St. Petersburg was never intended to be Russian at all. Rather, it was founded to exemplify Peter the Great’s vision for Russia, which was “Western.” Built on marshland with slave labor, Peter the Great, one of Russia’s emperors, established St. Petersburg city as the new capital of Russia. You may see the city referred to as St. Petersburg, Saint Petersburg, Sankt-Peterburg, or Petersburg.

St. Petersburg, Leningrad, Petrograd

From 1914-1924, Petersburg was known as “Petrograd.” Then the name became “Leningrad” and stayed that way until 1991 in honor of the Soviet leader Lenin. Some individuals who haven’t kept up with their current events for the past two decades may still call St. Petersburg by one of its former names. However, St. Petersburg is St. Petersburg now, just as it was in Peter the Great’s time.

St. Petersburg is often referred to as “Petersburg” or simply “Peter” for short.

Located on the Neva River in Russia, near the Baltic Sea, St. Petersburg has about 4.5 million inhabitants. Due to the age and beauty of St. Petersburg’s city center, it has been recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Weather Patterns

You can expect St. Petersburg to be warm and pleasant during high summer, which occurs in June and July. Temperatures begin cooling in late August. Additionally, winters, starting in November, can last until April. While cold, St. Petersburg is beautiful in the winter – the Neva freezes and snow falls consistently throughout most winter months. Nonetheless, the weather in St. Petersburg can be unpredictable, so it is advisable to check weather forecasts before your trip.

Transportation Options

St. Petersburg, Russia can be accessed by train or plane from Moscow or other parts of Russia, and ferry service is available from Tallinn. While in St. Petersburg, utilizing the tram/trolley system or the St. Petersburg metro can be convenient. Nevertheless, truly experiencing St. Petersburg involves walking and exploring the city on foot.

Main Attractions

What’s not attractive about St. Petersburg, Russia? From catching a glimpse of the Church of the Spilt Blood towering over the St. Petersburg rooftops to visiting the Hermitage Museum, you will find that the city is filled with gorgeous, decorated bridges, legendary monuments, and the iconic buildings that once housed Russia’s nobility.

Day Trips

Furthermore, St. Petersburg’s location makes it easy for visitors to embark on day trips. Consider visits to Vyborg, Catherine’s Palace, Kizhi Island, or Peterhof.

Accommodation Options

St. Petersburg hotels vary from budget-friendly to luxurious options. It is wise to shop around for the best hotel deals, particularly during the tourist season, as availability may decrease. Additionally, consider the location of your hotel to facilitate convenience when visiting the city’s sights.