Perhaps not the most traditional, or easiest, places to travel to, St Petersburg offers the opportunity to visit Russia, whilst still retaining links with the west. Founded in 1703 by Peter the Great as a "Window to the West", St Petersburg went on to become known as the germanic Petrograd during the First World War and subsequently Leningrad during the communist era. One of the symbols of Russia's turbulent history, the city has retained much of its dramatic architecture including the resplendent Palaces of the tsarist era, the most well known perhaps being the Winter Palace, known as the Hermitage, displaying one of the worlds greatest and most admired art collections. The city is remarkably picturesque, founded on rivers and canals. The city was also home to a host of renowned figures including the composers Stravinsky and Shostakovich, the writers Dostoevsky and Pushkin and such historical figures as Rasputin and Lenin. The traditions of Russian theatre and ballet is continued by the Kirov Ballet, visits to the internationally renowned Mariinskii and Musorgski theatres remaining cheap in comparison with western theatres. Travelling in June/July also affords the opportunity to experience the " White Nights" when darkness never falls and the city is characterised by concerts and entertainment. Whilst problems can be encoutered where food and drink is concerned - although i have never known a vodka shortage! - the city is now developing more and more westernised eating places. The main street in St. Petersburg - Nevskii Prospect - hosts a number of american outlets, and there is at least one McDonalds in the city. As far as travel goes, the cheapest options are the trams, buses and underground. Beware, however, that the former tend to be very ovrcrowded and I have known buses in particular to break down. The underground is perhaps the easiest - and most possibly cheapest and fastet - mode of transport. Finally as far as currency is concerned it has to be american dollars, accepted everywhere they can also be exchanged for the everdecreasing rouble.
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Advantages: so much to see and do, fabulous architecture, the Hermitage, boat tours round the city Disadvantages: need to purify your water - apart from that, NONE!
weebagpuss 29.04.2001 (04.05.2001)
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Review of St. Petersburg (Russia)
Advantages: so much to see and do, fabulous architecture, the Hermitage, boat tours round the city Disadvantages: need to purify your water - apart from that, NONE!
weebagpuss 29.04.2001 (04.05.2001)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of St. Petersburg (Russia)
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