Russia Travelers Recommend

As the backdrop to some of the most dramatic events of the 20th century, it comes as no surprise that Moscow is packed full of history and intrigue. Three days in Russia’s capital give you time to see Moscow’s most-important landmarks and explore further afield on a day trip. Here’s how. 

Day 1: Historic Landmarks

Spend your first day in Moscow getting your bearings. Walking tours orient you in the historic city center and tend to cover top sights such as Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral, the Kremlin, Lenin’s tomb, and the striking GUM shopping arcade. Many sightseeing tours take you to the elegant Bolshoi, home to the famed Russian ballet company, with some even including a tour its interior. Alternatively, taking a hop-on hop-off bus tour allows you to set your own itinerary and pace—some options include a cruise on the River Moskva.

In the evening, sample some of Moscow’s fine dining options before hitting the town and checking out the nightclub scene. Like New York, Moscow is a city that never sleeps. You can also join a nightlife tour that takes you to some of the city’s buzziest hot spots—this way you avoid the risk of falling for overpriced tourist traps.

Day 2: Art and Architecture

Having glimpsed the Kremlin from the outside, spend your second morning exploring the inside of the former residence of Russian emperors. Book a tour that includes a skip-the-line or priority-access admission ticket in order to avoid lines and enter before the general public.

Afterward, make your way to the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts to check out some of the best European art in Russia, or to the Tretyakov Gallery, where you’ll find the world’s most comprehensive collection of Russian art and icons. Be sure to squeeze in a tour of some of Moscow’s most impressive yet unexpected art spaces—Metro stations. Thanks to the Soviet’s architectural ambitions, the stations are opulently decked out with chandeliers, mosaics, and sculptures; a tour lets you tick off the best with ease. 

In the evening, opt for the quintessential Russian experience: an opera or ballet performance at the historic Bolshoi Theater. 

Day 3: Back in Time

On your third day, take a journey back in time on a tour to an ancient summer home for Russian princes, the Kolomenskoye Museum and Reserve. Southeast of Moscow, the site features the first open-air museum of wooden architecture in Russia. Visiting as part of a guided tour lets you skip the hassle of figuring out bus timetables—ideal if you don’t read Russian. Tours typically include hotel transfers.

Back in Moscow, round out your trip on a specialized evening walking tour. Options include a Communist-themed tour that focuses on the history and legacy of the Soviet-era, and takes you to landmarks such as the former KGB building and Revolution Square, site of the 1917 revolution. Or, join an alternative tour focused on the city’s sinister past. You’ll hear lesser-known stories about sorcerers and murderers as you visit places such as Khitrovka, 19th-century home of Moscow’s criminals.

Northeast of Moscow, the picturesque towns of the Golden Ring trace their histories to the early days of the Russian Orthodox Church. Whether you have a day or more to explore their beautiful kremlins, ancient monasteries, and onion-domed churches, here are your options.

Full-Day Tours

Make the most of your time by taking a full-day private tour to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Vladimir and Suzdal, two of the most charming towns in the Golden Ring. Alternatively, spend the day with a private tour guide in Sergiev Posad, visiting the famous Trinity Lavra Monastery and stopping at the 19th-century Abramtsevo Estate on your way back to Moscow.

Multi-Day Tours

Take a deep dive into Russian history and Russian culture by taking a multi-day tour that includes stops in up to seven ancient towns in the Golden Ring. Enjoy city tours of areas such as Vladimir, Suzdal, Kostroma, Yaroslavl, Rostov-Veliky, Pereyaslavl-Zalessky, and Sergiev Posad, and enjoy overnight stays in some of these fascinating cities. With a pre-booked guided tour, you won’t have to worry about the hassle of transportation or planning this extended trip.

Things to Know

• Both full-day and multi-day tours depart from and return to centrally located Moscow hotels.

• Sergiev Posad is just over an hour's drive from Moscow, Vladimir is a 3-hour drive, and Suzdal is 3.5 hours away by road.

• Tours typically include the opportunity to try traditional Russian cuisine, usually at your own expense.

• Full-day trips generally last nine to 14 hours.

One of the best times to visit St. Petersburg is during White Nights, when the sun never really sets and the city comes alive with festivals and concerts. A boat cruise is a great way to experience this magical time—here's what you need to know.

What are the White Nights?

For about 80 days from May to July, St. Petersburg experiences the White Nights, enjoying late sunsets and early sunrises, with twilight lasting throughout the night. It’s one of the most popular times of the year to visit Russia, allowing travelers to take advantage of extra daylight.

Ways to Experience the White Nights

• Take a midnight cruise to see the Palace Bridge and more than a dozen other illuminated drawbridges get raised over the Neva River.

• Visit the Russian Vodka Museum for a vodka tasting, followed by an evening canal cruise through the city.

• Take a boat trip down the Neva River to Peterhof Palace, famous for its hundreds of ornate fountains.

