Saint Petersburg - São Petersburgo

St. Petersburg is a metropolis , and therefore, all private items must be moved to the district articles respective, and this section should contain a brief summary. Please help change the listed items if you know the city.

capital of Russia between 1712 and 1917, Saint Petersburg or St. Petersburg (Санкт-Петербу́рг, Sankt-Peterburg), on the banks of the Neva River on the Baltic Sea, is one of the most coveted destinations in world tourism. Celebrated in verse and prose by artists such as Dostoievsky, Pushkin and Gogol, it is often called only Petersburg (Петербу́рг) and informally known as Piter (Пи́тер). Among the cities in the world with more than one million people, St. Petersburg is the most northerly. The city's historic center and group of monuments are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Districts

center Situated between the Neva river to the north and the Obvodny canal to the south, crossed by the Fontanka and Moika canals, it includes the museum hermitage, the main avenue of the metropolis, Nevsky Prospect, and most attractions of tourist interest; full of monumental architecture from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Vasilievski Island It was the center of the city in the 1720s and the port area from the 1730s to the mid-19th century, today it houses the university area, museums and churches of historical interest, and the photogenic Strelka with the Naval Museum and the Rostral Columns.

Petrogradsky District formed by several islands, home to the Peter and Paul fortress, where the city was founded in 1703, and many notable architectural examples from the turn of the 19th-20th centuries. In the northwestern part there are several parks and sports facilities.

Northern Suburbs Mainly residential area, with few attractions, among which the Academy of Forest Sciences and its adjacent park, the Buddhist temple and the Finland Railway Station, famous for the arrival of Lenin during the Revolution of 1917.

Southern Suburbs Mainly residential area, with few attractions, including the Triumphal Arch of Narva and the Pulkovo Observatory.

Eastern Suburbs Mainly residential area, with few attractions.

Understand

History

On May 1, 1703 (by the Julian calendar), during the Great Northern War, Peter the Great captured the Swedish fortress of Nyenskans on the Neva River in Ingria. A few weeks later, on May 27, 1703 (May 16 in the Julian calendar), in the lower part of the river, on Zayachy Island, 5 km away from the Gulf of Finland, he founded the Fortress of St. Peter and St. Paul, the first brick and stone construction of the new city. He named the city after its patron saint, St. Peter the Apostle. The original name was intended to sound like Dutch, due to Pedro's appreciation of Dutch culture.

The city was built by conscript serfs from all over Russia and also by Swedish prisoners of war, under the supervision of Alexander Menshikov, to become the center of government, a "window to Europe" much desired by Peter the Great, an emperor reformist with modernizing intentions. Peter moved the capital from Moscow to St. Petersburg in 1712, before the Treaty of Nystad of 1721 ended the war.

Much embellished by later tsars, it became the most European and cosmopolitan of Russian cities. During World War I, it changed its name to Petrograd (Петрогра́д, 1914–1924); after Lenin's death he moved once more to Leningrad (Ленингра́д, 1924–1991). Much battered during World War II, where more than a million inhabitants died during the Nazi siege, it was slowly rebuilt, and has lived years of prosperity during the administrations of Presidents Vladimir Putin and Dmitry Medvedev, who were born here. In 2010, with nearly 5 million inhabitants, it remains the most European and cosmopolitan of all Russian cities.

Climate

April May spring, mild weather, but snow is not uncommon, and the resulting sludge from melting snow sucks. Be careful with the ice stalactites falling from all sides, they can hurt.

See the weather in St. Petersburg in the coming days: msn meteorology.

May 9 is Victory Day (День победы , den pobedi) celebrating the victory of the Soviets over the Nazis. Military parade on Palace Square, in front of the Hermitage, visiting various war monuments, giving flowers to uniformed veterans, and overnight parade on Nevsky Prospekt with survivors of the siege of Leningrad.

June it's the peak season with the famous White Nights (approx 11 June–2 July), when the sun barely sets and the movement in the streets doesn't stop. The last ten days of June is the White Nights Festival of performances, concerts, festivals, and parties, all-day, peak season and it can be difficult to book accommodation and transport.

July-beginning of September it's the hottest months, but it rains. Rain showers come and go, have a raincoat or umbrella handy.

end of September October it's pretty cool. Humidity and temperature drop, wind, tourists and mosquitoes are all gone. It still rains a little.

While it does get cold in winter, there are some advantages to visiting November–March: There are hardly any tourists, Russians or from abroad, and there is no sign of the long summer lines at the Hermitage; in addition, the neoclassical streets of St. Petersburg are beautiful with snow. Temperatures range from relatively mild to very cold. All tourist attractions are open and some hotels offer discounts. But bring clothes to withstand -25ºC and deadly winds. The worst danger is ice. The city's beautiful marble surfaces, combined with snow and ice, create a real danger of slipping and being seriously injured. Good boots, small steps, and be careful where you step!

New Year is the biggest holiday of the year in Russia. Reserving hotel rooms is usually quiet in this season, but be prepared for big crowds and noisy parties.

To arrive

• Brazilians do not need a visa to enter Russia a tourism for stays of maximum 90 days every 6 months. However, visas are required for work, study or research.
  • Consulates in Brazil:
    • Street Prof. Azevedo Marques, 50, Leblon, Rio de Janeiro, tel: 21 2274-0097
    • Av. Lineu de Paula Machado, 1366, São Paulo, tel. 11 3814-4100
    • Embassies Sector Sul Quadra 801, Lote A, Brasilia-DF, tel. 61 3223-5094

• Portuguese need a tourist visa. To obtain it, you need:
  • Invitation also called visa support letter - visa support letter. This letter can be purchased online at site.
  • Documents (passport valid for 3 months beyond the visa period, 2 photos, travel insurance)
  • Visa application form
  • Payment of fees
    • Consulate in Lisbon: Rua Visconde de Santarém, 59, tel. 218-462-424, 218-462-524 and 218-462-623, fax 218-463-008, [1]

When entering Russia, a migration card must be filled out; one part is at the entrance and the second, duly stamped by the hotel (at some cost), must be returned at the exit. It is common for the police to ask in the streets to verify the passport and migration card.

By airplane

O Pulkovo International Airport (IATA: LED | ICAO: ULLI) [2] serves multiple domestic and international destinations. Terminal 1 serves domestic flights, selected international charter flights and low-cost airlines, while Terminal 2 is reserved for international connections. Located approximately 17 km south of the center.

from the airport to the city

Taxis in Terminals 1 and 2 are priced based on geographic zones, they can be called service cabins in the arrival halls (Terminal 1 - before the baggage claim; Terminal 2 - at the exit door to the street). The fixed price for the center (Nevski Prospekt/Hermitage) is 600 RUB, plus baggage surcharge. Road traffic is usually monstrous, this journey takes at least two hours. Anyone who has a cell phone and speaks Russian can call a cheaper taxi. Companies like 068 or 6000000 (which are also the respective phone numbers) charge around 500-550 RUB for the central/Hermitage area. The operator will take the order and call you back to inform you of the license plate, color and model of the taxi that will pick you up. They will also say the rate, there is no way to bargain. On a call from the arrivals hall, the taxi will take 15-20 minutes.

Cheaper option is to take a bus to the nearest Metro station, Moskovskaya, which will cost only 19 RUB (Bus 39 : terminal-1, bus 13 : terminal-2). From there you can go to any other Saint Petersburg Metro station for 22 RUB (.80 USD) ticket. Tickets are purchased at the "Kassa" counter (касса). Moskovskaya station is part of the blue line (2) that leads directly to the station. Nevsky Prospect, the most central and important for the traveler.

There are also full-size buses from private companies, with more luggage space, from Metro Pushkinskaya via Moskovskaya Metro to both terminals at 100 RUB per person.

Lappeenranta Airport

Lappeenranta airport in Finland is a small provincial airport near the Russian border, a low-cost alternative to Pulkovo. It became popular with Russian travelers because it offers low-cost flights to the central Europe and it is quite small, not having all the problems of larger airports. It is located 2 km from the center. It is the oldest in Finland, established in 1918 with convenient 35-minute flights to/from Helsinki 4 times a day, operated by Fly Lappeenranta.[3]. Air Baltic has routes to Tallinn and Riga, and Ryanair started flying from Lappeenranta to Dusseldorf/Weeze in March 2010. Both airlines may be adding more destinations in the future.

There is a local bus no. 4 from the center of Lappeenranta to the airport. 1x hour. More information see Lappeenranta local transport timetables [4].

A direct connection bus from Lappeenranta to St. Petersburg leaves from Lappeenranta station, and the trip takes ~6h. Connecting Lappeenranta bus to Vainikkala train station is another route option to/from St. Petersburg. See Matkahuolto [5].

Of boat

Various cruises and ferry services from Helsinki, Finland and talin, Estonia come and go at irregular intervals. Check out Kristina Cruises' schedule [6] this year. St. Peter line [7] started doing 72 hr visa free cruises from Helsinki to St. Petersburg in 2010.

Passenger boats also operate on the "Volga-Baltic" waterway that connects Moscow, the Volga River, Lakes Onega and Ladoga and the Neva.

Almost all major cruise lines (Princess, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Holland America, Carnival, Celebrity, etc.) offer Scandinavia/St. Petersburg, and most are docked overnight, allowing excursions to Moscow. Azamara has itineraries that are docked for 3 days/2 nights.

By train/train

St. Petersburg is a major rail hub. the journey of Helsinki (Finland) is a classic way to get there. There are also connections for the Baltic countries and the central Europe. Another alternative is to come from Moscow.

