Holidays in St. Petersburg in the summer — iconic places worth visiting

• Hermitage: one of the largest museums in the world, with a unique collection! Please note that there may be long queues during the summer, so it is best to purchase tickets online in advance.
• Peterhof: a luxurious palace and park ensemble, located on the coast of the Gulf of Finland, amazes with its fountains, sculptures and green alleys. A walk through the park and visiting the palaces will take you the whole day.
• Peter-Pavel’s Fortress: The historical center of the city, founded by Peter I, offers visitors interesting excursions to museums and monuments of Russian history.
• Excursion along the Neva and canals: Spend time on the water enjoying views of the city from the water. Excursions on boats or river trams will allow you to see St. Petersburg from unusual angles.
• Amusement park «Divo Island»: If you are traveling with children, the Divo Ostrov amusement park will be an excellent choice. There are attractions and entertainment for children and adults.
• Beaches on the coast of the Gulf of Finland: in summer you can have a good time on the beaches of St. Petersburg, enjoying the sun and sea air. Popular beaches include Lesnoye, Kamenka, Strelka and others.
• Performances in theaters: visiting the theaters of St. Petersburg can also be a wonderful pastime. Check out the schedule of performances at the Mariinsky Theater, Alexandrinsky Theater and other theater institutions in the city.

• Gatchina Palace and Park: This is the main attraction here. The palace was built by order of Empress Catherine II for her son, the future Emperor Paul I. Halls, offices and galleries are available for viewing, as well as a beautiful park with ponds, bridges and pavilions.
• Gatchina Park: This is a large forest park that is ideal for walks in the fresh air, picnics and relaxation from the bustle of the city.
• Gatchina Museum: here you can learn more about the history of Gatchina, its architectural sights and cultural heritage. The museum is located in a historical building, which in itself is an interesting object.
• boat rides on the waters of Gatchina: in summer you can take boat trips along the lakes and canals of Gatchina, enjoying the beauty of nature and architecture.

Deciding whether to travel with a guide or on your own, as well as in a group or individually, depends on your preferences, time, budget and comfort. Here are a few considerations that may help you make your choice:

with a guide or on your own

• If you want to gain a deeper understanding of the history, architecture and culture of a place, and avoid the hassle of navigation and route planning, then traveling with a guide may be a good choice.
• If you prefer freedom of choice, a flexible schedule and independence from a group, then traveling on your own may be a more suitable option. It can also be more economical.

in a group or individually

• traveling in a group can be more social and cheaper, especially if you’re traveling with a large group or don’t want to worry about planning.
• Custom travel allows you to customize your itinerary and schedule to suit your interests and preferences, and provides greater planning flexibility.

time and budget

• if you have a limited amount of time and want to see as much as possible in a short period, then it is sometimes more effective to travel with a guide in a group to make the most of your time.
• if your budget is limited, traveling independently may be a more economical option as you can choose more affordable transportation and accommodation options.

Go to St. Petersburg “for impressions” — travel dates

To get a more or less detailed impression of St. Petersburg, it is usually recommended to plan a trip for several days. However, the exact length of your trip may vary depending on your interests, time, and budget. Here are rough recommendations:

short stay (2-3 days)

• in a short period of time you can cover the main attractions such as the Hermitage, Palace Square, Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, Peter and Paul Fortress, Nevsky Prospect and Kazan Cathedral.
• You can also visit one of the suburbs such as Peterhof or Pavlovsk to see magnificent palaces and parks.

medium-term stay (4-7 days)

• in this case, you will have more time to explore the sights in more detail, as well as visit museums, theaters and restaurants.
• you can add lesser-known places to your route, such as the Mikhailovsky Garden, Alexander Park, Field of Mars, etc.

long stay (week or more)

• in this case, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself more deeply in the atmosphere of the city, study its history, culture and architecture.
• You will be able to visit not only the main attractions, but also lesser-known places, parks, museums and galleries, and also spend time on the water, for example, taking a ride on the canals or along the Neva River.

Keep in mind also that St. Petersburg has a rich cultural heritage, and every day in the city can bring new discoveries and impressions. Therefore, the more time you can devote to your stay in this beautiful city, the more deeply you will be able to know and love it.

Excursions: book locally or online

Ordering excursions can be organized both online and upon arrival at the place. Both options have their advantages. In particular:

advantages of online booking I

• convenience: You can select excursions that interest you in advance and book them at a time convenient for you, without wasting time searching for travel agencies on the spot.
• guaranteed place: Booking online allows you to be sure that you will have a place on your excursion, especially if you plan to visit popular sites during the high season.
• choice: Online platforms offer a wide range of excursions, from classic to themed and customized, allowing you to choose the option that suits you best.

ordering excursions on the spot — advantages

1. flexibility: You can decide what you want to see after the fact, based on your mood and circumstances, rather than being limited to pre-planned excursions.
2. personal contact: You can discuss the details of the excursion and get recommendations from a local guide or travel agent, which can be useful in choosing a suitable excursion.
3. Possible discounts and special offers: Sometimes you can get discounts or special offers from travel agencies on the spot, especially if you are willing to bargain or if there are promotions on last-minute seats.

The demand for excursions in the summer season is usually really high, especially for popular routes and attractions. So if you know you want to see specific places, it’s a good idea to book tours online in advance to secure your spot.