5 Things to Do in St. Petersburg Russia

St. Petersburg Russia is Europe’s best-kept secret destination. It is rich in culture, history, architecture, art and stories. As you walk the streets of St. Petersburg and venture to the gardens of the palaces, you’ll find the richness of Russia’s past and optimism for the future.

The city is served by almost 60 airlines of the world and Pulkovo Airport (LED) is located 12 miles from the city center. St. Petersburg is the second largest city in Russia. Founded by Peter the Great in 1703, St. Petersburg is also known as Venice of the North.

St. Petersburg Russia has a vast selection of things to do and places to visit. Where do you start? Here are Travelmath’s 5 things to do in St. Petersburg Russia:

One: The State Hermitage Museum and the Palace Square
The Hermitage Museum has almost 3 million exhibits and displays occupying 365 rooms in the Main Museum Complex of the Winter Palace, the Small Hermitage, the Old Hermitage and the New Hermitage. It consists of six buildings including the Hermitage Theatre and the Reserve House.

These buildings were built in the 18th and 19th centuries and now houses the world’s most important artwork with works from Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Matisse to ancient Egyptian art pieces and Roman and Greek sculptures. They say it takes about 11 years to complete your tour of the museum.

Information: The Hermitage

Two: Peterhof Museum Complex
There are two ways of getting to Peterhof- either by the hydrofoil or by bus. Peterhoff was destroyed in WWII and restoration is still going on today. Peterhof is known as the “capital of fountains.”

The complex consists of the Grand Palace, the Upper Garden, the Lower Park, the fountains of the Upper Garden, the Fountains of the Square Pools, the Mezheumny Fountain, the Oak Fountain, the Neptune Fountain, Fountains of the Lower Park, Museums of the Lower Park and some new museums.

We recommend just walking around the many fountains in the Lower Park. You need a separate ticket to access the Upper Garden and the Grand Palace. Not recommended if you don’t like waiting in line and parting with your belongings at the bag check area.

Information: Peterhof

Three: Faberge Museum
If you like Faberge’s work you must head over the brand new Faberge Museum at the newly renovated Shuvalov Palace. Founded by Russian entrepreneur Viktor Vekselberg, the Faberge Museum’s most important exhibits are the nine Imperial eggs created by Carl Faberge.

These eggs were once the collection of Malcolm Forbes. According to the founder of The Faberge Museum, it was created for “the search, acquisition, and repatriation of historically significant Russian works of art that were held abroad.”

Read more here.

Four: Catherine Palace and Park
Check out one of the “wonders of the world” – Catherine Palace’s Amber Room made with six tons of amber, mirrors and gold leaf. Other magnificent rooms filled with gold include The Great Hall, The Antechambers, The Arabesque Hall, The Lyons Hall and The Dining Room.

Catherine Palace was the summer palace of the Russian Tsars. It is located 16 miles from St. Petersburg in the town of Pushkin.

While you are there, walk around Catherine Park’s many attractions including the Turkish Bath, the Hall on the Island, the Marble Bridge and the Evening Hall.

Information: Catherine Palace and Park

Five: Nevsky Prospekt
Even if you don’t like shopping you will find other attractions on Nevsky Prospekt, St. Peterburg’s famous street. Here you will walk through restaurants, cafés, museums, cathedrals, palaces, apartment buildings, metro stations and bridges.

Along Nevsky Prospekt stop by Café Singer across the street from Kazan Cathedral to get a view of the Cathedral while you relax.

Note:
1. You need a Russian visa to visit St. Petersburg Russia. For more information please check out this website.
2. Convert Russian ruble to US dollar.
3. Flight distance from the city to St. Petersburg Russia.