There are five main stations:

• Moscow Terminal (Московский вокзал): for Moscow, Novgorod, Kiev, Azerbaijan, Volgograd, Kazan, Samara, Rostov-na-Donu, Ufa, Sochi, the Trans-Siberian and several others. Subway: Ploshchad Vosstaniya (closer) and Mayakovskaya.
• Vitebskii Terminal (Витебский вокзал): for pushkin (before Tsarskoe Selo), Pavlovsk, Belarus, Czech republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Moldavia, Bulgaria, Berlin, villa, Riga, talin . Subway: Pushkinskaya.
• Baltiskii Terminal (Балтийский вокзал): for Petrodvorets (Peterhof), Lomonosov (Oranienbaum), Gatchina, place. Subway: Baltiskaya.
• Terminal Ladojskii (Ладожский вокзал): Various places including Murmansk, Ekaterinburg, Chelyabinsk, Omsk, Novosibirsk, astana (Kazakhstan), Helsinki (nighttime Leo Tolstoy). Subway: Ladojskaya.
• Finliandskii Terminal (Финляндский вокзал): Very famous for the arrival of Lenin during the Revolution, it is being used again for the Finland. From here the luxury expresses depart Sibelius and repin for Helsinki. also Vyborg. Subway: Ploschad Lenina.

Note: Varshavskii station (Варшавский вокзал) is disabled, trains to/from Warsaw use the Baltic or Vitebsk stations.

It is possible to buy over the Internet[8], but it is still necessary to validate the tickets before starting the trip, in cabins with attendants ("kassa") inside the stations.

from moscow

The easiest way to get from the center of Moscow to downtown St.Petersburg is via Sapsan, the Russian high-speed train. The trip lasts from 3h 45min to 4h 45min, departing 6 times a day in both directions, from Moscow at 6:45, 13:00, 16:30, 16:45, 19:25, and 19:45; some trains stop at TV, Vyshniy Volochek, bologoe and Okulovka. The train crew speaks English. Ticket leaves for 2400 RUB for second class to St Petersburg (3500 RUB round trip), and approx. 5500 RUB in first class.

Night trains are cheaper, the trip takes 7h in 2nd class (almost equivalent to European sleeping car) costs approx. 1700 RUB, a little more expensive when returning to Moscow. There are 4 beds and a table in a cabin.

But if you want the authentic 'Russian' train experience, try the 3rd class 'platzkart' (a distant relative of the European 'couchette'), which costs 700 RUB. There are approximately 54 people per car, sleeping in 9 sections of 6 'beds' each. On one side there are 4 beds (2 on the bottom, 2 on the top) and on the other 2 beds (1 on the bottom, 1 on the top).

Be warned that there are sometimes 2 classes of platzkart. One with blankets and pillows, one without. There may be a '4th class', sometimes the conductor may have sold extra tickets at the last minute to get more people on the train. But so is Russia - don't worry, be happy.

If you can read Russian, the official website of Russian railways (Rossiskiye Zhelezniye Dorogi, Российские Железные Дороги, or RZD) is http://www.rzd.ru. the website has the timetable for all trains, the number of seats available and the price of each ticket. You can buy tickets online, but prices can be higher and you still need to pick them up at the station anyway. Unlike European railways, Russian Railways has NOT adopted e-tickets; if for any reason you can't get the tickets you will have to buy new ones. In the end, it's better to use the RZD website as a guide only, and buy at the train station (vokzal, in Russian). Know the train number (two or three digits followed by a letter) to facilitate ticket purchase.

By bus/bus

It's the cheapest, but not the most comfortable, way to get to Saint Petersburg from places like Belarus, Ukraine, Germany, Finland, you Baltic countries and the Scandinavia. Vehicles arrive in the city at the main station (Avtovokzal), Metro Ligovskii Prospekt.

from Finland

Matkahuolto connects Saint Peterburg to Helsinki, Turku, Lappeenranta and Jyväskylä. More information at Matkahuolto.

There are reports that even though your nationality is visa free to enter Russia, Russian immigration agents may not know this and refuse you access to Russia. They only speak Russian, and the process takes longer than traveling by train or air.

of the Baltic countries

Two private bus companies run overnight routes to/from Estonia, Latvia , Lithuania , Belarus and Ukraine:

• Ecolines[9]: part of Riga with stops on Luga, Pskov, and Ostrov ; also 2x week for Minsk, Belarus and Kiev, Ukraine. From Riga, connections are easy for Poland and from there to most of Western and Central Europe. Tickets can be purchased online or at the Saint Petersburg Office on Pod'ezdniy pereulok 3 near Pushkinskaya Metro from 10AM-8PM. Tel: 7 812 314 2550, 7 901 300 6170. Ecolines buses depart from Vitebskii vokzal station (next to Pushkinskaya Metro) and the Bus Station (Avtovokzal).

• Eurolines[10] leaves several times a day to talin stopping at Narva. Also daily service for Riga and from there to most of Western and Central Europe. Petersburg office: Mitrofanjevskoe Shosse 2-1, near Metro Baltiskii. Tel: 7 (812) 438 28 39. Eurolines buses depart from Baltiskii Metro station.

Circular

By subway

O Subway[11] of St. Petersburg is the second largest in Russia, only smaller than that of Moscow. It can be said that it is the most effective and cheapest tool available to the traveler, and a tourist attraction in itself, thanks to some very well decorated stations. It was forbidden to take pictures but this restriction was recently lifted.

Trains are fast and frequent (during rush hours, breaks can be 30 sec between trains). Since 2009, the metro costs 22 rubles per ticket. Brass tokens (жетон – jeton) can be purchased at kiosks at the entrances of stations and vending machines. It's better to stock up, because of lines, broken machines and the occasional shortage of chips.

All cars have Metro maps, sometimes with station names in the Latin alphabet. The walls of the stations, however, will be in Cyrillic, if you are not familiar with the language, it is good to "count stops" to your destination or keep your ears open, the conductor will let you know the name of the station. The St. Petersburg Metro gets incredibly crowded during rush hour. Being there at these times is a high-risk, contact sport, it should be avoided by those who don't like crowds. Take care of your belongings and open your way with attitude.

By bus/bus/trolleybus

Buses (автобус) and trolleybuses (тролейбус) are cheap (19 Rub) and frequent. Tickets are sold by a collector seated in the vehicle. Every vehicle has a collector. Those who make the main lines are often crowded. Buses to the suburbs cost 19 or 36 RUB within the territory of St. Peterburg (Zelenogorsk, Lomonosov and others). If you do not have a valid ticket, you will pay a fine of 100 RUB.

of marshrutka

The yellow and white vans (marshrutka - marshrutka) are very practical and fast, have 14-20 seats, always with the letter K and the route number (K-28). You catch yourself waving like a taxi. The driver is paid at the entrance, 20 to 27 rub. A way to participate in typical urban scenes, and interact with locals. Some drivers evoke stronger emotions.

Of boat

See Boat Trips in the "Do" section

Traffic

Most means of transport do not work at night. The Metro closes from midnight until 5:45 am; transfers between lines close (and open) at these times, while the departure of the last (and first) trains from each station varies slightly. Taxis can be found 24/7 but are much more expensive at night. In Petersburg, however, each private vehicle is a potential taxi. Hitchhiking a vehicle and paying for a ride somewhere is perfectly normal in Russia and very popular, but a little too extreme for tourists. Security is an issue here. As a rule, never get into a private car if you already have passengers inside. Also decline if the driver asks you to pick up more passengers while you haven't arrived at your destination; if he insists, ask him to stop in a safe place, pay and leave. If the driver stops for gas, get out of the car, with your belongings, and breathe fresh air while he fuels up. Women traveling alone (men, come to think of it, too) should feel free to refuse suspicious rides at any time. Gypsy cabs that hang out near popular bars and restaurants at night are reputed to be especially dangerous, with several known cases of drugging and robbery.

At night the city is split in two by the Neva; all major bridges are raised to allow river traffic, except in winter when ice blocks the river. Remember to get to the right side of the river in time; otherwise, you'll be stuck on the wrong side until early in the morning. A bridge - Volodarsky - it is downloaded from 3:45 am to 4:15 am to allow crossing the river. Most others are up from 1:45 am to 5:15 am; see details below. The Great Obukhovsky Bridge never rises, being an important part of the St. Petersburg Ring Road.

This table represents the night schedule of the Saint Petersburg bridges in 2009 (updated April 15):[12]

bridge	Raised (AM)
	first time	second time
Bridges over the Neva
Volodarsky	02:00—03:45	04:15—05:45
Finland Railway	02:20—05:30
Alexander Nevsky	02:20—05:10
Peter the Great (former Bolsheokhtinsky)	02:00—05:00
Liteyny	01:50—04:40
Troitsky (former Kirov)	01:40—04:50
Bridges over the Bolshaya Nevka
Sampsonievsky	02:10—02:45	03:20—04:25
Grenader	02:45—03:45	03:20—04:50
Kantemirovsky	02:45—03:45	04:20—04:50
Bridges over the Malaya Neva
Birjevoy	02:00—04:55
Tuchkov	02:00—02:55	03:35—04:55
Bridges over the Bolshaya Neva
Palace	01:25—04:55
Blagoveschensky (former Lieutenant Schmidt)	01:25—02:45	03:10—05:00

On foot

Allow yourself the pleasure of unhurriedly appreciating the neoclassical and baroque architectural wonders, canals, shores and gardens of the Imperial Capital, of rare beauty at any time of any season of the year. The area of ​​pedestrian tourist interest is largely delimited by the Neva to the north, east and west, and by the Fontanka canal and Nevski Prospekt to the south, in addition to Vassilievski Island, via the famous Palace Bridge. It is recommended to study the map [13] in advance, and read or reread works by the great Russian writers - Dostoevsky's "White Nights" first, Gogol's "The Cloak" second, and then Tolstoy, Brodsky, Pushkin, Mayakovsky, Nabokov and several others - that so much inspiration found in this pavement. In winter, wear non-slip boots with thick socks to protect your ankles, and avoid as much slippery and dangerous icy marble as you can find.

