Saint Petersburg, Russia

Why Go to Saint Petersburg

Essentially classy, inspiring Saint Petersburg is universally recognized as the second capital of Russia. It seems almost unbelievable for any other Russain city to be able to match the magnificence of the country's capital, but Saint Petersburg somehow managed to achieve the impossible. Both towns are overflowing with marvelous sights, offer a wide range of engaging activities to spice up your trip with and bost unique architecture. But when Moscow is bursting with life and radiates the megapolis vibes, Saint Petersburg seems to be filled with serenity.

Nestled on the shores of the River Neva, Saint Petersburg is believed to be the cultural heart of Russia. Its architecture is simply stunning. Initially, the city planners were trying to combine the grandeur of Venice, the charm of Amsterdam, and the enchantment of Vienna, and the result exceeded all expectations. Awash with scenic parks, fairytale palaces, striking cathedrals, and hundreds of bridges, Saint Petersburg is a place you don't want to miss during your Russia travel.

But jaw-dropping sceneries are not the only reason why thousands of people travel to Saint Petersburg every year. The city is home to thousands of unique historic landmarks, including the Winter Palace, Palace Embankment, Peter and Paul Fortress, Peterhof, and the Alexander Column, just to name a few. Both the magnificent Church of the Savior on Spilt Blood and the splendid St. Isaac's Cathedral are treasures of the city and a decent match to Moscow's Cathedral of St. Basil's. And, of course, no Saint Petersburg tour is complete without a visit to the Hermitage, listed among the best art museums in the world along with Louvre in Paris and the Prado museum in Madrid.

Of course, all mentioned above is far from being a full list of what Saint Petersburg has to offer you. The Venice of the North is full of surprises, and the only way to fully comprehend the splendor of the city is to come and see for yourself.