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St. Petersburg is located in the northwest of Russia, on the coast of the Baltic Sea, at the mouth of the Neva River, between 59°~60° north latitude and 29°~30° east longitude. It is a central municipality of Russia, the capital of Leningrad Oblast, the central city of Russia's northwest region, and an important water and land transportation hub in Russia. It is the northernmost city in the world with a population of over one million, and is also known as Russia's "Northern Capital."
The best time to visit St. Petersburg is between June and September, but the majority of the year's rain falls during these months, so be sure to bring an umbrella. With the annual White Nights, June is the peak of the tourist season, boasting not only pleasant weather but also numerous festivals and events.
Few tourists visit St. Petersburg in the dead of winter (daytime temperatures can drop to -25°C), but experiencing the New Year in St. Petersburg amidst the freezing cold and watching the fireworks rising from the banks of the Neva River is an unforgettable experience.
Winter Palace (зимний дворец)
Transliterated as Hermitage, it was originally the palace of the Russian Tsar. After the October Revolution, it became part of the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg. It is one of the four largest museums in the world, on par with the Louvre in Paris, the British Museum in London, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
The Winter Palace houses a collection of artworks from all over the world, including paintings, statues, carpets, furniture, handicrafts, etc. Among them, the three collections of ancient Greek vase painting art, ancient Roman sculpture art and Western European art are well-known in the world collection community.
The museum's collection is so vast that it's said that if one were to walk through the Hermitage's approximately 400 open exhibition halls, a distance of approximately 22 kilometers, and if one were to stop at each painting for five minutes, it would take 20 years. Four must-see treasures are: an Egyptian mummy (room 100), the Peacock Bell (room 204), Leonardo da Vinci's Madonna (room 214), and Rembrandt's The Return of the Prodigal Son (room 254) .
Summer Palace
Also known as Peterhof Palace, it is located in the forest on the southern shore of the Gulf of Finland, about 30 kilometers from St. Petersburg. Covering nearly 1,000 hectares, it served as the former summer palace of successive Russian tsars. Construction began in 1714, and its magnificent architecture earned it the nickname "Russia's Versailles."
The Catherine Palace
Also known as the Catherine Palace, the palace is located in Pushkin, Russia. Built in 1717, it is a Baroque-style garden. To highlight its status as a royal estate, the area surrounding the palace (including Alexander Palace, Alexander Gardens, and the White Tower Observation Deck) was known as Tsarskoye Selo or Imperial Village after its construction. In 1937, the name was changed to its current form, "Pushkin Village," in honor of Alexander Pushkin, who spent his childhood there.
The most magical thing in the palace is the Amber Room (photography is not allowed), the interior of which is decorated entirely with amber and gold, which is extremely luxurious.
St. Petersburg, founded in 1703 by Peter the Great, served as the imperial capital of Russia for over 200 years. Known as the "Venice of the North," it is a cultural and architectural gem, playing a central role in Russian history, arts, and politics.
Located in northwest Russia on the Neva River near the Gulf of Finland. Accessible via Pulkovo Airport, train stations, and river cruises. Within the city, metro, buses, taxis, and walking are convenient for sightseeing.
Museums typically open 10:00–18:00; some are closed on Mondays. Best times to visit are late spring to early autumn (May–September) for long daylight hours and pleasant weather.
Yes, especially for the Hermitage and popular museums. Booking 1–2 weeks in advance is recommended during high season.
3–5 days to cover main museums, palaces, parks, and cultural experiences.
Yes, guided tours and audio guides are available in Russian, English, German, French, and Spanish at major attractions.
Start at the Hermitage and Winter Palace, walk along Nevsky Prospekt, visit Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, explore St. Isaac’s Cathedral, then head to Peter and Paul Fortress. Include a river or canal boat tour and evening performance at Mariinsky Theatre.
Peak crowds during summer (June–August) and major festivals. Weekdays and early mornings are less crowded.
Museums and parks have toilets, cafes, restaurants, benches, and souvenir shops. Major tourist areas offer public amenities and water fountains.
Most museums and parks are accessible. Some historic sites may have stairs, limiting access for wheelchair users. Family-friendly amenities are available.
Cards and mobile payments are widely accepted. Some small vendors or markets may require cash (rubles).
Yes, vegetarian and vegan restaurants are increasingly common. Halal options are available in selected cafes and restaurants.
Yes, souvenirs include Matryoshka dolls, Fabergé-style eggs, Russian amber, lacquer boxes, and traditional crafts.
St. Petersburg is well-connected by train and flights to Moscow, Finland, the Baltics, and other European destinations. Within the city, metro, trams, buses, taxis, and riverboats facilitate further travel.
