St. Petersburg is a magical place in a much more romantic way than its sister city Moscow. I came to St. Pete’s on a work trip, and was expecting it to be much like my trip to Moscow years before. I was surprised by the more welcoming feel. More like its European neighbors, St Petersburg has a safe, walkable feel. It is a new capital city built in an “old style.” This makes for an almost pretend ambiance.

EXPERIENCE

The State Hermitage Museum + Winter Palace is a A stunning facade that houses one of the best art collections in the world. The museum, like the Louvre, is a tad overwhelming, which I guess is the idea since the Czar of Russia built the museum to rival the French collection. Be sure to go in, since the beauty of this building cannot all be seem from the exterior. The lines get long, so go early and get in when the gates open. http://www.hermitagemuseum.org/

Church of Our Savior of the Spilled Blood is an icon of St. Petersburg. It feels like a copy of the St. Basil’s in Moscow, however the tiling and detail on this building seemed to be in much better condition and well maintained than its lookalike in Red Square. This building had a more authentic feel. thttp://www.saint-petersburg.com/virtual-tour/church-of-savior.asp. While here also be sure to check out the Russian Ballet, it is expensive, but really wonderful and likely a once in a lifetime. Peterhof is an amazing day trip to enjoy the castle and the gardens. I’m not even sure we went into the castle, the ground alone are beautiful and the ferry boat journey to get there is quite the ordeal. Spend time just walking around enjoying the European feel, street cafes, and shopping for fur even if you don’t plan to buy any. 

STAY

The new W St. Petersburg is to die for, really. It is spectacular, and has a great garden roof deck bar that looks over the entire city. http://www.wstpetersburg.com/

EAT 

The food was amazing. Be sure to try the VodkaRoom No. 1 and Palkin for something traditional and authentically Russian.