Vladivostok

Good to know

1. 1The city was founded in 1860 as a military outpost, and its name roughly means 'ruler of the east'. It grew into the main base of Russia's Pacific Fleet.
2. 2Vladivostok is the eastern terminus of the Trans-Siberian Railway, and the station building has a marker showing the distance to Moscow, about 9,300 kilometres by rail.
3. 3The city is built around the Golden Horn Bay, and a long cable-stayed bridge across the bay is one of its best-known sights.
4. 4Seafood is central to the local food, especially crab, scallops, sea urchin and kelp. Korean-style salads and dishes are also common because of the region's long Korean presence.
5. 5The city sits on the peninsula's steep hills, so streets are often sloped and a funicular runs up one of them to a viewpoint.
6. 6The language is Russian, and the Cyrillic alphabet is used on nearly all signs, so learning to read a few letters is a real help.
7. 7Russky Island, reached by a very long bridge, has beaches, forts and a university campus, and is a favourite place for a day out.

Tips for a first visit

• Learn the Cyrillic alphabet or keep a translation app with an offline Russian pack on your phone, since English is not widely spoken.
• Wear comfortable shoes, because the hills are steep and pavements can be uneven.
• Try fresh seafood at a local restaurant or at the market, and ask what is local rather than imported.
• Carry a little cash as a backup, as card use can be unreliable for visitors from abroad.
• Walk along the seafront and the central streets on foot, then use a taxi or bus for the farther sights such as Russky Island.
• Be polite and keep photography away from military ships and installations, as it can attract unwanted attention.

When to go

Summer is warm and humid with sea mist and some rain, and it is the best time for beaches and the islands. Autumn, especially September and early October, is often clear and pleasant. Winters are long, cold and windy but usually dry and sunny, and spring comes late and stays cool.

From the airport

The airport is about 40 to 50 kilometres north of the centre, near the town of Artyom. The Aeroexpress train runs from the airport to the central railway station in roughly an hour, and buses and taxis make the trip in about the same time depending on traffic.