The Golden Horn Bay is the sheltered inlet at the heart of Vladivostok — the city's working harbour, naval anchorage, and scenic centrepiece all at once. Two enormous cable-stayed bridges now span the bay: the Golden Bridge near the centre, and the Russky Bridge at the southern end. On a clear day, with warships at anchor in the middle distance and forested hills rising above the far shore, the bay looks almost implausibly dramatic for a working port.
The waterfront embankment along the northern shore of the bay is the city's main promenade. In summer it fills with walkers, cyclists, and tourists. The area around the railway station and the submarine museum is the densest stretch, with cafes and ice cream vendors. Ferries cross the bay regularly, and the short crossing gives a good view of both bridges and the city skyline.