Saint Petersburg is one of the most beautiful metropolitan cities in the world. It is the second largest city in Russia (5 million people). It is located on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, 720 km from Moscow. It has many unofficial names and titles, such as the City on the Neva, St. Pete, Northern and Cultural capital of Russia, the cradle of the revolution, the city of white nights. It is famous for its numerous rivers and canals connected by bridges, architectural monuments, and plenty of tourist attractions. It has a rich history and is one of the symbols of Russian statehood in general.
Saint Petersburg and some territories in the Leningrad Region are known for their creative spaces, loft projects, roof tours, and other popular entertainments and art locations.
Almost all cultural institutions in Saint Petersburg provide considerable discounts for students. On certain days of the week, you can get free admission to most museums, in particular, the State Hermitage Museum, the State Russian Museum and its branches, the Puppet Museum, the State Museum of the History of Religion, the Russian Museum of Ethnography, the Kunstkamera Museum, the Suvorov Museum.
Climate—changeable and humid
because of the blinding sun
The first snow usually falls in early November and lasts till mid-April. Due to high humidity, the outside temperature in winter is lower than that shown by a thermometer. Famous White Nights last from late May till early July.
Average temperature
- -6 °С in winter
- +22 °С in summer
How to get to Saint Petersburg
- Pulkovo International Airport is located within the city boundaries, 15 km from the center of Saint Petersburg. It receives planes from Russia, Europe, and Asia.
- You get to Saint Petersburg from Moscow from all airports, except Zhukovsky. Travel time is 1 hour 30 minutes, the economy class fare is 1,400 RUB and more.
- Train: travel time is 8-9 hours, the economy class fair is around 1,000 RUB.
- The fastest train, Sapsan, will bring you to the city in 4 hours, the fare is 2,500 RUB and more.
- Bus: travel time is 9-12 hours, the fare is 1,100— 1,500 RUB.
Tourist attractions
St.Isaac's Square is one of the most beautiful and famous squares in Saint Petersburg. Its ensemble includes Saint Isaac's Cathedral, the Monument to Nickolas I, Mariinsky Palace, administrative buildings, hotels, the Blue Bridge over the Moyka River. The square is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Palace Square has a few historical and architectural landmarks. Among them are the former residence of Russian emperors—Winter Palace, the Small Hermitage, the New Hermitage, the General Staff building with Triumphal Arch, the Alexander Column dedicated to the Russian victory in the war with Napoleon's France. The square is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Senate Square is one of the city’s oldest architectural centers. On the north side, it looks out on Neva. You can see Saint Isaac's Cathedral behind Alexander Garden on the south side. The Senate Building and the Synod Building are on the west side, and the Admiralty is on the east side. Bronze Horseman, the monument to Russian emperor Peter the Great, is a calling card of the square and a symbol of the city.
