St Petersburg
Historic St Petersburg sits on the banks of the Neva River. Visit today for a stunning city full of culture, history and exceptional architecture.
St Petersburg Travel Guide
Language: Russian is the language used locally but you will find English spoken in service industries and by many locals, especially the younger generation. St Petersburg is more friendly than Moscow and you are more likely to find locals who are willing, and linguistically able, to help you with directions.
Currency: The Russian Ruble.
Banking: ATMs are found all over the city, with all normal credit and debit cards being accepted by retailers, restaurants and points of sale.
Weather: The weather is nice in summer and potentially brutally cold in winter so depending on when you travel there, pack appropriately!
St Petersburg in a nutshell
There’s something other-worldly about Russia, probably because we can’t read anything, from the street signs to the shop names. The city of St Petersburg, set on the banks of the Neva River, is even more magical than most other Russian cities, with its traditional buildings existing happily alongside futuristic technology and facilities; this creates a metaphor where East meets West but actually doesn’t, because St Petersburg is quintessentially Russian, no matter what.
It’s a magical place, filled with lavish Baroque and mint green and yellow buildings, canals that stretch like ribbons through it, a mix of fabulous high tech interactive museums and historic ones – 200 in all, superb cuisine, modern art galleries and historic sights that have stood the test of time. You’ll find legendary attractions such as the Hermitage, Peterhof and Tsarkoye Selo, some of the best ballet, classical music and art in Europe and more than 150 Imperial Russian palaces. And that is literally just the start…
In the summer months, from the end of May to early in July, you can experience the White Nights, when the sun shines all night long – a bucket-list experience. St Petersburg spreads across islands and peninsulas along the river, which you can explore on a cruise to get a completely different perspective. A visit here is a unique experience. Prepare to be wowed!
The architecture and iconography of Orthodox Catholic churches in St Petersburg are stunning!
Best time to visit: Come in the summer months (mid-June to September), when the weather is at its best and you can experience the White Nights, which entail 24 hours of sunshine.
Best Area for Sightseeing: So many sights, and so little time… See Things to do in St Petersburg below for some inspiration.
Shopping in St Petersburg: These days, you can pick up top international designer brands alongside Russian treasures, especially along the iconic Nevsky Prospect, the city’s main shopping strip, lined with boutiques and department stores. There’s also the charming 19th century shopping arcade, Passage, a haven for shoppers, and the lively Kuznechny Market for superb fresh produce and Russian delicacies.
Food & Restaurants in St Petersburg: There’s something extra special about dining out in Russia, where every morsel is an experience. But traditional dishes aside, you can also find a variety of cuisines to suit every palate. If you prefer global fare, enjoy a meal at a street café while you’re people-watching.
Nightlife: The city’s bars are mostly themed and serve food as well as drinks. Other night-time pursuits include plenty of music venues, clubs and acts.
Things to do in St Petersburg:
- Russian tradition and culture is so very unique to us Westerners. Visit the enthralling Russian Museum of Ethnography to learn all about it.
- Explore the Peter and Paul Fortress situated on its own island in the heart of the city.
- Shop till you drop in the Nevsky Prospect.
- Discover Russia’s cultural heritage at the fascinating Fabergé Museum, home to the largest collection of works by Carl Faberge including 9 iconic Imperial Easter Eggs.
- Visit the interesting Russian Railway Museum complex, home to legendary old locomotives and other railway paraphernalia.
- Nothing compares to a Russian church. See the incredible Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood, decorated with mosaics, marble, semi-precious stones and other Russian heraldry.
- Explore the legendary State Hermitage Museum with its vast interiors and collection of artworks.
Best way to get around: When you’re not exploring on foot, use the city’s excellent public transport system that includes buses and metro lines as well as trams or trolleys for short distances downtown.