03.09.2008
St. Petersburg City Information
Everything to know about staying awhileTable of Contents (jump to)
1. The Water / Seasonal Concerns (back to table of contents)
It is highly discouraged to drink the tap water in St. Petersburg. For brushing teeth, please boil the water for at least ten minutes. For drinking, bottled water is quite inexpensive; stick to it. Because Petersburg is a former swamp, mosquito repellent is also highly recommended, particularly if you plan to visit the beautiful nature of Karelia in the summer. The allotment of daylight in St. Petersburg reaches extremes. During the winter, days become almost non-existent and in summer, vice-versa. We have found that exercise and vitamins are very effective ways to fight off seasonal blues and colds, which can be common in a humid, densely populated, foreign city. For summer, a sleeping mask can be helpful. The climate of St. Petersburg is fairly typical of a northern coastal city; it is unpredictable. Winters can be mild or bring a severe, damp, biting cold. The average winter temperature is –5 to –15 Celsius, but assume it will be colder on average than any other place you have experienced. 2. Restaurants, Cafés, etc. (back to table of contents)
Petersburg is loaded with places to eat: some good, some not so good, some expensive, some a great value. See the introduction of this guide for some resources on where to go. Ask Russians where they like to go and talk to your classmates and acquaintances about their experiences. Here is a short list to get you started: Traditional gone Pop: Most of the restaurants with silly names (Yolki Palki, Moo-Moo) offer inexpensive buffets and entrees of mostly Russian food. Good value, decent food and entertaining if perhaps romanticized atmospheres. These are pretty much everywhere; just keep your eyes open. You can also try traditional Russian blini served fast-food style at one of the city's Teremok or Chainaya Loshka locations. The best places for cheap blini, however, are Blini Domik and Klukva, which are situated next to one another (8 and 10 Kolokolnaya Ul., respectively) for maximum convenience. For those who want to offset their blini with a good latte, Kofe Khaus offers surprisingly good (but small) blini duets of potato and salmon. Finally, for a delicious homestyle pirozhok, you can't beat Stolle's, which now has several locations across St. Petersburg. As all the pirozhki are made fresh, don't worry about it if the kind you want is not currently available - barring dietary restrictions, everything on offer is sure to satisfy.
More Traditional Traditional: Na Zdrovye! at 13 Bolshoi Prospect, Metro Sportivnaya is an ideal place to have a good time and a good, Russian meal simultaneously. Traditional live music is sometimes featured during dinner, and you might even run into a traditional Russian wedding party reception. Gorka!
Ethnic Experiences: You will find much more than just Russian food in St. Petersburg!
A. East Asian: While most restaurants on Nevsky Prospect will serve you small, overpriced portions – Krasniyi Terem (74 Nevsky, Metro Mayakovskaya/Gostinyi Dvor) shatters that mold. Great fish dishes!
B. Georgian: Georgian food is highly recommended as a way to please the most ardent vegetarians and die-hard carnivores. Between the khatchapuri, vegetable dishes, and shashlyk, everyone walks away happy. The city's best value for the money is at Kvarli (Ul. Lizy Chaikinoi 22 901-302-01-06) is a tiny restaurant near the city zoo that is so good and so tiny that you may want to book in advance. Also, while neither are extremely cheap, most students like Tbliso (10 Sitninskaya Ulitsa) for its delectable Khatchapuri and excellent service and Caravan (46 Voznesenskiy Pr. Metro Sadovaya/Sennaya Ploshad) for its festive atmosphere and wide range of dishes.
C. Uzbek: Uzbek is also well known as one of the former USSR's most yummy culinary experiences. Try the lahgman and plof - both are delicious! Try Dastarhan (70 Zagorodniyi prospect, right next to Technologichesky Institute Metro) is a cosy Uzbek restaurant that offers delicious food and a luxurious, exotic atmosphere for a reasonable price. Be sure to order from the Russian menu, however, as the English seems to be less extensive and higher priced.
D. Indian: St. Pete's best Indian restaurant is located near the SPbGU Student Dorms at the corner of Bolshoi and Shevchenko. For vegetarians this place is a small bit of heaven. Go with a big group of friends as food here is served in traditional style: on large communal platters. Quite inexpensive, but very easy to order too much.
Summer Dining: The Sixth Line is a pedestrian street near SPGU. It is lined with small decently priced cafes and, on weekends, street musicians and artists. A good place to stroll and eat.
