Five Good Reasons to Visit St. Petersburg

Uncertain about which part of Russia you want to explore first? The cultural capital, St. Petersburg, is always a safe bet. Here are five good reasons why you should come experience St. Petersburg – the city that’s been home to several of Russia’s finest writers.

1. The White Nights

How to describe summer nights in St. Petersburg? One could almost say they’re non-existing, because it doesn’t really get dark. White nights are perfect for long walks along the river, where you can see the bridges open during the night to let ships through. Not to say, leaving a bar at sunrise always messes with your mind.

2. Bars

St. Petersburg is rumoured to have the best bars in Russia. People are even said to travel from Moscow on a regular basis to take part in the weekend festivities, although I have yet to meet such a person. Dumskaya is the most famous area, but there are also several other places to go along Rubinshteina and ul. Fontanka 20.

3. Museums

Whether you’re an art or history lover, fascinated by the Soviet Union and life under communism, or just want to shot some vodka, the city’s museums have that to offer and more. The Russian Museum and The Hermitage are must sees, but Kunstkamera (Russia’s first museum) will certainly also entertain you.

4. Religious buildings

Where to start? Two of the most famous ones are less than ten minutes away from Liden & Denz by foot: The Saviour on the Spilled Blood and the Kazan Cathedral. St. Isaac’s Cathedral in the Admiralteysky region, near the Neva is also a must-see. I’d recommend the blue and white Smolny Convent and you definitely don’t want to miss the mosque located on Petrogradsky, right next to the state museum dedicated to political history.

5. History

Peter the Great founded St. Petersburg in 1703, meaning the city is not particularly old. However, a lot has happened in those little more than 300 years. After all, it didn’t get its nickname the ‘Cradle of Three Revolutions‘ out of coincidence. The city has also had three different official names: St. Petersburg (twice), Petrograd and Leningrad, all representing different shifts in Russian history. Whether you’re interested in politics, war history, arts or architecture – you’ll find it all here.

Did we forget to mention anything? What are your reasons for going to St. Petersburg?

Posted by Fredrik Tombra

My name is Fredrik. I am a Norwegian postgraduate student at the State University of Saint Petersburg, currently learning Russian at Liden & Denz.