• Enjoy views of the Yusupov Palace, Anichkov Palace, St. Isaac’s Cathedral, and the famous Winter Palace, home to the Hermitage Museum, as you cruise along the Neva, Moyka, and Fontanka rivers.

• Join a St. Petersburg cruise with an art historian tour guide to learn about the city’s history and architecture, or pair your experience with a city tour.

Things to Know

• Tours may depart from and return to your hotel or a central location in St. Petersburg, such as the Nevsky Prospect area.

• Most boat tours last two to three hours.

• On-board guides provide commentary about the landmarks passed during night cruises.

Soviet history comes alive in Moscow, once the capital of the Soviet Union and the region’s heart for hundreds of years. Here’s what you need to know about uncovering the city’s Soviet past in various Moscow history tours.

Space Tours

Learn about the space race with a visit to the Museum of Cosmonautics, located at the base of a monument to the Conquerors of Space, followed by a stop at VDNKh, or the Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy. A longer tour may include a stop at the Mosquarium, the largest aquarium in Europe.

Cold War Tours

Join a fascinating tour that provides insight into how World War II (known as the Great Patriotic War in Russia) affected the Soviet Union. Travel by Metro to visit the Museum of the Great Patriotic War, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Alexander Garden, and a monument to the head of the Soviet Army. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a tour of Bunker 42, a former secret Soviet bunker located below the streets of Moscow that now serves as a museum to the Cold War.

Communism Tours

Take an evening city tour and stroll around notable buildings and squares including a memorial to Soviet labor camp prisoners, Revolution Square, Lubyanka Square, and the former KGB headquarters. You might also take a tour to Lenin's Mausoleum or of the Kremlin and Red Square.

Soviet Life Tours

Take a private tour to get a taste of life in Soviet Moscow. Travel by the Moscow Metro to historic sites such as VDNKh, the Central Moscow Library, the Christ the Savior Cathedral, Red Square, and the famous GUM department store, then join your tour guide for lunch or dinner at the notable Stolovka 54 diner. Alternatively, take a late-night Metro and Stalin skyscrapers tour to enjoy the beauty of Moscow's metro stations and other Soviet era architecture without the crowds.

As a city that has been around for more than 800 years, Moscow has plenty of history. Tucked beneath steel and glass skyscrapers, historic sights can be found throughout Russia's capital. Here are a few sights in Moscow that shouldn't be missed.

The Kremlin

The Moscow Kremlin has been the political center of the city for centuries and remains the official residence of the Russian president today. Take a tour to hear the history and expert narration on its several cathedrals, Ivan the Great Bell Tower, and the Armoury, which displays the Imperial Crown of Russia, the Orlov (or Orloff) Diamond, and a collection of Faberge eggs.

Red Square

Sitting adjacent to the Kremlin, Red Square has long held a significant place in Russian history, first as a marketplace and later as a popular site for public proclamations and ceremonies, religious processions and coronations. Surrounding Red Square, you’ll find the famous GUM department store, St. Basil’s Cathedral, the Kazan Cathedral, the State Historical Museum and Lenin’s Mausoleum. Most Moscow highlight tours include a stop here.

St. Basil’s Cathedral

Built to celebrate Ivan the Terrible’s conquest of Kazan, St. Basil’s Cathedral may be one of the most iconic sites in Russia. With its colorful façade and onion-shaped domes, the cathedral is completely unique in Russian history. You’ll hear more about it on a small-group or private walking tour of the city.

State Historical Museum of Russia

The State Historical Museum traces centuries of Russian history from the Stone Age through the 19th century. It boasts more than four million objects, including the largest coin collection in Russia, a Greek sarcophagus from the 4th century BC, gold artifacts from the Scythians and a replica of the Ivan the Terrible’s throne.

Kitay Gorod neighborhood

The neighborhood adjacent to Red Square known as Kitay Gorod is one of the oldest quarters in Moscow, settled in the 13th century. Stroll along the three main streets of Kitay Gorod to see a variety of 16th and 17th century churches, as well as the Romanov house, built by the grandfather of Mikhail Romanov, the first of the Romanov tsars. See it on the Alternative Moscow tour, which focuses on the spooky and sinister side of the city.

With three days in St. Petersburg, you have enough time to visit all the must-see sights, and tailor your itinerary to suit your interests. Take advantage of money-saving passes and combo tours, explore the city’s many museums, and experience Russian culture. Here are some ideas.

Day 1: Sightseeing in the city

St. Petersburg’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed city center is full of historic monuments and architectural marvels. To make the most of your time, opt to explore with a guide, or take a hop-on hop-off bus tour that lets you pick and choose the attractions that interest you most.

Spend the morning admiring the gigantic art collection of the State Hermitage Museum, including masterpieces by artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Picasso, and Rembrandt. Queues are notoriously long, so be sure to book skip-the-line tickets and don’t miss the gardens, where you’ll find the beautiful Winter Palace.

