Saint Petersburg Travel: 100 Questions Answered based on NeemTime research
Planning & Logistics
Is it safe for tourists? Generally, yes. Major cities like Saint Petersburg remain safe for walking, but travelers are advised to stay away from political discussions or protests.
Do I need a visa? Yes, most Western travelers need an e-visa (valid for 16 days) or a traditional tourist visa.
Can I use my Visa or Mastercard? No, foreign-issued cards do not work due to sanctions. You must bring cash or open a local bank account.
What currency should I bring? US Dollars or Euros are best. They must be crisp, new, and free of any tears or ink marks to be accepted for exchange.
How can I pay for things? Bring cash to exchange for Rubles, or open a “T-Bank” (formerly Tinkoff) account upon arrival to get a local debit card.
Are there direct flights from Europe? No. Most travelers fly through hubs like Istanbul, Dubai, or Doha.
Is the border with Finland open? As of early 2026, land borders with Finland remain largely closed or highly restricted.
What is the best time to visit? “White Nights” (June/July) is the most popular, while September offers beautiful autumn colors without the crowds.
How many days do I need? At least 4–5 days to see the city center, plus 2 days for suburban palaces.
Is English widely spoken? In hotels and major museums, yes. Among the general public, it is less common, so a translation app is essential.
Do I need a VPN? Yes, to access Instagram, Facebook, and some Western news sites.
Which map app works best? Yandex Maps is significantly more accurate than Google Maps for public transport and business hours.
Can I use Uber? No, you must download “Yandex Go” for ride-hailing.
Is tap water drinkable? No. It is highly recommended to drink bottled or filtered water.
What is the “registration” requirement? Your hotel or host must register your presence with the authorities within 7 days of arrival.
Is it expensive? For those with USD or EUR, Saint Petersburg is currently quite affordable due to the exchange rate.
What should I pack for winter? Heavy layers, thermal underwear, and shoes with good grip for icy sidewalks.
What should I pack for summer? Light clothes, but always carry a compact umbrella and a light jacket for sudden rain.
Can I buy a SIM card at the airport? Yes, and it is highly recommended as it’s harder for foreigners to get one in the city center due to new regulations.
Is the city wheelchair accessible? The metro is difficult (lots of stairs), but most major museums and newer buses are accessible.
Top Attractions
How do I get Hermitage tickets? It is best to buy them online in advance on the official website, though you may need a local card.
Which Hermitage building is best? The Winter Palace is the classic choice, but the General Staff Building holds the Impressionist masterpieces.
Is the Church on Spilled Blood worth going inside? Absolutely; the interior is covered entirely in intricate mosaics.
When do the drawbridges open? Usually between 1:10 AM and 4:30 AM during the navigation season (April–November).
Where is the best view of the city? The colonnade of St. Isaac’s Cathedral offers a 360-degree panorama.
Is Peterhof better than Tsarskoye Selo? Peterhof is famous for fountains (summer only); Tsarskoye Selo is famous for the Amber Room. Both are worth it.
What is the “Meteor”? A high-speed hydrofoil boat that takes you from the city center to Peterhof.
Can I visit the Cruiser Aurora? Yes, it is a museum ship docked on the Neva River.
What is New Holland Island? A former naval prison turned into a trendy park with shops and cafes.
Where is the Kunstkamera? It’s on Vasilyevsky Island and features Peter the Great’s collection of curiosities.
Are the Fabergé eggs in the Hermitage? No, they are in the private Fabergé Museum in the Shuvalov Palace.
What is the Lakhta Center? Europe’s tallest skyscraper; check if the observation deck is open to the public during your visit.
Can I take a canal tour? Yes, they are a must-do. Most depart from the Fontanka or Moika rivers.
Is the Mariinsky Theatre worth it? Yes, it is world-class. Book “Old Stage” for history or “Mariinsky II” for acoustics.
What is the Peter and Paul Fortress? The city’s founding site; it houses the tombs of the Romanov Tsars.
Are there beaches in Saint Petersburg? There are sandy areas at the Peter and Paul Fortress and in Repino, though the water is often too cold for swimming.
Is Yusupov Palace special? Yes, it’s where Rasputin was assassinated; the “Rasputin tour” is highly rated.
What is the Grand Maket Russia? A massive, detailed model of the entire country; great for kids and adults alike.
Are there any hidden gems? The Annenkirche (a scorched Lutheran church) and the courtyard of the Academy of Arts.
Can I visit the Singer House? Yes, it’s a massive bookstore (Dom Knigi) with a great cafe overlooking the Kazan Cathedral.
How do I get from Pulkovo Airport to the city? Take bus 39 to Moskovskaya metro station, then the blue line to the center. Or use Yandex Go.
How does the metro work? You buy a token (zheton) or a “Podorozhnik” card. It is one of the deepest systems in the world.
Is the metro safe at night? Yes, it is well-lit and patrolled until it closes around midnight.
What is a “Marshrutka”? Private minibuses that supplement city bus routes. They are being phased out but still exist in some suburbs.
How do I get to Moscow? The Sapsan high-speed train takes about 4 hours.
Should I take the overnight train? Yes, the “Red Arrow” is a classic, nostalgic experience.
Can I rent a car? Not recommended for the city center due to traffic and parking, but fine for trips to Karelia.
