Russia_St. Petersburg
1. Must-See
St. Petersburg: The Hermitage Museum
The Hermitage Museum is one of
the most important sights to see for any visitor to St. Petersburg. Galleries
upon galleries of old masters are located within the sumptuous interior of the
Hermitage. Prepare to come face-to-face with classic Western artists, and be
introduced to treasures from the East.
2. St.
Petersburg Sights: Peter and Paul Fortress
The location of one of Russia's
most famous historical prisons, the Peter and Paul Fortress is a definite
must-see St. Petersburg sight. There is plenty to see at the Peter and Paul
Fortress, including the Prison Museum and the Peter and Paul Cathdral. Purchase
a ticket to see the fortress, and have access to most of the complex's
attractions.
3. St.
Petersburg Sight: The Catherine Palace
The Catherine Palace, also known
as the Summer Palace or Tsarskoe Selo, is part of a gorgeous complex of parks,
guest houses, and the blue-and-gold palace itself. Visitors often feel
breathtaken at how Russia's royalty once lived. Every inch of the Catherine
Palace speaks of luxury. The interior of the Catherine Palace is open to
visitors . . . lots of visitors. Peak tourist season may not be the best time to
see the Catherine Palace, but even if you must go when crowds are high, this is
one of St. Petersburg most amazing must-see sights.
4. St. Petersburg Sights: Peterhov
Another palace complex, Peterhof
is as beautiful as it is fun. You'll be charged for admission, but go to
Peterhof when the fountains are working - during the day in the summer (these
are shut off in winter as well as in the evenings any other time). Gaining
access to building interiors may require the purchase of more tickets. You may
feel that visiting Peterhof is expensive if you want to view each of its
components, but a trip to this playground of the tsars will be well worth it.
5. St.
Petersburg Sights: Kizhi Island
Kizhi Island is an open-air
museum of wooden architecture from the Karelia Region of Russia. These
impressive structures are made entirely without nails - the wood fits together
with joints and grooves. Most photographed on Kizhi Island is the 17th century
Church of the Transfiguration, which boasts 22 onion domes in the Russian style.
6. St. Petersburg Sights: The Russian Museum
St. Petersburg was founded by
Peter the Great to be Russia's "window to the West." That's why it may
be surprising that St. Petersburg's Russian Museum holds one of the largest
collections of Russian art in the world. View Russian art creations through the
ages, from Byzantine-style icons to the Socialist Realism of Stalin's era.
7. St.
Petersburg Sights: Church of Our Savior on the Spilt Blood
Love it or hate it, the Church of
Our Savior on the Spilt Blood in St. Petersburg is an enthralling must-see
sight. The exterior may satisfy your desire for sparkle, but the interior of the
church will wow as well. The interior of the Church on the spilt Blood is
covered in mosaics that mimic paintings of famous Russian artists. While the
entry fee might seem quite high (over 8 USD), you'll be glad you took the time
to visit one of St. Petersburg's biggest draws.
8. St.
Petersburg Sights: The Bronze Horseman Statue
The so-called Bronze Horseman is
a part of Russian culture and a symbol of St. Petersburg. Made famous by
Alexander Pushkin, this statue of Peter the Great sitting astride his horse is
representative of Peter the Great's impact on the Russian idea of greatness. The
Bronze Horseman is placed upon the "Thunder Stone," which was dragged
from far away and shaped to form the base of this memorial.
9. St. Petersburg Sights: Lazarus and Tikhvin
Cemetaries
The Lazarus and Tikhvin
Cemetaries are where some of Russia's most famous artists, composers, and
writers are buried. The memorials are beautiful and sometimes bizarre, so bring
your camera.
10. St. Petersburg Sights: Boat Tour
Boat tours in St. Petersburg will
give you an hour of sighseeing while sitting down. There are two basic routes -
one that takes you on the main Neva River, and one that takes you on the smaller
canals and the Fontanka. By night or by day, boat tours in St. Petersburg will
give you and overview of some of St. Petersburg's must-see sights.
St Petersburg, Russian Federation Average Weather
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| Month | Average Sunlight (hours) | Temperature | Discomfort from heat and humidity | Relative humidity | Average Precipitation (mm) | Wet Days (+0.25 mm) | ||||
| Average | Record | |||||||||
| Min | Max | Min | Max | am | pm | |||||
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| Jan | 0 | -13 | -7 | -32 | 3 | - | 86 | 84 | 35 | 21 |
| Feb | 2 | -12 | -5 | -33 | 3 | - | 81 | 73 | 30 | 17 |
| March | 4 | -8 | 0 | -26 | 12 | - | 85 | 70 | 31 | 14 |
| April | 5 | 0 | 8 | -13 | 20 | - | 79 | 65 | 36 | 12 |
| May | 8 | 6 | 15 | -4 | 27 | - | 69 | 57 | 45 | 13 |
| June (expected) | 10 | 11 | 20 | 2 | 29 | - | 68 | 53 | 50 | 12 |
| July | 9 | 13 | 21 | 5 | 33 | - | 75 | 61 | 72 | 13 |
| Aug | 8 | 13 | 20 | 1 | 31 | - | 79 | 61 | 78 | 14 |
| Sept | 5 | 9 | 15 | -2 | 29 | - | 86 | 68 | 64 | 17 |
| Oct | 2 | 4 | 9 | -8 | 18 | - | 88 | 78 | 76 | 18 |
| Nov | 1 | -2 | 2 | -18 | 12 | - | 89 | 85 | 46 | 18 |
| Dec | 0 | -8 | -3 | -23 | 5 | - | 88 | 86 | 40 | 22 |