Look

Entering the Hermitage Advice for foreigners visiting the Hermitage: Find a tour. This may have changed, check in advance on the museum's website.: Entrance now costs 200 rubles instead of 350, includes permission to photograph and a guided tour (students still get in for free). Forget about the money changers acting in line. Enter through the main entrance, or through the opposite exit if the queue is blocking the entrance (this is not skipping a queue). Look for visitor notices in your preferred language, in extreme cases ask at the counter. If you find one interesting, go to the Tours Office and sign up. Now it's going to get a little surreal. To get to the Tours Office from the main entrance, go past the ticket office and turn left down the hallway. The Tours Office will be in front of you, and it may or may not have a sign. Get a seat on the tour, get the slip, go to the ticket office No. 5, pay, get the stamp on the slip, take it back to the Tours Office and present it, it will be stamped again, now you can enter the museum.

St. Petersburg Historic Center is a World Heritage Site [14], and in itself is worth the trip. However, the city is building a skyscraper 403m, and UNESCO is considering suspending this status. Most citizens are protesting but local authorities are deaf.

• (Государственный Эрмита́ж / Зимний дворец, gosudarstvenny ermitaj / zimnii dvorets), Dvortsovaya Ploschad. St. Petersburg's main attraction, a massive palace-museum with more than three million pieces to display. One of the most important museums on the planet, with masterpieces by Rembrandt, Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rubens and many others, as well as countless items that recall the history of the tsarist empire. It is recommended to read about the site in advance and hire a guide. They can charge up to $100 but they can take you to what you want to see and tell you a lot about the building's history. It is said that a diplomat once asked to be taken to a certain painting by Rembrandt blindfolded so as not to be distracted on the way. Russians 100 RUB, foreigners 350 RUB. Students of all nationalities enter for free - don't forget your photo wallet!! Free entry on the first Thursday of the month. TIP - Buy online first. Same price, $18 including photo permit, you pass the line, show your passport and booking confirmation to the lady at the information desk. She checks the details at the box office and gives you tickets. Jun 2009. 
• (Русский музей), Inzhenernaya Ul. 4 (Ploschad Isskustv in front of the Grand Europe Hotel), ☎595 42 48NOCC. 10am to 6pm daily; closes on thursdays. Extensive collection of paintings and sculptures by Russian masters. The main building, the Mikhailovsky Palace (Михайловский дворец) houses the main collection, this museum also organizes permanent and temporary exhibitions in the Stroganov Palace(Строгановский дворец), in the Marble Palace (Мраморный дворец) and in the Mikhailovsky Castle (Михайловский замок, Mikhailovsky zamok). Tickets can be purchased separately or as a universal pass. Foreigners 350 RR, Russians 150 RR. 
• (next to Mikhailovskiy Palace). Interesting and educational display of the traditions and customs of various ethnic groups from the lands of the former Russian Empire. Foreigners 350 RR, Russians 100 RR. 

• Alexander Nevski Monastery (Александро-Невская лавра, aleksandro-nevskaia plows). Located on the eastern tip of Nevski Prospekt on the edge of the Neva River. It also houses the Tikhvin Cemetery where are the tombs of several great Russian composers; Tchaikovsky, Rimsky-Korsakov, Mussorgsky, Balakirev, Borodin, the writer Fyodor Dostoievsky, and several other famous Russians. Metro: Ploschad Aleksandra Nevskogo.
• (Медный всадник, mednii vsadnik), Senatskaya Ploschad (In front of St. Isaac's Cathedral). Statue-symbol of the city, in honor of Peter the Great, inaugurated in 1782, theme and title of one of the most important poems in the Russian language, written by Alexander Pushkin. Its pedestal is reputed to be the biggest stone ever moved by human effort. 
• Fortress of São Pedro and São Paulo. (Петропа́вловская кре́пость, pietropavlovskaya krepost) Here was born St. Petersburg. Entry is free, but tickets are required to enter the cathedral and exhibitions. You can buy a ticket, or you can enjoy the little beach. Aside from the cathedral, where all of Russia's Romanov tsars since Peter the Great (except two or three) were buried, there's nothing very impressive inside, most Russians prefer to enjoy the little beach.
• Museum of Artillery, Combat Engineering and Signal Troops (Военно-исторический музей артиллерии, инженерных войск и войск связи, muzei artillerii). In the fortification behind the Stronghold, protected by a moat. HUGE collection of weapons from prehistory to the present, including extensive collection of Soviet weaponry from the IIGM and Cold War. Tanks, Katyuscha missiles in their trucks, thousands of Kalashnikovs. A must for anyone interested in the subject. If you speak Russian and can pass for Russian, a 2-hour guided tour costs around 15 euros. metro: Gorkovskaya.
• (дмиралтейств-коллегия, Admiralteystv-Kollegiya), North End of Nevski Prospekt (Next to the Hermitage). It is not open to visitors, but it is a beautiful building with a lot of history. 
• (Храм Спаса на Крови , khram spassa na krovi), Griboedov Channel, 2nd (Between Nevsky Prospekt and Neva), ☎(812) 315-16-36NOCC. 10am to 8pm daily; closed on wednesdays. Traditional-style church built on the exact spot where Tsar Alexander II was assassinated in a bombing in 1881. The interior is elaborately decorated with more than 6000 m² of mosaics. Foreigners 300 RR, Russians 120 RR. 

• (Казанский собор, Kazansky Sobor), Nevski Prospekt and Griboedov Channel (Metro: Nevski Prospekt). Stunning neoclassical exterior, richly decorated interior. Includes the tomb of General Kutuzov, hero of the 1812 war. free of charge. 
• (Исаа́киевский Собо́р), Isaakievskii Ploschad, 4, ☎(812) 315-97-32NOCC. 11am to 7pm daily, closed on Wednesdays. Next to the Admiralty. Built in 1818. Third largest cathedral dome in the world. There is also night visitation, and the view from the upper deck (charged separately) is one of the best in the city, worth each one of the 400 steps. Foreigners 300 RR, Russians 120 RR. 

• Hut of Peter the Great. Built in wood over a period of days, similar to the Catetinho de Brasilia in history and function, it has been preserved inside a brick building in the Petrogradskaya district, on the northern bank of the Neva. Next to cruiser Aurora on Petrovskaya Naberzhnaya.

Vasilievsky Island

• (stock Exchange), Birjevaya Ploschad, 4, ☎ 7 (812) 328-27-01, fax: 7 (812) 328-27-01, email: [email protected]. 11am-6pm Tue-Sun. the stock exchange building Birja, which now houses the Naval Museum, is the centerpiece of the Strelka ensemble. Dates from 1816 in Neoclassical style. The Naval Museum, one of the largest in the world, contains historical displays of the Russian Navy from its founding to the present day, including weaponry, model ships and even some original masts. Extensive display of IIGM, and also (not directly related to Naval History) a diorama of the takeover of the Winter Palace during the Revolution. Foreigners 320 rubles, Russians 90 rubles. 
• . The first thing you notice when you see Strelka are the Rostral Columns, another symbol of the city. Built in 1810, they are each adorned with six rostra (traditionally, the prows of captured ships) symbolizing the power of the Russian Baltic Fleet. At the base of the columns are sculptures representing the great rivers of European Russia: Volga, Dnieper, Neva and Volkhov. In addition to their decorative purpose, the columns also serve as nautical lighthouses, and even today their flames are lit on holidays. 
• , Naberezhye Leitenanta Schmidta, 17. A statue of Admiral Ivan Kruzenshtern, inaugurated in 1870 in honor of the centenary of the death of the renowned military man. 

• (унсткамера), Universitatskaya Embankment 3 (near the Palace Bridge; take the corner into Tamozhenny Pereulok), ☎ 7 (812) 328-07-12, email: [email protected]. 11am-6pm Tue-Sun, closed every last Thursday of each month. Primarily famous for the room with its freak show collection of deformed human fetuses, preserved in formaldehyde (no photo allowed). The rest of the museum consists of trinkets from various cultures (over a million pieces). Its only attraction is that it is the oldest museum in Russia, established in 1704 by Peter the Great; consequently, it has a very dated vibe. Foreign 200 rubles, Russians 100 rubles. 

• , Universitatskaya Embankment 15, ☎ 7 (812) 323-11-12. 10:30 am-5:30 pm Tue-Sun. Operated by the Hermitage, it showcases early 18th-century art and life in a palace built for St. Petersburg's first governor, and before him Peter the Great. The Baroque-style palace was built in 1721, one of the first large stone buildings in the city. Highlights include the Grand Staircase and the Walnut, Naval and Chinese rooms. 

• , 29th Line Vasilevsky Island, Building 2, ☎ 7 (812) 324-08-09. 10am-10pm Mon-Sun. Erarta - a project that includes a modern art museum, contemporary art galleries and a variety of programs to promote the arts. Erarta Museum of Contemporary Art - the largest non-state museum of contemporary art in Russia. The museum's collection consists of works created by artists from various regions of Russia in the second half of the 20th - early 21st century. Erarta - a project that includes a modern art museum, contemporary art galleries and a variety of programs to promote the arts. Erarta Museum of Contemporary Art - the largest non-state museum of contemporary art in Russia. The museum's collection consists of works created by artists from various regions of Russia in the second half of the 20th - early 21st century. 

• , Mendeleevskaya ul. A statue of the famous 18th century Russian polymath, in thanks to his works in the fields of mathematics, literature, painting, mosaic, natural science, chemistry, physics, mineralogy, history, philology and others. 

• , 21st line V.O., 2, ☎ 7 (812) 321-40-82, fax: 7 (812) 327-73-59, email: [email protected]. by reservation only. One of the oldest and largest geological museums on the planet, containing more than 230,000 items, collected from over 80 countries. Even if you don't enter, it's worth admiring the imposing 1811 Imperial-style façade. 

• , Shkipersky protok, 10, ☎ 7 (812) 356-52-66, email: [email protected]. Wed-Sun 11am-5:15am. Small museum aboard an IIGM submarine (operated by the Naval Museum). 

• , Naberezhye Leitenanta Schmidta, 17. Russia's oldest naval academy, founded by Peter the Great in 1701. Famous students include Ivan Kruzenshtern, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov and others. It was completely rebuilt in 1798. 

