Vladivostok

Vladivostok

Vladivostok is the city and seaport located on the Far East of Russia, the capital of Primorsky krai and the Far Eastern Federal District, located around the Golden Horn Bay, not far from Russia's borders with China and North Korea. Vladivostok is an exciting blend of Russian, Asian, and European culture and architecture. Located on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, it's the last stop on the famous Trans-Siberian railway. It is an important transport, industrial, trade, and financial center of Russia. The city is the main naval base of the Russian Pacific Fleet.

This city of hills gives the opportunity to see some of the most spectacular views from Vladivostok's funicular or the cliffs above Ussuri Bay.

There are more than 600 historical monuments in Vladivostok. The historic center reflects the charm of old times. There are many buildings that were constructed in the 19th century. Various architectural styles reflect both Western and Eastern cultures.

The Zolotoy Bridge (a bridge over Zolotoy Rog Bay) and the Russky Bridge (a bridge to Russky Island), built in preparation for the APEC summit 2012, are among the main new attractions of the city.

Interesting Facts:

• 1. Vladivostok was a closed city for 40 years until in 1992 former president Boris Yeltsin re-opened it for foreign visitors.
• 2. An APEC summit was held on Russky Island in 2012 due to which fact the city received over $ 20 billion for infrastructure renovation.
• 3. The natives of Vladivostok are the Nobel Prize winner in physics Igor Tamm and the Oscar winner, American actor Yul Brynner.
• 4. Since Vladivostok was not exposed to military actions its architectural ensemble has been preserved, representing the dominant styles of the turn of the 19^th and 20^th centuries.
• 5. The bridge connecting Vladivostok with Russky Island is the largest cable-stayed bridge in the world.
• 6. Vladivostok has a Japanese Rock Garden which was established as a sign of strengthening the relationship between Russia and Japan.
• 7. Vladivostok is the leader among Russian cities in terms of the number of cars per citizen. 

What to bring from Vladivostok

Vladivostok is most famous for its seafood and the Ussuriysk Balzam liqueur. Among other Vladivostok, souvenirs are soft toys, key rings, and dishes with the faces of Timur's and Amur's friends. Bring some chocolates with unusual tastes, for example, with sea salt, as gifts.