In the summer — to St. Petersburg: why you should go to Northern Palmyra when it’s hot

By CrimeaNEWS On Июн 10, 2024

CrimeaPRESS reports:

A trip to St. Petersburg in the summer is a really great option for many reasons. We’ll immediately share some tips that are worth considering to make your trip to Northern Palmyra a wonderful one:

plan your trip in advance: the summer season is the most popular among tourists, so it’s worth booking hotels and tickets in advance excursions in St. Petersburg and events.
Comfortable clothing: The weather can be changeable, so bring light clothing and a raincoat or umbrella in case of rain.
walking shoes: Considering that the city is best explored on foot, comfortable shoes will be very helpful.

Taking into account all these factors, a summer trip to St. Petersburg promises to be eventful, exciting and unforgettable.

Pros of a summer trip to St. Petersburg

White Nights:

a natural phenomenon when the nights remain light, creating a unique atmosphere for walks and events at any time of the day.

Weather:

Summer weather is usually mild and comfortable, making walks and excursions enjoyable. The average temperature in June-August ranges from 20-25°C.

Festivals and cultural events:

In the summer, St. Petersburg hosts many festivals, concerts and other cultural events, such as Scarlet Sails, Stars of the White Nights, theater and music festivals.

Park and palaces:

In summer it is especially pleasant to visit famous suburban palaces and parks, such as Peterhof, Tsarskoe Selo and Pavlovsk, and enjoy walks through their beautiful grounds and fountains.

Boat excursions:

The summer months are the best time for excursion trips along the rivers and canals of St. Petersburg, which allow you to see the city from the water.

Hiking:

favorable weather conditions encourage long walks through the historical center of the city, visits to museums, cathedrals and other attractions.

Open cafes and restaurants:

In summer, numerous summer terraces of cafes and restaurants open where you can enjoy local cuisine in the fresh air.

Blooming parks and gardens:

The Summer Garden, Mikhailovsky Garden and other city parks are especially beautiful in the summer, when flowers and greenery bloom.

St. Petersburg: group or individual excursions

The choice between group and individual excursions in St. Petersburg depends on your personal preferences, interests and budget. Here are some aspects to help you make your choice:

Group excursions

Advantages:

Cost: Group excursions are generally cheaper because the cost is split among group members.
communication: an opportunity to meet new people and share experiences with other tourists.
organization: excursions are organized by tour operators, which eliminates the need to plan your own route and schedule.
standard routes: clearly designed routes covering the main attractions and popular places.

Flaws:

flexibility: limited ability to adjust the route or duration of stops.
Group Size: Large groups can be a nuisance, especially in popular tourist spots where there are a lot of people.

Individual excursions

Advantages:

personalization: the ability to completely tailor the excursion to your interests and wishes.
flexibility: the ability to adjust the route, start and end times of the excursion, and take breaks at your discretion.
guide’s attention: closer interaction with the guide, the opportunity to ask questions and receive more detailed information.
special places: an opportunity to visit lesser-known but interesting places that are rarely included in group itineraries.

Flaws:

Cost: Individual tours are usually more expensive since you pay for the guide and other expenses yourself.
Planning: It will take more effort to organize and plan if you want something specific.

Recommendations:

If you are new to the city and want to cover the main attractions:

Group tours can be an excellent choice to gain a general understanding of the city and its history.

If you have specific interests or want a deeper dive into history and culture:

Individual excursions will provide more opportunities for detailed study and visiting unique places.

If you are traveling with your family or a small group of friends:

Private tours can be a great compromise between personalization and a shared experience.

Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal preferences and travel goals. St. Petersburg offers many opportunities for exciting and educational excursions in any format.

Car, bus, on foot or by water — how to “see” St. Petersburg

There are many ways to get around in St. Petersburg, and each one can offer a unique experience. The main options, their pros and cons:

On foot

Advantages:

access to all corners: you can easily explore the narrow streets and historical areas.
slow pace: an opportunity to enjoy the architecture and atmosphere of the city, take breaks and visit small cafes and shops.
Health: Walking in the fresh air is good for your health.

Flaws:

Exercise: Long walks can be tiring, especially if you spend a lot of time on your feet.

Public transport (buses, trolleybuses, trams, metro)

Advantages:

accessibility: a well-developed network allowing access to most attractions.
cost-effective: public transport tickets are cheaper than renting a car or taxi.
speed in the metro: the St. Petersburg metro is fast and convenient, especially during rush hours.