• , between the 1st and 2nd lines of Universitetskaya naberezhye. The large obelisk in the center of the park came from the Field of Mars, in honor of Count Peter Rumyantsev's victory in the Russo-Turkish War of 1791. On the south side, look for the statues of the famous painters Repin and Surikov. 

• , Universitetskaya naberezhye, 17. The largest center for advanced studies in the arts, founded by Lomonosov and Shuvalov, was until the 20th century the only school of its kind in Russia. The impressive neoclassical building dates from 1788. 

• (Inside the Academy of Arts), ☎ 7 (812) 323-35-78. Wed-Sun 11am-6pm. Huge collection of drawings, prints, paintings by Russian and European artists, sculptures, molds, on display on three floors of the Academy building. There are also models of the beautiful architecture of Petersburg, Smolny Convent, St. Isaac's Cathedral, Mikhailovsky Castle etc. 

• (in front of the Academy of Arts). You didn't expect to see 3,000-year-old Egyptian artifacts here, did you? They were excavated in 1820 in the temple of Amenhotep III near Luxor. Upon seeing them, Russian writer and diplomat Muravyev wrote to the Czar and persuaded him to buy them. They were installed here in 1834. Strangely, sphinxes seem popular here—there are six others, carved by Russians, nearby. 

• , Universitetskaya naberezhye, 7/9. Um dos muitos edifícios neoclássicos de Domeniko Trezini em Petersburgo, inaugurado em 1742. Consiste de doze prédios idênticos, de três andares, conectados. A fachada principal é na rua Mendeleevskaya, ao invés de no Neva, pois nesta época havia um canal no lugar da rua, e do outro lado dele o mercado principal da ilha. Hoje o conjunto abriga os departamentos universitários de Geologia e Agricultura, e também Admissões. 

• , Universitetskaya naberezhye, 1, ☎ 1 (812) 328-01-12, fax: 1 (812) 328-29-41, email: [email protected]. 11h-18h diariamente. Taxidermia em excesso, o museu contem mais de 17 milhões de especimes, empalhados, montados ou fossilizados (embora, por questão de espaço, coloca em exposição "apenas" uns 500 mil). A coleção começou na Kunstkamera, e cresceu até esta enormidade no período Imperial. Procure o esqueleto completo de baleia azul e o único mamute empalhado do planeta. 
• , 6 line V.O., 11, ☎ 7 (812) 323-34-18. Talvez o mais belo templo da ilha, data de 1780. A cupula é emoldurada por três torres, com um campanário no topo. A iconostase tem impressionantes 17 metros de altura. 

• , Naberezhye Leitenanta Schmidta, 27. Cinco domos, construída em 1897. Em 1935, como várias igrejas da Rússia, foi transformada em armazém pelos soviéticos, mas em 1993 foi reaberta para serviços. A cuidadosa restauração começou em 1996 e ainda não acabou. 

Knife

Events

A maioria dos grandes shows ao ar livre acontece na Praça do Palácio (Дворцовая площадь, Dvortsovaya Ploschad). Já se apresentaram aqui, entre outros, Roger Waters, The Rolling Stones, AC/DC, Duran Duran, Anastacia, Elton John, Paul McCartney e Madonna.

Ópera e Ballet

Nenhuma viagem a S. Petersburgo está completa sem assistir a uma apresentação de ópera ou ballet. O Mariinsky é talvez a instituição mais famosa, mas nem de longe é a única da city. Tickets são vendidos em kiosks e lojas espalhados pela cidade, conhecidos como Teatralnaya Kassa, que cobram um adicional irrisório (~ 20 RR) por "insurance", que é teoricamente opcional. As bilheterias do teatro vendem tickets diretamente, usualmente pelo mesmo preço. As vezes blocks de tickets esgotam nos kiosks mas ainda há tickets pra vender no teatro, ou vice versa, então vale checar ambos os lugares se você quiser realmente assistir uma performance em particular. É possível levar crianças crescidas a algumas performances se você pegar um camarote, pergunte ao comprar os tickets.

• , Teatralnaya Ploschad 1. O Teatro Mariinsky (antigamente chamava-se Kirov; a troupe ainda usa este nome em excursões internacionais) tem fama mundial, ombreando com o Bolshoi de Moscou, em ópera e ballet. As óperas cantadas em russo têm legendas em inglês; óperas em outras línguas têm legendas em russo. As performances acontecem em dois halls: o teatro principal e o novíssimo Mariinsky Concert Hall. Tickets podem ser comprados no website. 

• , Ploshad Isskustv 1 (Entre o Museu Russo e o Grand Hotel Europe). O exterior não é tão reconhecível quanto o Mariinsky, mas o interior é igualmente notável, e o teatro recebe atrações russas e estrangeiras de ópera e ballet. 

• , Galernaya Ul. 33 (oeste do Cavaleiro de Bronze), email: [email protected]. Um teatro aconchegante (palco pequeno e apenas 150-200 assentos), que apresenta repertório de grandes óperas a preços menores que os dos grandes teatros, e tem um foyer fascinante - é preciso ver pra crer. 

• , Teatralnaya Ploschad 3 (Do outro lado da rua do Teatro Mariinsky). Enquanto o hall não é tão luxuoso - bem insosso, na verdade - é opção boa e barata para ver óperas, russas e estrangeiras, com performances dos estudantes do conservatório onde Tchaikovsky, Rimsky-Korsakov, Mussorgsky e muitos outros famosos do mundo musical russo estudaram. 

Concertos

A cena musical de St. Petersburg é diversa, com vários concertos de música clássica, jazz e pop pra escolher toda semana. Tickets são encontrados nos mesmos lugares Teatralnaya Kassa que os tickets para ballet e ópera, embora tickets para pop concerts - especialmente estrelas do US e Europa em turnê - as vezes usem distribuidores exclusivos. Para concertos de pop e rock, a não ser que você compre tickets para a pista (tanzpol), espera-se que você fique sentado quietinho no seu lugar como se estivesse no ballet - ushers ficam vigilantes e inibem a platéia de levantar, dançar ou curtir (é permitido aplaudir polidamente, mas só).

Vários dos teatros de ballet e ópera mencionados acima também oferecem performances orquestrais e recitais, e não serão repetidos. Também não esqueça dos vários clubs pequenos onde as bandas emergentes tocam.

• , Mikhailovskaya Ul. 2 (Entrada pelo Grand Hotel Europe). Lar de uma orquestra world-class que grava e excursiona dentro e fora da Rússia. 

• , Nevsky Prospekt 30 (perto da estação Nevski Prospekt). O Hall Pequeno (Maliy Saal) do Philharmonic recebe performances e recitais excelentes de música de câmara. 

• , Zagorodny Pr. 27 (Sul da Nevski Prospekt, use Metro Vladimirskaya). Jazz várias vezes por semana. 

• (Estação Prospekt Bolshevikov do Metro). Uma das várias arenas de esportes que também recebe concertos pop e rock. 

• , Ligovskiy Prospekt 6 (Perto da Ploschad Vosstaniya). Pop & rock concerts num auditório perto do centro da city. 

Movie theater

A maioria dos cinemas em S. Petersburgo mostra filmes de Hollywood dublados em russo. Os DVDs de filmes americanos/europeus também vêm dublados. Houve crackdowns em vendedores de DVDs piratas, e hoje em dia pode ser difícil ou caro achar DVDs em inglês. Há várias DVD stores na city - sempre perto de Metro stations - pergunte sobre filmes em inglês.

O festival anual Message to Man[15] de filmes internacionais documentários, curtas e de animação, acontece em junho ou julho, com muitos filmes em inglês.

• , 12 Karavannaya Ulitsa (perto da estação Gostiniy Dvor). As vezes mostra filmes na língua original. 

• , Nevski Prospekt 60. 

boat trips

Uma tour de barco pelos canais é uma maneira bem bacana de ver a city no verão. A típica tour vai pelo canal Moika, entra no rio Neva pra ver a Fortaleza de S.Pedro e S.Paulo e o Cruzador Aurora, e depois entra no canal Fontanka (ás vezes vai até o Teatro Mariinsky). As tours começam em vários pontos ao longo da rota e retornam ao ponto inicial - hawkers para companhias diferentes abundam - e os barcos podem ou não ter um cafe e toilet a bordo. Quase todas as tours são em russo. O preço médio parece ser 400-600 RUB.

• , Fontanka Embankment 21. Canal boat tours in English, saindo da Ponte Anichkov (Nevski Prospekt e Fontanka). De 2 de maio a 30 de setembro. 

Learn

Universidades e escolas particulares oferecem cursos de russo (tuition individual e em grupo).

• . Escola particular em Saint Petersburg, Moscow & Nizhni-Novgorod. 

• . Saint Petersburg State University, Smolniy Campus. 

• . Saint Petersburg State University na Ilha Vassilevski. 

• . Escola particular em Saint Petersburg. 

• . Escola particular em Moscow e Saint Petersburg. 

• . Escola particular em Saint Petersburg. 

• (Russian language courses). Provem detalhes em education in Russia, preparatory training in university, e Russian language courses 

• . Escolas em major Russian cities. 

Buy

Há bastantes caixas eletrônicos (ATMs) e cabines de câmbio legal pelas ruas. ATMs e lojas grandes aceitam normalmente: Visa, Visa Electron, MasterCard, MasterCard Electronic and Maestro. Outros (p.ex. American Express) têm menos aceitação. Não troque dinheiro na rua.

• Apraksin Dvor (Апраксаин двор) — O Mercado Apraksin (Apraksin Dvor) é perfeito para people watching, mas fique alerta com os punguistas. Encontra-se de quase tudo aqui. NOTA- foi fechado para reforma no fim de 2008.

• Gostiny Dvor (Гостиный двор) — O maior e mais antigo shopping centre de SPB, data do médio século 18. O nome significa "Pátio dos Mercadores", e sua antiga função era prover moradia e trabalho para os mercadores de fora da cidade. Hoje, lá se vende desde Playstations até Saint Petersburg Vodka, pelos preços mais inflados de St.Petersburg.