For the Home Sick: Located near the Hermitage, City Bar (Millionaya Ul, 9) offers hamburgers and milkshakes, although service can be slow and irritable. The many coffee shops on Nevsky Prospekt will offer menus similar to Starbucks in America, at similar prices: just like being back home! For those craving classic, thin crust pizza, Pizza Olli's (34 Kazanskaya Ul.) hits the right balance of satisfying and imaginative pizza-making. With more pizza topping options than you'll likely ever find at home you can order something you've never had before while still reaping the benefits of enjoying a student comfort-food favorite. Good vegan pizza available. Vegas is a sports bar and casino popular with Expats (you are likely to find Americans and West Europeans hanging out there). It's fairly pricey, but great for sports fans. The Shamrock is an Irish-themed bar with a dance floor, located at Dekabristov ul.
Sensory Experience: Lenin's Mating Call offers "Soviet and anti-Soviet cuisine" in atmosphere you can enjoy if you can laugh at those that history doesn't remember so fondly. The restaurant/bar is decorated in deep red with small pictures of Lenin, busts of Lenin, statues, murals, and place mats of Lenin, Stalin, and Dzerzhinsky. The place is not cheap, and can get quite racy, but is recommended to try.
Cheapest Way to Eat: Near Primorskaya metro station, you can get fresh, hot lapyoshka (a traditional, thick flat bread) for just 18 rubles. This bakery has no formal address, just look behind the Gavanskii department store (42 Nalichnaya Ulitsa) for a blue door with only the top part open and the aromatic scent of fresh-baked bread.
Kosher in St. Petersburg: There is a kosher restaurant at 2, Lermontovsky Avenue, 2 (tel: 572-5616) inside the "Beit-Khabad" Jewish Community Center.
Vegetarian Friendly: Believe it or not, you have options! Troitsky Most (38 Zagorodniyi Prosp.) is vegetarian chain that offers the most affordable food that is so imaginative and delicious that vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike would do well to make it a regular eating place. Morkovka (32 Bolshoi Prospect) is the other big vegetarian chain, specializing also in healthy juices. For a more intimate and upscale (though still affordable)dining experience The Idiot (82 Nab. Reki Moyki) is another excellent choice and offers a variety of traditional Russian dishes - without the meat. Grand Cafe Le Mon, (64 Kamennostrovsky Prosp.), offers many meatless dishes which are sumptuously prepared and creatively presented. Pizza Olli's (34 Kazanskaya Ul.) offers vegan pizza. See also the section on Georgian ethnic food above, which will also offer many options!
3. Clubs and Music (back to table of contents)
A list of addresses for all clubs described in this section is located at the bottom of this section. Clubs: For a student new to St. Petersburg nightlife, the best place to go is somewhere that has several bars/clubs next to each other, with a different atmosphere in each. That's easy - Konyushennaya Ploshad (near the Church on Spilt Blood) is stuffed full of some of the best clubs the city has to offer. Closest to the church is Mod club, an artsy place with a gritty feel and colorfully-dressed crowd. Right next is Achtung Baby, Mod Club's hyperactive cousin, with a very wide range of music, a fun-loving, anything-goes atmosphere and an interesting cathedral-with-disco-balls interior. Bubble Bar, further up the street, offers a more relaxed setting for those who want to mix and mingle in sophistication. St. Petersburg also a few gay clubs – the older Greshniki is located not too far from the newer gay club, Central Station in the same central region. Incidentally, until recently, the go-to point for clubbing has been the famous/infamous trifecta of Fidel, Datcha and Belgrade, which were once located in the same building. However, as of summer 2008, they are in the process of splitting up due to major repairs on the building.
Live Music: A2 and The Place (as well as Mod Club) are popular for Indie music, Artika and Orlandia for heavier groups, including metal and those of the 'core' genre (i.e. hardcore, emo-core, etc.). Cheshire Cat is for those seeking hippie/global music, Money Honey for Rockabilly, Underground (formerly known as "Tunnel") for hip-hop, breakbeat and house music. For Jazz shows, see JFC Jazz Club, the established hot spot for Jazz in St. Petersburg. The Krasny Lis (The Red Fox) and The Point also feature good-quality jazz and other live music in cosy settings.
