Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Travel Wiki

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Travel to Saint Petersburg

Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Saint Petersburg

The second largest city in Russia might just have the largest heart. St. Petersburg has always been at the center of Russian culture and this is reflected in the various name changes it has undergone. In the 20^th century alone, it was also called Petrograd and Leningrad before being changed back to its current name after the fall of Communism.

Although the theory is that the Russian government wanted to avoid the “Saint” portion of the city name and that’s why it was changed, most Russian literature simply calls this city “Petersburg.” Many just call it “Peter.” Founded by Peter the Great in the 18^th century, for a long time this city was the imperial capital of Russia. It was moved to Moscow in 1918 and now this city enjoys its status as an important port on the Baltic Sea. With several UNESCO World Heritage Sites and plenty of unique opportunities for exploration, St. Petersburg is beckoning to you for a visit. Are you willing to listen to its call?

What Does St. Petersburg Offer? How About 221 Museums!

It is entirely possible to spend an entire month in St. Petersburg and still not see even half of what this city has to offer culturally. From a museum dedicated to musical instruments to the Russian Slate Museum that offers a fantastic collection of period art from the country, there are plenty of ways to tap into your inner Dostoyevsky whenever you wish. If you’ve got just one museum trip available to you on your trip to this city, however, our recommendation is to visit The Hermitage Museum.

This world famous museum features art and culture of the region and is one of the oldest and largest museums in the world. Catherine the Great founded the Hermitage in 1764 and it has been open to the public for over 160 years. There are over 3 million items that consist in its permanent display, including one of the largest painting collections in the world. The Hermitage is closed on Mondays and foreigners pay a higher fee, but the first Thursday of the month is free for all visitors.

For an added kick of fun, there’s a hydrofoil dock that is right near the Hermitage if you want a unique way to explore the fountains of the city. It’s a great way to go see Peterhof and the gardens and palaces of this intense complex.

Ballet and St. Petersburg Are Synonymous

It is impossible to discuss the culture of this city without bringing ballet into the conversation. The Petersburg School of Ballet is considered one of the best in the world and the traditions that are taught in this classical company have been famously passed on down through the generations. Many of the world’s top dancers have come from this company as it maintains traditions in classical ballet while expanding its scope to modern limits that are literally beyond the imagination.

There are numerous shows that go on throughout the year, so if you’re in the city for more than a day or two, you’ll want to get tickets to see a performance. If if you don’t believe that you’ll enjoy ballet, there’s a good chance that you’ll be transfixed by what you’ll see during your time in St. Petersburg. There are over 50 theaters offering venues, so even if you’re on a quick layover, there’s a chance you’ll find a great show to see.

Why Settle For Some Russian Cuisine?

The diversity of restaurants within this city is incredible and offers you more than just a look at the plain seafood fare that is often associated with an outside perspective of Russian cuisine. The culinary scene in St. Petersburg is more reflective of Georgian cuisine than anything else, but you’ll find Mediterranean, Slavic, and even Middle Eastern flavors stimulating your taste buds when you explore the options available to you.

For a fair price with high quality food, our recommendation is to visit Khinkalnaya-Khachapurnaya. It’s recommended by a number of travel websites for a reason! Order one of the kebabs, pork or lamb are the best, make sure to get some potatoes, and don’t forget about getting some of the cheese-topped pita bread to top off the meal. The eggplant that is laced with walnuts will blow your mind! The place is packed nearly every night because of how good it is, so be patient with the service staff as they scramble about to make sure everyone’s orders are fulfilled.

If you are searching for a taste of old Russian home cooking, then you’ll find your craving satisfied by Mechta Molokhovets. It’s a little on the pricier side, but the advantage is that many of the menu items are created using old family recipes. It’s outside of the typical tourist rotation of restaurants, so you’ll be able to get a good seat with a reservation. The fish dishes are flavorful, the vodka flows freely, and king crab in mushroom sauce is a dish you’ll want to come back and have again.

Are You Ready To Visit St. Petersburg Too?

Whether you plan on taking the family to enjoy the magic fountains that spray when specific tiles are pressed, want to shop at an authentic Russian market to get a taste of local living, or want to enjoy the classic essentials that make this city such a wonderful place to visit, St. Petersburg has something to offer everyone. Make sure to grab some blinis for lunch one day, end your visit with some local chocolates, and you’ll be able to have a memorable visit to this spectacular city.

With many of the attractions within walking distance of each other and taxi rates fairly affordable, you have plenty of options for staying in this city. Plan your trip today because the streets of St. Petersburg are memorable indeed! You will truly enjoy whatever time you have within this city and want to keep coming back.

Travel and vacation in Saint Petersburg, Russia

Here you can find information about travel and holiday trips to Russia. You will find travel deals as well as general travel information, guides, “good to know” and facts about Russia. We try to find the best travel video about the city and its surroundings and we write about the best sights, shopping and things to do. You will also find updated current weather and forecasts. The current exchange rates are also updated many times a day.

Best of Saint Petersburg

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