenia Ginzburg, academician Sergei Korolev, and hundreds of thousands of other political prisoners.

In 1939, the population of Vladivostok was about 206,000 people. During World War II, Vladivostok was the largest Lend-Lease center, handling imported cargo almost 4 times more than Murmansk and almost 5 times more than the Arkhangelsk group of ports.

Vladivostok after World War II

On August 11, 1951, a special regime was introduced in Vladivostok - the city became closed to foreigners. During the years of the Khrushchev Thaw, Vladivostok received special attention from the state authorities. For the first time, Nikita Khrushchev visited the city in 1954. It was noted that at that time the city infrastructure was in poor condition.

In 1959, after visiting the United States, Nikita Khrushchev again visited Vladivostok. Impressed by his visit to the US, Khrushchev put forward a slogan to make Vladivostok a better city than San Francisco. The result of this visit was the active housing construction of the 1960s, known among local residents as “Big Vladivostok”. In particular, a funicular and avenue of the 100th anniversary of Vladivostok were built. In 1968, the population of Vladivostok exceeded 400 thousand people.

In 1974, the 38th President of the United States, Gerald Ford, paid an official visit to Vladivostok to meet with Leonid Brezhnev, the General Secretary of the CPSU Central Committee. At the meeting, the sides signed a protocol to the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty and the Treaty on the Limitation of Underground Nuclear Testing, which helped curb the arms race. In 1989, the population of the city was about 633 thousand people.

On September 20, 1991, Boris Yeltsin, the President of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic, signed a decree on the opening of Vladivostok for visiting by foreign citizens - Vladivostok ceased to be a closed city.

The collapse of the USSR greatly influenced the city’s economy. State defense enterprises were deprived of orders, which led to an increase in unemployment. The surviving fishing enterprises mainly switched to the export of fish and seafood to Japan. In the 1990s, Vladivostok became a center for illegal fishing, timber smuggling, and the resale of Japanese cars.

Due to the decline in living standards, the birth rate fell and migration to the European regions of Russia increased. However, Vladivostok retained the status of an important transport, industrial, commercial, and financial center of the region.

At the beginning of the 21st century, there was an improvement in the social and economic situation. On November 4, 2010, Vladivostok was awarded the title “City of Military Glory”. In September 2012, the APEC summit was held on Russky Island in Vladivostok. To prepare for it, about $ 20 billion was invested in the development of the city’s infrastructure. The main construction projects were a bridge across the Golden Horn Bay and a bridge to Russky Island, a new international airport, and the Far Eastern Federal University.

December 13, 2018, Vladivostok became the administrative center of the Far Eastern Federal District.

General views of Vladivostok

General view of Vladivostok

Author: Nikolay Kundyshev

Zolotoy Rog Bay in Vladivostok

Author: Alexey Yefremov

Vladivostok cityscape

Author: Melnikov Vladimir

Vladivostok - Features

Vladivostok is located on the Muravyov-Amursky Peninsula and islands in the Peter the Great Bay of the Sea of Japan. The last station of the Trans-Siberian Railway, it is one of the largest seaports in the region and the main base of the Russian Pacific Fleet. The distance from Vladivostok to Moscow by rail is 9,288 kilometers, by highway - 9,024 km. The distances to other, closer capital cities: Seoul (South Korea) - 750 km, Tokyo (Japan) - 1,060 km, Beijing (China) - 1,340 km.

“Vladivostok” literally means “The Ruler of the East”, named by analogy with the Russian city of Vladikavkaz (“The Ruler of the Caucasus”). This city is also known as “The Pacific Gate of Russia” and “The Fishing Capital of Russia”. The coat of arms of Vladivostok, which repeats the historical coat of arms adopted in 1881, depicts the Amur tiger. Vladivostok City Day is celebrated in early July.

The city has a moderate monsoon climate. The climatic conditions of Vladivostok are among the most favorable in the Russian Far East. The winter period (November-March) is characterized by frosty, dry and clear weather. The calendar summer in Vladivostok is divided into two clearly separated periods. The first half is characterized by cool and cloudy weather, with drizzling rains and fog. The second half is characterized by warm weather with prevailing southeast winds. In summer, typhoons with heavy rains are typical. The average temperature in January is minus 12.3 degrees Celsius, in August - plus 19.8 degrees Celsius.

