Welcome to St Petersburg, a city like no other. This gem of the North of Russia is one of the most culturally rich and historically significant cities in the world. It has been, and remains, an important global center of politics, science and the arts. St Petersburg's unique urban design, colorful architecture, vibrant nightlife, and abundance of cultural and historic sites combine to make it a must-see travel destination. From its magnificent palaces and canals to its stunning churches, bridges, and cathedrals, St Petersburg has endless wonders to explore. Learn about its glorious past and fascinating present, and be amazed by this stunning city on the banks of the Neva River.
Getting to Know St Petersburg
St. Petersburg is the second largest city in Russia, after Moscow. It is located on the Neva River, near the Gulf of Finland, in the Northwestern part of the country. It has a population of over 5.3 million people, making it the fourth most populated city in Europe.
St Petersburg is in the UTC+3 time zone (Eastern European Time).
The two official languages of St Petersburg are Russian and English. Other languages like Russian Sign Language, German and French are also commonly used.
The currency used in St Petersburg is the Russian Ruble.
Climate and Weather
St Petersburg is located in the northwest of Russia on the shore of the Gulf of Finland and Neva River. Due to its location, it has a humid continental climate. Summers in St Petersburg are warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from 17 to 25°C (62.6 to 77°F) and only one or two months reaching temperatures of over 30°C (86°F). Winters are cold and winters almost always have heavy snowfall. Temperatures in winter usually range between -3 and -5°C (26.6 and 23°F). It is also one of the cloudiest cities in Russia with an average of over 190 days of rainfall annually. The city is affected by strong winds, especially during the winter season when temperatures can feel much colder due to the combination of wind and snow. As the city is so close to the sea, spring and autumn are relatively mild with moderately warm temperatures.
Touring St Petersburg: Airport and Transportation
There are two airports in St Petersburg: Pulkovo Airport (LED) and BKF Airport (KKX).
You can get from Pulkovo Airport to downtown St Petersburg by taking the Pulkovo Airport Express train that takes 25 minutes and costs 43 Rubles one way. There is also the K1 airport mini-bus that takes ~40 minutes and costs 120 Rubles one way.
Money exchange at Pulkovo Airport is available on two locations located in the domestic and international terminals according to the airport website.
Exploring the Rich History and Culture of St Petersburg
- Established by Peter the Great in 1703, St Petersburg is known as the cultural capital of Russia. It is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to many of the country’s greatest museums and art galleries
- St Petersburg has a great history and culture, with numerous famous landmarks such as the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood and the State Hermitage Museum
- The city is also home to various cultural events such as the White Nights Festival, which celebrates the months of the year with a stunning show of lights and music
Dubai
Cape Town
Male
London
Windhoek
Honolulu
Paris
Seoul
Ottawa
Zanzibar
Harare