• Nevski Prospekt (Невский проспект) — a Avenue des Champs-Élysées de São Petersburgo, cheia de lojas de departamentos e fancy shops. Uma dica para os souvenir hunters é a Nevsky Gifts na esquina da entrada para a Praça do Palácio.

• Passaj (Пассаж) — a Harrod's de Saint Petersburg, um shopping center pequeno e luxuoso para a elite.

• Souvenirs Market vende uma grande variedade de souvenirs baratos, desde bonecas Matroyshka (матрёшка) a Soviet Memorabilia. Fica atrás da Igreja do Sangue Derramado ao lado do Canal Griboedova. Também opera barracas de souvenirs na praça da Catedral de St. Isaac.

With the

Economic

Nada, absolutamente nada, é mais saboroso que blini (блины; no singular блин blin), crepes russos quentinhos de ovas de salmão, ou caviar, ou cogumelos, ou caramelo, ou frutas vermelhas, ou algum outro sabor (você escolhe o recheio), e mais um copo de chá, no frio das ruas do inverno russo.

• , Mais de 50 restaurantes all over city (Nevski Pr. 44 é um dos mais centrais). Estes restaurantes fast-food servem blini com variedade de recheios - você escolhe no balcão. Também há variedade de chás. Alguns restaurantes têm wifi. Começa com 29 rublos por um blin, sopa, salada ou drink. 

• , Mais de 25 restaurantes all over city. Cadeia de fast food restaurants especializada em batata de microondas, mas serve também saladas, sopas e sobremesas. 99 rubles por refeição. De 29 rubles por uma salada ou sopa. 

• , Várias locações. Cadeia de kiosks de rua que servem blini pela cidade, muito fácil de achar, hoje conta também com restaurants servindo não só blini, mas também kasha, saladas e outros. Alguns lugares centrais são Bolshaya Morskaya Ul. 11, Nevski Pr. 60, e Nevski Pr. 106. Menus in English disponíveis. 100-300 rublos por uma refeição bacana. 

• , Ulitsa Gorokhovaya 27, ☎314-39-45NOCC. Blini shop que faz blini bom igual caseiro (palavras de um blini-maker native Russian). Escolha ampla variedade de recheios e tenha seu saboroso blin feito na hora; também tem seleção decente de chás. O melhor almoço entre as franquias de fast food. Ninguém fala inglês; mas, se não tiver paciência de traduzir com seu dicionário de bolso, você aponta o recheio desejado no balcão. 20 rubles por um blin. 

• , Vários lugares. Comida Russa e Ukraniana, cafeteria-style, com preços em conta e decoração faux-rustic, como uma stolovaya da era soviética. Mais que blini: sopas, saladas, carnes, sobremesas, etc. Aqueles familiares com o fast food Mu-Mu em Moscou vão achar muito parecido, mas este é bem menor. Uma filial fica perto da Sennaya Ploschad. 

• , kan. Griboyedova 7 or 9. Comida boa e barata bem no centrão (ao lado da Igreja do Sangue Derramado). Atenção! Existem dois restaurantes St. Petersburg, um ao lado do outro; o outro é mais caro. 45 rubles por uma sopa Borscht , 140-200 rubles por um prato principal, acompanhamentos 35 rubles. 

Medium

• (Тысяча и одна ночь), ул. Миллионная, 21. meio dia-23:00 diariamente, música ao vivo & dança do ventre sex-dom 20:00-23:00. Seria apenas mais um restaurante Uzbek ordinário, se não ficasse a um quarteirão de distância do Palácio de Inverno. Dada a localização, o lugar é espetacular no sentido de manter serviço decente e comida muito boa. 300-500 rubles. 

• (perto da ponte Birjevoy), ☎ 7 (812) 320-8600. À beira dágua, este restaurante oferece comida italiana ao lado de um menu fusion French/Asian. Freguesia amigável, atmosfera deliciosa, e vista wonderful, Acquarel é uma opção wonderful e ótimo lugar para relaxar e beber confortavelmente em lounge chairs. 

• (кафе Старый Тбилиси), В.О. 4-я линия, 5 (perto da estação Vasilieostrovskaya do Metro). 11:00-23:00 diariamente. Você será provavelmente o único visitante estrangeiro a este lugar pequeno e despojado na ilha Vasilievsky, mas o excelente menu georgiano absolutamente vale a trip. O custo/benefício deste lugar é estupendo. 650 rubles. 

• (Караван-Сарай), ул. Некрасова, 1, ☎ 7 (812) 272-7153. Numa city cheia de opções de comida Uzbek, este lugar merece destaque sobre seus competidores. Não pelo serviço ou a decoração, mas pelo longuíssimo menu de culinária Uzbek da melhor qualidade. 400-600 rubles. 

• (Гин-но Таки), пр. Чернышевского, 17. 11:00-06:00 diariamente. Restaurante japonês de franquia, do outro lado da rua da estação Chernyshevskaya do Metro. O interior é bastante estiloso, mesmo com os fashion shows bregas passando no telão, e você controla seu serviço com ajuda de um call button. A comida é boa, mas os refris são ainda melhores—free refills! É escolha sólida para relaxar after hours depois da balada forte. 150-400 rubles. 

• (ресторан Гастроном), наб. реки Мойки, д. 7 (perto da Igreja do Sangue Derramado; вход с Марсового поля), ☎(812) 314-3849NOCC, email: [email protected]. Dom-Qui: 12PM-12AM; Sex, Sab: 12PM-3AM. Excelentes sobremesas (Tiramissu fantástico); good reviews for dinner. Seleção ampla de comida internacional: Thai, Italian, Russian, steaks. 5 variedades de salada Caesar. O terraço outdoor é confortável para um baby stroller, mas fecha no meio de setembro. Saladas simples a partir de 200, sofisticadas 300-400. A maioria das sopas a 200. Pasta 300-400. Principais na média de 350-400.. 

• (Жан-Жак Руссо, Jean-Jacques Rousseau), Ул. Марата д.10 (bem perto do Terminal Moskovsky vokzal), ☎ 7(812)315-49-03. Decente cuisine francesa lower-end. Café da manhã bem normal: omeletes ou croissant ou kasha. 

• , Sytninskaya ul, 10 (Metro Gorkovskaya atrás do mercado), ☎ 7 (812) 232-9391. Culinária Georgiana. Os pratos de panela são excelentes. 

• (Идиот), 82, Moika Emb, ☎ 7 (812) 315-1675. Homônimo do livro de Dostoiévski, oferece ampla e muito saborosa variedade de culinária vegan, vegetariana e frutos do mar, a preços mais caros que você esperaria. Num sótão bem cozy e atraente, cheio de livros, expats e intelectuais. 

• , 20, Kirochnaya ul. ou 19, Izmailovsky pr. Culinária americana, steaks maravilhosos (os melhores de SPb), bons vinhos e atmosfera agradável. Um pouco caro (o melhor steak custa 850 rubles), mas vale o preço. 

• (Фасоль на Гороховой). Até 1am; a cozinha fecha 11:30pm. Interior minimalista Ártico; cuisine fusion criativa. Em média 1000rub por pessoa (3 courses). 

• , ул. Жуковского, 34/2. 12:30-23:30 daily. A culinária chinesa em S. Pete é quase sempre melhor do que a de outros lugares da Europa. Este restaurante é cozy e sempre lota (venha bem cedo ou bem tarde se quiser conseguir uma mesa), e tem um cardápio extraordinariamente longo e complexo. Se você não fala chinês nem russo, precisa trazer um dicionário de culinária, ou não terá a menor chance de saber o que pedir! 800 rubles. 

• (Парк Джузеппе), 2B Canal Griboyedova (perto do Museu Russo e da Igreja do Sangue Derramado), ☎(812) 571-7309; (812) 973-0943FORMATNOCC. 11am-1am. Um caso raro de locação proeminente que não é armadilha pra turista nem cobra preços exorbitantes. Excelente comida italiana num cenário branco e agradável. Em horas de pico, escolha pratos simples para minimizar riscos de erros. Gazpacho excelente, assim como a pizza "quattro formaggio". Bom para breakfast tardio também (apenas omeletes, 170rub). Terraço outdoor com calefação aberto até o fim de setembro. em média 1500 rub (3 courses, sem alcool) por pessoa. 

• . Franquia de restaurantes italianos; free wifi. Malaya Konyushennaya, 4/2: Terraço outdoor com calefação aberto até o fim de setembro; perfeito para crianças: spacious enough for baby strollers; children-safe wide couches. 

• (Олива), 31 Bolshaya Morskaya ul.. Cozinha fecha às 11:30pm. Restaurante grego com um chef grego genuíno; popular entre expats. 

waste

• (Аустерия), Beco Iohann, dentro da Fortaleza de Pedro & Paulo (Perto da entrada). 12:00-24:00. Este restaurante, que oferece cenário impressionante e serve culinária russa de alta qualidade, atrai vários turistas que visitam a fortress. O serviço e comida são fenomenais—não é, nem de longe, uma armadilha pra turista. Durante a baixa estação (particularmente quando neva), o lugar fica quase deserto e realmente mágico. * Set 2010: fechado para reforma, pode reabrir com outro nome. 1150 rubles. 

• , ☎ 7 (812) 941-37-56, 7 (812) 571-84-70. 12:00-02:00. Um dos interiores mais impressionantes da cidade, modelado de acordo com os palácios dos Shirvan Shahs (imagine comer no Khan-Saray de Sheki). Abriu em 2006, e desde então só recebeu elogios. Ótimo lugar para experimentar a culinária Azeri. 1300 rub. 