Vladivostok is a large economic center of the Far East with a diversified economy represented by developed manufacturing industries (mechanical engineering, shipbuilding, ship repair, food production, etc.), wholesale and retail trade, services, transport, and communications.

Its cargo and passenger port is a link between the Trans-Siberian Railway and the Pacific sea routes. The main export items are fish and seafood, timber, ferrous and non-ferrous metals. The main items of import are foodstuffs, medicines, clothing, footwear, household appliances, and used cars.

Vladivostok International Airport, one of the largest in the Far East, offers regular flights to Krasnoyarsk, Irkutsk, Novosibirsk, Moscow, Khabarovsk, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Krasnodar, and a number of other cities.

The federal highway A370 “Ussuri” connects the city with Khabarovsk. Vladivostok is the most motorized city in Russia per capita due to the availability of cheap used cars from Japan. The main type of public transport in Vladivostok are buses. There are also trolleybuses, trams, a funicular, sea boats, and ferries.

The Far Eastern Federal University and the Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences make Vladivostok the largest scientific and educational center of the Russian Far East. Vladivostok is also the cultural center of Primorsky Krai. Dozens of cultural institutions are open in the city - museums, theaters, art galleries, movie theaters, and a philharmonic society.

Vladivostok is the closest city to the countries of the Asia-Pacific region with European culture, cuisine, and architectural tradition, which makes it attractive to tourists (about 500 architectural monuments and more than 100 fortifications of the Vladivostok fortress). The city center has preserved the historical ensemble of the turn of the 19th-20th centuries. Here you can see all the styles that were presented at that time - from the neoclassicism of the late 19th century and various directions of Art Nouveau, to the neoclassicism of the 1930s-1950s.

Besides cultural tourism, this city is a center of sea and recreational tourism. Tourists are also attracted to Vladivostok by the gambling zone “Primorye”. Most of the tourists come from China, the Republic of Korea, and Japan.

Main Attractions of Vladivostok

Cable-stayed bridges of Vladivostok . The idea to connect the districts of Vladivostok, separated by the Golden Horn (Zolotoy Rog) Bay and the Eastern Bosphorus Strait, appeared already in the second half of the 19th century. The First World War postponed these plans for an indefinite future. Then the Second World War prevented them. Finally, the decision to construct these cable-stayed bridges was made in the 2000s. Both bridges were built in 2012 - for the APEC summit in Vladivostok.

The Golden Bridge (across the Golden Horn Bay) is located in the very center of Vladivostok. It connects the city with remote districts and the federal highway. It has sidewalks for pedestrians, so here you can enjoy the beautiful views of the bay and the city. The length of the bridge is about 1,400 meters.

The Russky (Russian) Bridge (3,100 meters) connects the Nazimov Peninsula and the Novosilsky Cape on Russky (Russian) Island. The most beautiful views of this bridge can be seen from Orlinoye Gnezdo (Eagle’s Nest) hill, especially in the evening. This bridge is depicted on a 2,000 ruble note.

Tours along the cable-stayed bridges of Vladivostok is a popular entertainment for tourists, walks on both bridges are often included in sightseeing tours of the city. Groups usually leave from the center of Vladivostok to Russky Island, the duration of excursions is from 3 to 6 hours. Sea excursions depart daily from April to October from berth #30 (Marine Passenger Terminal for Coastal Communications, Nizhneportovaya Street, 1d).

Russky Island . This island is located in the Peter the Great Bay of the Sea of Japan south of Vladivostok. Here you can find the campus of the Far Eastern Federal University, a promenade, a huge Primorsky Oceanarium, fortifications of the Vladivostok fortress (primarily the Voroshilov battery). But its main attraction is pristine nature, stunning views of the rocky shores and the ocean. In summer you can swim here.

Orlinoye Gnezdo (Eagle’s Nest) observation deck - the highest hill (sopka) in the central part of Vladivostok (199 meters above sea level). At its foot there is an observation deck from where you can take great photos of the Golden Bridge. Here you can admire the picturesque city panorama, ships and sea views. You can get to this site on foot, by public transport or by funicular. This is one of the most visited places in Vladivostok.

