St Petersburg

A Comprehensive Guide to Traveling in St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg, the second-largest city in Russia, is a treasure trove of history, architecture, art, and culture. This guide provides an exhaustive overview of places to visit, activities to enjoy, restaurants to dine at, accommodations to stay in, transportation options, essential tips, and other insider information that will make your trip unforgettable.

Places to Visit

1. The Hermitage Museum

  • Address: Dvortsovaya Sq., St. Petersburg, Russia, 199137

  • Getting There: Metro: Admiralteyskaya or Gostiny Dvor

  • Description: As one of the world’s largest and most visited museums, The Hermitage showcases a vast collection of art and cultural artifacts from around the globe.

  • Must-see Attractions:

    • The Impressionist Collection: Featuring masterpieces by Monet, Degas, Renoir, and Cezanne
    • The Tretyakov Gallery Wing: Showcasing Russian icons and 19th-century paintings
    • The Hermitage Theater: A stunning example of Baroque architecture

2. The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

  • Address: Inzhernostrovozhnaya St., St. Petersburg, Russia, 199137

  • Getting There: Metro: Moskovskaya or Ploshchad Vosstaniya

  • Description: This beautiful church is a must-visit for its stunning architecture and historical significance.

  • Must-see Attractions:

    • The Church’s Interior: Decorated with intricate mosaics and ornate details
    • The Church’s History: Learn about the tragic events that led to the construction of this unique church

3. The Peterhof Palace

  • Address: Strelka Vod, St. Petersburg, Russia, 199707

  • Getting There: Metro: Moskovskaya or Ploshchad Vosstaniya

  • Description: A former imperial palace and gardens, now a popular tourist destination.

  • Must-see Attractions:

    • The Grand Palace: Explore the opulent interior and exterior of this historic palace
    • The Gardens: Stroll through the beautiful gardens and enjoy the scenic views

4. The Kazan Cathedral

  • Address: Kazanskaya St., St. Petersburg, Russia, 199008

  • Getting There: Metro: Gostiny Dvor or Admiralteyskaya

  • Description: A stunning example of Baroque architecture and a must-visit for its historical significance.

  • Must-see Attractions:

    • The Cathedral’s Interior: Admire the beautiful interior and ornate details
    • The Cathedral’s History: Learn about the tragic events that led to the construction of this unique cathedral

Activities

1. Take a Canal Cruise

  • Duration: 2 hours

  • Departure Point: Gostiny Dvor Metro Station

  • Description: Explore St. Petersburg’s canals and see the city from a different perspective.

  • Tips:

    • Book in Advance: To avoid long queues and ensure availability
    • Dress Warmly: It can get chilly on the canal cruise, especially in the evenings

2. Visit the St. Isaac’s Square

  • Address: St. Isaac’s Square, St. Petersburg, Russia, 199107

  • Getting There: Metro: Gostiny Dvor or Admiralteyskaya

  • Description: A beautiful square surrounded by stunning architecture and a must-visit for its historical significance.

  • Must-see Attractions:

    • The St. Isaac’s Cathedral: Admire the stunning exterior and interior of this historic cathedral
    • The Square’s History: Learn about the tragic events that led to the construction of this unique square

3. Take a Day Trip to Peterhof Palace

  • Duration: 5 hours

  • Departure Point: Moskovskaya Metro Station

  • Description: Explore the beautiful palace and gardens, and enjoy a scenic drive along the coast.

  • Tips:

    • Book in Advance: To avoid long queues and ensure availability
    • Dress Warmly: It can get chilly on the day trip, especially in the evenings

Where to Eat

1. Cafe Dachnaya

  • Address: Dvortsovaya Sq., St. Petersburg, Russia, 199137

  • Getting There: Metro: Admiralteyskaya or Gostiny Dvor

  • Description: A cozy cafe serving delicious Russian and European cuisine.

  • Must-try dishes:

    • Borscht: A classic Russian beet soup
    • Pelmeni: A type of Russian dumpling

2. Restaurante El Puerto

  • Address: Strelka Vod, St. Petersburg, Russia, 199707

  • Getting There: Metro: Moskovskaya or Ploshchad Vosstaniya

  • Description: A Spanish restaurant serving delicious seafood and tapas.

  • Must-try dishes:

    • Paella: A classic Spanish dish made with saffron-infused rice
    • Gambas al Ajillo: Garlic shrimp

3. Cafe Pushkin

  • Address: St. Isaac’s Square, St. Petersburg, Russia, 199107

  • Getting There: Metro: Gostiny Dvor or Admiralteyskaya

  • Description: A cozy cafe serving delicious Russian and European cuisine.

  • Must-try dishes:

    • Borscht: A classic Russian beet soup
    • Pelmeni: A type of Russian dumpling

Where to Stay

1. Hotel Indigo St. Petersburg

  • Address: Dvortsovaya Sq., St. Petersburg, Russia, 199137

  • Getting There: Metro: Admiralteyskaya or Gostiny Dvor

  • Description: A stylish hotel located in the heart of the city.

  • Room types:

    • Standard Room: Comfortable and spacious rooms with modern amenities
    • Suite: Luxurious suites with stunning views and opulent decor

2. Hotel St. Isaac’s

  • Address: St. Isaac’s Square, St. Petersburg, Russia, 199107

  • Getting There: Metro: Gostiny Dvor or Admiralteyskaya

  • Description: A historic hotel located in the heart of the city.

  • Room types:

    • Standard Room: Comfortable and spacious rooms with modern amenities
    • Suite: Luxurious suites with stunning views and opulent decor

Transportation

1. Metro

  • Frequency: Every 2-3 minutes during peak hours

  • Duration: 5-10 minutes to get to most destinations

  • Description: A convenient and efficient way to get around the city.

  • Tips:

    • Buy a Metro Card: To avoid long queues and ensure availability
    • Dress Warmly: It can get chilly on the metro, especially in the evenings

2. Bus

  • Frequency: Every 10-15 minutes during peak hours

  • Duration: 10-20 minutes to get to most destinations

  • Description: A convenient and affordable way to get around the city.

  • Tips:

    • Buy a Bus Card: To avoid long queues and ensure availability
    • Dress Warmly: It can get chilly on the bus, especially in the evenings

3. Taxi

  • Frequency: Available 24/7

  • Duration: 5-10 minutes to get to most destinations

  • Description: A convenient and affordable way to get around the city.

  • Tips:

    • Use a Taxi App: To avoid long queues and ensure availability
    • Dress Warmly: It can get chilly in the taxi, especially in the evenings

Tips and Tricks

1. Learn Some Russian

  • Phrases: Basic phrases like “Hello,” “Thank you,” and “Excuse me” will go a long way.
  • Useful Words: Useful words like “hotel,” “restaurant,” and “metro” can help you navigate the city.

2. Respect Local Customs

  • Dress Modestly: Dress modestly when visiting churches or other places of worship.
  • Remove Shoes: Remove your shoes when entering a home or some cultural sites.

3. Don’t Tip

  • No Tipping: Tipping is not expected in Russia and can even be seen as impolite.

4. Be Patient

  • Long Lines: Be patient when waiting in long lines, like at the metro or bus.
  • Slow Service: Be patient when ordering food or drinks, as service can be slow.

5. Enjoy Yourself

  • Have Fun: Have fun exploring the city and trying new things!
  • Take Breaks: Take breaks to rest and recharge throughout your day.

Additional information:

If you’re looking for more specific information about traveling in Russia, such as visa requirements or safety concerns, I’d be happy to provide additional details. Just let me know what you’re looking for!