Next, visit Palace Square and perhaps do some shopping along Nevsky Prospekt, before visiting the magnificent Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood. The St. Nicholas Naval Cathedral, Kazan Cathedral, and Peter and Paul’s Cathedral are all popular photo stops, as is the Yusupov Palace, known as the spot where Rasputin was assassinated.

Day 2: Pushkin and Peterhof

Two of Russia’s most extravagant imperial palaces lie just outside St. Petersburg, and you can visit both on a full-day tour. Start with a guided tour of the 18th-century Catherine Palace in Pushkin, the former summer residence of Catherine I. Inside, the star attraction is the opulent Amber Room, a visual feast of amber panels, gold leaf, and mirrors, while the vast parklands are dotted with pretty pavilions and grottoes.

In the afternoon, visit Peterhof Palace, which was designed by Peter the Great in the 18th century and is nicknamed the Russian Versailles. A tour of the Grand Palace includes a look at the Throne Room, the Ballroom, and the Crown Room, while the idyllic gardens run right down to the seafront. The most impressive view is from the Fountain of Neptune, gazing down along the Grand Cascade.

Day 3: Experience Russian Culture

The Hermitage isn’t the only world-renowned museum in St. Petersburg; the Russian Museum is a must for fans of Russian art, while the Fabergé Museum is home to the legendary Fabergé Eggs. Or you could explore another mainstay of Russian culture with a visit to the Museum of Russian Vodka.

Spend the afternoon enjoying a quintessentially Russian experience: Visit the Yamskiye Baths to enjoy a traditional Russian sauna, learn to cook classic Russian dishes with a private cooking class, or have fun painting your own Matryoshka (nesting) dolls.

For your final evening in St. Petersburg, enjoy an unforgettable night at the ballet. The Mariinsky Theatre and Hermitage Theatre are among Russia’s most prestigious venues and hold regular performances of favorites like The Nutcracker and Swan Lake.

A two-day trip to Moscow offers the chance to see the most important sites of the Russian capital and also get a sense of the political history that has shaped it. From exploring a former emperor’s palace to following in the KGB’s footsteps, here’s how to spend two days in Moscow.

Day 1: Explore the City and Its Past

**Morning:**Start your first day with a walking tour of Moscow’s most important landmarks, including Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral, the Kremlin, and the Bolshoi building. Alternatively, a hop-on hop-off bus tour allows you to create a wider-ranging itinerary, spending as long as you wish at each stop.

**Afternoon:**Go underground to discover some of Moscow’s most beautiful art spaces on a guided tour of the city’s Metro stations. A legacy of an ambitious architectural project of the Soviet era, the stations are opulently decked out with chandeliers, mosaics, stained glass, and sculptures.

**Night:**Get a taste of local Muscovite life on a nightlife tour in one of Moscow’s hippest districts. You can make new friends, drink Russian liquor, and taste typical snacks as your guide takes you to some of the city’s buzziest hotspots and to locals’ favorite watering holes. 

Day 2: Discover Different Perspectives

**Morning:**Delve into the opulent depths of the Kremlin, the former residence of Russian emperors, on a guided tour of the building’s architectural highlights. If you book a tour with priority access, you can avoid the lines by entering at the earliest admission time.

**Afternoon:**See Moscow from a different perspective with an afternoon cruise on the Moskva River that offers views of the Kremlin, Novodevichy Convent, Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, and Moscow State University—all without the hassle of navigating the crowds. Tours often include hot drinks and snacks.

**Night:**Unravel myths and misperceptions as you learn about the political history of Moscow’s Soviet era on a guided tour to landmarks associated with this turbulent era, including the former KGB building, a memorial to Soviet labor camp prisoners, and Revolution Square, the site of the 1917 Bolshevik revolution.

The picturesque town of Sergiev Posad grew out of one of Russia's greatest monasteries, the Trinity Lavra Monastery. It makes for a great day trip from Moscow and can also be combined with visits to other Golden Ring towns as part of a multi-day tour. Here are your options.

Group Tours

Join a small-group tour for the drive from Moscow to Sergiev Posad, where you’ll learn about the spiritual and historical importance of the 14th-century town while seeing sights like the Trinity Lavra Monastery (also known as the Troitse-Sergiev Monastery), the Trinity Cathedral, and the Assumption Cathedral. You’ll save money with a group tour and meet other travelers from around the world. If you have a few more days, join a multi-day group tour that also visits other Golden Ring towns such as Suzdal, Vladimir and Rostov-Veliky.

Private Tours

Join a private guide to take the train or bus from Moscow to Sergiev Posad to tour the Trinity Lavra Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With a flexible itinerary, you might also see traditional matryoshka dolls at the Toy Museum, visit the Abramtsevo artists’ estate, or stop for a traditional lunch of Russian cuisine and dishes such as blini, solyanka, Olivier salad, or pirozhki. Other private tour options travel by car rather than bus and might include a matryoshka painting class or candle-making lesson.

