Contribution of Svetlana Alimova

Unlike Moscow’s red bricks and onion domes, St Petersburg’s network of canals and baroque architecture give the city a European flavor. It was built by Italian architects and is often called the Venice of the North. 300-year old Saint Petersburg is a relatively young city, however, it is considered among the oldest cities in Europe. Saint Petersburg managed to preserve almost all the buildings constructed before 1917. It has over 18,000 historic buildings and is often called the museum under the open sky.

St. Petersburg is not as crazy and life-bursting as Moscow. It is the place to relax and take in the magnitude and beauty of its architecture. Here one can walk in the footsteps of Pushkin and Dostoevsky, Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich, admire city’s fantastic palaces and ride one of the world’s deepest subways. Because the city was built on the marsh, its subway tunnels are 70-80 meters deep.

The best way to see St. Petersburg is to walk along its main street Nevsky Prospekt, which is 4.5 km long. You really need at least a couple of days to see the attractions St. Petersburg offers: Peter and Paul Fortress, The Palace Square, the Winter Palace, the Hermitage (you can easily spend a day just in this place), Admiralty, Isaak Cathedral, Kazan Cathedral, Church of the Savior, the Summer gardens, Alexander Nevsky Monastery and Necropolis, etc. The famous oldest department store Gostiny Dvor is a good place to stock on Gucci, Prada, Christian Dior and other big name items.

Like Moscow, Saint Petersburg offers a huge variety of places to eat for every taste and every budget. As an alternative to hugely popular Italian, Asian and European eateries and an addition to the Russian traditional food, we recommend trying dishes from the former Soviet republic of Georgia, which offers a mix of Slavic, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors. Enjoy a filling meal of shashlik (lamb skewers), eggplant with walnuts and khachapuri (a dish that’s akin to a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich).

St. Petersburg was the first city in Russia to adapt club culture in the late 80s. The club movement started with underground rock clubs and art centers and expanded later, in the beginning of 90s, to rave clubs. Today, St. Petersburg is the place to go for live alternative and rock music concerts, as well as for jazz and “artsy” clubs, where you can have a beer and meet a lot of people over one evening. But most of all Saint Petersburg is famous for its rich theatrical scene with over 100 theatres to choose from.

Things to remember when travelling to Russia:
FLIGHTS:
Getting to Moscow from the US requires a non-stop 10-hour flight from New York, Atlanta, Washington D.C. or Chicago. You can book your tickets at www.eufares.com

VISAS:
Travel in Russia has become easier than ever. Remember however that visas are required. And you need a fully licensed travel company like Go To Russia Travel (www.gotorussia.travel) to provide the necessary visa support and registration.

ELECTRICITY
Electricity throughout Russia is 220 volt/50 Hz. The plug is the two-round-pin thin European standard. Be sure to bring your own converter as most places in Russia do not carry them.

CURRENCY
All prices are generally quoted in rubles. Currency can be freely converted at banks, hotels or kiosks. Traveler’s checks are hard to cash. Credit cards are accepted in most places that work with foreign tourists. ATM machines are widely available in major cities.

TIPPING
Tipping is increasingly expected at restaurants. Tip 10-15% depending on service. It is typical to round up the amount due to the next round figure.

www.GoToRussia.com