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Saint Petersburg

Russia

Pace: balanced Historic Grand Artistic Romantic
Ideal trip length
4 - 7 days
Busiest
Jun-Aug
Saint Petersburg
Destination
Dates
Guests 1 room, 1 adults, 0 children
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Where to stay

Hotels in Saint Petersburg

Book direct on our own Saint Petersburg hotel pages — no booking fee and instant confirmation.

At a glance

Climate
Continental
Languages
Russian and English
Local currency
RUB (RUB)
Local time
(GMT-4)
Ideal trip length
4–7 days
Cost level
3 of 5 · our research
Suggested area to stay
Central District
Tap water
Bottled water recommended
Tipping
Discretionary, 5-10% appreciated.

What this place is for

History

95 · Outstanding

Culture

90 · Outstanding

Food

90 · Outstanding

Family 75 · Good

Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.

Food to try

Borscht Pelmeni Blini Beef Stroganoff

When to visit Saint Petersburg

How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.

Best months: June Busiest: Jun-Aug
  1. Jan
    40

    Very cold, snowy

  2. Feb
    35

    Bitter cold

  3. Mar
    45

    Thawing, chilly

  4. Apr
    60

    Cool, spring buds

  5. May
    80

    Mild, longer days

  6. Jun
    95

    White Nights, mild

  7. Jul
    90

    Warmest, pleasant

  8. Aug
    85

    Warm, late summer

  9. Sept
    75

    Crisp, golden autumn

  10. Oct
    60

    Cool, rainy

  11. Nov
    45

    Cold, grey

  12. Dec
    40

    Cold, snowy, festive

Things to do in Saint Petersburg

7 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.

Best in the morning

3 places

Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

Central District 1.5 hrs

Admire the stunning onion domes and intricate mosaics of this iconic church.

Indoors Good for children

The State Hermitage Museum

Palace Square 4 hrs

Explore one of the world's largest and oldest museums, housed in the Winter Palace.

Indoors Good for children

Visit Peterhof Palace & Gardens

Peterhof (day trip) 5 hrs

Marvel at the 'Russian Versailles' with its spectacular fountains and gilded statues.

Outdoors Good for children

Best in the afternoon

2 places

Neva River & Canal Cruise

Central District 1.5 hrs

See the city from its waterways, often called the 'Venice of the North'.

Outdoors Good for children

Explore Fabergé Museum

Fontanka River Embankment 2 hrs

Discover a private collection of Russian decorative arts, including nine Imperial Fabergé eggs.

Indoors Good for children

Best in the evening

1 place

Mariinsky Theatre Performance

Teatralnaya Square 3 hrs

Experience world-class opera or ballet in a historic and opulent setting.

Indoors

Any time of day

1 place

Stroll along Nevsky Prospekt

Central District 2 hrs

Walk the city's main avenue, bustling with shops, cafes, and historic buildings.

Outdoors Good for children

Saint Petersburg itineraries

View All itineraries
First-timer highlights

3 Days in Saint Petersburg — First-Timer Highlights

Discover the imperial grandeur, artistic treasures, and romantic waterways of Russia's cultural capital.

This carefully curated 3-day itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors eager to experience the iconic sights and rich history of Saint Petersburg. From opulent palaces and world-class museums to picturesque canals and vibrant city life, you'll immerse yourself in the city's unique charm and imperial legacy, ensuring a memorable introduction to Russia's 'Venice of the North'.

3 Days 13 Stops
See the full plan

Practical ratings

Our own ratings and key insights for this destination.

Eating & Culinary

Borscht 95 · Outstanding
Pelmeni 87 · Outstanding
Blini 78 · Very good
Beef Stroganoff 70 · Good

Signature Experiences

Church Of The Savior On Spilled Blood 95 · Outstanding
The State Hermitage Museum 91 · Outstanding
Neva River & Canal Cruise 87 · Outstanding
Mariinsky Theatre Performance 83 · Very good
Visit Peterhof Palace & Gardens 78 · Very good
Stroll Along Nevsky Prospekt 74 · Good
Explore Fabergé Museum 70 · Good

Best Suitable For

Couples 95 · Outstanding
Families 90 · Outstanding
Friends 85 · Outstanding
Luxury 80 · Very good
Culture 75 · Very good
History 70 · Good

Planning & Tips

Learn basic Russian phrases; not all signs are in English. 95 · Outstanding
Book major museum tickets online in advance to save time. 83 · Very good
Be prepared for variable weather, even in summer. 70 · Good

Ratings and recommendations are curated from local travel data.

Near Saint Petersburg

Straight-line distance from the centre of Saint Petersburg.

Getaways from Saint Petersburg

Places people from Saint Petersburg travel to, from our own travel research.

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