|
For submitting a new event or a guide item, please
email us.
|
|
| General Information
|
|
|
St. Petersburg is considered by many to be the cultural capital of Russia, located in the northwest of the country on the Gulf of Finland. It is a relatively new city, founded by Peter the Great in 1703. Ten years after its founding, St. Petersburg was made the captial of Russia, and remained so until 1918. Peter the Great’s decision to settle here and make the city the capital was initially unpopular, as the area was then swampy and virtually empty. But the city soon took on all the grandeur of the Imperial Court and became the country’s main centre for culture. It has remarkable architecture from the 18th and 19th centuries, hundreds of cultural institutions, a variety of interesting monuments, and now brings together quite a mix of world cultures. The city is often referred to as Russia’s “window to the West,” because of its proximity to Western Europe, and the city’s inhabitants tend to consider themselves more European, and sometimes more sophisticated, than other Russians. St. Petersburg also appears more European than other cities in Russia because of its Italian-style architecture. During the Soviet period, the name of the city was changed to Leningrad, though it became St. Petersburg again in 1991.
The city is also known for its unique landscape with its elegant beauty, and its magical “White Nights,” when the sun stays up for almost 24 hours in the summer. The city incorporates a number of small islands connected with bridges and is full of many canals, which has inspired some to call it “the Venice of the North.”
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
| Weather
|
|
|
|
St. Petersburg is known for having unpredictable weather, as its location near to the Baltic Sea means that the weather can change suddenly and often. It has a maritime climate, meaning that the weather is milder than inland areas, and the winters are cold but not brutal. There are distinct changes of seasons, and the summer is the most popular time to visit, when temperatures average around 20°C (68°F). In the fall, the trees change beautiful colours and there is often sun and crisp, cool days. Winters are quite cold, with temperatures averaging around -12°C (10°F), and snow and freezing winds are common. Throughout the year, the weather changes often, and a nice day can turn suddenly rainy or very windy, as well as the other way round.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
| Language
|
|
|
|
The official and primary language of St. Petersburg is Russian. The inhabitans often also speak Finnish or Estonian. In tourist areas and establishments you can usually get by with English, and occasionally German.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
| ^ Back to top |
| Religion
|
|
|
|
The primary religion in Russia is Russian Orthodox Christianity, practiced by approximately 70% of the population. The Russian Orthodox Church is seen as part of Russia’s cultural heritage, and even nonbelievers often feel a connection to the religion. The rest of Russia’s religious population is mainly comprised of Muslims (5%), Roman Catholics, Jews, Armenian Gregorian Christians, and various Protestant denominations. Together, Jews and non-Orthodox Christians make up only about 1% of the population.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
| ^ Back to top |
| Currency
|
|
|
|
The currency used in Russia is the rouble. 1 rouble is made up of 100 kopeks. Notes come in denominations of 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, and 1000 roubles, and coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, and 50 kopeks, and 1, 2, and 5 roubles. There is a law that only banknotes and coins issued in 1997 or later are valid.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
| ^ Back to top |
| Tipping
|
|
|
Tipping is common is Russia, and is done similarly to most European countries. In restaurants tipping is not required, but a tip of between 10 - 15% is normal if you are happy with the service. Tipping nothing at all is often considered ungracious. If you pay by cash in a restaurant, saying “thank you” at the moment they pick up your money means that you don’t expect change.
In hotels, tips are much appreciated, and you can leave around 30 - 50 roubles a day for the housekeeping staff. When assisted by coat check and luggage attendants, a tip of 20 - 50 roubles per item is appropriate, though many people do not tip in these situations. Tour guides and taxi drivers should also be tipped, at your discretion.
Be aware that tips should always be left in cash, even when paying the bill with a credit card.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
| ^ Back to top |
| Taxes
|
|
|
|
The value added tax (VAT) in Russia varies depending on the item or service, and usually ranges from 10 - 18%. Unfortunately, foreigners who make purchases in Russia cannot claim tax refunds on items they take back home.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
| ^ Back to top |
| Telephone
|
|
|
The country code for Russia is +7, and the area code for St. Petersburg is (0)812. To call St. Petersburg from abroad, dial any country exit code, plus 007 812, followed by the local number. To make a call within St. Petersburg, just dial the local 7-digit number. Usually local calls from fixed lines are free, even if you are calling to a mobile.
There are some public telephones and a number of telecom shops in St. Petersburg, and it is also not uncommon to ask to use phone in a café or shop, though they will likely charge you.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
| ^ Back to top |
| Internet
|
|
|
|
There is a large number of internet cafés in St. Petersburg, many of which are located on Nevsky prospekt. Many of the internet cafés in the centre of the city are open 24 hours, and they usually have decent connections. The cheaper cafés may have slower connections, however.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
| ^ Back to top |
| Emergency Numbers
|
|
|
Be aware that the people answering emergency numbers in Russia usually only speak Russian, with the exception of the foreigners’ line.
Fire: 01
Police: 02
Foreigners’ police line: 164 9787
Ambulance: 03
24-hour pharmacy: 311 2077
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
| ^ Back to top |
| Opening Times
|
|
|
|
Business hours in St. Petersburg are generally Mon - Fri 9 am- 12 pm and 1 pm- 6 pm, and stores are also open on Sat, usually from 10 am - 7 pm. Most shops and other businesses close for the lunch hour, though museums, churches, and supermarkets are usually open all day. Large supermarkets and department stores stay open later, usually until 9 or 10 pm.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
| ^ Back to top |
| Public Holidays
|
|
|
On the following days, most shops, banks and museums will be closed, and public transport is likely to be more limited.
January 1 and 2, New Year’s
January 7, Orthodox Christmas
March 8, Womens’ Day
May 1 and 2, May Day
May 9, Victory Day
June 12, Independence Day
November 7, Peace and Harmony Day
December 12, Constitution Day
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
| ^ Back to top |
| Safety
|
|
|
St. Petersburg is not an unsafe city, though are certain things that a tourist should watch out for. Exercise care whenever you change money, as fraudsters who will try to trick you are not so uncommon. To help avoid this, never exchange money with individuals, no matter how good a deal they might offer, but rather go to a legitimate establishment. You should also be very careful with your credit cards and credit card receipts, as these can be taken away from you in restaurants or nightclubs for example, and sneakily returned after someone has used them to make expensive purchases.
When taking a taxi, it is always safer to order one by phone than to take one you see on the street, especially at night. Also, try not to walk alone at night if you can avoid it, and walk on well-lit, busy streets when you can.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
| ^ Back to top |
|
Dear tobook.com visitor, you also can contribute to our city guides with
events and articles. Do you want to inform our readers with an upcoming
event or do you want to publish your article, please
email us at guide. We would welcome personal stories about your experiences
in Europe as a great addition to our city guides.
|
|
|
|
E-mail this to a friend
Printable version