amyb

I think it depends on where you eat. I had full meals, with vodka and or wine, for under $50-75 a person, depending on how extravagant the restaurant was. I found the food delicious and very memorable in both St. Petersburg and Moscow. One of the best meals I ever had was in Moscow, and I didn't break the bank for it...all five courses of it (with wine!). I detail all the restaurants I visited in my trip report.

lyb

Loved your report as well, I'm considering going to St Petersburg in August/September this year and starting my research. Your trip report has been very helpful.

I didn't realize how little English there would be.

Also, are all the street signs only in Cyrillic or are they also in the western alphabet?

I've always wanted to go to Russia and I do expect it to be somewhat of a challenge but your report did help in getting my research started.

Thank you

amyb

lyb, there is very little "western alphabet", in fact I don't remember any that wasn't at a museum ticket window.... It is Russia after all and Cyrillic is their alphabet. I think you'd be surprised though how easily you can read the signs. It is really not that hard to learn the major differences in their alphabet, and once you do, it's really pretty easy.

kenav

We found no signs in Moscow NOT in Cyrillic however, in St Pete's we saw the Latin alphabet.

crusty

Lyb, appreciate your comments. I don't recall alot of english, but I did not find that part that hard. All the menus were in English and easy to read. I am glad my blog was helpful. I believe amyb. even learned the alphabet. We became very good at figuring out coffee houses, and the name for restaurant. We got to know a couple symbols that made it easier. I wish you a lovely trip and keep us updated.

crusty

let me just clarify I did not find the lack of English signs hard, I did find the lack of English spoken frustrating at times. But, that was my lack of preparation, and no one else's fault.

Stanislava_Somova

Dear Crusty,
thank you so much for the very detailed trip review). It was especially interesting to read as I'm a guide in St. Petersburg and I got the chance to see an honest point of view on St. Petersburg "from the other side". Besides, now I know more good restaurant to recommend))
Just out of curiosity, what attraction did you enjoy most in St. Petersburg? I've read all the notes and I guess you never went to Catherine's Palace in Pushkin, right?
Thank you for your hard work writing these posts!

crusty

Stanislava, thanks so much for your comments. On reflection, Russia is a fascinating culture, and St Petersburg was really beautiful. My favorite thing was The Russian Museum. I really enjoyed it there. I loved the Restaurant connected to the Vodka Museum. And, Tsar was the most elegant restaurant I have ever been to. I also really enjoyed the Concert Hall at Mariinsky Theatre and the symphony we went to. I was surprised that The Hermitage was not my favorite. I found myself comparing it to The Louvre. My biggest regret was missing Catherines palace. The fountains were off and for some reason we never got to go. Tune in This week, going to Edinburgh Scotland, and will be doing blog from there.

live42day

Stanislava, can you please tell me if you know when the fountains will be turned on this year? We will be there May 1 and 2 and I understand that sometimes they are turned on the first week of May at Peterhof.
Thank you

Stanislava_Somova

live42day,
They turn on the fountains on the 1st of May this year (unless something changes). The main fountains are turned on at 11.00 am but some of them work since 10.00 am, but they are rather far from the entrance to the park. Have a great time in SPb!!!

gratefulgran

Thank you Crusty. I really enjoyed your blog. We go to St. Petersburg in June.

gratefulgran

I meant to call you Brooke, not Crusty.