Things to Know

• Sergiev Posad is about an hour’s drive from Moscow, although it may take longer due to heavy traffic.

• A seminary of the Russian Orthodox Church is still located within Sergiev Posad’s Trinity Lavra Monastery, so don’t be surprised to see priests in prayer or pilgrims lighting candles to St. Sergius.

• Both private and group tours last about seven to 10 hours.

• Women should be prepared to cover their heads when visiting the monastery.

St. Petersburg is full of magnificent palaces, historic landmarks, and famous museums—in fact, there are so many that you need a good few days just to cover the highlights.  

To save hours of waiting, secure skip-the-line tickets to the most popular sights, which include the Peterhof Grand Palace, the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, and the Catherine Palace; book guided tours of the Hermitage Museum and Faberge Museum for deeper insight in Russian history; or set sail on a boat cruise along the Neva River. For an unforgettable evening, attend a Russian ballet or folk show at one of the city’s most prestigious venues, or immerse yourself in Russian culture with a traditional dinner or a guided vodka tasting.

See below for our top picks and experiences that you can't miss in St. Petersburg.

As Russia’s former capital, St. Petersburg is an ideal jumping-off point for visiting some of the country’s must-see imperial sights and historical towns. From the lavish Peterhof to Pushkin’s baroque Catherine Palace and even mighty Moscow, here are our top picks for day trips from St. Petersburg.

Pushkin (Tsarskoe Selo) and the Catherine Palace – about 19 miles (30 kilometers) away

Just south of St. Petersburg, Pushkin, also known as Tsar’s Village (Tsarskoe Selo), was a summer base for Russia’s rulers. Its star turn is Catherine Palace, an 18th-century blue-and-white baroque residence built for Catherine I, distinctive for its lavish interiors and dazzling Amber Room. The palace is a popular road or rail day trip from St. Petersburg, often combined with a visit to nearby Pavlovsk Palace.

Peterhof Palace – about 24 miles (39 kilometers) away

Commissioned by Peter the Great and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this series of palaces and parks is sometimes dubbed the “Russian Versailles” for its beauty. Just west of St. Petersburg, the complex centers on the Grand Palace—a onetime summer royal residence—and its fountain-studded gardens. The complex’s proximity to St. Petersburg makes it easy to visit on day trips by hydrofoil, boat, or road; some tours also include a visit to Pushkin.

Pavlovsk Palace – about 22 miles (35 kilometers) away

Fringing Pushkin, the 18th-century Pavlovsk Palace and Park was built by Catherine the Great for her son, Paul I. Tours focus on the palace’s opulent interiors—in striking contrast to the plain, neoclassical exterior—and the landscaped gardens, with their streams, copses, and follies. Some day trips also incorporate a visit to Pushkin.

Veliky Novgorod – about 149 miles (240 kilometers) away

Russia’s oldest city, Veliky Novgorod straddles the River Volkhov and boasts many medieval sites, making it ideal for history buffs. In and around the historical center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stand Russia’s earliest Kremlin—housing the 11th-century Cathedral of St. Sophia—and gems such as the riverside St. George’s Monastery.

Moscow – about 440 miles (708 kilometers) away

With sights ranging from Red Square to the Kremlin, Moscow is a must for those wanting to cover another of Russia’s great cities while in St. Petersburg. With just a day to spare, it’s best to explore with a tour guide on a high-speed rail trip—the most convenient way to visit in a day—to ensure you see the highlights with ease.

Few capital cities have seen such dramatic changes over the past century than Moscow, with a cityscape that reflects the architectural legacies of czars, communists, and oligarchs. With just one day here, you’re going to want to see as much as possible. Here are a few ways to spend one day in Russian capital.

Morning: Take in the City’s Sights

Get acquainted with Moscow’s most important sights—many of which are in the center of the city and within easy walking distance. Private or group walking tours can take you to Red Square to see St. Basil’s Cathedral, the Kremlin, and Lenin’s tomb, and to see the Bolshoi building and Alexandrovsky Garden. Hop-on, hop-off bus tours include additional stops at attractions farther afield, such as Red October Island and the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, while allowing you to set your own itinerary and pace. Some also include an optional cruise on the Moskva River.

Afternoon: Delve Deeper

Now that you’ve seen Moscow’s world-famous landmarks, go underground to discover works of art in unlikely settings: metro stations. During the communist era, the design of Moscow’s metro stations was an ambitious project meant to project a bright, bold Soviet future. Today you can learn about the extravagant decor, chandeliers, mosaics, stained glass, and sculptures by joining a guided tour.

Alternatively, you can get a different perspective on Soviet idealism, specifically their pursuit of dominance during the space race, with a private tour of the Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics and VDNKh park, home to many monuments to heroic Soviet astronauts.

