The Basics
City Name: St. Petersburg
Where is it located?: St. Petersburg is in “European Russia” and sits in the far west of the country, in the middle.
Why do people go there?: With a whole palace dedicated to a season, how can you miss it? The regal, splendid answer to crazy hustle and bustle of Moscow, St. Petersburg’s architecture and historic monuments are a startling reminder that although Communism no longer reigns supreme, the numerous revolutions and great leaders that have long ruled Russia are still remembered today.
How do travelers get there?: Fly into the city, or take a train from Moscow.
Currency: Ruble
City Code: 10
Population: 5 million
Languages: Russian
Travel Information
Neighborhoods: Palace Square, Nevsky Prospekt, Square of the Arts, Summer Gardens, North of Nevsky, South of Nevsky, Vasilevsky Island, Petrograd Side, New Holland
Attractions: Nevsky Prospect, Peter & Paul Fortress, Palace Square
Accommodations: St. Petersburg Hostels, St. Petersburg Hotels
Tourist Office: http://www.russia-travel.com/
Off-the-beaten-path: Pavlovsk, Stieglitz Museum
Health Issues: No special vaccinations required for travelers to St. Petersburg.
Tips for Visiting
When to go: Avoid winter at all costs, unless you plan on drinking a lot of vodka to keep warm. Early fall is relatively dry, still warm and generally more cheery than the damp spring.
Common Phrases: Welcome= Dobro požalovat’; How are you?= Kak požyvajete; What’s your name?= Kak Vas zovut; Good morning=Dobroe utro; Good afternoon=Dobryj den’ Good evening=Dobryj vecer; Good night=Spokojnoj noci; Goodbye=Do svidanija
City Specific Events: Festival of Festivals, St. Petersburg, Message to Man International Documentary Film Festival, International Winter Festival Arts Square
How to get around?: Buses, trams, trolleys and metro, oh my!
Good to know: St. Petersburg was famous as as “The Venice of the North”.
Cheapest airport to fly into: The cheapest airport to fly into St. Petersburg is the Pulkovo International Airport.
Need more information?: Check out the St. Petersburg travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.
