The 12 reasons why you want to go on a city trip to St. Petersburg
Yes, bring on those city trips. The summer vacation time is over and I unfortunately have to accept that I will really spend the winter in the Netherlands. Unfortunately but true. So I seek my solace in weekend getaways. Also fun. And that's why a destination that personally ranks very high for me: St. Petersburg. Cold, you probably think. Yes, do indeed take your winter coat if you're going in this season, but in the snow this city is really no less beautiful than in the summer. Quite the opposite. And you can also shop very well there (yes really), eat very well (yes really) and also drink very well — even other things than vodka. I've lined up the 12 best reasons for you, but believe me: there are many more reasons why you want to go on a city trip to St. Petersburg now.
3x Attractions in St. Petersburg
1. Hermitage.
It may be the most important museum in the world. So even if you never visit museums for fun... You really can't skip this one. Buy your tickets online in advance and avoid the gigantic queue (note: there is also another entrance for this). Handy: on Thursdays, entry is free (and surprisingly also the busiest day). If you really refuse to go inside; it's also impressive from the outside, you know.
2. Shopping.
Okay, I’ll get straight to the point: St. Petersburg has a four-kilometer long shopping street. FOUR. KILOMETERS. Hallelujah. This is the Nevski Prospekt, which is filled with well-known chains and shops. If you prefer some smaller boutiques, make sure to check out the side streets as well. You get it: a hefty (shopping) marathon can be done here.
3. Book a boat tour.
I always find viewing a city from the water one of the most enjoyable things. The Neva is the most famous river in St. Petersburg (it also runs past the Hermitage – quite a beautiful view, I can tell you), but the city also has various canals you can sail through. Just Google the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, a colorful church by the water that is also among the highlights. Oh yes, try to go in the evening if possible, everything is beautifully lit then.
3x Eating in St. Petersburg for every budget
1. Zoom.
Very nice café that is open from morning till night (actually, until midnight). The menu is very extensive for any time of the day. The Russian cuisine is not for everyone, but if you want to try Borscht: you can. If you prefer avocado toast, a pasta dish, or an Indian curry; that’s also possible. And it’s all very affordable too.
Gorokhovaya St 22
Well, excuse me, but Russian cuisine is not necessarily my favorite. Italian on the other hand... And they can cook Italian very well in St. Petersburg too. For example, at this spot. A bit fancy, but not too much: you find this hotspot in St. Petersburg in the Four Seasons Hotel. Various types of pasta, risotto, and of course antipasti, but also dishes you can share with two. A large rib-eye or sea bass for example.
Voznesensky Ave 1
3. L’Europe.
Just like in Amsterdam, there is also an L’Europe in St. Petersburg, and just like in Amsterdam, this is the place for fine dining. Impressive interior with equally impressive dishes and atmosphere. Often also live music, and à la Russian: every Friday is Tchaikovsky night. Not bad for an evening of extensive dining. Oh yes, on Sundays they also have a caviar-and-champagne lunch. Also not bad.
Mikhaylovskaya Ulitsa 1-7
3x Drinking in St. Petersburg for every budget
1. Redrum.
For thriller/horror fans: yes, Redrum is indeed a reference to The Shining (the logo is in the same font too, love it). And here you don’t drink Russian vodka. Well, you can of course, but Redrum in St. Petersburg is mainly known for their craft beers. The decor is also very non-Russian, but more reminiscent of a Scandinavian bar. In any case; very cozy.
Ulitsa Nekrasova 26
2. Bar Tsvetochek.
Just a note: in Russian, this bar is called Цветочки. How to pronounce that correctly? You could kill me. Even handier is that they have it hanging outside in a vague font, so you can really only find this bar if you know the address, but then you have something. A very cozy bar with cocktails, beer, and wine. It’s located in the nightlife area so fun is guaranteed.
Ulitsa Nekrasova 17
3. Apotheke.
I knew this name from New York, where it is a very good spot for cocktails. Well, Apotheke in St. Petersburg is also a very good spot for cocktails. It does look a bit like a pharmacy from the outside, but inside it’s cozy with a lot of dark wood and especially bartenders who can make all cocktails. And you can see them at work by taking a seat at the round bar.
Ulitsa Lomonosova 1
3x Sleeping in St. Petersburg
1. Kaleydoskop on Italianskaya.
Very decent hotel for a very decent price. On average about fifty euros per night and it’s really in a prime location: right in the center. Most rooms also have a small kitchenette, so a coffee or breakfast in the hotel is easy if you want to save costs. They often also have a bench in the window sill, which I find very nice. A bit of staring outside, coffee on the side; great way to wake up.
Ital’yanskaya Ulitsa 12
2. Pushka Inn.
Very nice hotel, by the water, entirely in baroque style. With — also not unimportant — very comfy beds. It’s just a stone's throw from the Hermitage and thus also from the Neva. And, yes, yes, the four-kilometer long shopping street.
Embankment river Moyka 14
3. Lotte Hotel St. Petersburg.
Luxury, luxury, and more luxury. If you want to do it right, this hotel is the place to be. Location: by the river Mojka, near the Blue Bridge (not a bad view, I can tell you). Rooftop terrace: check. Sauna and pool: check. There are different types of breakfast and dining rooms, but breakfast in the room is also possible and is of course the most fun. Particularly beautiful hotel.
Pereulok Antonenko 2