Fish Fabrique and Moloko are excellent places to go for alternative music (ethic, punk, jazz, fusion, etc.). The beer is cheap and Russian artists and intellectuals populate these clubs. Moloko is located at Perekupnoy per, 12. Fish Fabrique is well-hidden at Ligovsky Pro, 53. Look for the arch near where the address should be. Through the arch, you will see a sign that reads, in Russian, "St. Petersburg Art Community." Go through the door below the sign, down the concrete steps and through the unmarked door at the base of the steps to the left (you will probably hear music beyond the door)
Addresses:
A2: 12 Razhyezhaya Ul. Metro - Dostoevskaya/Vladimirskaya
Achtung Baby: Konyushennaya Pl. 2. Metro - Nevsky Prospect
Artika: 38 Ulitsa Beringa. Metro - Primorskaya
Bubble Bar: Konyushennaya Pl. 2. Metro - Nevsky Prospect
Central Station: 1/28 Lomonosova Ul. Metro: Nevsky Prosp.
Cheshire Cat: 32 Zagorodny Prospect. Metro: Dostoevskaya/Vladimirskaya
Greshniki: 28/1 Nab. Kanala Griboyedova. Metro: Nevsky Prosp.
Fish Fabrique: 10 Pushkinskaya (Entrance at 53 Ligovsky Prospect) Metro: Ploshad' Vosstanya.
Griboyedova: 2A Voronezhskaya Ulitsa. Metro: Ligovsky Prospect
JFC Jazz Club: 33 Shpalernaya Ul. Metro - Chernyshevskaya
Mod Club: Konyushennaya Pl. 2 Metro - Nevsky Prospect
Moloko: 10 Pushkinskaya (Entrance at 53 Ligovsky Prospect) Metro: Ploshad' Vosstanya.
Money Honey: 28-30 Sadovaya Ul, 14 Abraksin Dvor. Metro: Sadovaya/Sennaya Ploshad
Orlandina: 5/2 Korpova Nab. Metro: Petrogradskaya
Red Fox: 50 Mayakovskaya Ul. Metro: Chernyshevskaya
The Place: 47 Marshala Govorova Ul. Metro: Narvaya/Baltiskaya
The Point: 52 Liteyni Prosp. Metro: Mayakovskaya
Underground: Corner of Zverinska and Lyubanskaya Ul. Metro: Sportivnaya
4. Shopping (back to table of contents)
While the capitalist cornucopia in and around Nevsky Prospect is sure to tempt you, some of the best souvenirs and clothing items can be bought further from the center. Art and Souvenirs: At the St. Petersburg Art Community (Ligovsky Pro, 53, under the arch) you can find art shops, used clothing, and an alternative record (yes, plastinki) shop. For antiques and souvenirs, look for the rinok between the church of the Spilled Blood and the Neva River. One of the best places to get a deal on souvenirs is the Lomonosov factory store, where you can still get fine porcelain cup-and-saucer sets for as low as 100 rubles (around $5). It's a stone's throw from Lomonosovskaya metro (38 Babushkina Ulitsa).
Clothing and Shoes: Russia is very hard on shoes – with its often harsh and wet weather. If you find your old pair is done in, check out Troitsky Market (130a Fontanka Nab.). This is also a great place to find cheap clothes as well. For another option for shoes, check out Tsentr Obuv' (basically Russia's version of America's Payless stores). The Tsentr Obuv' location to the student residences is inside the Gavanskii Department Store at 42 Nalichnaya Ulitsa.
5. Everyday Needs (back to table of contents) Internet: Nevsky Prospekt is dotted with Internet cafes. Russia's largest chain, Cafe Max has a 24-hour location there at 90/92 Nevskiy Prospekt, just out of the Mayakovksaya Metro station. Zebra, an Internet cafe owned by the company that produces the Zebra pay-as-you-go dial-up Internet cards, offers discounts to students with the ISIC card at 85 Nevskiy Prospekt. If you'd like like a more fashionable experience, try Shangrinet at 98 Nevskiy Prospekt. Laundry and Drycleaners: Though most of the student residences offer laundry service, the best places for students living on Vasilevsky Island are Studentchesky Prochechnye SPB (Korablestroitelei 20, korp. 3) and Vesta (Korablestroitelei 31 korp. 2-6). Downtown, Garant, a chain of cleaners, has locations at on 29 Sadovaya ul. or 2 Manezhnyi per. The closest drycleaners to the student residences are Rodnik (next to Studentchesky Prochechye SBP on 20 Korabestroitelei), Nemetskaya Marka (32 Korabestroitelei) and Pygmalion (88 Malyi Prospect).