• Grand Hotel Europe Restaurant. O Jazz Brunch daqui, aos domingos, é imperdível se você quer esbanjar legal. Por cerca de US$90 por pessoa, além do cardápio de brunch normal (carving station, omelette station, saladas, frutas, steaks, salgados, sobremesas, opções sem fim), inclui sushi bar e full caviar spread. Servem também ótimo champagne russo, e há uma grande escultura de gelo, com várias torneiras que servem toda a vodka gelada que você se importar em consumir. Muito bom jazz e atmosfera agradável, relaxada. Só há um porém: não há área separada para não fumantes; se você não fuma, escolha bem uma mesa afastada do crowd, para o bem dos seus pulmões.

• (Калинка-Малинка), ул. Итальянская, 5. Armadilha para turistas, de estilo Russian-kitsch, com preços exorbitantes (nenhum russo que se preza gostaria de ser flagrado aqui). Porém, se você estiver hospedado por perto e quiser provar carne de urso, será muito bem tratado. 1400 rub. 
• , Kazanskaya, 3 (Cobertura do shopping center atrás da catedral Kazansky). Vista magnífica da catedral Kazanski, do terraço. Os salgados e o tiramisu valem seus preços. sopas 330-380 rub; saladas 400-700 rub; pizza 500 rub; principais 1000 rub; tiramisu 320 rub. 

drink and go out

Drink it

Muitos moscovitas e russos de outras cidades visitam SPB a trabalho ou de férias, e obviamente querem beber. Os bares daqui costumam ter as melhores e mais amplas variedades de escolha etílica em todo o país.

• , ul. Marata, 36/38. Atmosfera caseira e amigável. 

• , 108 Fontanka Canal (Perto das estações Sadovaya & Technologichesky Institute do Metro, na frente da ponte Moskovsky-Fontanka). o Dickens Pub oferece bom serviço, comida bacana e uma boa variedade de cervejas inglesas e estrangeiras, com mais de 15 em barris. Muitos whiskeys especiais também! Bom lugar pra beliscar e se enturmar com os fun-loving locals. Esteja preparado pra esticar na balada - especialmente às sextas e sábados 

• , Ul. Bolshaya Konyushenaya 14 (Bem perto da estação Nevski Prospekt). 24 h. o Tower Pub é um lugar legal pra sentar, mandar um drink rápido ou ficar a noite toda. Os bartenders são gente boa, falam inglês e batem papo (em noites quietas). Fica num porão mas a atmosfera é bem legal. Não tem música ao vivo. 

• , Nekrasova St 9. Lugar adorável para alguns whiskeys noturnos. Muitas marcas e atmosfera cosy. 

• (Хемингуэй-бар), ул. Ломоносова, 3. 12:00-05:00. Bar grande e confortável, com bebidas e cozinha de alta qualidade. Ainda por cima, tem clientela muito cool e performances ao vivo de blues, jazz e R&B. Uma dica: se você abrir a porta e tiver um DJ vomitando Russkaya popsa—vá embora e evite a enxaqueca. ~1400 rubles a porção. 

• , 1 Bolshaya Konyushennaya ul (Metro: Nevsky Prospekt; 2 minutos andando da Igreja do Sangue Derramado). Open 12PM-?; a cozinha fecha 11pm em dias de semana. Favorito dos turistas e seus amigos locais, The Other Side oferece world food eclética (incluindo hummus e bagels com cream cheese), sólida seleção de drinks, trilha sonora fabulosa com dj's e boas atrações de música ao vivo (nos fins de semana), serviço amigável e relaxado e uma atmosfera cool e classy. 

Saia

Os petersburgueses gostam da balada. A cidade conta com excelente seleção de ótimos clubs que satisfarão todos os turistas que quiserem quebrar tudo na night. Há clubs para todos os gostos musicais. Rock, pop, jazz, hip hop/RnB e muito mais. A onda do momento no mundo clubbing da Rússia é house/techno.

• BubbleBar, Konushenaya sq. 2 (Metro: Nevski Prospect), [16]. call: 7-911-251-90-99. Night club atmosférico no centro de St.Petersburg, perto da Igreja do Sangue Derramado. Um salão grande onde tocam bandas e djs, uma sala menor pra dancing e lounge bar no segundo andar. O programa cultural mais interessante são os concertos noturnos de bandas russas, do disco ao funk, do synth pop ao indie. Começam às 21:00. Best electronic performances, djs residentes e convidados internacionais. Menus em inglês, os bartenders também falam inglês. A entrada sai por 300 RUB às sextas e sábados, nos outros dias é de graça.

• Central Station[17]. O maior clube gay de Saint Petersburg, tem três pistas, toca house e disco music, tem performances de drag queens, uma sala escura e também o único restaurante sushi 24h de St Petersburgo. Fique avisado que gays não são muito bem aceitos entre os locais, e de vez em quando são visados. Não é incomum arruaceiros alcoolizados esperarem do lado de fora para agredir os frequentadores.

• Mod Club (Мод), Konushenaya sq. 2 (Metro: Nevski Prospect), [18]. Clube cult no centro de St.Petersburgo, perto da Igreja do Sangue Derramado. Duas salas - uma onde bandas e DJ's tocam, outra com uma jukebox, sofás confortáveis balcão legal. Programa musical bem diversificado: do reggae ao punk/metal, mas principalmente rock. Atmosfera amigável. A galera é uma combinação de estudantes, musicos, artistas e expats. O design do club também é interessante. Menus em inglês, bartenders falando inglês (parece que o dono só contrata garotas sexy para esta posição, sem contar o famoso barman francês Oliver). Muito bom nas noites de quinta feira, quando o DJ Atomiq comanda a famosa Indie Disco. Entrada por 150 RUB às sextas e sábados, nos outros dias é de graça.

• Trinity Club - now defunct - (ex club two, club one, club zero) (Троица), Ul Lomonosova 5 (Metro: Gostiny Dvor), [19]. Festas insanas nu-rave/indie aos sábados. Situado no coração da city num mercado do século XVIII. Lotado de young & crazy girls (na primeira meia hora, garotas entram free) com DJ's mixando dance rock com electro. Duas pistas, álcool barato e "face control" prevenindo stupid people de entrar. A maioria da galera fala um pouco de inglês e é amigável. Entrada 50-300 rubles, descontos com nome na guestlist via website ($7).

• Underground (ex-Tunnel) (Undergeound), Zverinskaya Ul (Metro: Sportivnaya), [20]. com a reputação de ser o primeiro clube techno da Russia, e certamente o mais lendário, o Tunnel voltou depois de um extenso shutdown. Este abrigo antiaéreo desativado não é bonitinho, o aperto e o "face control" na entrada quanto as portas abrem à meia noite são lendários, mas o crowd e os DJs compensam. Entrada a 250-350 rubles dependendo de quem está tocando.

• Griboedov (Грибоедов), Voronezskaya Ul. 2 (Metro: Ligovsky), [21]. Clube spaced out, cujo nome pode significar "comedor de cogumelos" ou o sobrenome de um famoso poeta russo. As atrações aqui têm fama de offbeat, especialmente durante a semana, quando você pode topar tanto com um recital de poesia quanto com um show de reggae ou um DJ spinning psychedelic trance. Também fica num abrigo antiaéreo desativado underground, aberto diariamente exceto às quintas.

• Metro Club (Метроклуб), 174 Ligovsky Pr (Metro: Ligovsky), [22]. O maior club de São Petersburgo. Pra galera de 16 a 30 anos. Entrada varia de 180 RUR a 400 RUR dependendo da hora de chegada. Abre entre 10 PM e 6 AM todo dia. O club tem 3 pistas e 6 bares. A preferência musical é techno, trance e house.

sleep

Economic

• , 4 locais: Griboedov canal, Nevsky prospect, Bankovsky pereulok e Vosstania rua, ☎ 7 812 331 77 99, email: [email protected]. Nomeado após o famoso programa de TV, o albergue da cadeia de "Friends" foi revisto pelo guia Lonely Planet da cidade e considerada a ter dormitórios impecável, ótima localização e funcionários extremamente útil. From 400 rubles per person. 

• 59.93325430.3220731 , Kazanskaya 5, 4º andar, ☎ 7 (812) 921 71 15, email: [email protected]. Um bom hostel, bem decorado, à beira da Nevski Prospekt, perto da catedral de Kazan. Conhecido como um "party hostel", situado sobre um English pub bacana, mas o barulho não chega a incomodar. 650 RUB. 
• , 102 Nab. Reki Moiki (perto do Teatro Mariinski), ☎ 7 (812) 326-38-05, email: [email protected]. Check in: 14h, Check-out: noon. Prédio moderno, bem ao lado do Mariinsky. Free internet access, cofres, cozinha self service e continental breakfast. Ajudam com visto. a partir de 450 rub/ noite. 
• , Rubinshteyna ul, 38, apt 12. (metro Vladimirskaya ou Dostoievskaya), ☎ 7 812 572 27 11, fax: 7(812) 572-10-75, email: [email protected]. Check in: 14h. Recepção 24h. Bem perto do metro e da Nevski Prospekt. Free WiFi & internet. Hóspedes podem cozinhar. a partir de 440 RUB/ noite. 
• , пер. Крылова, д.2 (metro Gostiny Dvor), ☎ 7 (812) 441 35 88, email: [email protected]. Check in: 12h, Check-out: 11am. Ao lado de Gostiny Dvor. Free WiFi & internet. Hóspedes podem cozinhar. a partir de 600 RUB/ noite. 
• , 60 Moika embankment, ☎ 7 (812) 973-37-16. Check in: 12 AM, Check-out: 11 AM. Apartamentos bem em conta para alugar. Donos e operadores americanos.4 apartamentos para escolher - do básico ao luxuoso. Localização central. Acesso a Internet discada. Transferências do aeroporto.Credit cards and Pay Pal accepted on-line. 60 EUR. 

• , ul. Marata, 33, ☎ 7 (812) 928-08-12FORMAT, email: [email protected]. Bem no centro da cidade. 

• , 57 Zhukovskogo ul., ☎ 7 (812) 272 21 82, email: [email protected]. REDMEDVED é um hostel "party style" em St.Petersburg. Localizado a 5 min da estação central de trem. Toalhas e roupas de cama incluídas no preço. Quartos espaçosos. a partir de 12 EUR per night. 

