Break the Bank or Stay at Home - St. Petersburg, Russia

[Jeannaisais]

St. Petersburg, Russia

 

Located in Eastern Europe, the city of St. Petersburg rests on the shore of the Gulf of Finland. Known as the “Venice of the North” (for its many rivers and canals), St. Petersburg rarely sees temperatures below -10 degrees Celsius or higher than 30 degrees Celsius. No matter what though, waterproof clothing is essential as this is known to be a wet city. Deciding when to visit St. Petersburg is difficult as the various theatres and attractions take breaks throughout the year, not to mention the multitude of festivals celebrated in the city throughout the year. For example, the fountains at Peterhof are only open from July to October (look for pictures below). Also, the Mariinsky Theatre takes two months off every summer. With the difficulty of deciding when to go, I have broken down the various attractions into each of the four seasons.

 

Russia Winter

 

It will be a cold and dark time, but well worth the visit. The cultural life of the city is also going at full pace, with plenty of premieres and parties to fill the long dark evenings, except over the extended winter break at the beginning of January.

 

25 December is a working day in Russia - the Orthodox Christmas is celebrated on 6 January - and New Year is the big winter holiday. Celebrations are taken seriously, and continue on and off right up to the Orthodox New Year (13th January). The whole period has recently become an official holiday, and much of the city shuts up shop for the fortnight. The other big traditional festival is Maslenitsa, the Russian equivalent of Mardi Gras or Shrovetide which lasts for a whole week before the start of Lent.

If visiting for the winter, you will want to be sure to pack hats, gloves, scarves and warm coats. But remember that the Russians keep the insides well above “room temperature.”

 

 

Russian Summer

 

Also known as White Nights. During the summer, the sun only dips below the horizon for an hour around midnight, leaving the city in a state of dusk for this three month span. This is the most popular tourist time, which means you would have to book far in advance. If you’re looking for culture, this is not when you want to go as many of the more culture oriented locations will be closed. However, visiting during this time you will be able to attend the famous White Nights Festival, which runs from the end of May to June. They showcase national artists as well as members of the Mariinsky Theatre and also young winners from the International Music Olympus Festival.

 

This is also the perfect time to visit the Tsarist Palaces around the city, see the famous fountains at Petergoff - they are officially turned on at the beginning of June, with accompanying festivities - and admire the glorious parks in Pushkin and Pavlovsk. Again, though, bear in mind that that's what everyone else will be doing.

 

The weather will be warmer and humid, but there will still be cool nights even if the sun is shining. Remember, Russia is pretty far North, meaning their definition of warmer may be different than yours!

 

 

Russian Spring

 

Russian Spring, mostly festivals and cultural. Easter time alludes to a number of parades and many beautiful ceremonies and rituals. This is also a great time to view the city for its culture. Weather-wise, the cold will come and go and you will want to have a warm coat and probably hats, gloves and scarves if you’re planning on spending a lot of time outside. Also, an umbrella is a huge must at this time of year.

 

Russian Autumn

 

Particularly September. Outside the city, the imperial palaces and their parks are at their very best; particularly Pavlovsk and Oranienbaum, their extensive landscape gardens decorated colored with every shade of red and brown. There are also fewer tour groups around to spoil their majestic tranquility. The same is true in the city's museums and cathedrals, making this the perfect time to come for committed culture vultures who want to get the most out of St. Peterburg's wealth of historical and artistic treasures.

 

It is not suggested to stay past mid-October, unless you wish to see the beginnings of the Russian winter. Waterproof shoes, hats, gloves and scarves are a must for the odd day that will be freezing cold.

 

 

Other Travel Factors

 

Transportation – There are many different methods of transportation, making it easy to get from place to place.

 

Estimated cost for hotel stay and airport travel (this will be based from my home of Kansas City, MO so your actual costs may be different). Also note, I am choosing flight dates only one week from today and for only one person, which also greatly affects the cost.

Airplane Tickets - $995

Hotel - $462 at Columb Hotel (a small 3 star hotel in a central location, close to the Mariinski Theatre)

 

Pictures

 

Mariinski Theatre

 

 

The Fountains of Peterhof

 

 

Bridge from Finland to Russia

 

 

 

[Jeannaisais]

Banders, Please Note:

 

Voting in this thread will count towards posting in an activity thread for points gained through the roll call. However, in order for that to qualify, you need to post that you voted. Otherwise you won't get the recognition or the ORG points via the roll call.

 

Jeannaisais

Executive Officer

Band of the Red Hand

[Jeannaisais]

Personally, I'm gonna have to stay I would just stay at home

 

Oh, and a thread for "To Eat or Not to Eat" will arrive later this week and will be based on a Russian dish.

[Talya]

I would have to say I would stay at home too, there are some other places that i would prefer to go. Although this does seem interesting. I've heard the Architecture (sp) especially in Moscow is lovely!

[Corki]

I would break the bank. I really want to see St. Petersburg, and most of Eastern Europe. There is something about Eastern Europe cities that really draws me in. Maybe when I have the money as St. Petersburg is not cheap to get to from the UK...

[Krakalakachkn]

I would break the band.  I've been to Moscow and would love to see St. Petersburg

[Corki]

I would break the band. 

 

I hope you wouldn't break the Band!  ;D

[Krakalakachkn]

uh oh.  Freudian Slip

[F Horn of Valere]

I'd stay at home, but I would love to make the trip if circumstances worked out. I want to visit Russia, but it is mid-way down my travel priority list.

[Jeannaisais]

*bump* There's still time to vote!

[dragonlover]

i think id stay at home its not my type of holiday

[Farcrie]

stay home. i hate the cold...

[Jeannaisais]

*bump* Voting ends tomorrow!

[mmeeshal]

I'd totally break the bank; traveling is my kind of thing, I like the cold well enough (better than the heat), and it looks like there are a lot of cool things to see! :D  I'd really enjoy a trip like that.

[Samuraiflip05]

Sadly I'd have to decline....mostly cause I don't go anywhere.  :'(

[Jeannaisais]

You still have a couple of hours to vote!