Fitness: One of Russia's largest chains of sports centers, Planeta Fitness has an outlet not far from the student dorms. It's located at 32 Korablestroiteley. Past students have enjoyed the facilities. The prices range depending on the many types of membership available. Bathing: During the summer, all Russian cities turn off the hot water (communally provided) for "pipe maintenance." It can be off for 3-4 weeks, meaning that showering can be difficult, if not painful. As a good alternative, find a bathhouse and have a cleansing, cultural experience all at once. Two of St. Petersburg's more affordable banyas (and located near the SPbGU student dorms) are Sauna Lux at Gavanskaya Ulitsa 53 (7-812-352-6754) and Sauna at KIMa Prospect 19 (7-812-350-5487). Students who would like pamper themselves a bit can try Lux at 20 Dotsmanskaya Ulitsa Their phone number is (7-812-495-0833), which has a Finnish steam room and 'hydro chamber' (a folding screen that blasts your body with hundreds of little water jets) in addition to the standard banya and pool. Note that all Russian banyas are cheaper if you go as a group. Depending on the banya you go to, groups of 6-10 are usually best. Call ahead for prices and details.
6. Doctors and Clinics (back to table of contents) American Medical Center (recommended*)
Address: 78 Moika Emb.
Tel : 140 20-90; 740-2090
Fax: 310 46-64
Email: info@amclinic.ru
Web: http://www.amclinic.ru/
Hours: 24hr emergency service, option to direct bill your insurance. Polyclinic Complex - Medical Center for Foreigners
Address: Moskovsky Prospekt 22
Tel: 316-6272, 110-1102, or 292-6274. European Medical Center
Address: 60 Suvorovsky Prospekt.
Tel: 327-0301 Dental Palace
Address: 10, Millionaya Ul.,
Tel: 325-7500
Hours: Mon-Fri: 09:30-20:00; Sat: 11:00-17:00; Closed Sun 7. Theatre and Classical Music (back to table of contents)
Russia is known for its performing arts. Take advantage and see all that you can. Tickets can be purchased at the theatre or concert hall itself. Tickets may also be purchased from theatre kiosks and tables around town. If you know a bit of Russian, you can also use www.kontramarka.ru – reserve tickets online, and pick them up at various locations in town. For those that don't speak much Russian, you can pick up a St. Petersburg Times (free from any Kofe Khaus, Idealnaya Chashka, or online). The St. Petersburg Times is an English-language newspaper that comes out twice a week: on Tuesday and Friday. It lists all movies playing, concerts, theater, ballet, and even live music in the entertainment section. Find what you want to see and head to the 42 Nevsky Prospekt box office (about 400m from Gostiny Dvor). Your student ID should be enough to get you the Russian price automatically.
Note, that the main exception is the Mariinsky Theater; you can only buy tickets online or at the theater itself there. Buying online is easy though, as the website is available in English. Just create a username and password and then choose the performance you want to see. You can chose the Russian price here as well – but be prepared to show your student ID when you show up to collect the tickets. Some shows are as low as 150 Rubles if you go for the cheaper seats during a weekday/less popular performance or as much as 3,000 Rubles if you get a really nice seat on the weekend to a big-event show (like Swan Lake). a. Ballet and Opera The Mariinsky
(Teatralnaya Pl. 1; Tel: 326-4141)
The Mariinsky, among those in-the-know, is even more famous than the Bolshoi for ballet. It's company, known as the Kirov, took the ballet world by storm during the Soviet era and its reputation has not diminished - nor should it. It's also recommended for dramatic productions if for no reason than they now have a subtitle screen (in English) next to the stage. Saint Petersburg Opera
(33 Galernaya Ulitsa; Tel: 312-39-82)
Founded in 1987 at the beginning of glasnost, the Saint Petersburg Opera is known for its "innovative opera." It's newly renovated facility in the Baron von Derviz mansion is also known for excellent musical quality. Mikhailovsky Theatre
(Pl. Isskustv, 1; Tel: 595-43-05)
Surrounded by art museums and architecture, a trip to one of St. Pete's most respected and oldest theatres can make a great end to an art-infused day. They feature ballet, musicals, operas, and more. Musical Comedy Theatre
(13 Italianskaya Street; Tel: 210-4316)
Occasionally features the premiere of a new, cutting-edge ballet or opera. b. Dramatic Theatres Tovstonogov Dramatic Theatre
(Fontanka 65; Tel: 310-9242)
