St. Petersburg, Russia (Summer)

Russia's most glorious city lies on the eastern edge of the Baltic Sea at the mouth of the River Neva. When Peter the Great ordered its construction some 300 years ago, the surrounding swamps had to be drained. In their place rose a series of gilded palaces each more spectacular than the last, Nevsky Prospekt, the most famous avenue in all of Russia and a series of canals that have lent the city the appellation of the Venice of the North. Once Russia's capital, St. Petersburg has been the scene of some the nation's pivotal historical and cultural moments, from the political revolutions of the early 20th century to premieres of the works of ...

Russia's most glorious city lies on the eastern edge of the Baltic Sea at the mouth of the River Neva. When Peter the Great ordered its construction some 300 years ago, the surrounding swamps had to be drained. In their place rose a series of gilded palaces each more spectacular than the last, Nevsky Prospekt, the most famous avenue in all of Russia and a series of canals that have lent the city the appellation of the Venice of the North. Once Russia's capital, St. Petersburg has been the scene of some the nation's pivotal historical and cultural moments, from the political revolutions of the early 20th century to premieres of the works of Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky and Shostakovich. Home to Pushkin and Dostoevsky, St. Petersburg retains the grandeur and grime encapsulated by both authors. Its Hermitage museum is world famous but equally impressive is the collection of native artistic masterpieces at the Russian Museum. Taking in a performance at the Mariinsky is essential, as is enjoying the city's hedonistic, vodka-fueled nightlife. St. Petersburg's diverse culinary scene is also amazing. Top off your stay with visits to the opulent out of town palaces of Russia's tsars set in magnificent country parks.

About the Expert

Simon Richmond has written Rough Guides to Malaysia and Japan; Lonely Planet guides to India and Russia; and adventure travel guides for Frommer's on Australia, India, South America, and Southeast Asia.