Travel Guide to St. Petersburg, Russia

St. Petersburg, Russia is one of the world’s most beautiful cities, and is a city offering something for almost everyone. If you’re lucky enough to be traveling there, here is a guide to help you make the most of your journey.

When to go

St. Petersburg is the most northern city with a population over one million, and as such, the winters are long, cold, and wet and the summers are short and cool. For those who love a winter wonderland, it can be an ideal time to visit. Traveling in November can bring both lower airfares and a white blanket of snow.

If you prefer warmer temperatures, travel in July or August, the peak warm months. The worst time of year to go is in March and April when the snow begins to melt, and everything turns to slush and mud.

Where to stay

This is a big Russian city, with plenty of accommodation options, from the most luxurious to budget hostels. If you don’t have a friend or acquaintance in the city, consider a Bed and Breakfast stay rather than a hotel for a more personal experience.

Richie’s rooms is a newer hostel type Bed and Breakfast offering clean, comfortable rooms as low as $62 a night. Richard, the host, is extremely friendly and welcoming, and speaks English. He is the perfect go-to person for advice on the city’s attractions, and very accommodating.

Art House is another good option, in the heart of the historic area, but with all of the modern conveniences. One of the rooms is decorated like a medieval castle, and is simply stunning. Rooms here start at $94 a night.

What to do

Some of the must-sees for tourists include the beautiful Catherine Palace, one of the most opulent and spectacular grand palaces in the world. Many of the rooms are decorated in gold. Real gold. If you’ve been to the Newport mansions in Rhode Island, those might seem like a pauper’s cottage in comparison.

The palace was named after Catherine I, the wife of Peter the Great, and was completed in 1756. The portrait hall has portraits of both Catherine and their daughter, empress Elizabeth, and is like a walk back in time.

Mariinsky Theatre should also be on your list. How many people get to experience a true Russian ballet? Swan Lake is often performed here, and is a magnificent experience. If you’re a fan of the opera, the theatre is a must for you as well. Some of the world’s greatest singers and ballet dancers have been on the stage in St. Petersburg.

The city has almost an endless number of museums, palaces, and gardens to explore. If you’re on a limited time schedule, talk to your friendly host and you’ll likely get some perfect recommendations based on your interests.

Live music, from alternative to rock and jazz, can be found most nights, as well as a wide variety of dance clubs.

Where to eat

Russian cuisine includes traditional Slavic dishes, but with the many varied cultures here you can find just about anything you’re looking for. One thing that never changes is the traditional vodka shot before a meal.

Many menus are based on soups, perfect for the cold weather, and they range almost as far as your imagine might take. Borsch soup is common, consisting of broth, beets, tomato juice and vegetables. Dumplings and beef stroganoff are two very popular dishes, and traditional cabbage soup is often found as well

Tarkhun in the Palace Square is an excellent choice, specializing in Georgian foods, with soups, breads, fish and a variety of meats. All delicious and a good value as well.

Zoom Cafe offers a variety of tasty foods, including Russian and European in a relaxed atmosphere. It’s also a great place to hang out and meet other travelers, students and locals.

K.C. Dermody is a freelance writer and a Featured Contributor for Yahoo!Travel. She has traveled to nearly all 50 states, and many countries worldwide, and has a passion for imparting what she has learned from her experiences to others.

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