Founded in 1919 by Communist favorite Maxim Gorky, the theatre rocketed to fame under director Georgi Tovstonogov and adopted his name. It still gives some of the highest quality presentations of classic and contemporary plays in Petersburg. Buff Theatre
(1 Narodnaya Ulitsa; Metro Lomonosovskaya; Tel: 446–6767)
A young, dynamic theatre, with shows that focus on improvisation. MDT European Theatre
(18 Rubenstein Ulitsa; Metro Vladimirskaya, Dostoevskaya; Tel: 713-2078)
This theatre, which opened in 1944 during the blockade, has a formidable history and a place in the heart of St. Petersburg Theatrical culture. You can find classics, such as 'Uncle Vanya' as well as less well-known shows. Lensovieta Theatre
(12, Vladimirsky Prosp; Metro Vladimirskaya, Dostoevskaya; Tel: 113-2207)
This theatre is known more for showing comedies, which are often among the best-reviewed in the city. Saint Petersburg State University Studio Theatre
(52 Galereinaya - entrance from 27 Admiralty Canal; Tel: 312-51-97)
As you can imagine, this is low-budget but often very artistic theatre. Highly recommended for students! c. Classical Music The Philharmonic
(Michailovskaya Ul, 2; Tel: 110-42-57)
Shostakovitch Hall inside the Grand Philharmonic Hall is probably the most respected of all concert halls - big names from Europe and Russia play here. Conservatories
Conservatories can be a great place to witness some of Russia's brightest young talent perform pieces on par with other theatres and concert halls, only in a more informal and less expensive atmosphere. Try the Ballet Conservatory at Teatralnaya Pl. 3 (Tel: 117-05-06) and the Music Conservatory at B. Nikitskaya, 13 (Tel: 229-9401). 8. Church Services (back to table of contents) Roman Catholic
("Prihod Materi Bozhey Lurdskoy;" Kovenski Per., Dom 9; Tel. +7 (911) 209-59-53)
Sunday masses in Polish at 10am, Russian at 11am and 7pm, and Latin Mass at 12pm with Liturgy in Russian. Jewish
The Main Synagogue in town is the Bolshaya Choralnaya Synagogue at Lermontovsky Prospect Dom 2.
See the website for service times. Buddhist
("Datsan Gunzechyoney;" Primorskyi Prospect, Dom 91.
Services usually at 3pm daily, however see the website for more detailed calendar and special events. Muslim
(Sobornaya Mechet' Obshini Musul'man; 7 Kronverskiyi pr., Metro Gorkhovskaya, On Petrograd Island)
Check at the mosque for service scheduals. Other / Protestant
An extensive - though perhaps a bit outdated - list of churches and services can be found here. 9. Museums in St. Petersburg (back to table of contents) This is a small sampling of St. Petersburg's plethora of museums. If you are interested in taking guided excursions to any of these locations (or have requests for others), you may contact SRAS about arrangements. If you would like to simply visit these sites on your own, we have provided addresses and telephone numbers for all of them. You should keep in mind that many of the smaller museums in Russia tend to keep odd hours, and change them at will. You should call ahead to make sure your location will be open when you arrive. Also, keep in mind that especially in St. Pete, it is hard to classify museums specifically. Many art museums are housed in architecturally-interesting, historically-important buildings which formally housed nobles and/or government offices. But we did our best. a. Must Sees! (back to table of contents) The Peter and Paul Fortress (The Museum of the History of St. Petersburg)
(Petropavlovskaya krepost, 3; Tel: 238-45-50)
This fortress complex was the first major structure built after Russia occupied the territory that would become St. Petersburg. It is now a fascinating museum with exhibits on construction techniques, city planning, early government structures and acts, etc. You can even arrange helicopter rides over St. Pete here. The State Hermitage
(Dvortsovaya nab, 32-38; Tel: 110-96-25)
This is the world's largest collection of Art, anywhere. It's housed in the former winter palace, a massive, winding and audacious structure that would take you a week to see all of. This will also give you some idea of why the people were so upset with the rulers come time for the revolution. The Museum of Urban Sculpture
(Nevsky pr. 179/2; Tel: 274-263)
We guess the Soviets renamed this to demystify the sacred burial site of some of St. Pete's biggest names: Lomonosov, Dostoevsky, Tchaikovsky, Glazunov, Rimsky-Korsakov. Located inside the Alexander Nevsky Lavra. The Aurora Cruiser
(Petrogradskaya nab, 3; Tel: 230-84-40)