Night: Soak up the Scene

You have time for one last tour before leaving Moscow and have several nighttime options. History buffs can learn more about Moscow’s Soviet era, often shrouded in myth and misunderstanding, with a guided tour designed to explain those turbulent times. Many evening tours will take you to landmarks associated with the era, including the former KGB building and Revolution Square, site of the 1917 revolution.

Another option is to join a nightlife tour that visits the most buzzworthy hotspots and under-the-radar locals’ haunts in one of Moscow’s hippest neighborhoods. These tours typically include drinks and snacks.

The majesty of the former Russian empire is on full display in the city of St. Petersburg, where canals, rivers, and splendid architecture set the scene for romance. If you’re visiting the city with your special someone, here are a few ways to dial up the romance.

Dine on Imperial Cuisine

St. Petersburg’s fine dining restaurants are undeniably romantic, so eat like a tsar as you treat yourselves to an evening of imperial cuisine.

Spend a Night at the Ballet

Russia is famous the world over for its ballet, and you shouldn’t leave St. Petersburg without seeing a performance. Catch a production of Swan Lake at a palatial imperial theater, or spend your evening in the magnificent Mariinsky Theater for a show.

Cruise the Neva River

St. Petersburg is nicknamed the Venice of the North for good reason. Find out by cruising along the Neva River. Take a midnight excursion to watch the drawbridges open and close during a White Night, or opt for a jazz dinner cruise in the evening hours.

Fly High Over Pushkin

Kick off a day of romance in St. Petersburg with a sunrise hot-air-balloon ride above the palaces, gardens, and lakes of Pushkin. Soak up the expansive bird’s-eye views before landing for a Champagne breakfast.

Winter temperatures in St. Petersburg can drop below freezing, but it’s worth braving the cold to see the city at its most enchanting—blanketed in snow. Here are some ideas for things to do in St. Petersburg this winter.

• Enjoy a winter sightseeing tour of St. Petersburg’s frozen canals, snow-coated palaces, and historic landmarks.
• Admire the city’s festive illuminations and shop for traditional gifts at the Christmas market on a holiday tour of St. Petersburg.
• Zip along snowy plains on a dog-pulled sled excursion.
• Escape the cold and head indoors for a tour of the Hermitage Museum or the Fabergé Museum.
• Warm yourself up with a guided vodka tasting at the Russian Vodka Museum.
• Attend a ballet performance of Swan Lake at the Hermitage Theater.
• See Pavlovsk Palace lit up with holiday lights and walk through the snow-covered Pavlovsk Park.
• Tuck into Russian blini (pancakes) over Maslenitsa (pancake week) in February, and then learn how to make them at a cooking class with a professional chef.
• Enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride around the royal parks of Yelagin Island.

Russia’s imperial capital offers cultural and historical wonders in spades, especially within the walls of its superb museums. Visitors come from far and wide to tour the Hermitage collection, but those who want to dig deeper into Russian culture should explore some of these top picks as well.

State Hermitage Museum

The largest art and cultural museum on the planet features a collection of some 3 million items, a small fraction of which are displayed throughout its 360 rooms. It’s one of the city’s star attractions and a must for any visitor.

**How to Visit:**Take a private tour of the collection led by a museum curator to gain access to the Diamond and Gold rooms.

State Russian Museum

One of the world’s largest collections of Russian art—some 400,000 pieces—lives within the walls of the State Russian Museum inside the grand Mikhailovsky Palace. The collection offers a lesson in Russian art history, with pieces dating back to the 10th century.

**How to Visit:**Book skip-the-line admission to enjoy more time exploring the collection within.

Fabergé Museum

This museum inside Shuvalov Palace celebrates the life and work of famed Russian jeweler Peter Carl Fabergé, best known for his dazzling decorative eggs. While the eggs are the star of the show, you’ll also find jewelry, silverware, porcelain, and a collection of Russian impressionist paintings.

**How to Visit:**Combine your visit to the museum with a half-day sightseeing tour of St. Petersburg.

Museum of Soviet Arcade Machines

One of the city’s more unusual collections features 50-some vintage arcade machines dating back to the Brezhnev era of the USSR. Admission to this family-friendly museum includes a stack of kopeck coins for operating the games.

**How to Visit:**Purchase admission online ahead of time so you won’t have to wait in line.

With more than six million annual visitors, St. Petersburg is no stranger to crowds, and wait times for top attractions can be long, especially in summer and early fall. From skip-the-line tickets and early access tours, to off-the-beaten-track attractions—here are our top tips to help you beat the crowds in St. Petersburg.

Plan Ahead

Ticket queues can take more than an hour for attractions such as the Hermitage Museum, Peterhof Palace, and State Russian Museum. Prebooking skip-the-line tickets helps you avoid the crowds, while early access tours grant entrance before anyone else. Plan which day you visit to avoid the crowds—for example, the Hermitage offers free entrance on the first Thursday of each month, but it’s by far the busiest time to visit.

