Saint Petersburg

The Ultimate Guide to Traveling in Saint Petersburg

Welcome to Saint Petersburg, one of the most beautiful and culturally rich cities in Russia! As a tourist, you’re in for a treat. This guide will help you navigate the city like a pro, covering everything from must-see attractions to delicious food spots, comfortable accommodations, and insider tips.

Places to Go

1. The Hermitage Museum

  • Address: Dvortsovaya Square, St. Petersburg
  • Metro: Admiralteyskaya or Nevsky Prospekt
  • Opening Hours: 10am-6pm (Wednesday-Sunday), closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
  • Ticket Price: 500 RUB (~ $7 USD)

The Hermitage is one of the world’s largest and oldest museums, housing over 3 million exhibits. The collection spans from ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary Russian art.

2. Peterhof Palace

  • Address: 38 Razvodnaya Street, St. Petersburg
  • Metro: Park Pobedy or Avtovo
  • Opening Hours: 10am-6pm (April-October), closed on Tuesdays and last Monday of each month (November-March)
  • Ticket Price: 500 RUB (~ $7 USD)

A stunning Baroque palace built in the early 18th century, featuring impressive fountains, gardens, and views of the Gulf of Finland.

3. Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

  • Address: 5 Sadovaya Street, St. Petersburg
  • Metro: Gostiny Dvor or Ploshchad Vosstaniya
  • Opening Hours: 11am-5pm (April-October), closed on Mondays and Tuesdays (November-March)
  • Ticket Price: 250 RUB (~ $4 USD)

A colorful, onion-domed church built in the late 19th century, showcasing intricate mosaics and ornate decorations.

4. Palace Square

  • Address: Dvortsovaya Square, St. Petersburg
  • Metro: Admiralteyskaya or Nevsky Prospekt

The heart of Saint Petersburg, surrounded by iconic landmarks like the Hermitage Museum, the General Staff Building, and the Bronze Horseman statue.

5. Fontanka River Embankment

  • Address: 4 Fontanka Street, St. Petersburg
  • Metro: Gostiny Dvor or Ploshchad Vosstaniya

Take a leisurely stroll along the riverbank, admiring the historic bridges and picturesque views of the city.

Activities

1. Canal Cruises

  • Departure Point: Various locations throughout the city
  • Duration: 1-2 hours
  • Ticket Price: 400-600 RUB (~ $6-$9 USD)

Explore Saint Petersburg’s canals, admiring the city’s architecture and learning about its history.

2. Ballet or Opera Performance

  • Venue: Mariinsky Theatre or Mikhailovsky Theatre
  • Schedule: Check the theatre’s website for showtimes

Experience Russia’s rich cultural heritage with a performance of ballet or opera at one of Saint Petersburg’s premier theatres.

3. Russian Cooking Class

  • Address: Various cooking schools throughout the city
  • Duration: 2-4 hours
  • Ticket Price: 1,500-2,000 RUB (~ $22-$30 USD)

Learn how to prepare traditional Russian dishes like borscht and blini with a hands-on cooking class.

4. Guided Walking Tour

  • Departure Point: Various meeting points throughout the city
  • Duration: 2-3 hours
  • Ticket Price: 800-1,200 RUB (~ $12-$18 USD)

Discover Saint Petersburg’s hidden gems and learn about its history with a knowledgeable guide.

Where to Eat

1. Cafe Pushkin

  • Address: 26 Pushkinskaya Street, St. Petersburg
  • Metro: Gostiny Dvor or Ploshchad Vosstaniya

A cozy, upscale café serving traditional Russian cuisine and delicious pastries.

2. Teremok

  • Address: Various locations throughout the city
  • Metro: Various metro stations near each location

Try authentic Russian street food like pierogies and blini at this popular chain restaurant.

3. Pryanik

  • Address: 24 Nevsky Prospekt, St. Petersburg
  • Metro: Nevsky Prospekt or Gostiny Dvor

Savor traditional Russian pastries and desserts in a charming atmosphere.

Where to Stay

1. Hotel Indigo Saint Petersburg

  • Address: 2 Kuznechny Pereulok, St. Petersburg
  • Metro: Nevsky Prospekt or Admiralteyskaya
  • Room Price: ~ $100 USD per night

A modern, boutique hotel with comfortable rooms and a cozy atmosphere.

2. Hotel Cortissova

  • Address: 4 Bolshaya Konyushennaya Street, St. Petersburg
  • Metro: Gostiny Dvor or Ploshchad Vosstaniya
  • Room Price: ~ $80 USD per night

A charming, historic hotel with elegant rooms and a prime location.

Things to Know

1. Weather

Saint Petersburg’s climate is temperate, with warm summers (June-August) and cold winters (December-February). Be prepared for sudden changes in weather.

2. Safety

As with any major city, take normal precautions to stay safe: avoid walking alone at night, keep valuables secure, and be mindful of your surroundings.

3. Language

While many Russians speak English, it’s still a good idea to learn basic Russian phrases like “hello” (zdravstvuyte), “thank you” (spasibo), and “excuse me” (izvinite).

Transportation

1. Metro

  • Operating Hours: 5:30am-12:45am
  • Ticket Price: 40 RUB (~ $0.60 USD) per ride

Saint Petersburg’s metro is efficient, convenient, and relatively affordable.

2. Bus

  • Operating Hours: 6am-11pm
  • Ticket Price: 35 RUB (~ $0.50 USD) per ride

A reliable option for shorter journeys or exploring the outskirts of the city.

3. Taxi

  • Operating Hours: 24/7
  • Meter Price: ~ 100-150 RUB (~ $1.50-$2.20 USD)

Use licensed taxis or order through a reputable app to ensure safety and fair prices.

Tips

1. Learn Some Russian

Even basic phrases like “hello” and “thank you” will go a long way in making your trip more enjoyable.

2. Be Prepared for Crowds

Popular tourist spots can get crowded, especially during peak season (June-August). Plan ahead and consider visiting early morning or late evening.

3. Bring Warm Clothing

Even in summer, Saint Petersburg’s evenings can be chilly. Pack warm clothing to stay comfortable.

Additional Tips

1. Explore Beyond the City Center

Saint Petersburg has a lot to offer beyond its central districts. Venture into neighborhoods like Petrogradskaya Side Streets or Sadovaya Street for unique experiences.

2. Respect Local Customs

Saint Petersburg is a conservative city, so dress modestly when visiting churches or attending cultural events.

3. Enjoy the City’s Nightlife

Experience Saint Petersburg’s vibrant nightlife by exploring its many bars, clubs, and live music venues.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate Saint Petersburg like a pro and create unforgettable memories of your time in this enchanting city!