Is the city walkable? Very. The city center is flat and laid out in a grid.
Are there bike rentals? Yes, there are several city bike-share schemes and private rental shops.
How do I cross the street? Use the “Podzemniy Perekhod” (underground crossings) on busy avenues like Nevsky Prospect.
Is the suburban train (Elektrichka) easy to use? Yes, they are cheap and reliable for reaching Pavlovsk or Gatchina.
Are taxis expensive? Compared to London or NYC, they are very cheap.
Do I need to tip taxi drivers? It’s not mandatory, but rounding up the fare is appreciated.
Can I use the metro to get to the palaces? Usually, you take the metro to a peripheral station and then a bus or train.
Is there a “Tourist Pass”? The St. Petersburg CityPass covers many museums and a river tour.
Are the metro stations beautiful? Yes, especially Avtovo, Kirovsky Zavod, and Ploshchad Vosstaniya.
How do I know which bridge is open? Check the “Mostotrest” website or app for real-time drawbridge schedules.
Is traffic bad? Nevsky Prospect can be very congested during rush hour (8–10 AM and 5–7 PM).
Can I walk across the Neva? Yes, via the many permanent bridges (when they aren’t raised!).
Is there public Wi-Fi on transport? Most metro stations and some buses have free Wi-Fi, but you usually need a Russian phone number to log in.
Food & Culture
What is a must-try food? Pyshy (traditional donuts), Borscht, and Beef Stroganoff.
Where are the best donuts? “Pyshechnaya” on Bolshaya Konyushennaya (open since 1958).
What is Teremok? A popular fast-food chain serving high-quality blini (Russian crepes).
Are there vegetarian options? Yes, SPb has a thriving vegan/vegetarian scene; look for “Rada & K” or “Hood.”
Is tipping expected? 10% is the standard in restaurants if the service was good.
Can I find craft beer? Yes, Saint Petersburg is the craft beer capital of Russia. Visit AF Brew Taproom.
What is the “Stolovaia”? A canteen-style eatery. “Stolovaia No. 1” is a budget-friendly chain found everywhere.
Is coffee expensive? A standard cappuccino is usually $2–$3.
Where should I go for fine dining? Birch, Duo Gastrobar, or Percorso.
What are “White Nights” parties like? The city stays awake all night; bars on Rubinsteina Street are packed.
What is the dress code for the Ballet? Smart-casual is fine, but many locals dress up in suits and gowns.
Can I take photos in museums? Generally yes, but flash is usually prohibited. Some special exhibitions may forbid it.
Is it rude not to smile? Russians generally don’t smile at strangers, but they are very helpful once you engage them.
Should I remove my shoes in a house? Yes, always. Most hosts will provide slippers (tapochki).
Are people LGBT-friendly? Public displays of affection are not recommended due to local “propaganda” laws, though the city has a private underground scene.
How do I say “Thank you”? “Spasibo” (Spa-see-ba).
Is smoking allowed? Not inside restaurants or bars, only in designated outdoor areas.
What is the “Banya”? A traditional Russian sauna. Degtyarniye Bani is a famous local spot.
Are there many pickpockets? On Nevsky Prospect and crowded metro stations, yes. Keep your bag in front of you.
Can I buy alcohol at night? Shops cannot sell alcohol after 10:00 PM (time may vary slightly), but bars can serve it.
Miscellaneous & Tips
Can I find Western medicine? Yes, but bring your specific prescriptions. Most pharmacies (Apteka) have equivalents.
Do I need travel insurance? It is mandatory for the visa and highly recommended anyway.
Is the city center loud? Yes, especially on weekends. Request a room facing the courtyard (dvor) for quiet.
What is a “Podezd”? The entrance to an apartment building. In SPb, they are often called “Paradnaya” (grand entrance).
Can I visit Kronstadt? Yes, it’s a naval island town nearby; the Naval Cathedral is stunning.
Is Karelia worth a day trip? It’s better as a 2-day trip to see Ruskeala Mountain Park.
What is the “Red Line” on the sidewalk? It’s a self-guided tourist path that links major sights.
Are there public toilets? Look for the small blue cabins or use malls and “Galeria” near the train station.
What should I buy as a souvenir? Imperial Porcelain, honey, or local chocolate (Krupskaya).
Is the “Amber Room” real? It is a meticulous reconstruction; the original was lost in WWII.
Can I use a drone? Extremely restricted. Do not fly one without a permit (which is nearly impossible for tourists to get right now).
How do I find a pharmacy? Look for the green cross and the word “АПТЕКА.”
Is there a lot of security? Yes, expect bag scans at every metro station and museum entrance.
Is it okay to talk about the war? It is highly advised to avoid political discussions with strangers to avoid legal or social trouble.
What is the “Singer” building’s history? It was the headquarters of the sewing machine company and later a hub for the book trade.
Can I see the Aurora Borealis? Rarely in the city, but you can take a trip north to Murmansk (2-hour flight).
Is there a supermarket nearby? “Perekrestok” and “Magnit” are common chains.
Do museums close? Most have one “sanitary day” a month (usually a Monday or Tuesday). Check websites.
Is the city dark in winter? Yes, the sun may only be up from 10 AM to 3 PM in December.
Is it worth visiting? Despite current complexities, most travelers on Reddit describe it as one of the most culturally rich and beautiful cities in the world.