things to do in st. petersburg

St. Petersburg, Russia, is a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Here are some things to do in St. Petersburg:

Must-see attractions:

1. Hermitage Museum: One of the largest and most famous museums in the world, with a collection of over 3 million items.
2. Peter and Paul Fortress: A historic fortress that served as the seat of power for the Russian monarchy.
3. Catherine Palace: A stunning palace built in the 18th century, featuring beautiful gardens and a museum.
4. Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood: A stunning Orthodox church built to commemorate the death of Tsar Alexander II.
5. Palace Square: A grand square featuring several iconic buildings, including the Hermitage Museum and the Winter Palace.

Other attractions:

1. St. Isaac’s Cathedral: A beautiful cathedral with a stunning golden dome.
2. Peterhof Palace: A grand palace built for Peter the Great, featuring beautiful gardens and fountains.
3. Museum of Fine Arts: A museum featuring a collection of Western European art.
4. St. Petersburg State Museum of Theatre and Music: A museum showcasing the history of Russian theatre and music.
5. Kolomenskoye Museum and Reserve: A museum and reserve featuring historic buildings and a collection of Russian art.

Outdoor activities:

1. Take a stroll along the Neva River: Enjoy the beautiful views of the city and the river.
2. Visit the St. Petersburg Botanical Garden: A beautiful garden featuring over 20,000 plant species.
3. Take a boat tour: Explore the city’s canals and waterways by boat.
4. Visit the Peterhof Park: A beautiful park featuring gardens, fountains, and walking trails.
5. Go ice skating: In the winter, St. Petersburg offers several outdoor ice skating rinks.

Food and drink:

1. Try traditional Russian cuisine: Sample dishes such as borscht, beef stroganoff, and pierogies.
2. Visit a traditional Russian restaurant: Try a restaurant like the Russian Tea House or the St. Petersburg Restaurant.
3. Try some local specialties: Sample dishes such as blini, shashlik, and pelmeni.
4. Visit a market: Try some local produce and specialties at a market like the St. Petersburg Market.
5. Take a food tour: Explore the city’s culinary scene with a guided food tour.

Events and festivals:

1. St. Petersburg International Film Festival: A festival featuring films from around the world.
2. St. Petersburg Jazz Festival: A festival featuring jazz music from around the world.
3. St. Petersburg Summer Festival: A festival featuring classical music and dance performances.
4. St. Petersburg Christmas Market: A market featuring traditional Russian crafts and food.
5. St. Petersburg New Year’s Eve: Celebrate the start of the new year with fireworks and festivities.

These are just a few of the many things to do in St. Petersburg. The city has something for everyone, from history and culture to outdoor activities and food and drink.