Explore the City by Night

St. Petersburg is a 24-hour city with many shops staying open until 10pm and most restaurants and bars staying open much later. An evening sightseeing tour offers the best chance to enjoy an unobstructed view of the Winter Palace or the St. Peter and Paul Fortress. This is also the time to see St. Petersburg’s famous bridges rising—join a boat cruise or stroll around Neva Lake for the best views.

Get Walking

Despite its large size, St. Petersburg is pedestrian friendly, and all the central sights can be reached on foot. A half-day walking tour takes you from Nevsky Prospect to Palace Square, over to Vasilievsky Island and the Peter and Paul Fortress, before continuing to the Field of Mars. If you take the metro, avoid the main rush hours between 7 and 9am, and 5 and 7pm, when it can be unbearably crowded. 

Visit Out of Season

St. Petersburg can be bitterly cold in winter, but landmarks such as the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood and St. Isaac’s Cathedral are even more enchanting beneath a dusting of snow. Winter visitors benefit from far fewer crowds at the main attractions, plus you can enjoy seasonal activities such as a troika (horse-drawn carriage) ride through the snow. Just don’t forget your winter woollies.

Hire a Local Guide

First-time visitors to St. Petersburg won’t want to miss a tour of the Hermitage or a photo stop on Palace Square, but if you want to escape the throngs of travelers, take the time to discover some of the city’s less well-known sites. See the city from a different perspective on a rooftop tour; hire a local guide and uncover hidden gems; or visit quirky museums such as the Museum of Bread or the Museum of Soviet Arcade Games.

You’re never far from nature in St. Petersburg, one of Russia’s greenest cities. From the landscaped gardens of Peterhof to the urban greenery of Maritime Victory Park, here are our top picks of parks and gardens around Russia’s second city, including options for out-of-town trips.

Catherine Park

Once the summer residence of Catherine the Great, this 18th-century estate just outside St. Petersburg is a must-see for any first-time visitor. As well as a peek inside the ornate palace, tours typically include access to the wider park’s paths, ponds, and landscaped gardens—keep an eye out for the elaborate outdoor sculptures, pavilions, and monuments commissioned by the former empress herself.

Pavlovsk Park

If you like a spot of hiking with your history, don’t miss this 1,500-acre (607-hectare) park, encompassing deep forest, boating ponds, and the imperial residence of Paul I. Located on the outskirts of Pushkin, less than an hour from St. Petersburg, this 18th-century oasis is worth a full day’s attention—though if you’re tight on time, consider booking a combo tour to check it off along with neighboring Catherine Park.

Peterhof Park and Gardens

As Russia’s answer to the Palace of Versailles, the Peterhof boasts fanciful fountains, spectacular structures, and bountiful blooms over 500 acres (200 hectares) of outdoor space. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site between May and October to see the gardens in all their glory, taking advantage of early access packages to avoid the major crowds.

St. Petersburg Botanical Garden

No need to travel outside the city to be immersed in nature—you can discover flora from across the world in the St. Petersburg Botanical Garden, just north of the modern center. Join a greenhouse tour for an intimate glimpse of tropical and subtropical species, including giant water lilies, or take a relaxing stroll through the outdoor grounds to see perennial herb gardens and regional flora. 

Maritime Victory Park

Situated on Krestovsky Island, Maritime Victory Park offers a slice of seclusion in the city, making it a favorite among locals. The 600-acre (243-hectare) haven boasts bike-friendly paths, plus plenty of rest stops, play areas, and wildlife-laden lakes, making it a top choice for families—especially in winter, when the on-site amusement park opens its annual ice rink.

Summer Garden and Field of Mars

As symbols of St. Petersburg, these two parks feature on most city tours, with their close proximity making them a convenient sightseeing combo. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a romantic stroll along the statue-lined avenues of the Summer Garden toward the Neva River, nor the chance to visit the Field of Mars memorial—guided experiences are particularly useful here, as information in English is limited.

Russian cuisine is renowned for its hearty stews and rich flavors, generally accompanied by a glass of Russian vodka. St. Petersburg has a myriad of restaurants to tempt you, as well as gastronomic tours and cooking classes for a deeper dive into Russia’s culinary heritage. Whatever you choose, tuck into these must-try dishes.

Borscht

A hearty beetroot soup loaded with meat and vegetables, borscht is on most restaurant menus around the city. The blood-red soup hails from the Ukraine, and it’s best served cold with a spoonful of sour cream on top. 

Beef Stroganoff

You simply can’t visit Russia without tucking into a bowl of beef stroganoff, one of the country’s most famous exports. Enjoy the tender beef strips, mushrooms, and onions sautéed in a rich creamy sauce made with white wine, sour cream, and mustard over rice or noodles. 

Blini

Wafer-thin crepe-like pancakes made with buckwheat flour, blini are served for breakfast or as a sweet or savory treat. Load them up with fruit jams or syrup, or top with Russian caviar. 

Koryushka

Koryushka (smelt) are a St. Petersburg staple fished from the Neva River. They're particularly popular around spring. Try the fish lightly battered and fried with a variety of different sauces, or order a bowl of fish soup.

