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The epicenter of Czarist Russia and regarded as the cultural capital of pre-soviet Russia, St. Petersburg provides an insight into the decadence that defined Russia and much of Eastern Europe before the first World War. With its heritage bound habits and extravagant architecture, St. Petersburg is the perfect place to indulge in Russia’s 19th century past and transition from Western European civilization to Russian culture and society. Experience something different and book your cheap student flight!

St Petersburg Pictures

Things to do in St Petersburg

The Hermitage Museum in the old Winter Palace is hard to miss, and a visit that shouldn’t be missed, plus students with a valid student ID can get in for free. Beyond the Hermitage, there are countless museums on various topics of Russian and international interest. Taking a canal boat tour is an absolute must in the warmer seasons, offering excellent views of the city. Opera and ballet have played a major part of the entertainment scene of St. Petersburg, consider seeing a performance at the historic Mariinksy Theater or have a more intimate (and less expensive) experience at the St. Petersburg Opera.

Nightlife in St Petersburg

St. Petersburg is a nightlife mecca, with venues to suit any taste in music or atmosphere. The Underground offers the unique experience of partying through the night at an exclusive nightclub in an abandoned bomb shelter, while The Other Side Bistro offers a more mellow environment to drink and eat with a healthy mix of foreigners and locals. No matter what your taste, be sure to ask around at your hostel or hotel and find out where the big events are. St. Petersburg also has what is considered one of the worlds best gay nightclubs: Central Station, though be careful if you do visit Central Station, St. Petersburg residents are not entirely tolerant of the homosexual lifestyle and are even known to have targeted homosexuals from time to time. Just be sure not to travel alone, and be aware of your surroundings.

Dining in St Petersburg

There are a ton of places to eat in St Petersburg, just be sure to try a Russian crepe with caviar, mushrooms and berries at some point during your visit. Teremok offers a uniquely russian experience being a chain of fast food restaurants specializing in Blini, but also offering salads and other simple dishes. To escape the tourists and experience some great Georgian food, visit Cafe Old Tbilisi on Vasilievsky Island. If fish eggs, and meat in general just isnt your thing, visit The Idiot, offering vegan and vegetarian options. St Petersburg will surprise you with the diversity of food offerings available.

Shopping in St Petersburg

Nevsky Prospekt is the major style and shopping epicenter for St. Petersburg with trendy cafes and restaurants dispersed among various shops. While Nevsky Prospekt is a unique experience, Apraksin Dvor is great for window shopping and people watching with a wide selection of shops offering what seems like endless options. If you want to pick up any random trinkets for friends or family, the Souvenirs Market behind the Church of the Savior is the place to start. With everything from nesting dolls to soviet military memorabilia, you will be sure to find something for everyone at the Souvenirs Market.

St Petersburg travel tips

• Getting a visa to visit Russia can be costly and time consuming, so plan ahead by applying for a visa a few months before you plan to travel to Russia.
• Do not take Gypsy cabs. They like to wait near bars frequented by tourists and are known to be particularly dangerous.
• Make sure to be on the side of the river that you are staying on at night, most of the bridges are drawn through the night, and you may have to wait until morning to cross the river back to your hotel or hostel.