Things to Do in Saint Petersburg

Discover the Magic of Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg, the cultural capital of Russia, is a city like no other. With its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant atmosphere, there’s always something to do or see in this enchanting city.

Must-Visit Attractions

The Hermitage Museum

  • Address: Palace Square, 2
  • Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:30 am to 6:00 pm
  • One of the largest and oldest museums in the world, featuring an impressive collection of art and cultural artifacts from around the globe.

Peterhof Palace

  • Address: Razvodnaya ul., 2
  • Hours: May to September, 9:00 am to 7:00 pm; October to April, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
  • A magnificent palace with stunning gardens and fountains, often referred to as the “Russian Versailles.”

Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

  • Address: Nab. kanala Griboyedova, 2B
  • Hours: Daily, 10:30 am to 6:00 pm
  • A beautiful church built on the site where Alexander II was assassinated, featuring intricate mosaics and ornate decorations.

Nevsky Prospekt

  • Saint Petersburg’s main avenue, lined with stunning architecture, shops, cafes, and restaurants.
  • Take a leisurely stroll along this iconic street to soak up the city’s atmosphere.

Day Trips

Pushkin and Pavlovsk Palaces

  • Address: Pushkinskie Gory, 2 (Pushkin Palace); Pavlovskoye Shosse, 20 (Pavlovsk Palace)
  • Hours: Vary by palace, check website for details
  • Visit the stunning palaces of Pushkin and Pavlovsk, both located just outside Saint Petersburg.

Kronstadt

  • Address: Kotlin Island
  • Hours: Daily, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
  • Explore this historic naval town, featuring impressive fortifications and a beautiful cathedral.

Nightlife

Opera and Ballet Performances

  • Mariinsky Theatre (Teatralnaya ploshchad’, 1) or Mikhailovsky Theatre (Ploschad’ Iskusstv, 1)
  • Catch a world-class performance of opera or ballet at one of Saint Petersburg’s iconic theatres.

Rooftop Bars

  • Try the rooftop bar at the Hotel Astoria (Bolshaya Morskaya ul., 39) for stunning views of the city.
  • Enjoy cocktails and live music at the stylish Bar 812 (Nevsky Prospekt, 112).

Food and Drink

Traditional Russian Cuisine

  • Try traditional dishes like borscht, beef stroganoff, or pelmeni at restaurants like Palkin (Nevsky Prospekt, 47) or Teplo (Bolshaya Morskaya ul., 45).
  • Don’t forget to pair your meal with a glass of Russian vodka!

Local Markets

  • Visit the bustling Sennoy Market (Sennoy pereulok, 1) for fresh produce, souvenirs, and local specialties.
  • Try some delicious street food at the market or from vendors around the city.

Tips and Essentials

Language

  • While many Saint Petersburg residents speak some English, it’s still a good idea to learn basic Russian phrases like “спасибо” (thank you) and “пожалуйста” (please).

Currency

  • The Russian ruble is the local currency. You can exchange money at banks or use ATMs.

Weather

  • Saint Petersburg experiences harsh winters, with temperatures often below 0°C (32°F). Pack warm clothing!
  • Summers are mild, with average highs around 22°C (72°F).

Getting Around

Metro

  • The Saint Petersburg metro is efficient and affordable. Buy a ticket for 28 rubles (~ $0.40 USD) and enjoy the stunning stations.

Bus and Trolleybus

  • Use buses and trolleybuses to get around the city, with tickets starting at 20 rubles (~ $0.30 USD).

Taxi

  • Book a taxi in advance or use ride-hailing apps like Gett or Yandex Go.
  • Be prepared for possible language barriers.

With its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant atmosphere, Saint Petersburg is a city that will leave you enchanted. Whether you’re interested in art, culture, food, or nightlife, there’s something for everyone in this incredible city.