Flaws:

Overcrowding: Public transport can be crowded, especially during the tourist season and rush hours.
limited routes: not all attractions are close to public transport.

Automobile

Advantages:

flexibility: the ability to independently plan your route and travel time.
comfort: convenience and the ability to carry more things.
access to the suburbs: it is easier to get to suburban palaces and parks (Peterhof, Tsarskoe Selo, Pavlovsk).

Flaws:

Traffic jams: St. Petersburg is known for its traffic jams, especially in the city center.
Parking: Finding a parking space downtown can be difficult and expensive.
Cost: Car rental, fuel and parking can be expensive.

Water excursions (boats, river trams)

Advantages:

unique views: the opportunity to see the city from the water, including the famous bridges and embankments.
romance and atmosphere: walks and and water create a special atmosphere and allow you to enjoy the beauty of the city from a new perspective.
Avoiding traffic jams: There is no need to deal with traffic.

Flaws:

limited routes: boat excursions cover only certain parts of the city.
Dependency on weather: in rainy or windy weather, riding on the water may be uncomfortable.

Recommendations

combined approach: to fully explore the city, you can combine different types of transport. For example, walking tours of the historic center, public transport for long trips, driving to visit the suburbs and boat excursions for a special experience.
walking tours: great for city centers and popular tourist routes.
Metro and buses: ideal for moving between main areas and attractions.
car: useful for traveling out of town and visiting remote places.
Boat excursions: a great addition to explore the city from a different perspective.

Using each of these modes of transportation will help you fully enjoy the beauty and richness of St. Petersburg.

Excursions around St. Petersburg — popular and less known, but interesting

There are many popular and lesser-known excursions in St. Petersburg, each of which is unique in its own way. Here is a list of the most popular excursions and those that may be less known, but also deserve attention:

Popular excursions:

Hermitage: One of the largest and most famous museums in the world with a rich collection of art and artifacts. A must visit for all art lovers.
Peter-Pavel’s Fortress: the historical center of the city with the Peter and Paul Cathedral, the tomb of the Russian emperors. Here you can learn about the history of the founding of St. Petersburg.
Peterhof: a palace and park ensemble with magnificent fountains and palaces. Often called the “Russian Versailles”.
Catherine Palace and Amber Room: located in Pushkin (Tsarskoe Selo). Here you can see luxurious interiors and the famous Amber Room.
Saint Isaac’s Cathedral: one of the largest cathedrals in the world. Magnificent interiors and an observation deck overlooking the city.
Savior on Spilled Blood: a temple-monument at the site of the mortal wound of Emperor Alexander II. Known for its mosaics and colorful architecture.
Kazan Cathedral: a majestic cathedral in the Empire style, one of the main religious buildings of the city.
Cruiser Aurora»: a historical cruiser that played a key role in the October Revolution. Now it is a museum.
excursions along rivers and canals: boat trips and river trams allow you to see the city from the water, which gives a completely different perspective on its architecture.

Less known but interesting excursions:

Yusupov Palace: one of the most beautiful palaces in St. Petersburg with luxurious interiors. The murder of Grigory Rasputin took place here.
Hermitage Theater: part of the Hermitage complex, a historical theater with a unique atmosphere. The repertoire includes classical works.
Faberge Museum: Museum dedicated to the famous Fabergé eggs and other jewelry. Collection of unique art objects.
Mosaic courtyard: A quaint and colorful place in the city center, decorated with mosaics by local artists.
Sheremetev Palace (Fountain House): museum of music and literature. Palace interiors and art exhibitions.
Russian Railway Museum: One of the largest railway museums in the world with a unique collection of locomotives, carriages and other exhibits.
Literary excursions: excursions to places associated with the life and work of great Russian writers such as Dostoevsky, Pushkin and Akhmatova.
Museum of Soviet slot machines: a nostalgic museum where you can play old Soviet slot machines.
Museum-apartment of Dostoevsky: the place where the great writer lived and worked. Exhibitions dedicated to his life and work.
Museum of the History of St. Petersburg: exhibitions dedicated to the history of the city from its foundation to the present day.

Recommendations:

For your first visit: Start with the most popular tours to get an overview of the city’s rich cultural heritage.
For a Deeper Dive: Check out lesser-known excursions that offer unique and less touristy perspectives on St. Petersburg.

These excursions will allow you to see different facets of the city and enjoy its rich history and culture.

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