Among other things, this ship helped to start the Bolshevik revolution by firing a blank shot at the winter palace. It's now a FREE museum where you can watch real navy cadets being trained how to work the controls. St. Isaac's Cathedral
(1 Isaakievskaya sq., Tel: 315-9732)
A classical cathedral more reminiscent of Italian than Russian churches, this is big enough to house 10,000 worshipers. Get there early to check out the view from the colonnade on top. b. Quirky but Interesting (back to table of contents) Museum of Hygiene
(Italyanskaya ul. 25; Tel: 595 89 08)
Only come if you have a strong stomach and psyche. This museum, created by Peter, features medical anomalies such as preserved organs affected by disease and misuse, deformed fetuses and Pavlov's dog (stuffed). This is interesting, but you might not want to stay for the all the exhibits. c. Art (back to table of contents) The State Russian Museum
(Inzhenernaya UL., 4; Tel: 314-34-48)
If winding your way through the hermitage didn't exhaust your artistic appetite, you can come see 320,000 more ancient and modern pieces on display here. Most will tell you its worth seeing, however, as the Hermitage represents on of the finest collections of European art and the Russian Museum represents one of the finest collections of Russian art. The Mikhailovsky Castle
(Sadovaya ul., 2; Tel: 210-41-73)
A sort of medieval-classical montage built by Catherine's son, Emperor Paul I. He lived in it only a few years before he was killed in his bedroom. It is now a branch of the Russian Museum and hosts yet even more art! The Menshikov Palace
(Universitetskaya nab., 15; Tel: 213-11-12)
Built by the historically controversial former Governor-general of the city, Alexander Menshikov, this massive and lavish former home is now a museum of culture and art; it's an affiliate of the Hermitage. The Marble Palace
(Milionnaya ul., 5; Tel: 312-91-96)
And for those especially interested in modern and pop art (or marble architecture), this is the place to see. The Stroganov Palace
(Nevsky pr., 17; Tel: 311-82-38)
The former palace is now home to a large collection of icons and wax figures of Romanov-era figures. Contemporary Art Galleries
The following galleries are considered to be the most prestigious show rooms among today's St. Petersburg artists (list contributed by E. Varshavskaya) Pushkinskaya 10
(Ligovsky Prospect, 53)
This is actually a conglomeration of studios, apartments, and various artistic experiments that can be said to effectively encompass Russia's contemporary artistic elite. Spend the day here at places like the museum of non-conformism, the centre of experimental noise, the studio for performance art, and the Techno Art Centre. When those close down, the complex also houses one of the city's best clubs, Fish Fabrique, frequented by the artists. The Globus Museum and 'Loft Project Etazhi'
(both at 72 Ligovskii Prospect)
Welcome to modern-art oases in a city that is often more focused on its past than its future - the setting and accompanying ultra-chic wine bar alone are reason enough to frequent these venues, and the often inspiring exhibitions are reasons to stay. The Anna Nova Gallery
(Zhukovskogo Street, 28; Tel: 812-275-9762)
(Fax: 812-272-8951 Email:info@annanova-gallery.ru) The Mitki Gallery
Dmitry Shagin, Curator
(Marata Street, 36; no phone) Gallery D-137
Olga Kudriavtseva, Curator
(Nevsky Pr., 90-92; Tel: 812-275-6011)
(Email: d137@peterlink.ru) Dmitry Semenov Gallery
Dmitry Semenov, Curator
(Ligovsky Pr., 63, apt. 19; Tel: 812-575-8323)
(Email: info@ds-gallery.ru) Marina Gisich Art Gallery
Marina Gisich, Curator
(Fontanka Embankment, 121, apt. 13; Tel: 812-314-4279)
(Fax: 812-314-4380; Email: gallery@sisich.com)
d. History (back to table of contents) The Central Naval Museum
(Birzhevaya pl.; Tel: 218-25-02)
A vast collection of naval uniforms, model ships and submarines, and really big guns. The State Museum of the History of Religion
(14 Pochtamskaya Ulitsa; Tel: 312-35-86)
Founded in 1932, this museum may not seem like much at first glance, but has fascinating exhibits that showcase elements of religious symbolism and lore, as well as some unexpectedly modern museum design features. The House of M. Ksnesinskaya (The Museum of the Political History of Russia)
(Kuybysheva ul., 2; Tel: 233-70-48)
Renamed from "The Museum of the October Revolution" after the fall, this museum is well worth a look if you are interested in Communism. The Military Historical Museum of Artillery, Engineering, and Communication Forces
(Alexandrovskiy park, 7; Tel: 233-03-82).
