St Petersburg Travel Guide

Travel guide to St Petersburg, Russia with comprehensive information about events, shopping, and major St Petersburg sporting events to help you enjoy your visit more.

St Petersburg Overview

St Petersburg, previously known as Leningrad, is located in northwestern Russia adjacent to the Baltic Sea in the Gulf of Finland. It is the second largest city in Russia and because of its accessibility to the Baltic Sea, a major port, shipping millions of tonnes of goods into and out of Russia.

It is often referred to as the cultural capital of Russia and this is because of the sheer number and quality of cultural icons found here. The Hermitage Art Museum for example has over 2.5 million exhibits and is considered one of the finest museums in the world. There is also the Russian museum here, where over 3,000 works by Russian artists are available to view. In addition there are statues throughout the city that make a dramatic backdrop to some of the finest architecture found anywhere. Katherine's Winter Palace for example, a former residence of the Czars and a stunning architectural masterpiece. The city is full of such wonders.

As a port city, St Petersburg has become home for people from many different countries, and this is made clear by the number of different restaurants around the city. Whatever your culinary taste there is sure to be a place you can enjoy great food. More recently the advent of the western fast food culture has permeated the city, so all the main players are here now for those who want a taste of home.

St Petersburg has had a long and dramatic history, being involved as it has in major conflicts throughout its life. This has given the city a particular resilience which can be felt during a walk around it. It is also fascinating to see how the old has been merged with the new, which seems to further strengthen the image of the city as a Russian icon.

Top St Petersburg Attractions

Visit Senate Square where the outstanding statue of Peter the Great on horseback is located. This is the statue most associated with the city as it was he who founded it in 1703, and the statue makes such a striking image.

Shopping in St Petersburg

St Petersburg offers the whole range, from designer fashions in the Bolshoi Gostiny Dvor shopping centre to low cost anything, although probably not genuine, from the Yunona Fair. Each has its own charm but it is always wise to be aware of what's happening the whole time and also that credit cards are often not accepted, so cash, particularly US dollars are of more use.

St Petersburg Sporting Events

Like most cities, St Petersburg offers much to do. From cycling around the city to snowboarding and skiing in the dedicated Ohkta Park there are activities to suit everyone. There are also many clubs and bars for something a little less strenuous, with all musical tastes catered for in both live performance clubs and nightclubs.