Russia · City Guide
St Petersburg
St Petersburg is one of the world's most magnificent cities, Russia's former imperial capital combining the extraordinary Hermitage Museum — one of the largest and finest art collections in the world — the spectacular Peterhof and Catherine Palaces, beautiful canals and baroque architecture, the historic Mariinsky Theatre and an extraordinary concentration of imperial Russian grandeur. From the Winter Palace and Nevsky Prospekt to the White Nights of summer, St Petersburg represents Russian culture at its most magnificent.
Elect's take
"St Petersburg's combination of the Hermitage, the Peterhof gardens and fountains, and the sheer scale of imperial Russian architectural ambition creates one of the most overwhelming cultural experiences available anywhere in the world. The White Nights of June provide an extraordinary atmosphere of perpetual twilight."
The Hermitage Museum, housed in the Winter Palace and adjoining buildings, is one of the largest and most important art museums in the world with over three million items including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Leonardo da Vinci and an outstanding collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. Peterhof, the Russian Versailles, provides spectacular palace and garden complexes with extraordinary fountain displays. The Mariinsky Theatre is one of the world's most important venues for ballet and opera. The historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, contains beautiful canals, baroque and neoclassical architecture along Nevsky Prospekt. The White Nights of late June, when the sun barely sets, create a unique festival atmosphere.
Best time to visit
How to get there
What to expect
The Hermitage
One of the world's largest and finest art museums with over three million items.
Peterhof
The Russian Versailles with spectacular palace gardens and fountain displays.
Mariinsky Theatre
One of the world's most important venues for ballet and opera.
Historic Centre
A UNESCO World Heritage Site of canals, baroque and neoclassical architecture.
White Nights
A unique festival atmosphere during late June when the sun barely sets.
Catherine Palace
An extraordinary imperial palace including the famous Amber Room.
