Our St. Petersburg Adventure: Insider Tips for a Budget-Friendly Getaway

summarizeEditor's Summary

Our St. Petersburg adventure was a blast, and I'm excited to share our insider tips for a budget-friendly getaway. We spent a week exploring this stunning city, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on what to do, see, and experience without breaking the bank. From affordable accommodations to delicious food, we've got you covered. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or an art lover, St. Petersburg has something for everyone. So pack your bags, and let's dive into the best of St. Petersburg on a budget!

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KararMükemmel

Gecmis7/10

Kalite8/10

YerAltyapi9/10

Hello fellow travelers!

We just got back from an incredible 4-day trip to St. Petersburg, and I'm super stoked to share our experience with you. If you're planning a similar adventure, this review might come in handy.

Our journey started with a train ride from Moscow. We opted for a compartment car to save money, but let me warn you: it's not the most comfortable option. The air conditioning barely worked, and we were drenched by the time we arrived. However, the train ride took 12 hours, and taking the bus would've been even less pleasant.

Once we arrived at the Vitebsky train station, we grabbed some breakfast at "Vkusno i Tochka" just across the street. The meal was filling, and we left with a pleasant taste of St. Petersburg's cuisine.

Our first day was packed with activities, including storing our luggage at the Admiralteyskaya metro station using the Qeepl service. We downloaded the app, registered, and paid for the booking in advance. The cost was 270 rubles for one bag, and we were satisfied with the service.

After storing our luggage, we walked from the station to the Hermitage Museum. We bought tickets online in advance, and the adult ticket price was 500 rubles at the time of writing this review. We spent 1000 rubles for two people, and the museum was impressive, to say the least.

Inside the Hermitage, we were blown away by the stunning interiors and the vast collection of art and artifacts. We spent hours exploring the exhibits, and I even managed to take some photos of the famous Pavlin clocks and the dishes exhibit.

For lunch, we headed to the Kunstkamera Museum, where we had a meal at the Nevsky Cafe. The cafe offers a 10% discount if you show your museum ticket, and we left 2000 rubles for two people. The food was delicious, and we enjoyed the scenic views of the embankment.

After lunch, we visited the Kunstkamera Museum, which was a bit of a letdown. We were expecting more unusual exhibits, but it was mostly historical and ethnic displays. The cost of an adult ticket was 400 rubles, and we spent 800 rubles for two people.

On our second day, we visited the Republic of Cats cat cafe, which was a highlight of our trip. We booked a time slot in advance and spent 400 rubles per person, 800 rubles for two people. The food and souvenirs were an additional 640 rubles and 1070 rubles, respectively.

Next, we headed to the Isakievsky Cathedral, where we climbed the 262 steps to the observation deck. The ticket price was 300 rubles per person, 600 rubles for two people, and the views were breathtaking.

After visiting the cathedral, we took a stroll around it in the Alexander Garden and admired the beautiful views of the city. We also visited the Bronze Horseman monument and took a ride on the metro stations, which were impressive.

On our third day, we visited the Peter the Great Botanical Garden, where we took a guided tour of the greenhouse. The ticket price was 200 rubles per person, and the tour was informative and interesting. We also visited the orangery, which was home to a massive Victoria water lily.

For dinner, we headed to the hotel restaurant, where we had a combo meal for 650 rubles each. The food was simple but tasty, and we enjoyed the cozy atmosphere.

On our last day, we decided to go for a walk in the nearby Sosnovka Park, which was beautiful and well-maintained. We stored our luggage in the hotel's free storage room and spent the afternoon exploring the park.

Before leaving, we grabbed lunch at the hotel cafe, which was quiet and cozy. The menu was simpler, and the prices were lower than usual. We left 2000 rubles for two people.

As we were getting ready to leave, I thought it would have been cool to check out the oceanarium instead of the botanical garden, and maybe catch a show at the theater. But Peter and I still had some time left.

That's it for my super-long story. Thanks for reading!

P.S. What inspired me to visit the city again was this series of books about Count Averin, where part of the plot is tied to the mysterious Peter.

live_helpFeatured FAQ

What's the best way to get around St. Petersburg?

We recommend using public transportation, such as the metro or buses, to get around the city. You can also use ride-sharing services like Uber or Yandex Taxi.

What are some must-see attractions in St. Petersburg?

Be sure to visit the Hermitage Museum, the Peter and Paul Fortress, and the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood. These iconic landmarks offer a glimpse into the city's rich history and culture.

What's the best time to visit St. Petersburg?

The best time to visit St. Petersburg is during the spring and summer months, when the weather is mild and the days are long.

Can I use credit cards in St. Petersburg?

While some businesses may accept credit cards, it's still a good idea to have some cash on hand, especially for smaller vendors and street food stalls.

What's the local currency in St. Petersburg?

The local currency in St. Petersburg is the Russian ruble (RUB). You can exchange currency at a bank or use an ATM to withdraw cash.

Can I drink tap water in St. Petersburg?

It's generally safe to drink tap water in St. Petersburg, but we recommend sticking to bottled water to be on the safe side.

check_circlePros

•Affordable accommodations: We found some amazing deals on Airbnb apartments and hostels that fit our budget.
•Delicious food: St. Petersburg has a vibrant food scene, and we discovered some incredible restaurants serving up traditional Russian cuisine at affordable prices.
•Rich history: From the Hermitage Museum to the Peter and Paul Fortress, St. Petersburg is steeped in history and culture.
•Beautiful architecture: The city's stunning architecture is a must-see, with grand palaces, ornate bridges, and picturesque canals.
•Friendly locals: The people of St. Petersburg are warm and welcoming, making it easy to navigate the city and make new friends.

cancelCons

•Crowded streets: Be prepared for crowded streets and long lines at popular attractions.
•Language barrier: While many locals speak some English, it's still a good idea to learn some basic Russian phrases to help you navigate the city.
•Weather: St. Petersburg's weather can be unpredictable, so be sure to pack layers and waterproof gear.
•Expensive tourist traps: Some tourist attractions can be pricey, so be sure to do your research and avoid overpriced restaurants and shops.
•Limited public transportation: While the city has a decent public transportation system, it can be confusing to navigate, especially for those who don't speak Russian.