The Vladivostok funicular - the only funicular in Russia that operates as public transport. It appeared in Vladivostok on the initiative of Nikita Khrushchev in 1962. After his visit to the United States, he decided to make Vladivostok the second San Francisco. Vsevolod Sibirev Street (upper station); Pushkinskaya Street, 29 (lower station).

Tsarevich Nicholas Triumphal Arch . It was erected in honor of the visit of the future Emperor Nicholas II to Vladivostok in 1891. The structure is an elegant brick and stone arch made in the Russian-Byzantine style. In the upper part there is an image of the patron saint of sailors, Nicholas the Wonderworker. The original arch was blown up as a symbol of tsarism in 1930. In 2003, the Triumphal Arch was rebuilt. Peter the Great Street, 6.

Cathedral of the Intercession of the Mother of God - the main Orthodox church in Vladivostok built in 1902 and destroyed in 1935. In Soviet times, a park was located in its place. A complete copy of the cathedral was erected on the old foundation in 2007. Okeanskiy Avenue, 44.

Pictures of Vladivostok

Military ships in Vladivostok

Author: Max Palchevsky

Apartment buildings in Vladivostok

Author: Nikolay Vyatkin

Car market in Vladivostok

Author: Viktor Biryuk

Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. Paul - a Protestant church of the early 20th century, a monument to North German Gothic, the oldest religious building in Vladivostok. After 1917, it housed a movie theater and a club, later - the Pacific Fleet Museum. In 1997, the building was returned to the believers. Today, it is one of the most important cultural centers of Vladivostok. In addition to church services, organ music concerts and charity events are held here. Pushkinskaya Street, 14.

Catholic Church of Mother of God . For a long time, this Catholic church built in the neo-Gothic style was considered the largest in the Asian part of Russia. The main construction phase was completed in 1921. Closed in 1935, it was used as the State Archives of Primorsky Krai until 1991. In 2010, the reconstruction of the building was completed. Organ music concerts are also held here. Volodarsky Street, 22.

Military History Museum of the Pacific Fleet . This museum is known for its unique exhibits, which are presented in 11 halls. The Russo-Japanese War, the Russian Civil War, the Second World War - the expositions tell in detail about these events, as well as about the post-war period. The exposition is complemented by landscapes of local marine painters and models of warships. There is also an exhibition of military equipment located in the courtyard of the museum. Svetlanskaya Street, 66.

Vladimir K. Arseniev Museum of Far East History - a local history museum with the largest exposition in Primorsky Krai. Here you can see natural, archaeological and ethnographic collections, as well as exhibits about the explorers of this region. Svetlanskaya Street, 20.

Primorsky State Art Gallery . The permanent exhibition is housed in nine halls and presents more than 150 works of Old Russian, Russian and Western European art - works of Italian, French, Dutch artists. Old Russian art is represented by icons of the 16th - 19th centuries. Aleutskaya Street, 12.

Antique Automobiles Museum . The exposition of this museum consists of rare motorcycles and cars produced in different countries. In total, there are several dozen vehicles in six halls. Among them there are Japanese and German vehicles obtained as war trophies, Soviet cars, cars of the mid-20th century. An additional entourage is created by old photographs of Vladivostok and Soviet posters hung on the walls. Sakhalinskaya Street, 2?.

Museum “Submarine S-56” - one of the symbols of Vladivostok. This submarine was built at a shipyard in Leningrad in 1939. In 1941, it became part of the Soviet Pacific Fleet. In 1943, the submarine was transferred to the Northern Fleet. During World War II, it sank four ships. In 1982, the S-56 became part of the memorial complex located on Korabelnaya Embankment in the Golden Horn Bay.

Botanical Garden of the Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences - the largest botanical garden in the Far East of Russia located within the city of Vladivostok, about 19 km north of its center. Guests are offered an excursion along a unique ecological trail that runs through the forest. Majestic cedars, age-old oaks, fragrant firs - several thousand species of plants grow in this forest. Tourists come here to stroll through the picturesque area and take photos against the backdrop of beautiful natural landscapes. Makovskogo Street, 142.

Vladivostok city of Russia photos

Sights of vladivostok.

