Top 10 Things to Do in Saint Petersburg
The first thing you need to know about Saint Petersburg is that the city is completely different in each seasons. The best seasons, from my experience as a Russian, are either winter or summer. Winters can get cold but the temperatures are decent in early December. You will enjoy a city painted in white with all the famous castle gardens resembling a vast winter wonderland. Summers get hot in Saint Petersburg, so if you're not prepared to face the cold temperatures then the sunny season is for you.
No matter in what season you decide to visit the "Venice of the North", you must visit all the locations highlighted below.
1. The Hermitage
Image Credit: nordictravel.ru
The Hermitage, or also known as the Winter Palace, is a must-see museum. It is one of the world’s greatest treasures of art and antiques. Apart from enjoying the exhibitions of European art and ancient Greek and Roman sculptures, visitors can also visit the palace rooms inhabited by the Russian imperial family in the 18th and 19th centuries.
If you are more interested in Impressionism and artistic styles closer to the present day, then just across the Palace Square in the General Staff Building there is one of the largest Impressionist collections in the world. Be sure to spend at least one day exploring the grand halls of the palace. All students have free entry if they present their student card.
2. The Mariinsky Theatre
Image Credit: russianbroadway.com
Even if you're not a fan of classical arts, you still have to see a ballet or an opera at the famous Mariinsky Opera House. When buying tickets be sure to choose the Old Stage (1 Theatre Square), as the interior hasn’t been changed since the time of the imperial family. I recommend the ballets Sylphide or Giselle. Both stories are tragic, but at least the acts are short. Arrive early at the theater in order to look around the magnificent halls with small exhibits. And go up to the buffet to order a table for the intermission and maybe having some champagne.
3. Peterhof
Image Credit: arounddeglobe.com
If you are fascinated by Versailles Palace, you will be blown away by the Peterhof Palace and its fountains. The palace has no exhibits of art but shows the rooms of the royals. For me, the main attraction of Peterhof is always the extensive gardens and hundreds of fountains. There are two levels of the gardens and in the far end of the lower gardens there are a lot of trap fountains. So if you decide to go there, be prepared to get wet. A tip on how to get there: to avoid buses or trains, catch the water shuttle that dock on the bank opposite the Hermitage museum, it would be a faster and a more enjoyable ride directly to the Peterhof palace.
4. Church Of Our Saviour on Spilled Blood
Image Credit: goodfon.su
This magnificent edifice marks the spot where Alexander II was assassinated on March 1, 1881. It was designed by Alfred Parland in the style of 16th and 17th century Russian churches. The Church on Spilled Blood is unique as all of its interior is decorated by hand laid mosaic. The best spot to capture a beautiful photo is from the gates of the Michalovski gardens, as you'll have enough space to walk back, capturing the whole church with your camera.
5. Catherine Palace
Image Credit: tour-moscow.com
It is located in the country side of Saint Petersburg, in a town named after the famous Russian poet Pushkin. This palace impresses its visitors with its grandeur and elegance at the same time. Also the Catherine Palace has lovely gardens which you can enjoy while taking a ride in a carriage. If you like elegant jewelry then you should check out an ember jewelry shop on the right side of the palace. When you’re in Pushkin you absolutely have to visit the traditional Russian tavern called Podvorie, where you can enjoy a variety of traditional food. This restaurant was also visited by Putin and offers the president’s menu to all visitors.
6. Yelagin Island
Image Credit: saint-petersburg.com
No matter in which season you visit Saint Petersburg, you absolutely must visit the Yelagin Island. In summer you can rent a bicycle or roller skates and explore the many trails that go through the park and pass by the beautiful Yelagin Palace. Once you are done with the skating and biking, then you can buy some food, a bottle of wine, and rent a boat to relax while rowing on the canals. If you happened to visit the city in winter, you can enjoy the park by renting a sleigh and enjoying a fast ride in the snow or go ice skating on the huge outdoor rink in front of the palace. Be sure to pack some nuts with you as there are a lot of squirrels used to people and ready to eat from your hands, if not sit on your lap.
7. Erarta
Image Credit: erarta.com
Erarta is a contemporary art museum with changing exhibitions. It got increasingly popular over the last few years due to new exhibitions of Russian and foreign artists every three months. If you are crazy for extraordinary and funky art, it’s a must-see during your visit.
8. Divo Ostrov
Image Credit: parkerlebnis.de
After all cultural experiences, it is always nice to take a break. In summer be sure to visit the theme park called Divo Ostrov. Apart from fun rides and games you might be lucky to catch a concert on the central stage of the park. Also take a break in one of the cafes of the park, but make sure you won’t be going on any extreme rides right after.
9. Bridges
Image Credit: lidenz.ru
One of the symbols of Saint Petersburg is it's great opening bridges. There are 342 bridges in the city limits only. In summer the grand bridges connecting the islands over the Neva river open for the whole night to let large cruise ships pass. It is always a glorious event to witness, however there is a certain charm if you catch the view during the famous white nights (end of June until mid July). The best way to witness the beauty of these bridges is to prepare some snacks with a bottle of champagne and head to the banks of the river slightly before the bridges are said to be open. If you have some money to spare, you can rent a boat and spend the night watching the bridges from the water.
10. Nightlife
Image Credit: visit-petersburg.ru
If you want to have a great night, always start with a restaurant. The best restaurants in Saint Petersburg belong to a network called Ginza Project. These restaurants are located all over the city and you can choose whichever location suits you best. One of my personal favorites, Korushka, located in the Peters and Pauls fortress with a view onto the Neva river and the Winter Palace. After enjoying a great dinner, head out to the Santa Barbara club. The club offers two large rooms one of them is designed for karaoke and the other room has a dance floor and a large terrace. In summer you might prefer to visit the Vozduh or the Sydney clubs on the Krestovski Island, which both have a private beach, swimming pool two indoor and two outdoor dance floors with bars. These clubs also tend to host concerts of famous DJs from all over the world (most of these concerts are by surprise and absolutely free).
Bonus
Image Credit: saint-petersburg.com
I’ve described a few of my favorite places and activities in Saint Petersburg, however there are just a few more to mention. I personally adore to stroll along the Nevsky Prospect (the main street of the city), when it’s empty at the break of dawn. Also, in summer on Saturday evenings at 8 o'clock, next to the Rostral Columns, people gather to dance tango and salsa. If you don’t know how to dance, don’t worry, there are instructors who will be happy to teach you. Last but not least, you will get the best view of the city if you go up to St Isaacs Cathedral Colonnade (it’s 100% accessible as there is now an elevator installed for handicapped visitors).
