A Beginner’s guide to St. Petersburg
Eastern Europe is one of the most underrated travel destinations for tourists. It usually gets shadowed by its often-cooler climate.
Outsiders are starting to appreciate the beauty of famous Eastern European cities. Asia and South America are just too mainstream now that avid travelers are looking for something new.
A place that is starting to gain more attention is the city of St. Petersburg, Russia. It has drawn comparisons to Prague, Czech Republic because of its landscape.
The city gives a breather to those who want to visit other places in Russia other than mainstream Moscow. Here is your beginner’s guide to Russia’s port city.
1. Architecture
Eastern Europe is usually defined by rustic architectural designs. This means that Russia has its fair share of it as well.
St. Petersburg was actually the country’s capital during the Russian Empire. This explains why the city’s palaces and cathedrals boasts some of the world’s most astonishing architectures.
St. Petersburg’s castle-like infrastructures are similar Prague especially its churches and museums. To top it all off, the cheaper costs in St. Petersburg gives Prague a run for its money.
The Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood and the St. Isaac and Kazan Cathedrals are an example of the astonishing architectures of religion in the renaissance period.
2. Arts and History
St. Petersburg flourished during the Renaissance period as well since it used to be the Russian capital. This explains its neoclassical vibe as they were heavily influenced by the age of rebirth in Europe
There are a ton of museums to choose from but the most visited ones are the Russian Museum, Hermitage Museum, and the Kunstakamera Museum
The city has withstood the test of time having survived the Imperial, the Soviet, and the Revolution era, as well as World War II. A history which can be seen everywhere as the city is home to many museums.
3. Economy
The city has a number of waterways which serve as a gateway for trade and commerce in Russia.
The area is very attractive to tourists and investors alike, which is why it has been branded as the center of industrialization.
The city is a commercial juggernaut, which is why St. Petersburg is expected to evolve a lot in the coming years.
4. People and Culture
The good thing about St. Petersburg’s culture is that a lot of the renaissance period can still be seen in its busy streets.
The locals are said to have gentler personas but are actually very patriotic when it comes to their own city. They are very proud to share with the world their own history and treasures.
The people of St. Petersburg prefer to keep culture and tradition intact. Moscow can have Russia’s economic decisions as long as they keep their own.
As for the performing arts, there are hundreds of theatres scattered around the city. It ranges from classical concerts toplays, as well as Russian Ballet performances.
Russia enjoys white night skies during the summer, which is why the city is no stranger to summer festivals.
The nightlife is active and would give any partying city a run for their money.
5. Food
Russian Cuisine has its fair share of interesting flavors as it has been influenced by its neighbors from East Europe and Asia. Its meat-heavy dishes are brought by extreme climate conditions on that part of the globe.
The Beef Stroganoff and the Shchi are one of the popular traditional Russian Cuisines. The recipe and presentation may vary per city which it’s still worth trying the St. Petersburg version.