The Northern Venice, and what once was the glamorous capital of Russia, today is a destination you should not miss out on. A winter wonderland or a midsummer dream during the White Nights – St. Petersburg has plenty to fill an entire month with, let alone a weekend. Here are some of the key landmarks in St. Petersburg:

A walk by the Neva River: During the day, you can take a walk around the beautiful parks that complement the Neva River, and at night – enjoy the sparkling lights of the city, the passing ships, and the drawbridges. You will also see the Winter Palace, the Hermitage Museum, the Peter and Paul Fortress, as well as the gilded domes of many churches. You can also tame the river s waves, by going on a boat trip and enjoying a romantic dinner on board.

State Hermitage Museum (Государственный Эрмитаж): What once was the winter residence of the royal Romanov family is now the largest art gallery in the world. In 1764, Catherine the Great created a museum, where she displayed here personal art collection. Today, the Hermitage houses over 3 million pieces of art, displayed on a territory of over 46,000 km2. You ll see works by Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Rembrandt, Picasso, Monet, Van Gogh, and many more. It is located in the palace s main square. Here you can find the exact address, visiting hours, and ticket prices.

The Palace Square (Дворцовая площадь): This is the city’s main square. It houses the Winter palace, a few churches, the headquarters of the Russian army, as well as the column of Alexander the Great, erected as a celebration of Napoleon’s defeat, in 1812. Take a walk and experience the rhythm of the city, become one with the hurried crowds of people, or simply take a cup of hot tea in one of the cafes.

Saint Isaac’s Cathedral (Исаакиевский собор): The church’s large dome is covered by 100 kilograms of gold. Its interior is lavishly decorated in mosaics and murals, and behind the main altar is a stained glass display with the resurrected Christ. The walls and floors are covered in Russian, Italian, and French marble, in 14 different colors. The cathedral s construction was completed during the 19th century. Don’t forget to climb the 300 steps leading up to the cathedral’s top where you’ll find a mesmerizing view of the entire city. The cathedral is located close to the West end of Nevsky Prospect.

Marrinsky Theatre (Мариинский театр): This is one of the best theaters, of opera and ballet, in the world. It began to host performances in 1860. Its stage was the place where many of Tchaikovsky’s creations premiered. The main hall is U-shaped and sits 1625 people. The theater is located in the West Mariinsky district.

Yusupov Palace (Юсуповский дворец на Мойке): See the luxurious apartments, numerous paintings, and the emperor’s chambers. The palace’s halls often host classic music concerts and plays. In this palace, in 1916, the spiritual guide of Nicholas II – Grigori Rasputin, found his death. Today, this occurrence and the subsequent events have been recreated in the palace s museum, with the help of photographs, documents, and even wax figures.

Peter and Paul Fortress (Петропавловская крепость): This is the oldest building in the city. It was built in 1703, by Peter the Great. Its purpose was to protect the city from Swedish invasions, but it never had to serve that purpose. In the fortress’s courtyard is the Peter and Paul Cathedral – the largest one in the city, and also the first one to have been crafted out of stone. Peter the Great, and all the Russian monarchs after, have been buried in the cathedral.

Peterhof Palace (Петергофский дворец): Built in 1705, by Peter the Great. Apart from its beautiful architecture, the palace is primarily famous for its spectacular water cascades, numerous fountains, and gorgeous gardens. The halls of the palace have been decorated with fine art pieces, marble, lavish chandeliers, and gilded carvings. It is located 30 km outside of St. Petersburg.

Peterhof Palace | Pixabay

The Cruiser Aurora: This is a war ship that took part in battles with the Japanese Navy, and started the October Revolution. Today it is a museum. You can take a tour of both the decks and the inside of the ship, where you will find different cannons, nautical maps and tools. If you don’t hire a tour guide, you can enter without paying a fee. The ship is anchored by the shore street of the Neva River.

The Alexander Pushkin Museum and Memorial Apartment (Мемориальный Музей-квартира „А.С.Пушкина”): This is part of one of the oldest houses in the city, where the famous Russian writer lived, from 1836, until his death in 1837. Here you will find household items, related to his life and work, including his personal ink pot and the original couch, on which the poet drew his last breath. Most of the other furnishings are not the originals that belonged to Pushkin in his family, but copies.

Museum of Cosmonautics and Rocket Technology (Музей космонавтики и ракетной техники): The museum opened its doors to visitors in 1973. The display follows the evolution of rocket technology, from Soviet Union times, until today. You will see rocket engines, astronaut gear, and the city’s flag, which was part of the Mir Space Station for 161 days. The museum is located in the Peter and Paul Fortress.

Catherine Palace (Екатерининский дворец): Located in Tsarskoye Selo (Pushkin), 25 km away from St. Petersburg. The palace was built in luxurious Russian Baroque. Alexander Palace (Александровский дворец), which Catherine the Great gave to her grandson Alexander I, is located in close proximity. In the halls of both palaces you will find bountiful exhibitions of fine art, cutlery, furnishing, and jewels, which belonged to noble families. Don’t forget to take a walk in the beautiful royal gardens.

