Saint Petersburg｜Walking here is anything but city-like～

Saint Petersburg Roaming Notes｜A paradise for art youth, even the street bookstores hide the Renaissance

On the first day of encountering Saint Petersburg, I was conquered by the artistic atmosphere inherent in this city. The ancient buildings along the Neva River, the Bronze Horseman in Palace Square, and the independent bookstores you can find around every corner – this city truly interprets "poetry and distant places" to the fullest.

📚 Bookstore Roaming Guide:
1. Dom Knigi (Saint Petersburg's largest bookstore)
Address: Nevsky pr., 28
Here I unexpectedly found the English version of "1587, a Year of No Significance." The clerk enthusiastically introduced it in fluent English: "This might be the Ming history book most familiar to Chinese readers." The three floors of bookshelves are filled with books in various languages, and the second floor has a cozy café area.

2. Bookvoed on Liteyny
Address: Liteyny pr., 46
A bookstore as interesting as a maze, mainly Russian books but with a whole wall dedicated to world literature. Under the warm yellow light, locals quietly read their books, and time seems to slow down here.

3. Podpisnie Izdaniya (a must-visit for indie magazine lovers)
Address: Liteyny pr., 57
Specializing in independent magazines and art publications, even if you don’t understand Russian, just flipping through those avant-garde layouts is a pleasure. The owner carefully places English introduction cards next to each magazine.

🚶♀️ Recommended City Walking Route:
Morning｜Start from the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, stroll along the Griboedov Canal, where street performers entertain under every bridge arch
Noon｜Enjoy brunch at Zoom Café on Bolshaya Konyushennaya Street (Address: Gorokhovaya ul., 22)
Afternoon｜After visiting the Russian Museum, be sure to check in at the Singer House bookstore nearby (28 Nevsky Prospect). The café on the top floor offers a panoramic view of the entire Nevsky Prospect.

💡 Practical Tips:
- Most artistic venues in Saint Petersburg accept credit cards, but remember to prepare some 100-200 ruble change for tips
- During the White Nights Festival in June and July, bookstores stay open very late
- English signage is limited; it’s recommended to download the Yandex Translate offline package