Vladivostok and Primorsky Krai on the tourist map is a new trend for those who love adventure and have a strong pioneering spirit. For the European part of the world, Vladivostok, the capital of Primorye, seems to be the end of the earth, beyond which mysterious Asia begins, and for its Asian neighbors, it is the closest European city.
National Geographic has included Vladivostok in the rating of the most beautiful sea cities in the world. The city is surrounded by the sea on three sides, rises on the hills, and stretches into the sea on dozens of islands.
What to see in Vladivostok in 1-3 days
In a single day in Vladivostok, you can have time to walk through the historical center, planning a route along the main street – Svetlanskaya, the ensemble of which is formed by buildings of the XIX – early XX centuries, then go down to Korabelnaya embankment to view the memorial complex and walk to Sportivnaya embankment with a visit to the Vladivostok fortress and park Ferris wheels. On the map of the express walk, it is certainly worth noting the observation deck on the Eagle’s Nest hill – this is the best place in the city center with a view of the nearest buildings and the Golden Bridge. You can climb the hill by stairs, or you can take a funicular – the only one in the entire Far East. Not far from the viewing platform, there is a monument to Governor-General N.N.Muravyov-Amursky, one of the founders of Vladivostok.
On the second day in Vladivostok, many tourists strive to visit the Russky Island – to drive along the world’s longest cable-stayed Russian bridge, go on a tour of the Voroshilov battery, have fun in the aquarium and dolphinarium.
It will not be possible to see all the interesting sights of Vladivostok even in three days, but you can find time for the best city museums: to be inside the S-56 submarine and the Red Pennant ship (both adults and children adore these excursions), explore the local history museum sites.
Those who like to shoot panoramas of the city from a height will like the “alternative” observation deck – on the Refrigerator Hill, the highest in the city. Besides, the guns and fortifications of the 198th battery have been preserved on the hill – a kind of free open-air museum. Another place for photographers who do not get tired of being inspired by Vladivostok is the Tokarevskaya Koshka lighthouse on the spit.
Prices in Vladivostok
The most expensive months in Primorye are July and August, when real summer comes, attracting thousands of tourists. However, this applies mainly to recreation centers and beach services. Prices in cafes and the cost of excursions in Vladivostok in 2021 do not depend on the season.
But already at the beginning of September, it is difficult to find free hotel rooms here, and the cost of air tickets rises dramatically. This is due to the annual Eastern Economic Forum, which gathers a huge number of Russian and foreign delegations.
When choosing your vacation dates, please note that many gastronomic festivals take place in Vladivostok – scallop, crab, mussels, navaga. Many restaurants offer specialties at discounted prices. Besides, the central square often becomes the venue for various city and national holidays – from the grandiose Victory Parade to the original carnival Day of the Tiger.
There are about 700 accommodation options in Vladivostok – from cheap hostels to a five-star hotel in the city center, where a room costs from 147 to 963 euros for a presidential suite. In a casino hotel near Vladivostok, such a room costs 1204 euros per day.
Prices for hostels in Vladivostok in 2021 start from 2 euros per night in winter and the off-season, from 9 euros in summer.
For a family of three, a simple room in a three-star hotel will cost around 2-3 thousand rubles per day. There may be inconveniences in the form of a shared bathroom or separated beds, breakfasts are generally not included. More comfortable rooms start at 55 euros.
In the center of Vladivostok, there are many cafes and restaurants for every taste – from coffee shops and bakeries to large national restaurants. Institutions with an Asian bias are popular – Japanese sushi and rolls, Chinese food, Korean, Vietnamese cuisine. There are both cheap eateries and popular street food chains.
The average bill in ordinary establishments is 60-70 euros per person. Business lunches start at 25 euro. There are buffets in Chinese cafes, lunch there will cost about 7.5 euros per person during the day and from 10 euros in the evening.
A check for a family of three in fast food or canteen is about 10 euros, in a cafe about 150 euros. You can have a hearty lunch in a good restaurant for 30 euros and more.