This is one of the world's largest military museums, housed in the formal Arsenal. The Monument to Heroic Defenders of Leningrad
(Pobedy pl.; Tel: 293-65-63)
A monument and museum to the epic 900-day siege of the city during WWII. Piskariovskoye Memorial Cemetery
(Prospekt Nepokorionnykh)
Dedicated to those who did not survive the siege. The 186 mass graves where a half million are intered are sobering to say the least. e. Literature, Theatre and Music (back to table of contents) The Museum of Russian Literature (Pushkinskiy Dom)
(Makarova nab., 4; Tel: 218-05-02)
A very large collection of first edition and original manuscripts. Many, many artifacts related to Russia's literary development from the 18th to the 20th centuries. The Museum of Theater and Music
(Ostrovskogo pl., 6a; Tel: 311-21-95)
A very large collection of musical instruments, sheet music, portraits of famous actors, and general memorabilia from Russia's great epics of theatre and music. The Museum of Musical Instruments
(Isaakievskaya pl., 5.; Tel: 314-53-94) Dostoevsky Sites
Dostoevsky lived in St. Petersburg and based most of his characters and novels in real places around the city. Visit Raskolnikov's house on Grazhdanskaia ulitsa 19/5. You can go up the stairs, where there is a good amount of interesting graffiti, but the apartment is occupied by a tenant (you can't go in). Then, walk the famous 730 steps to the pawn broker's house at Srednaya Podiacheskaya ul. 15/104. St. Nikolas Cathedral to the south of Theatre Square is a common scene in Dostoevsky's works. You can also visit The Memorial Museum of F.M. Dostoevsky housed in his former apartment (Kuznechnyy per., 5/2; Tel: 311-40-31), and see his grave at Alexander Nevski Lavra (see "Must Sees" above). The House-Museums
Russia has tons of these preserved apartments, estates, and houses which also house things like original works, first-edition prints, and other gems from the famous people who lived in the residences. These sometimes host special performances, concerts, and lectures. You will also probably find babushkas that have worked there for ages and can tell you lots of interesting facts. Here are a few that may be of interest, if you don't find what you are interested in, you may contact us for more options. The Apartment of Anna Akhmatova (Fontanny dom)
(Fontanki Reki nab., 34; Tel: 272-22-11) The Apartment of A.A. Blok
(Dekabristov ul., 57; Tel: 113-86-33) The Apartment of N.A. Nekrasov
(Liteynyy pr., 36; Tel: 272-01-65) The Apartment of Pushkin
(Moiki Reki nab, 12; Tel: 314-00-06) The Museum of M.V. Lomonosov
(Universitetskaya nab., 3; Tel: 238-45-50)
This one is much more of laboratory-museum, housing some of Lomonosov's experiments and art. The Museum-Apt of Rimsky-Korsakov
(28 Zagorodnyy Pr. Detached house in the inner yard; Tel: 113-3208)
f. Religious/Architechtural (back to table of contents) The House of Peter I
(Petrovskaya nab., 6; Tel: 232-45-76)
The first residence built in St. Pete – for Peter the Great himself. A unique hodge-podge of Russian and Dutch architecture, it still houses many of Peter's personal belongings. The Summer Palace of Peter I
(Summer Garden; Tel: 314-04-56)
Peter's answer to the large and beautiful sculpted parks he had seen in Europe. A good place for a stroll, the 18th century palace inside is fully restored. Church of the Spilled Blood
(Griboedova Kanala nab.; Tel: 315-1636)
Built by Alexander III to mark the spot where Alexander II died, this impressive, ornate and very Russian cathedral is one of St. Pete's prime attractions and a good place to buy souvenirs. g. Science/Technology (back to table of contents) The Museum of the Ethnography of Russia
(Inzhenernaya ul., 4a; Tel: 219-11-74)
Anthropological (Social) history of Russia, displays of everyday life from eras past. The Museum of Zoology
(Universitetskaya nab., 1; Tel: 218-01-12) The Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography (named after Peter the Great)
(Universitetskaya nab., 3; Tel: 218-14-12) 10. Day Trips from St. Pete (click) (back to table of contents)
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