Pelmeni

You can’t visit St. Petersburg without sampling Russia’s national dish, pelmeni. The dumplings are typically made from minced meat and onions wrapped in unleavened dough—enjoy your pelmeni  with a dollop of sour cream or butter. 

Pirozhki

The quintessential street food snack, pirozhki are baked or fried pastries stuffed with a variety of fillings. Load up on meat, potato, and mushroom pirozhki, or opt for a sweet version, filled with apple or plum.

Having two days to spend in St. Petersburg gives you time to explore the UNESCO-listed city center and tour the magnificent imperial palaces. Planning ahead and prebooking skip-the-line tickets will help you maximize your time, while super-saver tours and combo deals can help you see more for your travel budget. Here are a few ideas.

Day 1: Art and Architecture

Morning: The State Hermitage Museum is one of the world’s largest art museums, with works by artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Picasso, and Rembrandt. Opting for a skip-the-line tour could save hours of waiting in line, and your guide can point out all the highlights. Don’t miss the beautiful gardens.

Afternoon: A guided city tour or hop-on hop-off bus tour will ensure you see all of St. Petersburg’s architectural marvels. Jump off to admire the Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood, St. Nicholas Naval Cathedral, and the Kazan Cathedral; stroll around Palace Square and the main boulevard of Nevsky Prospekt; and cross over to Zayachy Island to see Peter and Paul’s Cathedral.

Evening: Attend a ballet at one of the city’s prestigious venues—the Mariinsky Theatre and Hermitage Theatre are among the most renowned—and enjoy a spectacular performance of The Nutcracker or Swan Lake. For the best value, book a package that includes a preshow dinner and sample some typical Russian cuisine.

Day 2: Experience Imperial Russia

Morning: The 18th-century Catherine Palace in the nearby town of Pushkin is the former summer residence of Catherine I and was originally built to rival Versailles. A guided tour is the best way to explore, taking in highlights like the Grand Hall, the Amber Hall, and the stunning Catherine's Park.

Afternoon: Continue your second day with a visit to the magnificent Peterhof Palace. The enormous palace and gardens stretch all the way down to the seafront, and a walking tour of the Upper Garden and Lower Park affords fantastic views. Inside the Grand Palace, take a peek at the Throne Room, the Ballroom, and the Crown Room.

Night: Spend your final night in St. Petersburg hopping between the bars and clubs around Nevsky Prospect. After sampling the city’s nightlife, hop aboard a midnight sightseeing cruise and see the illuminated skyline at its most mesmerizing.

Russia's second-largest city and former imperial capital, St. Petersburg is full of lavish palaces, architectural marvels, and UNESCO-listed monuments. With just one day in St. Petersburg, it’s best to stick to the top attractions, which can easily fill up your itinerary. Here’s how to spend the perfect day in St. Petersburg.

Morning: Visit the Hermitage

Whether you choose to join a guided tour, explore independently on a hop-on hop-off bus tour, or hire a private guide, your sightseeing tour of St. Petersburg has to begin at the State Hermitage Museum. This is one of the world’s largest art museums, and you could spend the entire day admiring masterpieces by the likes of Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, and Renoir. With limited time, opt for an early access tour with skip-the-line admission and head inside before the crowds arrive.

After admiring the artworks, be sure to stroll around the beautiful gardens and take a peek at the Winter Palace. Walk all the way down to the waterfront for a stunning view across the Neva River toward the gleaming spires of Peter and Paul’s Cathedral on neighboring Zayachy Island.

Afternoon: Cathedrals and Monuments

Leaving the Hermitage, take a moment to explore Palace Square, the site of some of Russia’s most significant historic events, before visiting the Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood, famous for its elaborate architecture and colorful onion-shaped domes.

Admire the grand buildings along St. Petersburg’s main boulevard, Nevsky Prospekt, on the way to the Kazan Cathedral. Nearby, the 19th-century St. Isaac's Cathedral is another architectural delight; if time permits, climb the dome for a spectacular view over the city. Complete your tour of St. Petersburg’s most impressive cathedrals with a photo stop at the St. Nicholas Naval Cathedral with its striking powder-blue facade and gold domes.

Night: Watch a Ballet

Watching a ballet like The Nutcracker or Swan Lake in one of St. Petersburg’s magnificent theaters is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and it’s the perfect way to end your trip. Top theaters include the famous Mariinsky Theatre, the Hermitage Theatre, and Alexandrinsky Theatre, and an advance booking is highly recommended. For the best value, choose a tour that includes dinner and sample traditional Russian dishes such as shchi (cabbage soup) and pozharskaya (breaded) chicken.

The night doesn’t have to end there. You could also cram in some last-minute sightseeing on a midnight cruise of St. Petersburg and experience the illuminated city at its most magical.

