We are currently experiencing a heatwave in Saint Petersburg right now and Russia DOES NOT DO HEAT! When the temperatures rise to uncomfortable degrees, the country isn’t equipped to handle it. There are no A/Cs in many accommodations, places of business, taxis, buses and metros. So here are our best recommendations on how to beat the heat in St. Pete and stay cool when the heat is on!
Attractions to Escape the Heat in St. Pete
Swim with Dolphins
Swimming with dolphins is a unique experience that you can have right here in St
There are roughly 40 species of dolphins, but at the Dolphinarium there are just two types that visitors can swim with. Dolphins are known for being not only highly intelligent but also playful and sociable.
The Dolphinarium offers swimming sessions for up to 4 participants. Participants must be 12 years old and older. Sessions are 1 hour long and include a training session, time for suiting up in a wetsuit, 30 minutes in the water with the dolphins, and a shower. During the session, it’s possible to take photos, touch and play with the dolphins.
Time: Every day except Monday from 4pm to 9pm.
Prices:
Weekdays – 6000R Children under 10 y/o watch free.
Weekends – 7000R Gift certificates are sold for specific dates only.
Spectators – 200R
How to get there:
It’s just a 9 minute walk from Krestovsky Ostrov.
Konstantinovskiy Prospekt, 19
Piterland Waterpark
If that’s not enough to cool you down, there’s a Baskin Robbins located on the premises.
Times: 10-22:30 Tuesday through Sunday and 15-22:30 on Mondays.
Prices:
1700R for 5 hours and 1900R for a full day for 14 y/o and up. 990R for the whole day for kids 5-13 y/0. Free for under 5 y/o.
Discounts:
Birthday boys and girls can enjoy 50% off the day of the birthday and up to 7 days after.
Those who took the Allegra can enjoy a discount of 20% for up to 1 month after the date of the ticket.
ISIC card holders get in for a discounted price of 790 rubles.
How to get there:
Luckily for us, a new metro has just opened nearby and it’s no longer necessary to take the bus! Just go to the Begovaya metro station and it’s a quick walk from there.
Primorskiy Prospekt, 72
Beaches to Beat the Heat in St. Pete
Cool off with a trip to the beach! While the closest beach is at Peter and Paul Fortress, it’s often loaded with sun soakers. To find a beach with a little more space to sprawl out, here are a few a bit further outside of the city center. For your convenience, we’ve organized them in order of what’s closest to the center to what’s further away.
St. Petersburg’s 300th Anniversary Park
One of the newest parks in the city, is just in the backyard of Piterland Waterpark. You can enjoy the beach AND the waterpark all in one day!
How to get there:
Located right next to Piterland, it’s a quick metro ride to Begovaya metro on the green line and a straight shot out of the metro to the park. You can’t miss it!
Zelenogorsk
The locals call this beach the Golden beach. This is another popular resort area and there’s a popular yacht club in the area too.
How to get there:
It takes 30 minutes by electrichka from the Finland Railway Station.
Repino
Go to the beach AND visit the home of Ilya Repin, one of Russia’s most celebrated artists. There are lots of resorts, spas and restaurants nearby so you could easily make a weekend of it here.
How to get there:
It takes 45 minutes by electrichka from the Finland Railway Station.
For more posts on what to do while studying in Russia, stay tuned to our blog.