Vladivostok GUM (1906-1907) - an architectural monument of Vladivostok

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Frigate Nadezhda in Vladivostok

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Cathedral of the Intercession of the Mother of God in Vladivostok

Author: Santiago Rios

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Top Things to Do in Vladivostok, Russia

Places to visit in vladivostok, explore popular experiences, top attractions in vladivostok.

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Vladivostok travel guide

Vladivostok tourism | vladivostok guide, you're going to love vladivostok.

Vladivostok is an exciting blend of Russian, Asian, and European culture and architecture. Located on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, it's the last stop on the famous Trans-Siberian railway. Sometimes called the "Master of the East", it's also an important naval base and busy commercial port as well as a bustling city filled with striking buildings, verdant parks, and sandy bays.

Vladivostok has been rated among the world's top 10 coastal cities by National Geographic, and with good reason. With iconic bridges, stunning scenery, islands, and beautiful beaches, this unusual and appealing city epitomizes the oceanfront lifestyle.

It's a relatively new and unspoiled destination. For 35 years (1958 - 1992) during the Soviet Era, Vladivostok was closed to overseas tourists. Now that it's accessible, more people than ever are discovering one of Russia's best-kept secrets.

Add glittering nightlife and trendy cocktail bars, friendly locals, and delicious food and you'll understand why Vladivostok is fast becoming the destination of the moment.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Vladivostok

1. the superb waterfront location.

Life in Russia's largest eastern city revolves around the ocean. Join locals as they stroll along the promenade or relax on the beach at Sportivnaya Harbor or see the destroyer squadron of the Pacific Fleet at Golden Horn Bay.

2. Wonderful Theaters, Galleries, and Museums

The prestigious St. Petersburg Mariinsky theater opened its Primorsky Stage here in 2016, and the impressive steel and glass structure is now one of the city's top attractions. History buffs can delve into the Primorsky region's past at the Arseniev Regional History Museum, while art enthusiasts can visit the Primorye State Art Gallery.

3. Its Military Past

Vladivostok was named a "The City of Military Glory" in 2010 due to its role in conflicts such as the Russo-Turkish War, the Russian Revolution, and World War Two. Visitors can see the memorial of the same name at Bortsov za Vlast' Sovyetov Square.

4. It's a Magical Place in Spring...

As the ice melts on the Sea of Japan, rhododendrons and cherry trees come into bloom in Vladivostok's open spaces including Pokrovskiy Park and Park Lazurny. It's the ideal time for long walks and family outings.

5. ...And a Great Place for Sports Fans

Soccer fans shouldn't miss the Dynamo Stadium, which is the base of the Russian premier league team FC Luch-Energiya Vladivostok. Basketball fan? Be sure to see the SK Olimpiets stadium, home to BC Spartak Primorye.

What to do in Vladivostok

1. take a trip on the russky island ferry.

The Russky Island ferry costs just RUB50 for a round trip and it's well worth it for the view of the Russky Bridge from the deck. Stretching over the Eastern Bosphorus Strait, the world's longest cable-stayed bridge has a central span of 3,622 feet.

2. Head for the Top of Eagle's Nest Hill

Hike up Eagle's Nest Hill or take the funicular for fabulous views over the city and its bays. The highest point of downtown Vladivostok, the hill is an extinct volcano and part of the Sikhote Alin chain.

3. Spend the Day at a Museum

Vladivostok was a strategic location during the Second World War. Discover what the period meant for locals at the Military and History Museum of the Pacific Fleet.

4. Dive into the Primorsky Aquarium

The secrets of the deep are revealed at Primorsky Aquarium on Russky Island. The striking wave-shaped building has been visited by the presidents of three countries (Russia, Korea, and Japan) since opening in 2016. Highlights include a model of a "Mir-1" submersible and an exhibit featuring horseshoe crabs, a species that has lived on Earth for over 450 million years.

5. Discover Primorye State Art Gallery

Art lovers shouldn't miss the opportunity to visit Primorye State Art Gallery. The museum boasts an impressive permanent collection that includes "Portrait of David's Brother with a Mandolin" by Marc Chagall (1914) and "Improvisation" by Wassily Kandinsky (1913).

