Things To Do
in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy

Large, sweet crab legs served steamed or chilled; available at the fish market stalls and many waterfront restaurants when in season.

Must-Try!

Fresh wild salmon, often grilled, smoked or served as ikra (roe); common in cafes, restaurants and the market.

Classic Russian clear fish soup made with local catches; a warming dish found in family restaurants and taverns.

Thinly sliced frozen fish—a regional Siberian specialty—served frozen with simple seasonings; more common in colder months and at specialty stalls.

Main place to buy fresh fish, crab and smoked specialties; informal stalls often offer ready-to-eat samples and quick seafood snacks.

Small vendors near the port selling fresh-cooked fish, fried seafood and hot drinks—good for casual, scenic meals by the water.

Use a polite greeting (Здравствуйте) in formal settings; a firm handshake and direct eye contact are common in introductions.

Remove shoes when entering a private home; hosts usually provide slippers.

Leave no trace in wilderness areas and follow guide instructions—local culture places high value on respecting the landscape and wildlife.

Avoid photographing military installations and always ask permission before photographing people, especially indigenous communities.

Tipping is appreciated but not as strict as in some countries. In restaurants leave around 5–10% for good service, round up taxi fares, and tip guides/porters modestly for exceptional service.

Cards (Visa/Mastercard) are accepted at hotels and larger restaurants; many smaller vendors and market stalls prefer cash (rubles). ATMs are available in the city but can be limited in remote areas—bring cash for excursions.

June–August: the warmest and most popular time with long daylight hours, mild temperatures (5–18°C), good access to trails and boat tours; expect more tours and higher prices.

September–October: crisp weather, stunning fall colors, fewer crowds; days shorten and rain increases—some services begin to scale back.

November–March: cold, snowy and dark with short daylight; excellent for winter sports, northern lights (occasionally), and dramatic snowy landscapes—many remote roads are closed.

April–May: thawing season, muddy trails and variable weather; wildlife becomes active but some attractions remain logistically harder to reach.

Main airport serving Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, about 30 km from the city; regular domestic flights connect to Moscow, Vladivostok and regional hubs. Transfers by bus, marshrutka (minibus) and taxis are available.

Various airstrips across Kamchatka serve remote settlements and guided tour transfers (often by helicopter or small plane) to places like Ust-Kamchatsk or Yelizovo-area operators—used mainly for charter flights.

Vegetarian options are limited but available in cafes and bigger restaurants—expect salads, potatoes, mushrooms and pickled vegetables; bring snacks for long excursions.

Vegan choices are sparse; plan ahead, learn basic Russian phrases to explain restrictions, and shop at markets for bread, vegetables and packaged items.

Not widely advertised—gluten-free options exist (fish, salads, rice), but cross-contamination is possible; communicate needs clearly in Russian.

Very limited local provision; meat offerings are typically non-certified—seafood is the easiest safe choice for many dietary or religious restrictions.