The Importance of Making an Itinerary
To visit St. Petersburg is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Since it is a huge city, it is important to plan ahead which St. Petersburg attractions you would want to explore. And for this, you need an itinerary.
You have to estimate the travel time to certain numerous attractions and be prepared for unforeseen circumstances, like weather conditions and traffic. You should also be aware of your expenses. You need to map your destinations and prioritize your wants. Also, you need to write down your essentials (clothes, medicines, gadgets, emergency numbers, etc.). All of these can be organized in an itinerary. And to travel to a historic city like St. Petersburg needs a well-thought-out plan.
St. Petersburg Travel Guide for a Hassle-Free Trip
People have different reasons why they travel. One may want to explore the world, the other may want to find oneself. But we all want one thing, and that is a hassle-free trip. To make this happen, a travel guide should come in handy.
You may want to surprise yourself, but you still need to do research. The place may have been recommended many times, but you still need to dig deeper to get to know more. It is important to be acquainted with the culture of the country, especially the do’s and don'ts.
Travel light. You would be walking most of the time, and a heavy bag could ruin your journey. Just bring the essential documents, gadgets, and light clothes. This way you can bring your bag with you always, and you do not need to worry about moving from one hotel to another.
Always make sure your gadgets are charged or bring an external battery pack, especially when you are traveling alone, so you can ask for help in case of emergencies or use your device to check a location.
Book everything ahead. From the plane tickets to a show you plan on watching to making reservations for a dinner date with a St. Petersburg woman, make sure you have confirmed your booking. It would be nice to arrive at a destination, and all you have been planning about are all in place, especially if you are going to visit St. Petersburg.
Top 5 Astounding Tourist Spots in St. Petersburg, Russia
Dubbed as Venice of the North is St. Petersburg, one of the most beautiful cities in Russia. It may have been considered as Moscow’s alternative, but if you get to visit St. Petersburg (called Piter by the locals), you will feel its difference. The pace in St. Petersburg is slower than of Moscow’s, and it is mostly surrounded by water. These, however, make the city a great tourist destination. Most prefer the classical ambience that Piter can offer. All year round, people from different parts of the world visit St. Petersburg, Russia. But if you want a fulfilling experience, take note of the best seasons to visit the city.
If you want to avoid the crowd, you can visit St. Petersburg in September (the so-called Indian summer), when the holidays are lesser and so are the tourists. You can also visit during April or May. In these months, you can quietly enjoy your tour. However, it is highly recommended to experience the White Nights. This happens in summer, particularly in mid-June. During this time, the days are longer (around 19 hours of daytime), and it is when the city is most alive. It is also when most exhibitions and events happen. But then again, because of this spectacular season, the number of tourists is expected to be higher.
Undeniably, visitors travel to St. Petersburg, Russia, since it is home to famous Russian art and attractions. One of the greatest in Europe, and even the world, is the Hermitage. Also known as the Winter Palace, the Hermitage is renowned to find some of the world’s treasure. It has over 3 million collected masterpieces from different eras. With this number of items, it has been estimated that it takes 11 years for a person to see each piece. If you do not have that luxury of time, you can join an organized tour that will show you the museum’s highlights.
When you visit St. Petersburg, you immerse yourself in the rich Russian art and culture. Before you have arrived, you must have an idea that St. Petersburg is not only known for its architecture and artworks. The city is also famous for its world-class theatres. The most popular venue for ballet and opera is the Mariinsky Theatre, where the prima ballerina Ulyana Lopatkina and the soprano Anna Netrebko reigned and where masterpieces of Tchaikovsky premiered. Until now, the theatre features impeccable performances. Make sure to give time to watch at least one of the shows while you are there.
If you look up St. Petersburg online, you will find photos of open bridges. This is one of the main symbols of St. Petersburg. It is known as the Palace Bridge, and you will never miss it, especially when you join the boat tours. There are several options to explore the city, but you should never miss the boat tour. Good thing there are different rides you can choose from near Nevsky Prospekt. You can even choose your own route! Whatever route you take, you will never miss a chance to indulge in the beauty of St. Petersburg.
Another great place to plunge your curiosity into is the legendary Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood. It may not be as charming as Moscow’s St. Basil’s Cathedral, but the church still carries the colorful Russian architecture. You should be able to notice this landmark, which is a memento of the assassination of Alexander II.
According to Nikolai Gogol, “There's nothing finer than Nevsky Prospekt, at least not in St. Petersburg,” and there is no doubt about that. The central avenue is where almost all St. Petersburg landmarks can be found—the famous bookshop, Dom Knigi; the aristocratic residence, Stroganov Palace; the simple yet elegant Anichkov Bridge, and many more. You can also find shopping centers and boutiques as well as bars and cafes that keep the avenue alive especially at night.
Russian art and culture are well preserved in St. Petersburg. It is no wonder it is hailed as the most European city architecturally and historically. Visit St. Petersburg and witness its magnificence.
