Stunning St Petersburg makes an ideal destination for a three to four day trip in either romantic, snow-white winter or warm, blue-skied summer. St Petersburg is becoming more popular becasue it's becoming a lot easier to get to by air. So it pays to book in advance to ensure a bed in one of the best places to stay in St Petersburg.
St Petersburg is more European looking and feeling than Moscow, as well as being arguably more elegant. This was Russia’s imperial capital and it looks like a city built by Tsars. There are fabulous Baroque and Neoclassical palaces, Italianate mansions, beautiful plazas, and grand churches, all showcasing the sophistication and wealth of the Romanovs’, and one of the world’s great collections: the treasures of the State Hermitage Museum. Built, at much cost of life, on a swamp, St Petersburg is cut through with canals, has around 350 bridges, and plenty of opportunities to stroll along the water. Which is why it’s often referred to as the Venice of the north.
As well as the Hermitage, St Petersburg has the almost-as-vast Russian Museum and the contemporary Erarta Museum. Beautiful in summer with the endless hours of light, St Petersburg is also brilliant under the snow.
For evening entertainment enjoy cultural offerings such as theatre and ballet, and if you hit the city's upscale bars, dress up: St Petersburg's inhabitants like their labels, and we're not talking H&M.
Where To Stay
- If you want to immerse yourself in the city's culture then book a room to stay in Admiralteysky or Nevsky.
- For a quiet couples retreat, close to the all the attractions but wuthout the hustle and bustle, consider basing yourselves in Smolny.
- If you're here on business then try to be in (or as near to as possible) the Tsentralny and Admiralteysky districts.
- Budget travellers will find plenty of cheap hostels in Nevsky or Liteyny.
What Not To Miss
- The iconic Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood, built in the late 19th Century to memorialise Alexander II, is an architectural masterpiece. Featuring Italian pink marble floors, wonderful mosaics and opulent interiors, it's a truly breathtaking spot.
- The State Hermitage Museum and Winter Palace is not only a magnificent building but also houses a stunning collection of art - put aside several hours; you could easily spend a day here and only scratch the surface of its extraordinarily rich collections.
- Catherine Palace, situated about 30km south of the city makes for a great day out. It is a lovely place to wander around, however the main attraction is the 1400 acres of parkland that surrounds it. Take a break from sightseeing and unwind with a picnic.
- The Grand Maket Russia Interactive Museum houses an 800 metre large miniature display of all the country's cities and regions. An incredible spot that's a must-see.
Be sure to book ahead as the best places to stay in St Petersburg get quickly filled up, and this is a busy year round destination.