Riley

Hope to visit St. Petersburg this summer, and also travel through Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania ... possibly finishing the trip in Minsk. Any suggestions on hotels, sites we should plan to visit, etc will be greatly appreciated!

Erika

Tom, I would gladly help with any and all questions about Latvia, but sadly I am unfamiliar with the other cities/countries. First, I suggest you pull up www.inyourpocket.com. Absolutely the greatest guides to: Riga, Kaliningrad, Tallinn, Minsk, Klaipeda, Kaunas and Vilnius. You can buy the printed version in each city, and I recommend you do. Cheap souvenier. Well written and good comments. Anyway, in Riga this summer, they are planning their Song Fest. Every five years (obviously not a big hit during the Communist times) they have a huge Song Fest, with everyone dressing in folk costumes etc. Parades through the streets, gatherings etc. Very traditional and very nationalistic. This is a tradition which has been going on for at least 100 years. I also know that they hold a similiar event in Estonia. This years event will be held from 28 June through 6 July. I predict thousands of tourists and ex-pats will arrive for the event.

I don't know exactly what you want to know about Latvia, but tell me what I can help with and I will be more than happy to do so. What to see? What to do? Where to stay? ???? Let me know, Erika

Konstantin

St.Petersburg is a beautifull city, it's worth an excursion. Try to visit the main cathedrals, especially St.Isaac cathedral. The Peter-Paul fortress is pretty attractive too with many historical sites. In summer the boat excursion through numerous kanals and rivers would be very nice, but take care about warm clothes - it could be windy and pretty cool near water. If you'll have time, try to visit the emperors' summer residences like Peterhof, Pavlovsk or Tzarskoe Selo. The Hermitage is a very huge museum, so I recommend to visit it only if you have enough time. Have a nice trip. Konstantin

Riley

Thanks, Erika & Konstantin!

Appreciate the info and directions to source data. My wife's big concern is the crime rate; seems she's heard too many stories of tourist troubles, especially in St. Petersburg. Spoke with a family who were there, and in Moscow, last year with absolutely no problems ... but was not convincing. Afraid this is going to be a trip-buster issue, so no other items to check on until this one is cleared to her satisfaction. Thanks! ... Tom

Erika

Tom, I tried to post a reply earlier, but the system was down......
Anyway, I understand your wife's concern about crime/muggings. While I have read about such "activities" going on, I also know about the scooter-thieving youths in Italy and the mustand-spraying bands in Spain. I have been to Latvia many times and have never had a problem. Even though I am fluent in the language, I am immediately "targeted" as a tourist because of my looks and dress. Street vendors always find me! But, I am cautious - I wear the ubiquitous money belt (why the poochy-belly look - similar to being pregnant - has not caught on in high fashion, I'll never know!!) and I don't wander darkened alleyways or streets at night. By the way, Latvia and Estonia also have the "white nights" wherein it is still light at 1am. I have never witnessed any crime/problems in all the time I've spent over there, but as I said, I know it exists. I understand that Estonia has a very low crime rate. I hate for you to change your plans because of the possibility of some form of criminal activity, but I would hate more if something actually happened to you both. I know that Riga is absolutely lovely, and is preparing for its 800th birthday - so it is filled with beautiful buildings, some still left from the 13th Century. I understand that Tallinn is perhaps even more lovely. Hopefully on my trip this summer, I will have a chance to go to Tallinn, or perhaps Tartu. Whatever you decide, enjoy wherever you wander. Erika

Paula

Riley, we traveled from Moscow to St. Petersburg the summer before last. The people in St. Petersburg were wonderful. I know that you are worried about the crime there, but we had no problems. We got turned around on the subway after midnight and people were very helpful getting us back where we belonged. St. Petersburg has many of the qualities of other European cities, but Russia is a poor country and you have to keep that in mind. There are many tourists there and touring the Hermitage, St. Isaac's, etc. was well worth the effort and we hope to go back. Hope this helps.

Konstantin

And by the way, the crime rate in Moscow and Peter is much lower than in many world megapolises, much lower than in New-York for example. If you will take the common safety measures, I'm sure everything will be OK with you. Have a nice trip

Konstantin

Ylva

I´m glad to hear that you are going to Russia. I lived in St. Petersburg for about a year and had a wonderful time. I agree that the rate of crime has increased, but nothing happend to me. Just be careful. The mafia is probably more interested in rich businessmen (Russian or foreigers) than tourists.
My favourite cafè in St. Petersburg is The idiot. It is situated on the Mojka embankment 82 ( or is it 72?)(Nabereschnaja reki moiki 82). I always go there when I want to relax.
Have a great time!

kathy

I'm considering driving from Berlin to St. Petersburg through Poland and Lithuania. Any advice?

Peter

Your car maybe stolen in any of those countries - get insurance that is valid for all of those countries. I think train (which you have a good connections) is a better idea. Otherwise when parking use only guarded parking. All are beautiful countries - you will have a lot of fun.