Where to Eat in Vladivostok

Almost anything is available here including Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, French, and Italian cuisine and fast food chains such as Burger King. You can try traditional Russian dumplings and pancakes at Lozkhi-Ploshki and Dumpling Republic for lunch or sample classic Korean barbecue at Shilla Korean Restaurant for dinner. For a special meal, try Tokyo Kawaii for Japanese food or Zuma for Russian khachapuris, dumplings, and chebureki. A simple lunch costs approximately RUB450, while a three-course restaurant meal might come to RUB2,500.

When to visit Vladivostok

Vladivostok is one of those rare anytime destinations. Skiing and the Winter Fish Festival are among the great activities on offer between December and March. The two-part festival ("Smelt" in December and "Navaga" in February) attracts anglers from all over Russia and beyond. Local restaurants get in on the act with an impressive array of seasonal fish-based dishes. Spring and fall offer mild weather and seasonal colors, while summer temperatures of around 74°F make it the ideal time to hit the beaches and embankments.

How to Get to Vladivostok

Fly to Vladivostok International Airport (VVO) at Artyom, 24.8 miles northeast of the city. Over 1.5 million travelers pass through the Russian Far East's largest airport each year. Carriers such as Aeroflot and Korean Air offer direct flights from New York and there are regular flights from various Russian, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean cities. Take the 107 or 110 bus service to downtown Vladivostok. The journey takes around 90 minutes and the single fare is RUB70. There is also an Express Primorye train service that departs five times per day. Purchase a single for RUB350 and you'll reach the city center in 55 minutes.

Vladivostok is the final stop on the Trans-Siberian Railway. Demand for seats can be high, so be sure to book in advance. The Rossiya main line train leaves Moscow each day at 13:20 p.m. while the slower #99 service departs at 18:56 p.m. Stopping at cities like Nizhny Novgorod, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, Omsk, and Ulan-Ude, a one-way trip costs around RUB19,200 on the Rossiya or RUB14,900 on the #99.

While most people choose to travel by plane or train, some plucky souls drive the Trans-Siberian Highway from St. Petersburg to Vladivostok. Stretching from the Baltic Sea to the Sea of Japan, the 7,000-mile route covers some of the world's most challenging terrain. The best time to attempt the drive is from June to September and, if you're lucky, you might encounter circus performers, throat singers, or Buddhist monks along the way.

Buses link Vladivostok with Chinese cities like Harbin and Suifenhe. The journey from Harbin via some of the Russian Far East's most picturesque highways takes around 5 hours, and the single fare is about RUB1,900.

Airports near Vladivostok

Airlines serving vladivostok, where to stay in vladivostok.

There is accommodation to suit every budget in Vladivostok. Good economy options include Capsule Hotel Zodiak and Karmen. If you're visiting on business or with your family, mid-range establishments like Teplo and Aurora Park Hotel are ideal. Splash out on more luxurious hotels like Hyundai Hotel and AZIMUT Hotel Vladivostok for special occasions. The best areas to stay in or visit include Golden Horn, where you'll find the marina, beach, and the best hotels, restaurants, and bars, as well as Sportivnaya Bay, home to great shopping, music venues, and bars.

Where to stay in popular areas of Vladivostok

Most booked hotels in vladivostok, how to get around vladivostok, public transportation.

Public transportation in Vladivostok includes buses, streetcars, and a funicular railway. Buses are the most popular option and, although they can be busy, they are frequent. Fares range from RUB21 to RUB120, depending on your destination.

Taxis are readily available in the city center and close to major attractions. The starting tariff is RUB150, and journeys are charged at RUB10 per 0.62 miles.

Car hire companies like Avis offer affordable rates of around RUB2,200 per day in Vladivostok. Although heavy traffic is common, it is relatively easy to navigate the city.

The Cost of Living in Vladivostok

Visit the iconic GUM department store on Svetlanskaya for clothes or home accessories. The city's markets sell fresh fruit, vegetables, and meat while the maze-like Sportivnaya Market offers everything from clothes and Chinese imports to a huge range of specialty foods.

Supermarkets and Food Stores

Pick up essentials from supermarkets like OK! and Sfera-Market, which have branches throughout the city. You'll pay about RUB75 for a quart of regular milk and RUB84.25 for a dozen standard eggs.

