FAQs For Visiting Saint-Petersburg, Russia

Where is the city of Saint-Petersburg?beautiful cathedrals including Trinity Cathedral and
- Saint-Petersburg is located in Russia's NorthwesternSmolny Cathedral. If you are visiting Saint-Petersburg in
Federal District. The city rests on the delta of the NevaMay, June or July, chances are high you'll experience
River, which is on the east end of the Gulf of Finland.the so-called "white nights" phenomenon, when twilight
Wasn't Saint-Petersburg called something else before?lasts all night long.
- Yes. The city of Saint-Petersburg was previouslyAre there any monuments to see while in
called Leningrad. Before that, the city was known asSaint-Petersburg?
Petrograd.- Absolutely! In fact, Saint-Petersburg is home to many
I am visiting Saint-Petersburg in the autumn, how shouldfamous monuments. There is the monument to
I dress?Catherine the Great, located in Ostrovsky Square. For
- The season of autumn in Saint-Petersburg is rainythe literature lover, the monument to Fiodor
and cool. It is not advisable to wear light cotton pantsDostoyevsky is located just off Vladimirskaya Square
and short sleeve shirts, consider bringing a light jacket(and just a block away from the Dostoyevsky
and a coat for the evening hours. The autumn tends toMuseum). The city is also home to the famous
bring rain showers, so be sure to bring an umbrella asMoscow Gate and monuments to Peter the Great,
well. Autumn lasts from September to December.Nicholas I, Goethe, and Gogol. Make sure you visit the
I am visiting Saint-Petersburg in the winter, how should IRostral Columns, the Bronze Horseman and the
dress?Alexander Column, which join the list of the most
- Late December brings winter to Saint-Petersburgfamous Saint-Petersburg monuments.
and lasts through the month of March. The winter isI've heard about Saint-Petersburg's famous bridges?
extremely cold, usually around freezing temperaturesAre they worth seeing?
with lots of snow and wind. Be sure to bring warm- The bridges in the city are architecturally stunning.
winter clothes, gloves, hats, scarves, and a coat. It isThe longest bridge in Saint-Petersburg is the Nevsky
also important to make sure that your feet stay warm,Bridge, measuring in at almost 906 meters. Other
so don't forget the wool socks and boots.notable bridges include the Anichkov Bridge, the Bank
I am visiting Saint-Petersburg in the spring, how should IBridge, the Blue Bridge, and the Palace Bridge, to name
dress?a few.
- Saint-Petersburg in the spring is a beautiful time toHow are the parks and gardens in Saint-Petersburg?
visit. From late March to late May, the spring can be- The city is home to many gorgeous gardens and
quite chilly and even bring light snow. Be prepared forparks in which both locals and tourists enjoy spending
fair weather as well as cold nights. It is advisable totheir time. The Alexander Garden, named for Czar
bring both a light jacket and a winter coat.Alexander II, is the centrally located and features a
I am visiting Saint-Petersburg in the summer, howmusical fountain. The Botanical Garden features more
should I dress?than 12,000 species and varieties of plants, including the
- Summertime in Saint-Petersburg lasts from theQueen of the Night, which blooms only once a year.
beginning of June to the end of August. The weatherBe sure to check out the Leningrad Zoo and Catherine
is mild making shorts and short-sleeves acceptable forGardens as well. Summer Garden is the oldest and still
daywear. Always remember pants and a light jacketthe most attractive park in Saint-Petersburg, the plan
for the evenings.of which was drawn by Peter the Great.
What airports are in or near Saint-Petersburg?I'd like to go to a museum in Saint-Petersburg. Are
- There are two airports in the area ofthere any?
Saint-Petersburg. Pulkovo II International and Pulkovo I- There is a reason that the city is often called the
Domestic are commonly used airports."Gorod Muzei", or "the city museum". Saint-Petersburg
Is there a seaport in or near Saint-Petersburg?is filled with museums showcasing art and history.
- Yes, the seaport features a passenger terminal onWhen in town, be sure to visit the Academy of Fine
Vasilievsky Island.Arts Museum, the Hermitage Museum, the
What is there to do in Saint-Petersburg?Dostoyevsky Memorial Museum, and the Cottage
- There is plenty of history and culture to take in whenPalace before you go! The Russian Museum, Russian
visiting Saint-Petersburg including, but certainly notEthnography Museum and the Kunstkammer also
limited to the Hermitage Museum, the Mariinsky Operaattract thousands of tourists all year round.
and Ballet Theater, the Imperial palace, and many