Things to Do in Saint Petersburg

About Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg has more than 300 bridges and stays light until midnight in summer. The city sits on 42 islands in the Neva River delta, built by Peter the Great in 1703 to give Russia a European face. Dostoyevsky lived here. So did Tchaikovsky. The Hermitage holds three million items. You can't see it all—not even close. The baroque palace sprawls across five buildings, and the collection runs from ancient Egyptian artifacts to French Impressionists. Budget three hours minimum. The White Nights happen from May through July. No full darkness. The drawbridges over the canals go up around 2 a.m., and crowds gather to watch ships pass through the city center while the sky stays twilight-blue. Ballet performances run at the Mariinsky Theatre year-round. Tickets are cheaper than you'd think—$30 to $100 for most seats. The theater premiered works by Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich, and the company hasn't declined much since then. The architecture mixes Italian baroque with Russian Orthodox churches and neoclassical government buildings. Pastel yellows, greens, and blues. The effect is more orderly than Moscow, more colorful than most European capitals. Peter wanted it that way. Modern cafés fill the courtyards between old apartment blocks. Artists and writers still show up—the city is cheaper than Moscow and draws creative types who can't afford the capital. Revolutionary history sits on every corner, but locals don't dwell on it much anymore. The Neva freezes solid in winter. Summer brings cruise ships and European tourists. Pick your season carefully.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Purchase a Podorozhnik card for smooth metro, bus, and tram travel. Download the Yandex.Taxi app for reliable rides. Book Sapsan high-speed trains to Moscow in advance. Walking remains ideal for the compact historic center.

Money: Carry cash as many establishments don't accept cards. Use VEB or Sberbank ATMs for better exchange rates. Budget 2,000-4,000 rubles daily for mid-range dining and attractions. Tipping 10% is standard in restaurants.

Cultural Respect: Remove hats and maintain silence in Orthodox churches. Dress conservatively when visiting religious sites. Don't photograph people without permission. Learn basic Russian greetings—locals appreciate the effort and respond warmly.

Food Safety: Tap water is safe but tastes heavily chlorinated—bottled water is preferred. Try traditional borscht, blini, and beef stroganoff at established restaurants. Avoid street food from unlicensed vendors, especially near tourist areas.

When to Visit

Summer (June-August)brings the magical White Nights phenomenon, with temperatures of 15-23°C (59-73°F) and minimal rainfall (50-80mm monthly). Peak season means 40-60% higher accommodation prices, but endless daylight creates an enchanting atmosphere. The White Nights Festival (June-July) features excellent ballet and opera performances.Spring (April-May)offers mild weather (5-18°C/41-64°F), blooming palace gardens, and 25-35% lower prices than summer. Expect occasional rain (35-45mm monthly).Fall (September-November)delivers impressive autumn colors with temperatures dropping from 15°C to 2°C (59-36°F). October sees increased rainfall (60mm), but crowds thin and prices drop 30-45%.Winter (December-March)transforms the city into a snow-covered wonderland with temperatures of -8 to -3°C (18-27°F). While days are short, accommodation costs plummet 50-60%. The Christmas markets and ice skating create magical experiences. Budget travelers should visit October-March, culture ensoiasts will love the White Nights despite higher costs, while photographers will find spring and fall offer the perfect balance of good light, manageable crowds, and reasonable prices.