Saint Petersburg Hotels

Saint Petersburg nestled on the banks of the Neva River, stands as a testament to Russia’s rich history, cultural opulence, and architectural grandeur. This city serves as the country’s second-largest city after Moscow. It is known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene. The population of Saint Petersburg is approximately 5.6 million, with more than 6.4 million people living in the metropolitan area.

Things To Know Before Visit Saint Petersburg

• Dress warmly if visiting during the colder months
• Tipping is not mandatory in Saint Petersburg
• Don’t miss museums, theaters, and opera houses
• Have a translation app or phrasebook handy
• Purchase a Saint Petersburg CityPass
• Explore beyond the main attractions
• Take a walking tour
• Try the local food

Best Hotels In Saint Petersburg

Here is a table showcasing some of the best hotels in Saint Petersburg, Russia, with different categories:

Where is Saint Petersburg?

Saint Petersburg is situated on the delta of the Neva River, where it enters the Gulf of Finland.

Best Areas to Stay In Saint Petersburg

Some of the best areas to stay in Saint Petersburg:

• Tsentralny District (City Centre):  the central district is the heart of Saint Petersburg, offering easy access to major landmarks like the Winter Palace and Saint Isaac’s Cathedral. 
• Admiralteyskiy District: located west of the city center, home to the famous Mariinsky Theatre and Saint Isaac’s Cathedral.
• Vasileostrovskiy District: situated northwest of the city center, this district offers access to informal eateries, cultural attractions like the Erarta Museum, and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Petrogradsky District: this area is known for its quiet ambiance and cultural sites like the Peter and Paul Fortress.
• Nevsky Prospekt: this area is ideal for those looking for a lively neighborhood with great nightlife options.

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Top Attractions in Saint Petersburg

Some of the best landmarks to see in Saint Petersburg include:

• Saint Isaac's Cathedral: it is the largest Russian Orthodox cathedral in the city.
• Peter and Paul Fortress: it houses the Peter and Paul Cathedral, where many Russian emperors and empresses are buried. The fortress also features museums, a prison, and a beautiful park, making it a popular destination for tourists.
• Alexander Column: it is a 44.4-meter-tall granite monolith located in the center of Palace Square in Saint Petersburg. It was erected in 1834 to commemorate the victory of Russia over Napoleon's France in the Patriotic War of 1812.
• Peterhof: it is a magnificent palace and garden complex located in the suburbs of Saint Petersburg.
• Palace Square: it is a public square located in the center of the city. Grand buildings, including the General Staff Building, the Hermitage Museum, and the Alexander Column surround the square.
• Winter Palace: It was the official residence of the Russian emperors and empresses. Today, the palace houses the Hermitage Museum, one of the world's largest and most impressive art museums.
• Summer Palace of Peter the Great: it is a beautiful Baroque-style palace located in the suburbs of Saint Petersburg.
• Mariinsky Theatre: it is a world-renowned opera and ballet theater.
• Nevsky Prospekt: It is one of the main streets in the city and is known for its shops, restaurants, and historical landmarks.
• Ermitage Museum: it is one of the world's largest and most impressive art museums, located in the Winter Palace.

Is Saint Petersburg Safe for Visitors?

The city is generally safe for tourists, with petty theft being the main concern. Travelers need to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe visit to Saint Petersburg.

Is Saint Petersburg An Expensive City For Visiting?

Saint Petersburg is mostly an affordable city for visitors, offering various ways to save money during your trip. Prices for food and drink, transportation, accommodation, and entrance fees are reasonable, making the city a budget-friendly destination. On average cost of a week's trip to Saint Petersburg is around $450 for one person.

Currency In Saint Petersburg

The official currency used in Russia is the Russian ruble (RUB). Visitors can bring US dollars or Euros to Russia. However, it can be challenging to find places to exchange other currencies.

