St. Petersburg is the second-largest city in Russia. Earlier, it was called Petrograd (in 1914-1924) and Leningrad (in 1924-1991). A former capital of the Russian Empire, St. Petersburg attracts people from across the world seeking to explore its rich history and ancient monuments. This magnificent ‘Grand Dame of Russia’ is known world over as ‘Venice of the North’, ‘Cradle of the Revolution’, ‘Russia’s Crown Jewel’ or ‘Window on the West’.
Best Places to Visit
St. Petersburg offers great sightseeing opportunities to its visitors. Take the help of our St. Petersburg City Guide to visit some of the famous monuments. These include the Winter Palace, the Hermitage, the Peter and Paul fortress, the Russian Museum, the Summer Garden, the Engineers' Castle, the Museum of Ethnography, the Alexander Nevsky Monastery, the Mikhailovskiy Palace, and the St Isaac and Kazan cathedrals.
Best Time to Visit
St. Petersburg can be best visited during the summer months from May through August. You may also consider visiting St. Petersburg during September and October. The city looks lovely during this time.
Best Dining Places
The restaurants in St. Petersburg serve a wide range of cuisine from the expensive eel in orange sauce to the inexpensive borscht. You can also look forward to other cuisines as well such as traditional Russian, Middle Eastern, Asian, European and Indian delicacies.
Best Airlines to Reach
Pulkovo Airport, the fourth businest airport in Russia, keeps St. Petersburg accessible and well connected with different parts of the world. St Petersburg is served by several airlines including Aeroflot, United Airlines, Finnair, Swiss, Iberia, LOT, British Airways, Icelandair, Continental Airlines and others.
Best Places to Stay
St Petersburg offers a wide range of places to stay suiting every budget. If finding cheap hotels in St. Petersburg are your major concern then head to Vassilevskiy Island and Nevskiy Prospekt areas in the city.