If you follow me on Instagram, you may remember that last summer I went to Moscow and Saint Petersburg for 10 days. And while I already managed to post a travel article about Russia’s capital, it was about time I told you more about Saint Petersburg.
As always, I want to be fair and transparent with you, so the places marked with an asterix (*) are places I have not had yet the pleasure to pay a visit, but they are still highly recommended amongst the well-traveled circle.
HOW TO GET THERE:
Between Bucharest and Saint Petersburg there is no longer a direct flight, but you may get good connections and great offers with only one stop over. Besides the transit time, the shortest flight time is four hours and a half.
WHAT TO SEE:
When you say Saint Petersburg it is impossible not to think about the famous art museum Hermitage, the Peterhof domains, which host gardens and a palace frequently likened to Versailles, and Tsarskoye Selo, the palace which houses the world renowned Amber Room. Besides these tourist spots, The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood/ the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ is definitely worth a visit due to its 7500 square meters of floor to ceiling mosaics. If you are in Saint Petersburg in the warmer months, do not miss out a boat trip on the Neva river to assist at the midnight bridge opening show. Below you’ll find another two recommendations which will definitely impress you:
Fabergé Museum
Having the biggest collection of Fabergé eggs open to the public and other 4000 creations of Russian masters from the past two centuries, this private museum contains pieces bought from Malcolm Forbes himself. The building of the museum, the Shuvalov Palace, is also a masterpiece which was restored for seven years prior to the museum opening.
Blue Mosque
The biggest european mosque outside Turkey at the moment of its opening in 1913, this building has one of the most impressing façades in Russia. With portals sculpted and gold and blue painted and two mosaic minarets in the colour of the sky, you have to see this place with your own eyes in order to fully grasp its beauty!
WHERE TO GO OUT:
Eliseyev Emporium
A tourist sight in itself, this delicacies shop also has one of the most beautiful showcases from the entire city. Stop here for a tea and some marzipan bonbons.
Percorso, Four Seasons Hotel*
One of the most praised fine dining restaurants of Saint Petersburg, Percorso represents a culinary trip through the Mediterranean area with extraordinary views over historical Russian sights such as the Cathedral of Saint Isaac.
WHERE TO STAY:
The State Hermitage Museum Hotel*
Being located 15 minutes on foot from the Hermitage Museum, this hotel rapidly became one of the favourites of those who appreciate the imperialist Russian style, with its slightly opulent accents and complementary comfort.
Belmond Grand Hotel Europe*
Although this hotel is situated on the famous shopping boulevard Nevsky Prospekt and at couple minutes away from the Museumsquartier, its absolutely stunning decor might convince you to stay inside! Don’t say I didn’t warn you…
I hope these recommendations made you want to discover Saint Petersburg by yourself sometime in the near future!
This article originally appeared in ELLE Romania, January 2018 Issue, number 242
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