There is a certain pizzazz in Russia’s Saint Petersburg. It’s something not many Filipinos are fortunate to have seen. Once they do, though, even the quietest travellers become such enthusiastic storytellers—all because the city is so grand it’s impossible not to leave home without an incredible experience to share.
The city, for the longest time, used to be out-of-reach for Filipino travellers. But now, with the Russian government granting the Philippines eligibility for free e-visa for eight days, it is now easier than ever for Filipinos to finally explore this artistic powerhouse of a city.
If you’re one of those who will finally make their St. Petersburg adventure a reality, check out all the things you need to know about this place.
Places to visit
The Hermitage Museum
Art enthusiasts will surely find a haven in this museum, which houses some of the world’s largest painting collections. Fun fact: It would take ten years to explore every inch of the museum!
Peterhof Palace
Feel like a Russian as you visit this complex, which used to be the summer house of these Russian monarchs. You’ll feel like a royal as you walk through its grand interiors, as well as elegant classic architecture. But the best part is its exteriors, with various fountains and domes covered in gold!
The Church of the Spilt Blood
This church may remind you of the famous St. Basil Cathedral in Moscow because of its ultra-colorful domes, but trust us, it is so much more than that. It was actually built where Tsar Alexander II was killed. It also prides itself as being home to one of the biggest mosaic collections around the globe!
Mariinsky Theatre
If you haven’t watched a ballet show in St. Petersburg, then did you really visit it? This dancing sport is the essence of the city, and there is no better place better to watch it in than in Mariinsky Theatre. The fact that it was called The Imperial Ballet of Russia in the 18th century says much about how great ballet shows here are.
St. Isaac’s Cathedral
This is actually more of a gallery than a church, and it’s mainly because of the beautiful art it provides–from its interiors, to its gilded domes, down to the most panoramic views of the city from its vantage point.
Palace Square
There is nothing better than spending the afternoon at the Palace Square, where you can just watch life go by and observe people in peace while maybe eating ice cream or a pirozhki. It’s also where Alexander Column is located, a monument that commemorates Russia’s victory over Napoleon’s troops. The 600-ton column is also freestanding, meaning it stands under nothing more than its own weight!
Peter and Paul Fort
One of the city’s most iconic places, this fort was originally built to protect the country from Swedish invaders. Now, it’s a great place to visit because of its various museums, galleries, as well as the Peter and Paul’s Cathedral.
Nevsky Prospekt
The most famous street in Russia, Nevsky Prospekt is where you can see the most iconic buildings in St. Petersburg against golden sunsets. You can also find the best souvenir shops and restaurants in the city in this catwalk.
Bronze Horseman
Located at the Senate Square, this equestrian statue of Peter the Great was commissioned by Catherine the Great, and was built by French sculptor Etienne Maurice Falcone
Admiralteyskiy Prospekt
Another example of grand architecture in St. Petersburg is this building, which used to be a shipyard but now functions as a naval academy.
Mikhailovsky Gardens
If you want to take a break from buildings and statues, then you should definitely visit Mikhailovsky Gardens. It’s the perfect place to just relax and enjoy the beauty of nature, including its beautiful flowers, trees, and green areas.
Field of Mars
Another beautiful green place you should not miss in the city is the Field of Mars, a large square in the heart of St. Petersburg. Over the centuries, it has served as a meadow, a park, a pleasure garden, a military ground, a public meeting place, and now, a great destination to just chill with friends.
Summer Palace
The first palace in the city, this place is where Peter the Great spent his summers. Visit this two-storey building and see how life of royalty was 300 years ago!
What to eat
Beef Stroganoff
Sure, you have tried this dish in other places before, but it’s a wonderful experience tasting it in this city. Beef Stroganoff in St. Petersburg consists of beef in sour cream sauce, topped with vegetables and other side dishes.
Shchi
This famous Russian soup which originated back to the 9th century is cooked with cabbage, and is served with a spoonful of sour cream and rye bread. It’s a great way to start a meal in St. Petersburg.
Pirozhki
This small bun can be stuffed with various fillings–from potatoes, cabbage, mushrooms, or meat, down to apple, cherries, cheese, and lemon. The bun is glazed with egg.
Pelmeni
This is like the dumpling version of Russia. Its filling is made with different meats as well as vegetarian stuffings. Its sweet variation is called vareniki, with berries and cheese fillings.
Chicken Kiev
This is chicken breast (fried or baked) stuffed with herbs, and is rolled in eggs and bread crumbs.
Solyanka
This soup has become part of the Russian household. It features ingredients such as meat and pickles, as well as various herbs.
Fried smelt
Spring has definitely started when you see this tasty fish being served around the city. It used to be the food of lower classes in the country. Now, it’s a fried dish that’s considered a must-try when in St. Petersburg.
Pyshkas
This is the Russia’s version of a donut, best eaten with hot tea or coffee.
Rassolnik
This traditional Russian soup has pickled cucumbers, brine, meat, potatoes, carrots, and onions, or barley.
Leningrad Cake Set
This set features popular local cakes in small sizes. A set usually consists of a cream puff, sponge strips, fondant cubes, and many more. Sweet tooth gaming is on with this delicacy!
Facts and trivia about St. Petersburg
The city has one the most number of movable bridges in the world
St. Petersburg has 12 movable bridges, raised at specific times early in the night, and lowered again the next morning. It’s a great, albeit inconvenient, piece of engineering indeed!
The are cats “working” at Hermitage Museum
Dozens of felines are officially employed at the museum, keeping the place free from rants. However, to limit their number, the museum’s director has allowed for other cats to be adopted. If you want to take one, make sure you pass their interview first.
One of the city’s subway station is one of the deepest in the world
With a depth of 86m underground, Admiralteyskaya is considered one of the world’s deepest subways in the world, alongside those in North Korea and Ukraine.
It is one of the few cities in the world that experience “White Nights”
Come late May, you can witness nights where the sun doesn’t set in St. Petersburg. It’s a great experience because you can truly see how a city does not sleep. There are parties and concerts almost all the time, and festivals are just a common occurrence during this time.
Things to know before you go:
- Be careful of pickpockets. The city is quiet and serene, but there have been theft cases in touristy areas like Nevsky Prospekt.
- Always bring your passport. Police in the city often do random checks, so make sure you bring some identification.
- Respect their local beliefs. Russians strongly observes their traditions and superstitions, so take note of those. Some of them include: not shaking hands across a doorway, not placing elbows on the dining table, not placing finished bottles on the table, as well as bringing gift when visiting a friend’s house.
- Exercise caution in public when it comes to concerns about LGBT+, as the city is still on its way to transforming its attitude towards it.
Currency: Rouble
Telephone code:
When calling to the city from abroad – Dial 00 7 812
When calling abroad from the city – Dial 8, then 10, then the country code, city code, and number
Time difference: The UAE is ONE hour (1) ahead of St. Petersburg, Russia
Flight time from the UAE to St. Petersburg: Around 6 hours and 15 minutes
Airlines that fly direct to St. Petersburg: Emirates, Sunstate Airlines