Language of Saint Petersburg

Russian is the official language in Russia. While Russian is the commonly spoken language everywhere, in tourist zones English may be spoken to some extent. 

Saint Petersburg Time Zone

the time zone of Saint Petersburg, Russia, is UTC+3, which is in the Europe/Moscow timezone. The city does not observe Daylight Saving Time.

How Many Days To Visit Saint Petersburg?

The ideal day to visit Saint Petersburg is 4 days. This allows visitors to explore the city’s main attractions.

The Best Time To Visit Saint Petersburg

The ideal time to visit is from mid-June to September when the city experiences its White Nights phenomenon and has nearly 24 hours of sunshine. Summer months like June, July, and August are recommended for visiting Saint Petersburg due to pleasant weather conditions, with warm temperatures.

Winter (November to March): The coldest season in Saint Petersburg, with average daily high temperatures below 34°F. Snowfall is common, and the city experiences occasional storms and floods.

Spring (April to May): Spring in Saint Petersburg is characterized by warmer temperatures, ranging from the lower 60s to the mid-80s, and longer days. Rainfall is not as frequent during this time, making it a pleasant season to visit. 

Summer (June to August): The warmest season in Saint Petersburg, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to the high 80s. July and August are the hottest months, and July is also the wettest month. This season is ideal for outdoor activities, such as sightseeing, river cruises, and visiting parks.

Autumn (September to October): Autumn in Saint Petersburg is characterized by cooler temperatures, ranging from the mid-50s to the high-70s. The sun continues to shine, and manatee sightings are frequent during this time. This season is a great time to enjoy the city's cultural events and festivals, such as the International Cultural Festival, which takes place in September.

Packing List For Saint Petersburg

some essential items visitors should bring: 

• Warm clothing
• Comfortable footwear
• Rain gear
• Sun protection
• Travel documents
• Power adaptor
• Medications and first aid kit
• Russian phrasebook or language app
• Reusable water bottle
• Snacks
• A good camera

Popular Dishes Of Saint Petersburg

Here are some of the best dishes to try in Saint Petersburg, Russia:

• Beef Stroganoff: A classic Russian dish made with small pieces of beef in a sour cream sauce, often served with various vegetables and side dishes.
• Savory Pancakes (Bliny): These thin pancakes can be filled with a variety of ingredients, such as salmon, caviar, or mushrooms, and are often served with sour cream and onions.
• Borscht: A traditional Russian soup made with beetroot, which gives it a red color. It can be served hot or cold and is often accompanied by sour cream and pampushki (small savory buns).
• Shchi: A traditional Russian soup made with cabbage and meat broth, often served with a spoonful of sour cream and rye bread.
• Pirozhki: Small-sized buns stuffed with a variety of fillings, such as potato, cabbage, mushroom, or meat. They can be served as a snack or a side dish.
• Olivier Salad: A Russian salad made with potatoes, carrots, pickles, peas, eggs, and sometimes chicken or ham, dressed with mayonnaise.
• Pelmeni and Vareniki: Russian dumplings made with a simple dough and a variety of fillings, such as meat or vegetables. When served with a sweet filling, such as berries or cottage cheese, they are called vareniki.
• Potatoes and Mushrooms: A simple dish made with potatoes and mushrooms, often served with a butter sauce and herbs.
• Chicken Kiev: A stuffed chicken breast rolled in eggs and bread crumbs, then either fried or baked, with lots of butter and herbs.
• Solyanka: A soup made with a mixture of ingredients, including different cuts of meat and pickles, often served with several herbs.

Nightlife In Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg offers a vibrant nightlife scene with a variety of options to explore, here are some popular nightlife spots in the city:

• Crystal Club
• The Bar XXXX
• Union
• Daiquiri Bar
• Night Hunters MC
• Griboyedov Club

Additionally, the city offers various options ranging from jazz halls and Irish-style pubs to underground bars. Popular areas like Dumskaya Street are known for their underground nightclubs and vibrant party scenes.