Must-see nightlife in Russian Far East

  • Moonshine

    Vladivostok

    This exceptionally well-stocked and stylish place right by the seafront offers cocktails and a small but tantalising bar menu as well as wine by the glass…

  • Old Fashioned

    Vladivostok

    This fabulous cocktail lounge is a low-lit and beautifully set-out space, with a gorgeous wooden bar and gloriously comfortable sofas and chairs to lounge…

  • Kofeyko

    Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky

    Friendly barista Maksim, one of apparently just three trained coffee professionals on the Kamchatka Peninsula, runs this tiny little stand and shop, where…

  • Harat's Irish Pub

    Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky

    There are a number of Harat's pubs in Russia, and we imagine that this one has comforted many a homesick traveller. There's a terrific range of brews on…

  • Stary Kapitan

    Vladivostok

    Facing the marina, the Old Captain has an excellent selection of draft beers, such as German Weihenstephan. The delectable seafood dishes (pan-seared…

  • Ra

    Vladivostok

    Where the cool kids can be found hanging out on the seafront boardwalk on summer evenings, this black-painted brick warehouse is a simple bar with a pool…

  • Dikaya Utka

    Yakutsk

    A favourite of expats, the spacious wood-lined 'Wild Duck' is the go-to spot for refreshing brews, and there's decent pub grub on hand. There's live music…

  • Mumiy Troll

    Vladivostok

    A fun and lively bar that draws a mix of locals and expats, rock-loving Mumiy Troll – set up by the nationally famous local band of the same name – has…

  • Baraka

    Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky

    This swanky rooftop lounge has good views of the city, excellent cocktails and sushi, and is generally considered the best place in town to go dancing,…

  • Cuckoo Club

    Vladivostok

    One of Vladivostok’s fancier clubs, the dance floor here seethes at weekends and there's a lovely outdoor area that's the place to be seen in the summer…

  • Moosehead

    Sakhalin Island

    Expats in the know head to this big dark-wood bar for cold beer and pub grub (mains R300 to R1000), famous seafood chowder and themed party nights.

  • Evropa Klub

    Yakutsk

    The most popular club in the centre, Evropa is a five-storey complex with dance club, sports bar, bowling alley and, uh, strip club.

  • Bar Onegin

    Yakutsk

    Bar Onegin whips up tasty salads, sushi, pastas and grilled fish dishes (mains R350 to R650), but it mainly serves as a bar. It's a fairly stylish spot,…

  • Mishka Pub

    Sakhalin Island

    In the basement of the Rubin Hotel, this expat haven is popular for its huge Russian business lunch (noon to 3pm, R300). Later on, stop in for pub grub …