St. Petersburg, Russia

August 7, 2024

The Ultimate Guide to Traveling in St. Petersburg, Russia

Introduction

St. Petersburg, the cultural and economic capital of Russia, is a city like no other. Located on the Baltic coast, it’s a treasure trove of history, architecture, art, and entertainment. From the stunning palaces and museums to the vibrant nightlife and delicious food, St. Petersburg has something for every kind of traveler.

Places to Go

The Hermitage Museum

Address: Dvortsovaya sq., 2, St. Petersburg
Hours: Tuesday - Sunday, 10am-6pm (Thursday till 9pm)
Tickets: 800 RUB (around $12 USD) for a single ticket

Considered one of the world’s greatest museums, The Hermitage is a must-visit attraction in St. Petersburg. With over 3 million artifacts on display, it would take weeks to explore everything.

Peterhof Palace

Address: Razvodnoye village, 24, St. Petersburg
Hours: Daily, 10am-5pm (June - September), 11am-4pm (October - May)
Tickets: 500 RUB (around $7 USD) for a single ticket

This stunning palace is a masterpiece of baroque architecture and features an impressive collection of art and artifacts.

St. Isaac’s Square

Address: St. Isaac’s sq., 1, St. Petersburg
Hours: Daily, 10am-5pm (June - September), 11am-4pm (October - May)
Admission: Free

This iconic square is dominated by the magnificent St. Isaac’s Cathedral, which offers breathtaking views of the city from its colonnade.

Catherine Palace

Address: Tsarskoye Selo village, 41, St. Petersburg
Hours: Daily, 10am-5pm (June - September), 11am-4pm (October - May)
Tickets: 700 RUB (around $10 USD) for a single ticket

This beautiful palace is a treasure trove of art and artifacts from the Romanov dynasty.

The Church of the Savior on Blood

Address: The Island of Krestovsky, St. Petersburg
Hours: Daily, 11am-6pm (May - September), 12pm-5pm (October - April)
Admission: Free

This stunning church is a masterpiece of Russian architecture and features an impressive collection of art and artifacts.

Activities

Take a Boat Tour

St. Petersburg’s canals are a must-see attraction, and taking a boat tour is the best way to experience them. You’ll see many of the city’s iconic landmarks from a unique perspective.

Visit the Russian Museum

This museum is dedicated to Russian art and features an impressive collection of works by famous Russian artists such as Kandinsky, Malevich, and Chagall.

Explore the City on Foot

St. Petersburg is a pedestrian-friendly city, and exploring it on foot is a great way to discover its hidden gems.

Where to Eat

Pryanik

Address: Bolshaya Morskaya ul., 20, St. Petersburg
Hours: Daily, 11am-10pm
Cuisine: Russian, European

This cozy restaurant serves a wide range of traditional Russian dishes such as borscht and beef stroganoff.

Le Chalet

Address: Malaya Morskaya ul., 15, St. Petersburg
Hours: Daily, 11am-10pm
Cuisine: French, European

This charming restaurant serves a wide range of French-inspired dishes such as steak tartare and duck confit.

Kuznechny

Address: Kuznechny per., 3, St. Petersburg
Hours: Daily, 11am-10pm
Cuisine: Russian, European

This popular restaurant serves a wide range of traditional Russian dishes such as beef stroganoff and chicken Kiev.

Where to Stay

Hotel Indigo

Address: Griboyedova canal embankment, 6, St. Petersburg
Prices: Around $100 USD per night

This stylish hotel is located in a historic building and offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities.

Pulkovskaya Hotel

Address: Krasnogvardeyetskoye sh., 10, St. Petersburg
Prices: Around $80 USD per night

This budget-friendly hotel offers simple but clean and comfortable rooms with basic amenities.

Things to Know

Language

Russian is the official language of Russia, and while many people in St. Petersburg speak some English, it’s still a good idea to learn a few basic Russian phrases such as “hello” ( Privyet) and “thank you” (Spasibo).

Currency

The Russian ruble (RUB) is the local currency, but US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas.

Safety

St. Petersburg is generally a safe city, but as with any major city, it’s still a good idea to take some basic precautions such as being aware of your surroundings and keeping an eye on your belongings.

Transportation

Metro

The St. Petersburg metro system is efficient and affordable, with a single ticket costing around $0.25 USD. You can buy tickets at any metro station or use the contactless payment system.

Bus

St. Petersburg has an extensive network of buses that cover most areas of the city. A single ticket costs around $0.25 USD, but you can also buy a day pass for around $1 USD.

Taxi

Taxis are widely available in St. Petersburg, and a ride from the airport to the city center will cost around $10-15 USD.

Tips

Be prepared for crowds and lines at popular attractions.
Don’t drink tap water - stick to bottled or filtered water.
Try some of the local street food such as pierogies and blini.
Explore the city’s many markets and shops for unique souvenirs.

Other Things to Do

Visit the Peterhof Park

This stunning park is home to a wide range of beautiful gardens, fountains, and statues. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Explore the Smolny Institute

This historic building was once the residence of Catherine the Great and features an impressive collection of art and artifacts.

Take a Day Trip to the nearby town of Pushkin

Pushkin is a charming town located just outside St. Petersburg, and it’s home to many beautiful palaces and gardens.

Conclusion

St. Petersburg is a city like no other - a treasure trove of history, architecture, art, and entertainment. From the stunning palaces and museums to the vibrant nightlife and delicious food, there’s something for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or just want to experience the beauty of Russia, St. Petersburg is a must-visit destination.