Saint Petersburg

St. Petersburg is the second most populous city in the Russian Federation. It was the capital of Russia for more than two centuries: from 1712 (when the first Russian Emperor Peter I moved the Russian court there) to 1918 (when the city was renamed Petrograd). Since its foundation St. Petersburg is the Northern capital of Russia. Not so long ago the city also became the European Culture Capital. It is not just coincidence: in fact there are more than 8,000 architectural and cultural monuments in Saint Petersburg.

Every year in St. Petersburg there are about 1,000 exhibitions and hundreds of art festivals. Also, in the world St. Petersburg is known for its museums: the Hermitage, the Cabinet of Curiosities, the Russian Ethnographic Museum and the Russian Museum etc.

St. Petersburg is a museum under the open sky as there are many archeological and architectural monuments in the city. The historic center of the city is in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. During the White Nights (link) St. Petersburg turns into one of the most romantic places on the planet no doubt.

Because of the city location – the city was founded on the Neva River – there are lots of bridges there and many of them are drawbridges. At night, drawbridges give way to ships and boats. The city was being built for sailor travelers. From a ship Saint Petersburg is particularly impressive. Because of that fact St. Petersburg is often called Venice of the North.

At any time, St. Petersburg is interesting to tourists. In summer it attracts you with numerous art festivals and the romantic white nights. In autumn the city is bright, as autumn tree leaves cover and adorn not only the boulevards and streets, but canals too. Perhaps for somebody Winter is a good time to visit the city as St. Petersburg is not so crowded at this time and museums and theaters are open to public. The hotel prices are not so high like in summer. But in spring you are able to see the breaking of the ice on the Neva in San Petersburg.

Visit St Petersburg If You Are Fond of Culture and Art

St Petersburg is often called the cultural capital of Russia. Many agree that the friendliest people in Russia live here, in St Pete. In the city, there are many world-famous museums and art galleries. The Hermitageand Russian Museum are in St Petersburg. Everyone knows about these but in the city you can also find such (pretty new) museums as Erarta Contemporary Art Gallery or Russian Vodka Museum.

The best Opera and Ballet in Russia

Opera and ballet fans should travel to St Petersburg to enjoy performances at the Mariinsky Theatre or at the Mikhailovsky Theatre. It’s recommended to buy tickets in advance as many locals and tourists want to see outstanding performances. You will hardly find empty seats in leading Russian theatres.

St Petersburg Has a Lot of Sacred Places

You can spend days in St Petersburg exploring the city’s cathedrals and churches. Don’t miss Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, climb the 250 steps to the colonnade of the dome at St. Isaac’s Cathedral, visit the splendid Cathedral on the Spilled Blood.

Enjoy Walking in St Petersburg

Apart from Moscow, which is huge, St Petersburg’s historic centre is relatively compact. You can easily enjoy walking along the city streets and discovering beautiful buildings. You will not find two similar constructions on Nevsky prospect. See for yourself taking 1 hour walk from the Lavra to the Hermitage.

Something Else

St Petersburg is modern, historic, and international. You will meet people from different parts of the world, try Russian and international food, discover intriguing places, visit former Tsar residences, and make new friends. Yes, the city is young but very experienced.

Not far from St. Petersburg there is the former royal residence Peterhof (from 1944 to 1997 – it was called Petrodvoretch). This place has also another name:Russian Versailles. Probably it is because of the similarity of architecture with the royal summer residence palace and park ensemble in France. the best variant to reach Peterhof is by a river boat in spring, summer and early fall.

Everyone who visits St. Petersburg say that the city has its magic touch. People are impressed indeed!