Pavlovsk Palace (Павловский дворец): This was the summer residence of the Russian emperor Pavel I. The palace was built in the 18th century. It was erected on top a large rock, 26 km south of St. Petersburg. Inside, you can see the emperor’s rich collections of porcelain, gold, sculptures, silks, furnishing, and paintings. The grounds around the palace, which once were a game park, have now been turned into a huge garden, with lakes and large meadows – the ideal place for a leisurely stroll, playing outdoor sports, or a picnic.

Saint Petersburg, Russia | Pixabay

Russian Museum: This is the first public fine art museum in Russia. It was created in 1895, by the monarch Nicholas II. Here you will find rich collections of religious icons, paintings, graphics, sculptures, as well as creations by contemporary Russian artists, famous worldwide. The museum is located on Nevsky Prospect.

Museum of Water (Музей воды): Located in a water tower, which was the first one in the city and was built in 1860. Here you will have the opportunity to try different water pumps first hand, you will see ancient toilets, sewage systems, steam boilers, and an attractive multimedia display, where you will learn about the various applications of water: as a medication, as music, as mystery. The tower has a panoramic glass elevator and a viewing platform on the last floor, where you will find a wonderful view of the city.

Russian Vodka Museum: We can’t talk about the Museum of Water and then neglect the Russian Vodka Museum. This is the place where you’ll learn when and where Russian vodka came to be, what to eat with it, and all kinds of other useful alcoholic facts.

White Nights: Every year, from the middle of June until the beginning of July, the sun never sets. This is because of the city’s Northern geography and its close proximity to the Arctic Circle. Enjoy the magical light and the unique the atmosphere it creates in the city. However, you should also be careful, because the White Nights can cause insomnia and drowsiness.

>>> Read more about the White Nights in Saint Petersburg.

Eat borscht: Soups are an important part of Russian cuisine. This particular soup, always contains beetroot, meat, and cabbage. You can eat borscht both hot and cold, with whipped cream or mayonnaise.

Eat pirozhki: This is dough-based dish, which can be either sweet or savory. You can find pirozhki with meat and vegetables, just vegetables, apples, jams, or cheeses. Just pick and enjoy!

Drink vodka: What more can we say about the traditional Russian alcoholic beverage, other than having to drink at least one while in St. Petersburg, if you don’t want to be cold. Just don t overdo it. Cheers! Or, as the Russian say: ‘Nazdarovye!’

Shopping in St. Petersburg: The main street – Nevsky Prospect (Невский проспект), has plenty of luxurious boutiques, leather and souvenir shops, antique shops, galleries, as well as large bookstores with books in all kinds of languages. A typical souvenir to buy from Russia is the Matryoshka doll – it is made up of several dolls with different sizes, that fit into one another. On Bolshoi street (Большой проспект), at Vasilievsky Island, you will also find many shops, as well as outdoor markets with fresh goods.

Gostini Dvor Shopping Center (Гостини двор): This is the oldest mall in Russia. Since the 18th century, it has been the primary shopping location of the city. Today, it has over 300 shops – for home appliances, clothes, jewelry, sports goods, toys, souvenirs, and plenty more. It is located on Nevsky Prospect.

Nightlife in St. Petersburg: Start off the evening with a drink or a delicious dinner, then dance the night away, or simply enjoy some great live music. The main street Nevsky Prospect has many night clubs with live music, dance clubs, casinos, and restaurants. The smaller alleys in the center of the city are where you will find bars, strip clubs, pubs, bowling alleys, and restaurants serving European cuisine.

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Great Wall Marathon

How about running along one of the biggest attractions in the world? Run 42 km (26 miles) of the Great Wall Marathon in China. Despite the arduous course on the iconic Great Wall of China, you will be rewarded by its breathtaking panoramas. As the route leads you through the lower valley and into the villages, onlookers will be cheering and the festive atmosphere is a real energy boost!

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Marathon Des Sables in the Sahara Desert

When you mention the Sahara Desert, a marathon of 251 km (155 miles) is hardly the first thing that comes to mind. What makes it even harder to believe is that under the baking sun, marathoners have to run the distance of six regular marathons in six consecutive days.

Marathon des Sables | tent86/Flickr

Antarctica Marathon and Half-Marathon

Where else can you run among seals, penguins, whales and icebergs? The 200 participants in Antarctica Marathon and Half-Marathon and their supporters have the unique opportunity to visit the ice continent and test their stamina while ticking off one of the continents from their to-race list. History and biology lectures and excursions to remote areas are among the bonuses of this trip.

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The Maldon Mud Race in the UK

Few marathon runners around the world boast the enthusiasm of those who take part in the Maldon Mud Race, along with the enormous amount of mud they get covered in. The race through the natural mud, which could easily be defined as a ‘swamp’, requires nerves of steel to complete the route of 400 m (1310 ft) – running, falling, getting up and even crawling.

