As the cold gets more intense and the days become shorter and shorter, many people tend to sadden, to get a little depressed, to stop wanting to go around the city. But, while it is true that warmly resting at home is so much better while rain and snow rage outside, there are many things that make winter the perfect time to visit Russia and, in particular, Saint Petersburg. So what to do in winter in St. Petersburg?
1. Banyas
While you can try the traditional bathhouse in summer, doing it in winter is much better. It helps the immunity system resist flu, cold and so on, even though the post-banya ice-cold-water immersion might be traumatic. But, again, when is it not?
I personally recommend the Mytninskie Bani, which happen to be the oldest communal banya of Petersburg. Лёгкого пара!
2. Museums / Palaces
As for the banyas, you obviously can visit the museums in the other seasons. But, as Alisson wisely noted, “it seems fitting” to visit things such as the Winter Palace in winter, as well as the many other museums Saint Petersburg offers. A warming, cultural stop will only benefit you, and, furthermore, you are also likely to wait less time in queue, given the lower number of tourists.
3. Walk on the Neva
No, you don’t have to submit crucifixion to gain the powers to walk on the Neva. You only have to hope (for once) for the winter to be really cold. You might then witness the freezing of the river and gain the chance to walk on it. A century ago you could have seen electric trams riding on it; today, however, the trams still prefer the asphalt. It is slightly forbidden and potentially dangerous, obviously, so be careful if you choose to do it!
4. Skating
Talking about skating (кататься на коньках, in Russian), while on the Neva it is absolutely prohibited, there is a place in which you can, and ought to: New Holland. Новая Голландия is an island, the troubled past of which didn’t prevent her from becoming what it is today: a splendid park. Between the other attractions, it features an Ice Rink, opened from November to May, which might as well be one of the coolest places to ice skate in Saint Petersburg.
5. Strolling Around
Just walk around! Saint Petersburg covered with snow is magical, and when the Christmas period gets closer, the city gets filled with lights. The flea markets also become more charming, and, if you really are about to freeze, grab a cup of глинтвейн to restore a human temperature, stop for a пирожёк, and keep going!
