Day time cityscape of Vladivostok, Russia, with Zolotoy Golden Bridge in the background
RUSSIA'S FAR-EAST GEM

Cruise to Vladivostok, Russia

Though not as well-known as Moscow or St. Petersburg, Russia's far-eastern city of Vladivostok is full of charm and unique culture. Stroll along the Vladivostok Embankment, the city's waterfront walkway where you can catch a glimpse of the fountain at its central point lit up in blue and green.
National Language Russian
Currency Accepted Russian Ruble (RUB)

Things To Do in Vladivostok

An old abandoned gun battery aiming at the bay in Vladivostok, Russia

Historic Stronghold

An old abandoned gun battery aiming at the bay in Vladivostok, Russia

An old abandoned gun battery aiming at the bay in Vladivostok, Russia

Historic Stronghold

Check out Vladivostok Fortress: Its placards tell the story of the Russo-Japanese War. Enjoy a more inspiring history of the city by visiting the museum erected to honor Vladimir Arsenyev, a famous Russian explorer.

Shell shaped oceanarium in Vladivostok, Russia

Animals Abound

Shell shaped oceanarium in Vladivostok, Russia

Shell shaped oceanarium in Vladivostok, Russia

Animals Abound

Primorsky Aquarium, appropriately shaped like a half-shell, is home to a small population of extremely friendly dolphins, which greet visitors twice per day.

A unique beach of smooth glass, Glass Bay in Vladivostok, Russia
A unique beach of smooth glass, Glass Bay in Vladivostok, Russia

The Glass is Greener

While Vladivostok has only a few weeks per year of what can be considered beach weather, you don't have to visit in summer to enjoy the Far East sea. During your Russia cruise, take a walk along nearby Glass Beach, where eroded glass deposited over years has become multicolored stones on the shoreline.

Dumplings of Pan-Asian cuisine from a restaurant in Vladivostok, Russia
Dumplings of Pan-Asian cuisine from a restaurant in Vladivostok, Russia

Local Cuisine

With a location closer to Seoul than Moscow — by a long shot — Vladivostok's cuisine is markedly Asian-inspired. Try Korean-inflected Pian-se dumplings, where ground meat, onions, spices and cabbage come together inside soft, steamed dough. Cruise to Russia and dig into this port city's top-notch cold-water seafood: Stop by the vendors at Sportivnaya Market and have them prepare you giant crab legs, ultra-fresh sea urchin or king prawns to eat on the spot.

Closeup of traditional Gzhel style, ceramic tableware in a shop in Vladivostok, Russia
Closeup of traditional Gzhel style, ceramic tableware in a shop in Vladivostok, Russia

Shopping

Shopping in Vladivostok is as diverse an experience as eating there, with goods that range from traditional Russian Matryoshka dolls to avant-garde paintings by local artists or blue-and-white Ghzel porcelain plates and household items. You'll also find a large selection of locally produced liqueurs, including regional favorite Ussuri Balsam, a type of bitters flavored with lemongrass.

Insider's Tips
Insider's Tips
1 As is the case even in Moscow and St. Petersburg, most local Russians don't speak English. Download Russian in your phone's "Translate" app, and cache it so you can use it offline.
2 Head back to the port well in advance of your departure time — traffic delays are common here.

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