Top Things to Do in Vladivostok, Russia - Vladivostok Must-See Attractions

Things to do in vladivostok, explore popular experiences, top attractions in vladivostok.

Other Top Attractions around Vladivostok

What travellers are saying

• Lighthouse Egersheld
• Russian Island
• Russky Bridge
• Eagle's Nest Mount
• Golden Bridge
• Golden Horn Bay
• Cape Tobizina
• Botanical Garden-Institute
• Astafyev's Bay

Discover Vladivostok. Tourist guide - the city of Vladivostok and beyond.

Bridges of vladivostok.

For a hundred years Vladivostok residents have dreamt of a bridge; a bridge to span the narrow Golden Horn (Zolotoy Rog) Bay, which has always split the city in half. To the north there is a historic center, and a little further up is a  resort-like suburb: Sedanka, Sanatornaya, Sadgorod. To the south there is a «Churkin» district (named after the Cape Churkin), shrouded in fog with many ship repairing, shipbuilding, and military factories, as well as a fishing port.

Before the bridge was built, the time it took to travel around Golden Horn Bay was about an hour and a half. Now it takes 5 minutes to drive from the city’s center to Churkin. The road connects an "aristocratic", upscale downtown with Churkin, a very casual, not-so-sophisticated district. Shall we say it without irony: the Zolotoy (Golden) Bridge has really changed life in the city for the better.

For a hundred years Vladivostok residents have dreamt of a bridge, printing it on postcards, and picturing it in their utopian plans. Finally, in the beginning of the 21st century, the federal government asked, "Do you want a bridge? How about three bridges? The first across Golden Horn Bay, the second leading across Eastern Bosphorus strait to Russky Island (Russian Island), and the third across Amur Bay". The astonished city fell quiet in anticipation of a miracle.

All bridges needed to be built in three years, by the 2012 APEC ( Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Summit. Very few believed it could be done (and this is another detail that unites us with the city of San Francisco: the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge was also considered "impossible"). No small number of skeptical Vladivostok journalists publicly announced that they would bet a case of Suntory whiskey, a Japanese brand that is very popular in Vladivostok, if all three bridges could be built on time.

Such pessimism had solid grounds: a bridge had never been built over the sea straits in Russia before, and cable-stayed bridges had also never been built to cover such a vast distance. No one had yet designed such bridges in Russia. No one in the world had built similar bridges in three years. It seemed to be only one solution — to invite Japanese or Chinese experts, who already had similar experience.

Still Vladivostok accepted the challenge. The bridges were designed in St. Petersburg, and we started building on our own, inviting only the French because they had the best cable-stays in the world.

A  cable-stayed bridge needs high support, and it is usually built in the form of the letter "A". However, in Vladivostok they began building a  V-shaped bridge over Golden Horn Bay. The optimists said that the "V" stood for "Victory", while the pessimists said that it represented Devil’s horns and that the project would most definitely fail. Day after day, the concrete towers grew over the downtown, and people became worried that they would deviate from the vertical axis.

Nonetheless, they did not deviate. The soil did not sink. Tsunamis did not wash them away. A fire did not burn them down. And the skeptics found themselves buying cases of whiskey as the three bridges were built on time and already remarkably improving traffic flow throughout the city.

Today, taking a ride across all three bridges is a must for every person who visits Vladivostok. However, one has to keep in mind the notorious Vladivostok winds, especially in the winter when the wind conditions are severe. When going across the Russky (Russian) Bridge, drivers with smaller cars have to be vigilant — at times cars can be blown out of their lane!

One can also choose to walk across the Zolotoy Bridge, preferably on a calm day (at least "calm" by Vladivostok’s standards). Obviously, climbing the handrails poses a certain risk, and so there is one more thing that connects us with all major bridges — suicide jumping. Although, I must say that the bridges of Vladivostok are far behind the "records" of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

A few facts

The bridge across Amur Bay: 4,362 meters in length (the third longest bridge in Russia).

The bridge across Zolotoy Rog Bay: the height of the pylons is 226 meters, the distance is 737 meters, the total length is 1388 meters, and the height above water is 60 meters.

The bridge to Russky Island: the height of the pylons is 3,254 meters (second in the world), the span length is 1,104 meters (the longest in the world at the time), the total length 3,100 meters, and the height above water is 70 meters.

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