Activities
Ice Skating
St. Petersburg's temperature during winter makes it a perfect destination for ice skating - sometimes the temperature dips lower than -20°C. Many parks rent out ice skates for visitors to have an amazing skating experience. Yelagin island and Okhta Park are two popular parks with reasonable prices for that perfect skating getaway.
Football
For football fans, you can head to the Petrovsky stadium and cheer the home team- Zenit to victory. Football days are usually fun days especially when Zenit are playing a continental game against European rivals. Feel the passion of the fans as they cheer and support their team with chants, providing an electrifying atmosphere.
Sauna
Another experience you must not miss when you visit St. Petersburg. Enjoy a hot steam bath then get a freezing dip into the ice cold water in any of the banyas scattered all over St Petersburg. Just bring your slippers, soap and towel and you will get one of the best memories that will last a life time.
Climate
If you are allergic to cold, don't visit St Petersburg in the winter from October to April. During this period, the temperatures falls subzero but summer temperatures can be as high as 22°C (72°F).
The best time to visit is between June and September during the White Night Celebration- where there's 24 hours sunlight. The city is filled with tourists with lots of shows and music festivals.
Getting Around
St Petersburg's transport system is efficient, cheap and effective. The metropolis and surrounding towns are well served by buses, trams and taxis. If you desire to hire a car, just note that its difficult to get a self-drive hire is difficult.
Make sure you negotiate before you board a taxi as there are no fixed fares. Its also possible to rent a bicycle in the city but be careful when riding around town as drivers are not always concious of cyclists.
Kids Attractions
Visiting the city can be a lovely experience for the kids also as there are lots of attractions scattered around the city, all you have to do is to know and explore them. Some the attractions include;
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St. Petersburg Zoo
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St Petersburg Dolphinarium
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The Saint Petersburg Oceanarium
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Dino Park
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Saint Petersburg Dolls Museum
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Railway Museum
Language
The main language is Russian. Only a few local people speak English.
Money
Night Life
As expected of any European city, St Petersburg has an exciting nightlife. No matter what your interests are, the city has something for you to experience an amazing night out. From ballet, to opera, there's always a place to that suites your taste. There are also a host of bars and clubs if you want to get funky.
The popular clubs and bars include, Bar 812, Stirka 40°, Union Bar & Grill, Efir club, Jesus club, Griboedov, and many more exciting ones. St Petersburg is a fantastic place for night owls.
Restaurants
There are nice and classy restaurants in this city that will satisfy all pockets and classes. Now you can get a wide range of menus from Mexican, German, Italian, Japanese, French, and even Indian.
St Petersburg's restaurants range from cosy café-bistros and lunchtime canteens to lavish banquet halls. So no matter who you are, there are restaurants that will meet your needs.
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