A modern European Russian City, St Petersburg boasts a network of picturesque canals and elegant Baroque and Neoclassical architecture that gives it a certain old-world European vibe. Today, St Petersburg is alive with bohemian thinking and an edgy cultural scene. Despite its free thinking ways, you still need a visa and letter of support from a tour company or Russian organisation to enter, so you may prefer to save yourself the worry and leave the paperwork to an experienced tour provider.
Don’t miss these St Petersburg attractions
- Winter Palace / Hermitage Museum
- Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood
- Boat trips in the canals
- Peterhof Palace
- Nevsky Prospect
Palace city
Travel back to Russia’s imperial past as you marvel at the city’s many lavish palaces. There are approximately 100 palaces in the city, the most exuberant of them being the Winter Palace which is home to Hermitage Museum; the biggest museum in the world with over 2.7 million pieces of art. The Michael Palace and the Marble Palace are also well regarded for having great artefacts on show too.
A walking tour is no doubt the best way to see the city where you can admire the Russian architecture St Petersburg is so well known for. Don’t miss the Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood, one of the city’s most impressive buildings. As you walk the streets your guide will regale you with tales and trivia about this great city.
Get out on the river
In summer a boat trip along St Petersburg’s river and canals is a must. The optimal time of the year is from late May to early July when the night sky stays brightly lit. Try to catch the brightest period know as ‘The White Nights, a curious and enigmatic phenomenon that lasts from June 11th-July 2nd.
If Russia is somewhere you’ve always wanted to visit; St Petersburg will be a delight. Holidays here are easily achieved through a reputable tour operator.