Smeagol

I am looking to plan a trip to St Petersburg and to take advantage of the UK bank holiday we are thinking of going late August. I did read thought that ( similar to Paris) the locals leave and some of the "cultural experiences take a summer break. ( I know the Marinsky is closed until Sept 16) that said does anyone know if it still a good time to visit?

We are planning on 3 nights/ 3 days .

Your advice ( and any tips you may have) would be appreciated.

kja

It would be much better if you can go during the White Nights, and spending 6 days would be far better than 3.

Do learn to transliterate from Cyrillic to English before you go.

weekend_celebrations

we went in July of 2013 and had a great time (after all it is called the Northern capital of Russia so not too hot, and even needed a blanket for the Neva cruise)

take care to find a central accommodation. we lived on Moika, not far from Pushkin's house- Museum and the Palace Square walked to it at midnight. have not blogged about it yet, but ask away if you have other questions.

www.celebratetheweekend.com

Smeagol

Unfortunately the UK bank holiday is fixed, so it looks like August is our option and afraid 3 days is all we have. U did notice the " white nights" but looks like we would miss that.
That said, is it still an ok time to go in August?

Weekend, I'll check out your web, thank you for the link.

kja

Sorry, Smeagol, I don't know about August. With only 3 days, you probably won't be able to see much more than the highlights, so you might just want to google them to see their opening dates/times. As you note, you probably won't be able to take advantage of the theater or ballet, etc., but sunset won't be until somewhere between about 9 p.m. (end of August) and about 10:30 p.m. (start of the month), so you'll have lots of options for pleasant strolls, perhaps a boat ride along the Neva, etc.

Hope that helps!

Smeagol

Yes thank you KJA I have found the Hermitage ballet open for Swan Lake so think we will go for that If we go.

weekend_celebrations

You will still have marvelous time. Everybody who goes to st pete loves it. It is not easy to find good value accomodations in the center because everything is...well ...old so start early. Definetely go to alexander's gardens (александровсий сад) for a stroll

Odin

There is never a bad time to visit St Petersburg, even in the dead of winter but then I am biased. If you have 3 days in August, then go for it and don't over think it. It's also never enough time, 3 days or 30 days! Pick the highlights and must see sights eg Hermitage (pick & choose what to see as it's very large), Peter & Paul Fortress, the Aurora etc, do plenty of walking as it's the best way to see the city. There are plenty of good hotels and restaurants and it is cheaper than Moscow. Summer comes early to this part of the world, by late August it is starting to be autumn, hence the white nights will be long finished.

sandy_b

We went last August, did not get dark until about 11:00 p.m.! As everyone says, you will LOVE StP . . . we did. We also only had 3 days but we saw quite a bit.

We did find a great small hotel. It is walking distance to the Church on the Spilled Blood and the Hermitage.

3 Most A Hotel
Moyka emb. 3
St. Petersburg, Russia
Ph: 7 (812) 332 3470
Fax: 7 (812) 332 3471
[email protected]
Twin room, $152/nt.

We also hired a guide for a day and a half, she took us everywhere we wanted.

Have a great trip,
Sandy (in Denton)

dreaming

I went in October, so a bit later and cooler. I have to echo the sentiments here and say "go"! A couple suggestions- the diamond rooms at the hermitage (if you're interested in gold/jewelry), and the fountains at Peterhof.

Smeagol

Thanks everyone, sounds like A GO!!!! Am hoping to book the flights this week.
Also Corinthian hotels are doing a deal at the moment 50% of ALL room rates for stays over 2 nights!!!! I liked the look of this place before I saw the 50% off!!!

Sandy - can you give me an indication of the price for the guide?
Also transfers from the airport are they expensive? I read somewhere taxis are a fortune!

Again, many thanks for all your advice.

Smeagol

Thanks everyone, sounds like A GO!!!! Am hoping to book the flights this week.
Also Corinthian hotels are doing a deal at the moment 50% of ALL room rates for stays over 2 nights!!!! I liked the look of this place before I saw the 50% off!!!

Sandy - can you give me an indication of the price for the guide?
Also transfers from the airport are they expensive? I read somewhere taxis are a fortune!

Again, many thanks for all your advice.

dreaming

My transfer from St Petersburg airport to the Tradition Hotel was 1200 rubles for 2 people. That was Oct 2012 and I pre-booked it with St Petersburg Free Tour as I was already talking to them about a private tour. We only used a cab one night to get from the Mariinsky back to the hotel and I just can't remember how much that cost.

dreaming

You've probably already looked at the costs and timing for the visa... If not, have a look. Mine was a substantial cost as it had to be done through a 3rd party visa company and I needed it expedited.

sniperslayer

We stayed at the Finnish "sokos" hotel by the main canal there, it was actually super nice

I absolutely loved STP, check out the artillery museum it's amazing

Smeagol

Yes the visa from the Uk for Russia is £120 each. Which is expensive , well compared to other countries I have been before BUT we have factored this in to our budget. I think it's slightly cheaper to go to the embassy in London but their website doesn't list any prices and actually it would be a pain for me to do that.....

Actually feel very excited about the prospect of going here, it's been on my " hit list" for a few years!

Odin

I don't think you can do personal applications anymore at the Russian consulate in London. It's outsourced to another company called VFS Global.

sniperslayer

Also probably not an option but if you sail in you don't need a visa

Smeagol

Thanks Odin.

sandy_b

Smeagol, can you email me? I can give you her name, contact info, and rate.

Thanks,
Sandy (in Denton)