Vladivostok is one of the Top 3 Russian cities, most popular among the foreign tourists.
The city attracts visitors both by its historical uniqueness and by very modern constructions that it features as well. The journey along the Trans-Siberian Railway, connecting Vladivostok with Moscow, is also a big attraction for foreign travelers.
I think that the traveling along the longest railway in the world, which is more than 9 000 km, will reveal to you the essence of Russian uniqueness. It is almost a one week journey with constant change of the scenery outside the window, different faces and curious stories of your fellow travelers. It’s a very deep dive into Russia. Upon the arrival in Vladivostok many travelers are going further to Kamchatka. In this case, Moscow will be your starting point and the journey will continue after the stop in Vladivostok. Another option is to start with Vladivostok.
Even if you have only one day in Vladivostok before leaving for the next location, I will tell how to spend it effectively and full of emotions and impressions.
First of all, choose a hotel in the center!
For example, stay in Hi Loft Apart Hotel, where I stayed as well. It is in walking distance of all major sites and panoramic spots of Vladivostok. Read more about the hotel HERE.
What to see in Vladivostok within 1 day?
To get the first impression and understanding of the city I recommend you to visit the panoramic locations of Vladivostok, from where you can also observe its fascinating bridges.
The Russkiy Bridge and the Golden Bridge are excellent sceneries resembling the sailing ships stretched over the water.
The best photos can be taken on the Tsesarevich Embankment and from the Eagle’s Nest Hill, where the Golden Bridge is visible in all its glory! You can find these viewpoints in Google Maps – search for "Eagle's Nest Mount" or "Monument of St. Cyril and Methodius".
The visit to the panoramic platform requires a clear day, because the foggy and cloudy weather will not give you a chance to observe the bridge and you will just see a white cloud.
Among the water constructions of Vladivostok, there is an “underwater kingdom” - Primorskiy Oceanarium. This is an amazing place where you can "get lost" for few hours. And, of course, you will be able to take fabulous photos there! By the way, being in this place, you will have a walk through a 70-meter underwater tunnel and you will see dolphins and feed Baikal seals. Adult ticket is from 1000 RUB, and child tickets are from 500 RUB.
Another impressive location is the Lighthouse Tokarevsky . It is connected with the land by a very narrow embankment path washed by the sea from both sides. On the cape Tokarevsky you will also find the beaches, which are among the most favourite recreation areas of Vladivostok citizens and visitors. Not to mention the fascinating sunsets and the opportunity for amazing photos that you can take from here. And those, who like comfortable recreation, will definitely enjoy the facilities of the paid beach area. It will take you only 10 minutes to get from the center to the Lighthouse by taxi.
Once you are in the center of Vladivostok you should not miss out the Sea Port, Tsesarevich Embankment and Ship Embankment that offer spectacular panoramas of the bay with the bridge and ships parked in the harbor. I advise taking some photographs here, on the embankment. Or you can just enjoy the sunset.
On the way to the memorial Guards Submarine S-56, which is a historical museum as well, I also came across the Triumphal Arch of Tsarevich Nikolay. The Submarine is worth seeing, especially, that the entrance fee is only 100 RUB. The boys will like it here for sure!
Where to spend time in Vladivostok?
Do you like delicious food?
If so, the cafes and restaurants of Vladivostok will pleasantly surprise you with very diverse menus.
I recommend paying special attention to seafood in Vladivostok, because you will hardly find another place in Russia with more fresh, “just from the catch” seafood.
Another good place is Zuma (Fontannaya Street 2) one of top favourite restaurants among the locals. Zuma is highly appreciated for its really delicious dishes many of which are even for vegans and vegetarians.
In case if you crave something oriental, I recommend the restaurant Supra Meore (Kharkovskaya Street 8). I declare my love to this authentic Georgian island in Vladivostok!
I also liked Milk and Honey (Sukhanova Street 6a) from where I even ordered the delivery to my hotel.
And, finally, I advise you to allocate some time for a boat trip. It will allow you to shoot such great photos that you will not be able to catch from the land. From sea the city looks completely different! Its hills, bays, lighthouses – all this, observed from totally new angle, will make you fall in love with Vladivostok again!
I’ve mentioned the major locations that you must see in Vladivostok during your visit, even if it is only for one day. But I am sure, that you will enrich your trip with your own colors, so that your journey to Vladivostok will turn out bright, memorable and extremely positive!
