Brief History
Founded in 1860, Vladivostok was initially an important naval base of the Czarist period, and it later turned into an important railway station, at the Eastern end of the Trans-Siberian rail. Since then, it became a commercial center at the crossroads of Russia, China and Japan, having maintained this role until now.
Why you should go there
Vladivostok is the mythical end point of the Trans-Siberian main route, a place where you go and say “Yes, I did it!”. It is the last stop of your epic trip, a pleasant city to walk around and to admire the nature of the Russian Far East, the desolate lands and the bays in the Pacific Ocean. It is also the major connection in the area, from where you can continue your trip to Japan by boat.
Time Zone
UTC +10 (= Moscow +7)
How to get around
The city centre is only a short walk from the train station, and most of the sights can be easily reached on foot. Still, since Vladivostok is situated on steep hills, walking can be physically demanding but buses and marshutkas are available. Beware of the frequent traffic jams though!
What to see
City center: walk along the three main avenues to see the ancient czarist buildings near Ploshad Revolutsii. Ulitsa Fokina is the correspondent of Moscow’s Arbat Street, that leads to the main beach, bars and shashlik kiosks.
A view from the top: if you take the funicular up to the top of the city, you will have a great view of the whole bay.
S-56 Submarine: take a look at this submarine from the WWII period.
Sleep
Teplo Hostel (ul. Posetskaja 16, about 10 EUR/night) ; Gallery and More Hostel (Admirala Fokina st. 4B, about 10 EUR/night).
The Transsiberians 