Compare and book 2 Star hotels in St. Petersburg, Saint Petersburg

The city once known as the home of the Russian nobility is becoming increasingly more accessible to travellers on a budget. You won't have to reach into your pocket too often and can spend your time wandering St. Petersburg’s streets, enjoying historic palaces and churches, or sauntering down the wide embankments of the Neva River.

Landmarks in St. Petersburg

Commissioned by Catherine the Great, the Bronze Horseman on Senatskaia Square depicts Peter the Great astride his horse, looking out across the River Neva. The statue of St. Petersburg’s founder takes its name from one of Aleksander Pushkin's famous poems. Peter and his horse stand atop a huge single piece of red granite, known as the Thunder Stone. Impressive in its own right, the Thunder Stone is one of the largest stones ever moved by humans. This 18th-century statue is now a popular tourist attraction as well as being one of the symbols of St. Petersburg.

Nearby and bordered on all sides by rivers and canals, the Summer Garden is St. Petersburg’s oldest park, dating back to the early-18th Century. Its two entrances are at the south of the Moika and north of the Neva. Once a private retreat for Peter the Great, the Summer Garden now welcomes flocks of visitors to the park to explore the greenery and discover the many pavilions and fountains. The gardens’ museum houses archaeological finds that have been discovered in recent years.

St. Petersburg's Best Nightlife

The long Nevsky Prospekt is lined with bars and restaurants, many of which cater to a young clientele and offer cheap beer and large, hearty portions. From internationally themed bars and mainstream clubs pumping out Russian pop hits and Eurotrance, and a few indie and rock clubs, you’ll easily find somewhere to go on to after you’ve eaten. And of course you can’t visit Russia without trying the vodka. Head for the Russian Vodka Museum near Metro Gostiny Dvor for a brief tour explaining the history of vodka and its role in Russian society – then enjoy a somewhat longer tasting session.