S-56 Submarine Museum
Explore a historic WWII submarine, the S-56, offering a unique and affordable journey into naval history on Vladivostok's waterfront.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer tour buses
S-56 Submarine Museum
Best Time
Fewer tour buses
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a historic WWII submarine, the S-56, offering a unique and affordable journey into naval history on Vladivostok's waterfront.
"It's quite good to look around because it is a special experience to watch a submarine with just 100 rubles. It was huge."
🎯 Go Early or Late
Arrive before tour buses to avoid crowds and enjoy a more intimate exploration of the submarine.
🗣️ Consider a Guide
If you don't read Russian, a guide or translation app enhances understanding of the submarine's history.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic S-56 U-Boat
Korebelnaya Embankment
Step inside a real World War II submarine with a decorated past, offering a unique glimpse into naval history.
Crew Quarters & Navigation
Inside the S-56 Submarine
Explore the cramped living spaces and intricate navigation rooms that housed the submarine's dedicated crew.
Memorials to Sailors
Near the S-56 Submarine
Pay respects at memorials dedicated to the brave sailors who served and sacrificed during past conflicts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds
Immerse Yourself
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Go Early or Late
Arrive before tour buses to avoid crowds and enjoy a more intimate exploration of the submarine.
🗣️ Consider a Guide
If you don't read Russian, a guide or translation app enhances understanding of the submarine's history.
🚶♂️ Explore the Embankment
Don't miss other attractions on Korebelnaya Embankment after your submarine visit.
📸 Dodge Selfie Sticks
Be prepared for crowds and navigate carefully, especially around popular photo spots.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Go Early or Late
Arrive before tour buses to avoid crowds and enjoy a more intimate exploration of the submarine.
🗣️ Consider a Guide
If you don't read Russian, a guide or translation app enhances understanding of the submarine's history.
🚶♂️ Explore the Embankment
Don't miss other attractions on Korebelnaya Embankment after your submarine visit.
📸 Dodge Selfie Sticks
Be prepared for crowds and navigate carefully, especially around popular photo spots.
💰 Affordable Experience
Enjoy a unique historical experience for a very reasonable entrance fee.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the S-56 Submarine Museum to be a unique and historically significant attraction, offering an affordable glimpse into naval life. While the interior is fascinating, the language barrier for information can be a drawback for non-Russian speakers. The experience is generally well-regarded for its historical value and immersive nature.
"Well this was about the fifth submarine we have visited on various holidays. S-56 is pretty special as it has a long history and is a real U-boat. During the war it moved from Vladivostok to Murmansk across Alaska, Panama Canal, Great Britain, and Iceland. The U-Boat was decorated with medals and was the best one at times of the Soviet Union during the war. Then it came back to Vladivostok. Now, half of the U-Boat is a museum and the other half has been new decorated with war items. There are also memorials for the sailors who died during the fights of past times. Inside the U-Boat, you can also see the sleeping places for the crew, living room and also navigation rooms,"
Ross Daniels
"A land-based WW2 submarine that you can walk through. Try to get there before the tour busses deliver the crowds of tourists also you have to " go with the flow" through the vessel and outside dodge the selfie sticks. Take time to see the other attractions on the Korebelnaya embankment and adjoining Admiralsky and Theatrical park"
Vincent Oliver
"Interesting to see inside of the submarine. However, if you're going alone without a guide you won't learn much. Everything is only in russian, but still you get to see how the submarine looked like on the inside."
Ivana Ringwald
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The S-56 Submarine Museum is located on the Korebelnaya Embankment in Vladivostok. You can typically reach it by local bus or taxi. Many visitors mention it's a popular stop when exploring the waterfront area.
Parking availability can be limited in the popular waterfront areas of Vladivostok. It's often recommended to use public transport or a taxi to reach the museum to avoid parking hassles.
Local buses are a common way to get around Vladivostok. Check local transit information for routes that stop near the Korebelnaya Embankment or the city center, from where you can walk.
Yes, depending on your starting point in the city center, it's often a pleasant walk along the waterfront to reach the S-56 Submarine Museum.
Exploring the interior of a submarine can be challenging due to narrow passages and stairs. It's advisable to check with the museum directly for specific accessibility information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for the S-56 Submarine Museum is very affordable, often cited as around 100 rubles, making it a great value for a unique experience.
Generally, advance booking is not required for the S-56 Submarine Museum. Tickets can usually be purchased on-site upon arrival.
Opening hours can vary, but it's typically open during daylight hours. It's always a good idea to check the most current operating times before your visit, especially on holidays.
While not always explicitly advertised, guided tours might be available, especially for groups. However, many visitors explore independently, though information inside is primarily in Russian.
Photography is generally allowed inside the S-56 Submarine Museum, but be mindful of other visitors and the historical artifacts.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Exploring the S-56 Submarine is a unique experience where you can walk through its interior, including crew quarters, navigation rooms, and living spaces. It offers a tangible connection to naval history. +1
Children often find exploring a real submarine fascinating. However, the confined spaces might be challenging for very young children or those who are claustrophobic.
The S-56 Submarine has a significant history, having served during World War II and even undertaking a long journey from Vladivostok to Murmansk. It was decorated with medals and played a role in defending Soviet maritime borders.
The museum is located on the Korebelnaya Embankment, which often features other attractions, parks, and memorials, making it a pleasant area to explore further.
A visit can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how much time you spend exploring the interior and reading any available information.
📸 📸 Photography
Great photo opportunities include the exterior of the submarine, the cramped interior spaces like the control room and crew bunks, and the surrounding waterfront.
The interior can be dimly lit and narrow, which can make photography challenging. Using a phone with good low-light capabilities or a camera with a wide lens can be helpful.
Generally, photography is permitted. However, it's always wise to be respectful of the historical nature of the site and other visitors.
Morning or late afternoon light can be softer and more flattering for exterior shots. Inside, the lighting is consistent, but avoiding peak crowd times will make it easier to frame your shots.
Tripod usage might be restricted due to the confined spaces. It's best to check with museum staff upon arrival if you plan to use one.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the confined spaces might be a consideration for very young children or those prone to claustrophobia, the overall experience is generally well-received. The affordability of the entrance fee also makes it an attractive option for family budgets. Remember to manage expectations regarding language barriers for information displays, and focus on the visual and experiential aspects of the visit.
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with exploring the surrounding Korebelnaya Embankment, which often features other points of interest and scenic views, all for free. This allows you to create a fulfilling and cost-effective day of exploration in Vladivostok.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The S-56 Submarine's Storied Past
Its wartime service was recognized with numerous decorations, earning it the title of one of the best submarines of the Soviet Union during the conflict. After the war, it returned to Vladivostok, where it was eventually decommissioned and transformed into a museum. This transition allows visitors to connect with its legacy and understand the challenges faced by submariners.
Today, the S-56 offers a unique opportunity to step back in time. Visitors can explore half of the submarine, which has been meticulously preserved and decorated with wartime artifacts, while the other half has been reconfigured to showcase naval history. The museum also features memorials dedicated to sailors who lost their lives in service, adding a poignant layer to the visit.
Navigating the Submarine Interior
The living spaces provide a glimpse into the daily routines of the crew, offering a human element to the historical narrative. You can also see the control rooms and other operational areas, understanding the intricate systems that kept the submarine functioning. The narrow passageways and compact design emphasize the challenging environment submariners operated in.
While the museum provides a visual journey, information inside is primarily in Russian. For those who don't speak the language, consider using a translation app or joining a guided tour if available to fully grasp the historical context and the significance of each section.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit