St Petersburg – The Truths & Trivia
Just a little fun...
So this post is our light-hearted view of St Petersburg, Russia.
It has some of the interesting stuff, a few trivial facts, and our thoughts on the city.
Quick Links
Let’s start with the Truths about St Petersburg
Why not visit Russia's gateway to the West?Location
The 3 C's
Continent
Eurasia (or Europe & Asia)
Country
Russia
Capital
Moscow
St Petersburg sits on the far west of Russia, just a 100 miles (160km) from the Finnish border. It’s home to the world famous Hermitage museum, and is considered the most westernised city within Russia.
The focal area for a mini-break though will be the Palace Square. A central point next to the Hermitage museum.
National Flag
Regional Flag
It’s good to talk
What speaks?
Language
Russian, English generally good in the tourist hot-spots.
International Dialling Code
+7
Currency
The Ruble ₽ (RUB)
What Time?
Timezone
Moscow Time (MSK)
Difference from UTC
+3 Hours
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Travel Reading
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So what's this Trivia then?
What's it famous for, and what's there to do.Did you know?
- It’s the birthplace of Vladimir Putin.
- It has had 3 names: St Petersburg (1703-1914 & 1991-present), Petrograd (1914-1924) & Leningrad (1924-1991).
- Was the Imperial capital of Russia twice (1713–1728 and 1732–1918)
- The Russian revolution of 1905, and the October Revolution of 1917 started in St Petersburg.
It's famous for...
Food and Drink
Vodka
Of course, that goes without saying. It's worth visiting the Vodka museum. In the same building dine on fine Russian cuisine at Russian Vodka Room №1, and take your pick from the wide selection of Vodkas (over 200 available)
Stroganoff
That world famous dish of sliced beef sauteed with onions and finished with soured cream.
Blini
These pancakes, served with soured cream and caviar – worth a try.
Pelmeni
These minced meat ‘ravioli’ dumplings are superb, you’ve got to try them if meat’s your thing. Served with … No prizes for guessing here.
Varenyky
Or Peirogi. Another form of dumpling, can be sweet or savory – Gary had dark, sour, cherry filled ones which went down well.
Borscht
Deep red beetroot based soup. Served here with the addition of beef, and of course soured cream.
See and Do
Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood
Stunning church in a similar style to St Basil’s in Moscow.
Palace Square
Great open space from which to explore St Petersburg in all directions.
The Hermitage
The world famous museum – we didn’t allow enough time to dedicate to exploring its treasures.
St. Peter’s & St. Paul’s fortress
Zayachy Island contains the fortress, and the catherdral. There’s also a beach – now that surprised us.
Nevsky Prospect
Home to Gostinyy dvor, the Singer building, various churches, cathedrals & palaces and crosses numerous canals & rivers, including the Anichkov Bridge across the Fontanka river.
A river cruise
No better way to take the weight off your feet and see Saint Petersburg from the water.
The churches & cathedrals of St Peterburg are stunning, strolling the streets is so rewarding and the bridges & waterways lend support to St Petersburg's unofficial tag of the 'Venice of the North'.
Movies & Music
James Bond: Goldeneye
Remember Pierce Brosnan's first outing as 007? and remember that famous tank chase? Well that was set in St Petersburg. The good news is that the city has had a decent lick of paint since 1995.
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Again Gary, I'm not a Russian music buff.
If you mention Russian music I immediately think of Tchaikovsky, and 3 pieces spring to mind the 1812 Overture, Swan Lake & The Nutcraker. All fabulous pieces.
Pet Shop Boys
Now this is tenuous – over to Gary
The Pet Shop Boys 1985 hit, 'West End Girls', contains the line "From Lake Geneva to the Finland Station", Well the Finland Station in question is in St Petersburg, and that line references Vladimir Lenin's route back into Russia to take a leading role in the October Revolution in 1917.
And our thoughts on Saint Petersburg
(Would we return? Is it good value? And did we feel the love?)Return-a-bility
or What are the chances of us revisiting?
(0% - You'll have to drag us over hot coals to go back 100% - Why am I not there now?)
Notes:
We would like to return, potentially dedicate a chunk of time to the Hermitage (careful planning to avoid the worst of the crowds). St Petersburg in winter looks stunning, so maybe something as a post Christmas trip. (We need to remember Russia celebrates Christmas later as it follows the Julian calendar for religious celebrations).
Value for Money
Our value for money index.
Don't forget we're Londoners, and that means our baseline is quite high.
(0% - How much? I wanted to buy a drink, not the bar 100% - How much? I'll take two.)
Notes:
Prices seem to be on par with London in 2014, but we are aware that the exchange rate has fluctuated making slightly more expensive now. The architecture is stunning, and walking the streets is free.
Getting around town
What's it like discovering the city?
Is it walkable? do you need to use public transport? did we leave with weary feet?
(0% - It's mountainous and public transport's a joke 100% - I'm in paradise.)
Notes:
We enjoyed discovering Saint Petersburg on foot, but you could get a hop-on/hop-off bus to explore the sights. We'd also recommend a boat trip on the canals - it gives you another perspective of this fantastic city.
Our Gadgets
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Janis's Hi's & Lo's
Highlight
I know there is a pattern forming here, but it has to be the colourful architecture. Palace Square and the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood stand out as particular examples.
Lowlight
Organising the Visa’s prior to departure.
Gary's Hi's & Lo's
Highlight
Without wishing to sound like a broken record, it has to be the architecture. Simply stunning.
Lowlight
Our fault really – we struggled to find a decent bar whilst out walking. On returning home we found some bars with nondescript exteriors, that hid wonderful interiors, we wandered by because we didn’t understand cyrillic, or Russian for a bar.
Our Gift ideas
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Inspired to visit St Petersburg, Russia?
Does the architechture tempt you? would you like to see visit the Hermitage Museum? There is so much to see & do in this vibrant city.
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