Vladivostok is a unique city located on the southeastern coast of Russia. It's close to Tokyo, but far from Moscow. It was once known as the Wild East because of the mafia. Now, it's famous for attractions like the Zarya Centre for Contemporary Art and the S-56 Submarine Museum. People from all over the world, especially those on the Trans-Siberian Railway, love to visit Vladivostok. The city has great opera, modern art, tasty food, and an interesting history.
In this travel guide, we will explore the top 11 places to visit in Vladivostok, providing you with detailed information to plan an unforgettable trip.
Top 11 Places to Visit in Vladivostok
1. Zarya Centre for Contemporary Art
Zarya Centre for Contemporary Art is in a renovated clothing factory. It's now a big creative space with offices, studios, cafes, and workspaces. The main attraction is the art centre, which has two halls for art and design exhibitions. You can check the website to see what's on display. To visit, take bus 41 from outside Clover House or bus 31 from the train station to the Fabrika Zarya stop. Then, cross the road using the bridge. It's one of the best places to visit in Vladivostok.
2. Russky Island Bridge
The Russky Island Bridge is a must-see when you visit Vladivostok. Built for the 2012 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum, this impressive bridge is 320 meters high and almost 2 km long. It connects Vladivostok with Russky Island and is one of the most famous Vladivostok tourist attractions. The Russky Island Bridge offers stunning views and shows how modern and important the city is. The bridge is a great example of modern engineering and is a highlight of any trip to Vladivostok. It is definitely worth a visit!
3. S-56 Submarine Museum
The S-56 Submarine Museum is located near the port of Vladivostok. This submarine was built in 1936 and joined the Pacific Fleet in 1941. It served until 1975 and even travelled to the Caribbean during World War II. Now, the S-56 is a museum where you can learn about its interesting history. For a small fee, you can explore both the outside and inside of the submarine. Inside, you can see memorials, the crew's living areas, and navigation rooms. The S-56 Submarine Museum is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Vladivostok and offers a unique glimpse into naval history.
4. Primorsky Oceanarium
Located on Russky Island, the Primorsky Oceanarium is a massive development that opened in 2016 and offers visitors the chance to explore various marine life exhibits. While it has faced some challenges since its opening, the oceanarium still provides a unique experience for visitors. To reach the oceanarium, take bus 15 from ul Aksakovskaya and get off at the last stop. From there, a free shuttle bus will take you to the main entrance. It's one of the new and exciting places to visit in Vladivostok.
5. Egersheld Lighthouse
When you visit Vladivostok, make sure to visit Egersheld Lighthouse, one of the most famous landmarks of this city. It's a beautiful white lighthouse with a red roof. It's located on a small mound of sand in the sea, connected to the mainland by a sand spit. Sometimes, the spit is covered by water, so you need good weather to visit. If you're lucky with the weather, do not miss this unique experience. It's one of the top Vladivostok tourist attractions and offers great photo opportunities.
6. Transfiguration Cathedral
Transfiguration Cathedral is a huge new cathedral being built in Vladivostok's central square. It took over ten years to start because of design debates. Now, it's finally rising and will be 67 meters tall, able to hold 2,000 worshippers. When finished, it will be one of the city's most famous sights. The cathedral is a must-see when you visit Vladivostok. It shows the city's rich religious history and amazing architecture. Visiting Vladivostok is not complete without seeing this beautiful cathedral. Vladivostok's Transfiguration Cathedral is truly a symbol of the city's heritage.
7. Vladivostok Fortress Museum
Vladivostok Fortress Museum began construction in 1878 to protect against Japanese attacks. Although it was never completed, it's a great place to learn about the city's history. The museum has old cannons, weapons, maps, photos, and documents. You can see how the fortress defended Vladivostok. It is one of the most interesting and educational places to visit in Vladivostok. The museum helps you understand the city's past and its strategic importance.
8. Triumphal Arch
Vladivostok's Triumphal Arch honours Tsar Nicholas II's visit. This colourful and ornate arch is in a beautiful park. Though built in 2003, it is a replica of the original arch destroyed during the Soviet revolution. The new arch is a great spot for photos and enjoying the park. It is one of the unique places to visit in Vladivostok. The arch shows the city's historical significance and royal connections. When you visit Vladivostok, this arch is a must-see. It represents the city's rich history and is a perfect place to appreciate Vladivostok's heritage.
9. Zolotoy Bridge
Zolotoy Bridge, like Russky Island Bridge, was built for the 2012 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum. The bridge crosses Zolotoy Bay, which means "golden horn" in English because of its shape. The Zolotoy Bridge and Russky Bridge give Vladivostok a modern and monumental feel. They are must-see sights when you visit Vladivostok. The bridges are impressive examples of engineering and offer stunning views of the city and bay.
10. Fort No 7
Fort No. 7 is one of Vladivostok's numbered defensive forts. Located 14 km north of the city centre, it has 1.5 km of tunnels. The tunnels have remained mostly untouched since the last soldiers left in 1923. Later, the NKVD used it as an execution chamber. To visit, take a taxi to the fort. It is a fascinating and eerie place to explore. Fort No. 7 is one of the intriguing places to visit in Vladivostok, showing the city's military history.
11. Vladivostok Railway Station
Vladivostok Railway Station, located downtown, is a must-see. It's one of the oldest and most beautiful buildings in Primorsky Krai's capital. This historic site marks the end of the Trans-Siberian Railway, the world's longest railway connecting Moscow to Vladivostok. Built in 1891 and opened by future Tsar Nicholas II, the station showcases stunning 17th-century Russian architecture. Its walls are adorned with mosaics and reliefs, and a two-headed eagle sits on the roof. Visitors can admire the ancient steam locomotive and walk on the century-old pavement laid for the Tsar's visit. This station is truly a symbol of Vladivostok.
Documents Required to Visit Vladivostok
If you want to avoid delays in your travel plans, make sure to have the following documents before visiting Vladivostok:
- Valid passport
- Two passport-size photos
- Copy of completed and signed visa application form
- Copy of tourist voucher
- Proof of funds
- Confirmed return ticket
- Check if travel insurance is mandatory for visiting Vladivostok, if so, get travel insurance for Russia to secure your trip.
Visa Process to Visit Vladivostok
For the visa process to visit Vladivostok, you need to follow the steps below:
- Identify the appropriate visa type based on your visit purpose.
- Collect the required documents for your visa type.
- Schedule an appointment with the Russian Embassy in New Delhi.
- Go to the Russian Embassy for the interview and submit your documents.
- Pay the visa fees.
- Retrieve your passport and visa after the decision is made.
You can also apply for a visa via Russian Visa application centres by following the steps below:
- Visit the official Russian Visa Processing Centre online.
- Select "India" as your home country.
- Choose the visa type you need.
- Complete the visa application form on the website.
- Schedule a visa interview appointment.
- Go to the visa application centre with your documents and payment for the interview.
Importance of Travel Insurance During International Travel
Travel insurance is important for international travel. It covers medical and financial emergencies while you're abroad. Benefits include coverage for lost or delayed baggage, passport loss, personal accidents, and medical expenses. Travel insurance helps if you get sick, need to cancel your trip, or face travel plan changes. It also covers injuries and hospital expenses. Star Health Insurance offers international travel insurance plans that cater to different needs, ensuring you have peace of mind during your trip.
