Monday, October 15, 2007

St. Petersburg, Russia

ORIENTATION: you can certainly manage getting around by foot throughout town. From the main train station (arriving via Moscow), arrange for a cab to get you to your hotel. Kohctahtnh (+7 812 906-89-57) was one option recommended by the Kempenski

HOTELS:

  • Kempinski - great location near Hermitage and on a quiet side street.
  • Hotel Europa - supposed to be one of the top hotels in St. Petersburg.
RESTAURANTS:

  • Aivengo - recommendation from Russian men met in Chicago.
  • Flying Dutchman - allegedly a good spot for views/drinks
  • Tri Peskarya - Lithuanian food
  • Il Patio - only Pizza
  • Imbir Restaurant - trendy cafe
  • Cafe SSSR - good spot for coffee with old Soviet block decor
  • Ideal Cup - cafe
  • Russkaya Rybalka - distance outside of St. Petersburg - this was recommeneded from locals we ate next to in Chicago. Apparently people can fish here and then bring in their own food. Very popular with locals?
ATTRACTIONS:
  • Hermitage - (10:30-5) - go early it will always be packed
  • St. Isaac's Cathedral (11-19)
  • The Neva and the bridges
  • Peterhof (Petrodvorets)
  • Peter & Paul Fortress (11-17)
  • Political Museum (10-18)
  • Dostoevsky's House (11-18)
  • Tsarskoe Selo (Pushkin)
  • Summer Gardens - free - open until 10pm, Summer Palace only open 10-18
  • Kazan (closes at 19:30)
SHOPPING:
  • Nevski Prospect - supposed to be the Hollywood Ave/Beverly Hills/5th Ave. of Russia.
  • Heritage: Russian souvenirs near the Kempinski and Hermitage.

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