Where to go in the spring in Russia: a unique holiday in Vladivostok – in the city by the Sea of Japan

Spring in any city is pleasant with thaw, new colors and cultural events. Vladivostok is no exception, spring is a special state of the city and nature.

If you choose where to go in the spring in Russia, pay attention to Vladivostok. Here the spring season begins earlier than in the central part of the country, and the rest combines the sea, mountains, gastronomy and a rich event program. Spring in Vladivostok is suitable for those who want to change the situation, see the awakening of nature and combine walks with excursions.

Weather in Vladivostok in spring

The weather in Vladivostok in spring is changeable. If you decide to visit Vladivostok in spring, keep in mind that snow and thaws are possible in March, fog in April, and warm weather sets in by May. It's always cooler near the coast than in the city center, so it's a good idea to pack a windbreaker.

💡Spring is a comfortable season for traveling without an overloaded tourist flow.

What to do and what to see in Vladivostok in spring

Spring Vladivostok is an attractive destination even for sophisticated travelers. There is a real sea flavor: hills with panoramas of bays and bridges, rocky routes along the coast, early flowering of unique plants and the opportunity to go to sea in April-May. Since April, the season of hikes, sea walks and the first water activities begins.

Where to go in spring in Vladivostok? Popular options for spring holidays:

• Trips to hills and coastal trails: from routes to viewing grounds - Burachka, Eagle's Nest -   to natural hikes, for example, to Cape Tobizina on Russian Island;
• Walk along the seafront - Ship, Sports Harbour, Cesarevich -  and in the Nagorny Park;
• SUP surfing, kayaking and the first sea trips on the warm days of May;
• Trips to Russky Island: the FEFU campus, the Primorsky Aquarium, and the forts of the Vladivostok Fortress;
• Fishing from the shore and in rivers: pollock and smelt start biting in March, and rudd and eel come in from April.

💡 While the water is cool, the fish stay closer to the shore.

 

All about fishing tourism

For walking, we recommend a route through the city center: from the street. Svetlanskaya to the embankment of Sports Harbor. Along the way - views of the Golden Horn Bay, bridges, iconic sights.

💡 The city is on the hills, so take into account the strength and time: it is better to break the walk into stages with breaks in cafes or squares

Spring festivals and events in Vladivostok

Going to Vladivostok in spring is also for the sake of festivals. Since mid-April, Regional "Rhododendron Festival". You will see mountains with fields of rhododendron and taste local cuisine inspired by the flowering of shrub - a unique experience that can only be experienced in spring Vladivostok.

In late April and May, Vladivostok hosts major city events including Pacific Tourism Forum and international cross-cultural festival "MAISKIE", uniting street culture, music and gastronomy.

Spring also starts gastronomic festivals - the festival of mussels and Pollock Festival "Oh! Mega Taste". Imagine: the central sites of the city turn into gastronomic scenes, where the aroma of the sea and the creative excitement of chefs reign. The best chefs of the city and invited masters compete in the art of cooking fish and seafood: from classic recipes to bold author's interpretations.

Vladivostok cherry and mandarin ducks

The end of April and May is the time when Vladivostok changes visually. The cherry blossoms make the city one of the few places in Russia where you can see khanami. Sakura blooms in the botanical garden of FEB RAS, on Russky Island and in university arboretums. Learn more about cherry blossoming sites in our article.

Since April, you can also go to see mandarin ducks in the area of the Solona duct. This is a rare opportunity to observe birds in the natural environment near the city.

💡 It is important to remember: you can admire, you can not feed.

Recreation in Vladivostok with children

A spring vacation to Vladivostok with children is a great option. The city boasts museums, an oceanarium, educational tours, and festivals. Parks and promenades offer both active and relaxing recreation.

For families, suitable:

• Excursions to the city's museums, for example, the National Center "Russia" in the Primorsky Territory
• plays for children in the puppet theater and youth theater;
• The Primorsky Oceanarium with dolphinarium, which will capture the interest of children and adults:
• Nagorny, Pokrovsky –   and suburbs: Sedanka Park, Shtykov Ponds;
• Immersive city tours and interactive natural routes within Vladivostok.

We have collected for you a selection of places to go with children in Vladivostok. 

How to get to Vladivostok?

 

You can get to Vladivostok by plane, train or car. Read more in our material.

Spring in Vladivostok is a good time to go to the sea, see the awakening of Far Eastern nature and discover the city without summer bustle. It is easy to combine walks, excursions, gastronomy and natural impressions. If you choose where to go in the spring in Russia, consider Vladivostok - a non-banal destination for a holiday by the sea with a rich cultural program.