• , 5, Moyka, ☎ 7 812.6010636FORMAT, email: [email protected]. hotel 3 estrelas bem no centro ao lado do Hermitage. Free internet. Buffet breakfast. 

• , 10 Bolshaya Morskaya ul., ☎ 7 (812) 571-03-42, email: [email protected]. Muito central, bem ao lado do Hermitage. Free internet access and continental breakfast. Um lugar grungy, mas barato e bem localizado. 24 EUR (888 rubles) / night. 

• , Admiralteijskij prospekt 8 top floor, ☎ 7 (812) 979-22-33, email: [email protected]. Também próximo do Hermitage. Equipe e quatrtos bem legais. Você ganha uma toalha de brinde! WiFi gratuito para clientes e um comp ligado na internet para usar. Microondas, geladeira e máquina de lavar. 24h reception. 600RUB dorm e 700RUB / twin room (1 available). 

Medium

• 59.924230.32322 (Отель swissSTAR), Fontanka 93-26 (metro: Sennaya Ploshad ou Sadovaya, trainterminal: Moskovski Vokzal), ☎ 7 911 929 2793, fax: 7 911 929 2793, email: [email protected]. Check in: 2PM, Check-out: noon. 8 Quartos, satTV, Wi-Fi de graça, 40 - 100€. 

• 59.9261330.341983 (Отель Пятый Угол), Zagorodniy avenue 13 (metro: Vladimirskaya ou Dostoevskaya, trainterminal: Moskovski Vokzal), ☎ 7 812 380 81 81, fax: 7 812 380 81 81, email: [email protected]. Check in: 2PM, Check-out: noon. Business hotel em edifício restaurado do séc 19. Quartos com AC, satTV, Wi-Fi de graça, cofre e frigobar. 

• , Saint-Petersburg, 5th Sovetskaya ul 21, ☎ 7(921)957 24 40, cell: 8(921)957 24 40FORMATNOCC, email: [email protected]. Check in: 12.00, Check-out: 12.00. Bed & Breakfast aconchegante, gerente suíço, fora do batidão. Inclui breakfast, satTV, chá/café de graça, WiFi, Non-smoking. from 1600 rub / night. 

• , Saint-Petersburg Malaya Morskaya ul, 7-8, ☎ 7 (812)600 20 80, cell (911)127 09 99FORMATNOCC, fax 7 (812)312 95 42FORMATNOCC, email: [email protected]. Check in: 14.00, Check-out: 12.00. Design stylish, moderno. Quartos com minibar, TV-set, chá/café de graça, WiFi. Non-smoking. from 1500 rubles. 

• , Saint-Petersburg, Rubinsteina ul 23-81, ☎ 7(812)575 82 33, cell: 8(911)008 00 99FORMATNOCC, fax: 7(812)575 86 53FORMATNOCC. Check in: 14.00, Check-out: 12.00. Hotel elegante, pequeno, luxury hotel em vizinhança quieta. Quartos com satTV-LCD, chá/café de graça, WiFi, DVD players. Non-smoking. de 1500 rub/night. 

• , St. Petersburg, 61/1 Griboedov channel (3 metro stations a 2 min: Sennaya, Sadovaya, e Spasskaya.), ☎ 7(921)947-76-56, fax: 7(812)314 82 31FORMATNOCC, email: [email protected]. Check in: 14.00, Check-out: 12.00. No centro of St.Petersburg, no mesmo prédio em que viveu o famoso Dostoevski. 10 quartos com plasma TV sets, cofre, WiFi de graça. de 2000 Rub/night. 
• , Bolshaya Morskaya st.50/6, ☎ 7(812)571-91-99, fax: 7(812)570-64-09, email: [email protected]. Check in: 13:00, Check-out: 12:00. Pequeno e bem designed hotel no centro historico de St. Petersburg. Western owned and managed, services no padrão international mais alto. Café continental, free internet access, visa support, airport transfers, atmosfera comfortável, caseira, para os hóspedes. 

• , Bolshaya Morskaya st.21, ☎ 7(812)314-76-02, fax: 7(812)314-76-02, email: [email protected]. Bed & breakfast de família a uma quadra de distância da Nevski Prospect e do Hermitage. Básico, limpo e confortável. Um pouco difícil de achar, fica no 4º andar de um bloco de apartmentos. Código para a entrada: 2230#. de 40 a 100 rub. 

• , Millionnaya ul.11, ☎ 7(812)571-54-97, email: [email protected]. Check in: 14:00, Check-out: 12:00. Hotel pequeno com esírito genuine St. Petersburg. No centro historico, perto do Hermitage e Marble Palace. 4 double rooms mais um escritório fully equipped e magnificent hall com lareira - e o staff do hotel à disposição. a partir de 4300 rub. 

• , Bolshaya Morskaya ul.25, ☎ 7(812)315-55-50, email: [email protected]. Check in: 14:00, Check-out: 12:00. Inaugurado recentemente no centro histórico. 20 rooms of different types, TV, bathroom, telephone, wi-fi, ac in all rooms. 24-hours English speaking reception. Excellent breakfast (buffet), free internet access for guests. Room price - from 3100 rub. 

• , 6 Ozernoi Pereulok (Metro: Ploschad Vosstaniya), ☎ 7(812) 273-0113, 272-5027NOCC, email: [email protected]. Check in: 14:00, Check-out: 12:00. Very well located, next to the Moscow Railway Station. A walk along Ulitsa Vosstaniya from Nevsky, first right after the park. Seven spotless rooms in restored mansion opposite the monastery, very friendly service and attentive staff. Continental breakfast, Wifi, sat TV, minibar, safe, ac, 24-hour security, visa support, theater bookings, guided tours, airport transfer. Price: 5200 rub, seasonal discounts. 

• , 25 Bolshaya Morskaya Ul. (2 blocks from Nevski Prospekt, between Moika and Admiralty), ☎ 7 (812) 570 67 00, email: [email protected]. Right in the Center, next to St. Isaac and the Palace squares. Small (18 rooms) with attentive service. Includes buffet breakfast and internet. English-speaking staff, above-average security, credit cards are accepted. 3200 to 7500 Rub. 

• , Nevsky pr., 69 (800 m from Moscovski Vokzal), ☎ 7(812)333-0-222, fax: 7(812)571-64-43, email: [email protected]. Check in: 14h, Check-out: 12h. 5 min walk from Moskovski station. 29 rooms of different categories. all have: bathroom with bathtub or shower, Sat TV, Telephone, A-C, mini-bar, Internet (LAN/Wi-Fi), electronic safe-box, hair-drier. 24-hours receptions & Room-Service, Business & Conference facilities, Transport & Excursion service, Visa Support & Registration service, Laundry. from 5000 rub/night. 

• , Matisov Island. Small and cozy, almost next to the Mariinsky Theatre. Excellent service, large rooms, clean rooms, sat tv (all Russian language channels, except one, Russia Today). In a neighborhood not very visited, far from the city. 

• , 2 Alexander Nevsky pl (Metro Ploschad Alexandra Nevskogo), ☎ 7(812)274-4001. Monstrous concrete monolith that continues the Soviet traditions of the former state operator Intourist. Ugly and user-unfriendly, but the in-expensive metro rental is excellent and the price can be right, especially for packages. 

• , 10 Bolshaya Konyushennaya ul, ☎ 7(812)703-38-60, fax: 7(812)703-38-60. On the corner of Nevsky Prospect, 5 min from the metro and 10 min on foot from the Hermitage Museum. Ideally located for city tours and city tours. Nice free Wi-Fi access in all rooms (5Mbps), a-c. Small but functional rooms. Staff attends in English, breakfast included (7am to 11am). Defects: no refrigerators in the rooms; steep stairway at the entrance, difficult for a child. from €80 per double; frequent special offers. 

• , 14 Malaya Morskaya ul. Clean hotel, very efficient. Spa, pool and gym (free for guests before 11am) very efficient service - apparently they clean the rooms several times a day. Close to several excellent restaurants, cafes and shops. 

• , Suvorovsky prosp. 25/16, 5th floor (near Grand Hotel Emerald), ☎ 7(812)702-72-06, fax: 7(812)271-28-93. Check in: 14h. Modern and comfortable rooms; 4th to 6th floors of an old building. The staff answers in English--which is rare. The 6th floor has mansard windows. Some rooms are not soundproofed (eg 514, 604). Free cable internet. Breakfast: No-frills; in hot plates but fresh fruits; in espresso, only American coffee. 

• , Malaya Morskaya13/ Gorohovaya 8 (400 m from the Hermitage), ☎ 7 (812) 314 35 14, email: [email protected]. Check in: 13, Check-out: 12. Cozy and stylish business class mini-hotel. 14 rooms equipped with: A-C, Internet (Wi-Fi), bathroom, Sat TV, Telephone, mini-bar, hair-drier, DVD. Breakfast(buffet) and Internet included in the price. 

waste

• , 39 Bolshaya Morskaya, ☎ 7 812 494 5757, fax: 7 812 494 5059, email: [email protected]. Five stars. Historic building on St. Isaac's Square, next to St. Isaac's Cathedral, opposite the equestrian statue of Nikolai I and the Embassy of Imperial Germany. 

• , 1/7 Mikhailovskaya st., ☎ 7(812)329-60-00, fax: 7(812)329-60-01, email: [email protected]. Five star hotel in the center, close to the Russian Museum, Gostiny Dvor and Kazan Cathedral. It was cited several times in this article and can be considered a tourist attraction in itself. Several restaurants- The Sunday Jazz Brunch is recommended (see the "Eat/Splash" section). Many rooms have a nice view of the city. Worth a visit. 