The Maldon Mude Race | pg tips2/Flickr

Lake Baikal Ice Marathon, Russia

This extreme race is the regular distance of slightly more than 42 km (26 mi) but along the frozen surface of Lake Baikal, in conditions that only Siberia, Russia can offer in early March.

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Santa Speedo Run, Boston, USA

To run the annual Santa Speedo Run in Boston you need a Speedo-like bathing suit (holiday colors are preferred) and some Christmas flair (Santa hat, beard, Christmas socks, etc.). December weather in Boston is far from the temperature suitable for bathing suits, so the runners are allowed (recommended even) to have a drink or two before the run.

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#1 Russia is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma. – Winston Churchill
#2 The secret of politics? Make a good treaty with Russia. – Otto von Bismarck

#3 We had a very successful trip to Russia. We made it back. – Bob Hope

#4 The great drama of Russian history has been between its state and society. Put simply, Russia has always had too much state and not enough society. – Fareed Zakaria

#5 Mr. Gorbachev has apparently stumbled onto one of the best-kept secrets in recent Soviet history: Communism doesn’t work. – Frank Zappa

#6 In Moscow they do not pay much attention to the living but keep their cemeteries in a splendid state. – George Mikes

#7 Humor is the merit of our nation. Caustic and bitter, simple-hearted and intricate, Russian humor has lived through the most ferocious, most desperate years. And I wish to believe, as long as we are able to joke, that we remain a great nation! – Sergei Dovlatov

#8 A Russian man is remarkable for his inclination to spend the last of his savings on different kinds of trinkets, even when his most urgent needs are not satisfied. – Anton Chekhov

#9 In a Russian tragedy, everybody dies. In a Russian comedy, everybody dies, too. But they die happy. – Barry Farber

#10 Russia! Russia… Everything in you is open, desolate and level; your squat towns barely protrude in the midst of the plains like dots, like counters; there is nothing to tempt or enchant the onlooker’s gaze. But what is this inscrutable, mysterious force that draws me to you? – Nikolai Gogol

#11 In America you can always find a party. In Russia the party always finds you. – Yakov Smirnoff

#12 In Russia we only had two TV channels. Channel One was propaganda. Channel Two consisted of a KGB officer telling you: Turn back at once to Channel One. – Yakov Smirnoff

#13 I don’t much enjoy travelling, but I have always longed to take a slow train to Russia. I’d like to go alone – like writers do – with only a pencil and piece of paper as company. I’d take my sketchbook and note down all the wonderful details of other travellers. – Jane Birkin

#14 Russia – it may lose, but you can not win! – Valentin Pikul

#15 Russia is tough. The history, the land, the people – brutal. – Henry Rollins

#16 Russia probably knows the true cost of revolutions better than most other countries. Sergei Lavrov
#17 The Russian state has the advantage over the other, that it is controlled directly by God, otherwise it is impossible to understand how it exists. – Christopher Munnich

#18 Russian may seem narrow-minded, impudent, or even stupid people, but one can only pray for those who are against them. – Winston Churchill

Explore Russia with:

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Not every bookstore is just a bookstore. Some are legendary and deserve your very special attention. Here are a couple of ideas. In the meantime – find your own bookstore that goes with a special story.

Lello Bookstore, Porto, Portugal

Lello Bookstore in Porto, Portugal | Michał Huniewicz/Flickr

Situated in downtown Porto, this is one of the oldest bookstores in Portugal. Lello’s two levels are connected with a huge red winding stairway. The pillars are ornamented with bronze bas-reliefs of famous figures from Portuguese literature. It’s probably the most inspiring place to grab a book in Portugal.

Selexyz Dominicanen Bookstore in Maastricht, the Netherlands

Selexyz Bookstore in Maastricht, Netherlands | Jorge Franganillo/Flickr

In 2007, the first bookstore in a church emerged in Maastricht, the Netherlands – Selexyz Dominicanen. The Gothic church, recently turned into a temple of books, was built in 1294. In 1794, Napoleon’s army took over the church as they decided it would be more godly to use it for military purposes. Since then it has been used as an archive, warehouse and parking lot for bikes before finally becoming a bookstore.

El Ateneo Grand Splendid, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Ateneo Bookstore, Argentina | Deensel/Flickr

It is situated in the building of the former Gran Splendid Theater holding 1050 seats. Its original architecture is completely preserved – the scenery, offices, the red curtain, the balconies and the boxes. Except that there are now bookshelves where there used to be audience seats.

Moscow House of Books, Moscow, Russia

Novy Arbat street and the immediate vicinity is an area famous for its bookstores. Located here is the Moscow House of Books (Dom Knigi) – the biggest bookstore in Russia with a history dating back half a century. Today they sell books, organize holidays, festivals and charity events.

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