Saint Petersburg, Russia: Sights and Attractions
Skip The Tours
Ok, I get it, not all us want to skip the tours; they give us a certain level of comfort. Being with people who know how to navigate a location and can take you straight to the most popular sites can be luxury, but I’m going to make the argument that if you stay within a certain radius, most of what you want, and should see, in Saint Petersburg is within your reach with nothing but the two feet under you.
Where To Stay
Whether you stay in one of the many hotels in Saint Petersburg or if you rent an apartment (my recommendation), be sure you stay within the historic area of the city with access to the main retail street, Nevsky Prospekt. Personally I would recommend staying directly on Nevsky Prospekt, sure it would be on a busy street, and perhaps a little noisy at night, but keep in mind you are in a city and it will be noisy wherever you stay. The public transportation system only makes limited stops and with its steep escalators descending into the deepest subway tunnels in the World, by the time you figure out how to use the system and actually ride the trains, you mind as well have walked to your location. Stay near the action.
Not To Be Missed
Everyone has their own interests and you should always tailor your trip around seeing the things that interest you and your travelmates, but in Saint Petersburg there are a handful of sites that should not be missed by anyone:
The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood
Kazan Cathedral
The Hermitage
Petrhof
Do It Your Way
Of course these are just suggestions and there are many more sites to see in this amazing city. Make your trip your own. Have fun!
Tips to Prepare For Your Trip
- Travel Tips For Saint Petersburg, Russia
Going to Russia seems like a daunting task, especially for those of us who grew up thinking it was the land of the "enemy". Saint Petersburg is a place not to be missed. This article offers tips for preparing for an adventure to Saint Petersburg.