• , 49/2 Nevski pr., ☎ 7(812)322-50-00, fax: 7(812)322-50-01, email: [email protected]. Five star hotel in the center. 
• , 6 Voznesensky pr. (next to St. Isaac's Cathedral), ☎ 7(812)610-61-61, fax: 7(812)610-61-60, email: [email protected]. Ultra-modern and chic hotel. It houses the Bliss Spa, an Alain Ducasse restaurant, fitness centre, sauna and massage parlor. 

Stay in touch

There are four GSM 900/1800 operators (MTS, beeline, Megaphone and Tele2) and a CDMA 2000 operator (skylink), coverage is quite sufficient (all built-up area and most roads). If you're staying longer than a few days and need to make local calls, it's recommended to buy a prepaid SIM card (your passport may be asked for) and a phone, maybe a used one if you don't have one according to local standards. It will be much cheaper than roaming. A SIM card with a balance costs less than $10. Cell outlets abound, numerous at all metro stations and shopping malls. You can buy recharges at supermarkets, cell-phone shops and ATMs. The emergency service number is 112.

For international calls, consider buying a calling card that allows you to call at lower rates (few rubles/min for Europe or US). Calling from your hotel room will result in painful charges.

These internet cafes offer computers with internet, gaming and WiFi when noticed.

• , Nevsky Prospect 90. 24h. Big, bright, clean. It also offers copier and fax services. 120 Rub/h per internet computer. Free WiFi with food purchase.. 

• , Nevsky Prospect 98. 24h. 90 Rub/h per internet computer. 100 Rub/hr over WiFi.. 

• , 26/27 Kazanskaya Ulitsa (Behind Kazan Cathedral towards Sennaya Ploshad). 24h. It does not have WiFi. 60 Rub/h per internet computer.. 

• (TBOE), Liteyniy Prospect 63 (Northeast corner between Nevsky Pr. and Liteyniy Pr., entrance from Liteyniy). 24h. It also serves drinks & snacks for a few rubles. 70 Rub/h for internet and WiFi.. 

There are several others in the center of SPb.

There is free wifi in most hotels and malls. In restaurants and bars, there's wifi really everywhere--thanks to the hordes of tourists from Finland, very used to it.WiMAX - Offer of Yota, with decent coverage within city limits. 900rub/month (or 50 rub/day from 19 Oct 2009).

You can also buy a prepaid SIM card USB modem from any of the operators mentioned above. It will cost around 1200 rub for GSM and 3900 rub for SkyLink. MTS, Beeline and Megafon offer high-speed UMTS interconnection, but Tele2 only offers standard GPRS. Rates from 1 rub/Mb from GSM operators and 0.30 rub/Mb from SkyLink. (2009 prices.)

Safety

The city developed a negative reputation during the post-Soviet Western years, but it is much better now. In any case, one must not forget the normal precautions to be taken in a city of this size. There are many pickpockets, especially in the Metro, and smart-ass wanting to get along with unsuspecting tourists. Avoid walking unaccompanied at night, dark alleys and confusion with drunk Russians. The Center is the safest place. The Metro and Nevski Prospekt stations are always full of pickpockets. Suburbs like Kupchino, Veteranov and Kolpino should be avoided.

After the war with Chechnya, intolerance against people of non-European complexion has grown, not only in Petersburg but throughout Russia. Non-European looking travelers will be safer traveling in a group.

The local football club, Zenit St Petersburg, is one of the biggest in the country and its fans have some hardcore factions. If you want to go to the stadium to watch a game, buy a ticket to the central sector and be alert to keep your distance from any confusion.

There is a serious problem with street children who steal for a living. They can beg aggressively and cause inconvenience. Act like the Russians: say nyet, then ignore and follow your course.

Overall, if you want to stay out of trouble, you'll make it, and enjoy the beauty of the city and the hospitality of the Russian people. All accounts assert that the coolness and lack of smile of the average Russian citizen is superficial; once the ice is broken, the story is different, he becomes friendly and helpful.

Health

The private hospitals below have English-speaking doctors (very few of the staff are expatriates). Depending on the type of service required and the terms of your travel insurance, these hospitals will be able to charge you directly to European and American insurance companies.

• , Moyka Embankment 78 (west of St. Isaac's Square), ☎ 7 812 740 2090. 24h. Includes dental and pediatric services. 

• , Suvorovsky Prospect 60, ☎ 7 812 327 0301. 24h. Multi-specialist medical center providing various medical services, applying international standards in diagnostic and treatment protocols. Includes dedicated laboratory and pharmacy, 5-star standard ward and ambulance staff. The staff speaks English and provides administrative support (accomodation, visas, transfers, medevac) and direct insurance charges. 

• , Ulitsa Maratha 6 (near the Mayakovskaya Metro), ☎ 7 812 336 3333. 24h. Includes dental clinic, pediatric unit, and other services. 

The city's water supply system is not ideal, because of the old plumbing, and therefore the water is not 100% clean. Some locals boil and filter tap water before using; you might want to choose to buy mineral water.

In St. Petersburg cold water is cleaner than hot, and the hot water supply is interrupted for 3 weeks every summer.

There are numerous public toilets, most of which have an attendant who charges ~15 rubles for entrance. It's a good idea to bring your own toilet paper; not always have. Toilets are extremely dirty by Western standards. If you're not Russian, you can get by by walking into hotels for foreigners, whose bathrooms are pretty cool—the one at the Grand Hotel Europe in particular. Just never clash with the men in black guarding the entrance, they are hard to crack if provoked. Many restaurants also let tourists use their restrooms without any problems.

Daily

The first 24 hours in St. Petersburg can be a shock to the traveler. The welcome of Immigration officials is reminiscent of a hangover from communist times - don't expect them to talk, or even look, at you. Arriving by plane in SPb can be peculiar, with the landscape of old concrete residential blocks and factory chimneys. The city's suburbs are in stark contrast to the historic center. Nevski Prospekt is the most 'Europeanized' part of the city, a more familiar setting for Western travelers. If you come from a western country, you will find this shocking, or funny.

St. Petersburg is plagued by millions of mosquitoes in summer; the marshy surroundings of the metropolis create excellent conditions for their reproduction. In cheap accommodation, without mosquito prevention measures, this can be a nocturnal problem, putting your well-deserved rest at risk.

Leave

Day tours are very popular in St. Petersburg. Taxis and buses are the most common types of transport and you can choose between an operator eg Intourist, or your hotel. There are several bus tour kiosks (some in English) in front of Gostiny Dvor. Some popular destinations include:

• Gatchina — Former imperial residence, it has a large park and a museum. You arrive from the station Baltisky to the homonymous station in Gatchina, right next to the palace. You can also take a bus near Warshawski station (next to Baltiskii) in St. Petersburg.
• Ivangorod and Narva — Two cities on the Narva River (on the Russian/Estonia border). Two twin castles (one Russian, founded by Grand Duke Ivan III, the other Danish/Swedish). Clarify your visa status before crossing to Estonia, it is sometimes not possible to return with a Russian single-entry visa.
• Kronstadt — The former military port on Kotlin Island, the Baltic Fleet's main naval base since the beginning of the 18th century. The Naval Cathedral is a must. Return trip by hydrofoil to the Hermitage for 100 RR.
• Lomonosov (formerly Oranienbaum) — Park with museum in honor of Mikhail Lomonosov. Close to Peterhof (15 min by car). The station is called Oranienbaum. TIP - then go to Kronstadt and hydrofoil back to Hermitage for 100 RR.
• Novgorod — Ancient and millenary Russian city with a beautiful Kremlin, churches and museums. About 180 km from St. Petersburg.
• Oreshek — Russian medieval fortress on the island Orekhovy of the Neva.
• Pavlovsk — Lush vegetation park where squirrels come to eat out of your hand. It can be reached by train from Vitebskii station (not the main hall, but a smaller one for local trains, to the right as you look at the station). Pavlovsk station is close to the park gate, and from there a long (and very nice) walk through the park to the palace.

• Peterhof — Home of the sumptuous "Russian Versailles". Fountains, parks, museums. The train leaves Baltiskii station for 43.50 RR, but the name of the arrival station can be misleading if you don't read Cyrillic (Noviy Petergof). You can also try taking the red Metro line to Avtovo station, and from there take a 'Mashrutka' to Peterhof for 50 RR. The journey should take 35 min without traffic. If you have time, consider also visiting Oranienbaum / Lomonosov and Kronstadt, and returning by hydrofoil to the Hermitage for 100 RR.
• pushkin (in the past Tsarskoye Selo) — Former imperial residence 25 km south of St. Petersburg, with beautiful parks and palaces, most notably the Catherine Palace, made for Tsarina Catarina I. The train leaves from Vitebskii station (not the main hall, but a smaller one for local trains, to the right when looking at the station). Take the train to Detskoe Selo station, but be warned, the palaces are a 20-minute walk across town.
• reset — Home-museum of the great painter Ilya Repin, on the edge of the Gulf of Finland, where he lived and worked. To get there: take the Elektrichka train from Finlandskii station (return 120 RR, 11th stop on the west line — check that the train does go to Repino — from the station cross the road, go down to the path to the left of the supermarket, pass through from the resort complex to the next major road, turn left and walk about 1.5 km to the gate with the sign Penaty. Walking takes about 45 min. The museum closes at 3 pm, or sooner if there are no visitors.
• Staraya Ladoga - A first capital Russia is now a pleasant village 4 hours away, with a profusion of historic attractions, including a stone Kremlin and frescoes by none other than Andrei Rublev.
• Vyborg — is located on the Karelian Isthmus, near Vyborg Bay, 130 km northwest of St. Petersburg, 38 km south of the Russia/Finland border, where the Saimaa Channel enters the Gulf of Finland. There is a Swedish castle, built in the 13th century and extensively rebuilt by the Russians in 1891–1894. Mon Repos is one of the most extensive English gardens in the Eastern Europe, and dates from the 19th century. The fortifications of the Mannerheim Line (built by Finland against the Soviet Union) are nearby.

This article is usable . It contains information on how to get there and some complete restaurant and hotel directions. A braver person could use it to travel, but please dig deep and help it grow!