Often touted as Russia’s cultural capital, St. Petersburg has enough historic masterpieces and world-famous museums to tempt even the most discerning art enthusiast. From the iconic Fabergé eggs to ground-breaking contemporary collections, here’s our pick of the must-see sites for art lovers in St. Petersburg.

The Hermitage—World-Famous Collection in a Royal Palace

Housed in the sumptuous Winter Palace, the permanent collection of the State Hermitage Museum features some three million works, making it one of the largest art museums in the world. Highlights include pieces by Michelangelo, Rubens, Rembrandt, and Picasso.

State Russian Museum—World’s Largest Russian Art Collection

Shining the spotlight on Russian masters such as Aivazovsky, Repin, Kustodiev, and Brullov, the State Russian Museum offers the most comprehensive collection of Russian art in the world, with works dating from the 10th to 20th century.

Erarta Museum of Contemporary Art—St. Petersburg’s Leading Contemporary Art Museum

Behind its Stalinist facade, the Erarta Museum of Contemporary Art showcases the country’s largest collection of Russian contemporary art and hosts an exciting roster of temporary exhibitions, film screenings, and cultural events. 

Fabergé Museum—Nine Fabergé Imperial Easter Eggs

The star attraction of the Fabergé Museum, which displays the opulent creations of legendary Russian jeweler Peter Carl Fabergé, is the series of nine imperial Easter eggs—of which only 44 exist in the world.  

General Staff Building—Impressionist Works from the Hermitage Collection

Visitors to the Hermitage Museum can also enjoy entrance to the neighboring General Staff Building. An architectural masterpiece designed by Carlo Rossi in the early 19th century, it’s home to the Hermitage’s collection of impressionist and postimpressionist works.

Metro Stations—Art Masterpieces Under the City

St. Petersburg’s subway stations are unlike any others. Constructed during the 20th century, the eight main stations are magnificent feats of architecture, featuring marble columns, chandeliers, elaborate mosaics, and bas-relief carvings.

After the long winter months, St. Petersburg wastes no time in celebrating the warmer temperatures. Whether you want to stroll through the royal parks, attend a spring festival, or take a day trip—here are some ideas for things to do in St. Petersburg this spring.

• Admire landmarks such as the Winter Palace and the Peter and Paul Fortress from the water as you cruise along the Neva River.
• Join the citywide celebrations and watch the fireworks displays and parades for Labor Day (May 1) and Victory Day (May 9).
• Attend a ballet performance at the famous Mariinsky Theatre during the annual International Ballet Festival.
• Make the most of the smaller spring crowds at attractions such as St. Isaac’s Cathedral, the Hermitage, and the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood.
• Take a day trip to Peterhof Grand Palace and gardens, and watch the fountain show, which starts up in May.
• Discover Russian cuisine in a cooking class with a professional chef.
• Visit the Catherine Palace and Pushkin Palace on a day tour and enjoy a guided walk around the palace gardens.

Summer is St. Petersburg’s high season. It's also when the sun shines nonstop for the city’s White Nights (late May to mid-July), allowing you to sightsee long into the night. Whether you want to explore the city sights, cruise the canals, or take a day trip—here are some ideas for things to do in St. Petersburg this summer.

• Escape the crowds and long queues at the Hermitage Museum with skip-the-line entrance and summer early access.
• See attractions such as the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, St. Isaac’s Cathedral, and the Peter and Paul Fortress on a walking or Segway tour of the city.
• Set sail on a midnight cruise and experience the White Nights of St. Petersburg from the water.
• Ride the hydrofoil ferry across the Gulf of Finland to visit the magnificent Peterhof Palace and park.
• Make your own itinerary and visit the sights at your own pace with a hop-on hop-off bus tour.
• Float over the Pushkin and Pavlovsk palaces and enjoy aerial views on a hot air balloon flight.
• Attend a Russian folk show at the Nikolaevsky Palace.
• See the city from a whole new perspective on a rooftop tour of St. Petersburg.

Russian poet Alexander Pushkin proclaimed St. Petersburg’s autumn—known as Golden Autumn for its golden-hued fall colors—the most beautiful time of year. With fewer crowds and lower prices, fall is a great time to travel to St. Petersburg. Here are some ideas for things to do in St. Petersburg this fall.

• Admire the colorful fall foliage on a walk around the Mikhailovsky Garden, Summer Garden, or Aleksandrovsky Garden.
• Explore the city sights at your own pace on a hop-on hop-off bus tour.
• Escape the cold weather on a metro tour of St. Petersburg and discover the grand architecture and magnificent mosaics of the city’s metro stations.
• Celebrate the start of St. Petersburg’s cultural season by attending a ballet at the Hermitage Theater or Mariinsky Theater.
• Set sail on a night cruise along the Neva River and see the city’s famous drawbridges in operation.
• As the weather gets cooler, warm up by visiting a traditional Russian bath.
• Learn to make Russian specialties such as borscht soup and beef stroganoff at a cooking class with a professional chef.