St Petersburg

Russia

St. Petersburg is a city of unparalleled imperial grandeur, renowned for its magnificent palaces, artistic treasures, and romantic canals. Often called the "Cultural Capital of Russia," it offers a deep dive into history, art, and vibrant nightlife.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay5 days
Budget$50/day
Mid-range$75/day
Luxury$750/day

Known For

LeningradPetrogradRussiaPushkinPeterhofHermitage Museum

🇷🇺 Country Information: Russia

CapitalMoscow
CurrencyRussian ruble (₽)
Language Russian , Tatar, Ukrainian, Chechen, German, others
Phone Code+7
Electricity220V (Type C, F)
Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

  • Tipping is becoming more common in restaurants (5
  • 10% is appreciated)
  • Tipping is not expected for taxi drivers but rounding up is common
  • Service charges may be included in hotel bills

Money & Payments

  • ATMs are widely available, especially in cities
  • Credit cards are widely accepted in cities, but cash is often preferred in smaller towns and rural areas
  • It is advisable to carry some cash, especially outside major cities
  • There is no official black market for cash, but it's best to exchange currency at official banks or exchange offices

Cultural Norms

  • Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites
  • Remove shoes when entering private homes
  • Avoid discussing sensitive political topics with strangers
  • Punctuality is valued in formal settings, but being a few minutes late for social gatherings is often acceptable

LGBTQ+ Information

Exercise caution. Russia has restrictive laws against 'gay propaganda' and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals is common. Same-sex marriage is not recognized.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

  • Legal drinking age is 18
  • Drug laws are very strict, and even possession of small amounts can lead to severe penalties

Special Laws

  • Photography of military or sensitive installations is forbidden
  • It is illegal to protest without official permission
  • Be aware of local registration requirements if staying for an extended period

Common Phrases

NoNet (nyet) Нет
YesDa (dah) Да
HelloZdravstvuyte (ZDRAHV-stvooy-tyeh) Здравствуйте
PleasePozhaluysta (poh-ZHAH-looy-stuh) Пожалуйста
Excuse meIzvinite (eez-vee-NEE-tyeh) Извините
Thank youSpasibo (spuh-SEE-buh) Спасибо

Climate

Climate Zone: Continental Cool

Best Time to Visit

Getting There

Getting Around

Health & Vaccinations

Staying Connected

Local Cuisine

Blini must_try

Thin, crepe-like Russian pancakes often served with various fillings, both savory (like meat or mushrooms) and sweet (like jam, honey, or condensed mi

Borsch regional_speciality

A sour soup native to Eastern Europe, characterized by the inclusion of beetroot, which gives it a deep red color. It typically includes meat, potatoe

Pirozhki street_food

Small, baked or fried buns stuffed with a variety of fillings, such as ground meat, eggs and rice, cabbage, or sweet fillings like fruit jam. These ha

Pelmeni regional_speciality

Small, filled dumplings that are considered the national dish of Russia. They typically contain a mixture of minced meat (pork, beef, lamb, or a combi

Vodka alcohol

The quintessential Russian spirit, traditionally distilled from fermented grain or potatoes, but sometimes from other sources like fruit or sugar. Whi

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Hermitage Museum Tickets Attraction
Book 2 weeks to 2 months in advance

Buying tickets online in advance is essential to avoid extremely long queues at the ticket office, especially during high season.

Mariinsky Theatre Ballet/Opera Tickets Attraction
Book 1 to 3 months in advance

Performances, especially popular ballets like Swan Lake and The Nutcracker, sell out quickly and are a major cultural draw.

Fun Facts

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