St Petersburg
Planning a trip to Saint Petersburg? Our travel guide contains up-to-date, personal information on everything from what to see, to when to visit, where to stay, and what to eat!
Why visit Saint Petersburg?
Saint Petersburg, Petrograd, Leningrad... under any of its names, it's an elegant city with an eventful past. Built by Peter the Great in the early 18th century as a display of the power of Imperial Russia to the world, it's an important artistic and cultural center thanks to the wealth of monuments and museums that tell its story.
The City of Tsars and the former Russian capital, Saint Petersburg is also intrinsically linked to the water, earning it the nickname "Venice of the North" for its impressive number of canals and bridges. Lavish palaces, exquisite gardens, and some of the world's best museums complete the city's offering for locals and tourists alike.
Relive the elegance of Imperial Russia by visiting Saint Petersburg's fairy tale chateaux: Peterhof Palace, the Winter Palace, and Catherine Palace await you in all their glory. For a well-deserved break after sightseeing, stop in at a local restaurant to indulge in Russian specialties: caviar, vodka, and beef Stroganoff anyone?
From May to June, the White Nights make Saint Petersburg even more magical, with impossibly beautiful sunsets bringing almost-endless summer nights to a close.
Where to start?
If you're going to travel to Saint Petersburg and you don't know much about the city yet, the first thing to do is to dive into its legendary history - understanding the past will help you understand the present. Next, check out our practical hints and tips on traveling to the city, before discovering which of its most important museums, monuments, and attractions pique your interest.
Looking for a place to stay?
Booking your accommodation in advance is the best way to get great discounts. Our detailed guide on where to stay in Saint Petersburg will help you decide which neighborhood you'd like to look for hotels or apartments in, and our hotel search engine will find you the best deals!
Hotels in St. Petersburg - reserve here for the best prices!
Why is our Saint Petersburg travel guide the best?
Introducing Saint Petersburg is a city guide written by travelers for travelers, and contains personalized advice to help you make the most of your trip to the city.
All the information in this guide is valid as of April 2021. If you find any errors or have any comments, please feel free to contact us.
