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Saint Petersburg

2018

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2 SAINTSaint PETERSBURGPetersburg 3 Free ride for Fan ID football fans, FAN ID is a small volunteers and laminated form FIFA accredited with the holder’s guests in urban personal data. and suburban transport (except taxi). Also free of charge are electric trains that run on the routes between sports FAN ID and the match ticket are obligatory Addresses and opening events (including documents to show at the entrance hours of FAN ID collec- the metro) to a match. You should have had it tion points are beforehand. It is issued for free at www.fan-id.ru

FAN ID and the match ticket al- low a free ride in transport in the FAN ID is a visa-free travel to cities and between them on the the Russian Federation as 2018 FIFA World Cup days well free of charge excursions and tourist routes

4 5 EXPECTATIONS

Foreigners often think that the everlasting winter and snow hills St. Petersburg two meters high are Russia. Even COPENHAGEN EDINBURG in summer it’s freezing cold and +20 uncomfortable. May be there is no summer at all. Follow me! To be continued on the next Nizhniy Novgorod page.

Saransk REALITY Kazan In fact in most parts of Russia summer is a warm Volgograd Rostov-on–Don Samara and nice . By compari- Yekaterinburg son, Moscow summer is like Minne- Sochi apolis (the USA) summer, the summer weather in Saint Petersburg is just like the weather in summer Copenhagen (Denmark), the weather in Kazan in summer resembles the weather in Chinese Harbin. It’s as hot in summer in Sochi as it is in Buenos Aires (Argen- tina) or Porto (Portugal).

A lot of silly myths and legends are The country is so huge that there are created about Russia, and foreigners practically all climate zones here: from believe them to be the truth. the everlasting winter to the endless But sure enough it is an absolutely different country. summer. And the Russians are not the people from those legends. This tour guide will introduce you to the real Russia and its people. Later you will see everything with your own eyes.

6 Russia 7 For more than 1000 years of its existence Russia has left an enormous mark in the world history, culture and science. Our achievements are as great as the territory of the country. Tolstoy Russian Ballet

Same as the Russian history and culture…

Yashin

The Russians were the first to launch a man into the space, we gave the world great writers, artists and music composers, Tchaikovsky Mendeleev we made outstanding discov- eries in chemistry, phy­sics, mathematics and other sci- ences, we achieved consider- able success in sports.

The country is so vast that it can’t be somehow limited Gagarin Dostoevsky

8 Russia 9 matry oshka Ba la reality layka If you expect to see wild Russia, cities that look like villages, where bears walk along dirty paths, then you are terribly mistaken. RUSSIa... Our country is in step with the time. The Russians love expectation their culture, no less than modern technologies that became part of their lives long time ago.

As far as bears are concerned, 99% of the Russians have seen them twice in their life at the zoo or in a cir- cus. Matryoshkas and samovars are just souvenirs for fo­reign tourists.

10 Russia 11 The Russians are kind, friendly and hospitable people, always ready to help. They are not aggressive. We are the same people like you are. RUSSIan And no, the Russians don’t drink vodka all the time. people... expectation reality

Traditional Russian breakfast?

There is no place for ra­cism or intolerance in Rus- sia. People of more than 200 nationalities call Russia their home. It takes all sorts of people to make Rus- sia and we are happy to be different.

12 Russia 13 the estuary of the River torical center is a UNESCO about the city . It is moderate and World Heritage Site. More damp, transitional from than 10% of the city terri- continental to marine. The tory is covered with water, Saint Petersburg capital city of сulture. It’s average air temperature in so the city is sometimes (Russians call it Pe- an important scientific, June-July is 18-20°C. called Venice of the North. ter) is Russia’s second- cultural, and economical large city, its Northern center. By European and The museum treas- capital city. Asian stan­dards Saint ury – The Hermitage is It’s the most European The climate of the Petersburg is a young city. there. Millions of tourists Russian city and the city is determined by the It is only 314 years old. from all over the world most Russian city in the north-west geographical However, the significance flood to Saint Petersburg Euro­pean part of Russia. position on the coast of of it has been constantly to enjoy its brilliant archi- People often call it the the Gulf of and in increasing. The entire his- tecture.

14 SAINT PETERSBURG 15 HOW TO GET Express-bus Taxi TO THE CITY Bus №39Э runs For a more comfortable travel non-stop to you can call a taxi at the official the city center counters of Taxi Pulkovo at the From Bus to Plostchad airport in the arrival or baggage the airport There is an ordinary Vosstania metro reclaim zones or in the outdoor The airport is located bus №39 that runs with station. Working kiosks. Pay with your credit card in the south of Saint intervals of 12-20 minutes hours from 05:25 right at the airport on the fixed Petersburg 20 kilom- to Moskovskaya metro sta- till 00:20 with rate or pay cash to the driver at eters away from the tion. It makes stops on the intervals of about the end of the ride. You can also city center. There are way. Working hours from 25-30 minutes. use online applications. several ways 05:30 till 01:30. to get there.

From the railway station From the COACH station You are lucky if you’ve arrived at Moskovsky Railway Baltiisky Coach station station for it is situated on the beautiful Ploshchad It’s easy to get to the city center by metro (the metro Vosstania (Uprising Square). Through the underground station is at the Coach station); by trolleybus №3 (get off walkway or by the surface level pedestrian crossing you at Vladimirskaya Ploshchad, Vladimirsky Prospect or come to the main of Saint Petersburg – Nevsky Liteiny Prospect stops); by buses №10, 65, 71 or by Prospect. route taxis № K177 and K252.

You can walk along it or take trolleybuses №1, 5, 7, 10, Coach station 11, 22 or buses №1M, 3, 3M, 4M, 5M, 7, 22, 24, 181 The following buses run to the city center – №65, 74, 76. and get to the main hotels and sights of the city. Another way is to go down to the From the Passenger ship terminal directly from the building of the railway station. It’s You can get to the city by trolleybus №10. Its route an easy and quick way to get to any place of Saint goes through the historical center of Petersburg. Petersburg. You can also take route taxis №K6, K359, and K690 to get to the metro station Primorskaya.

16 SAINT PETERSBURG 17 Espinosa WHAT TO SEE the bridges you Sigensia get the stun- One of the main characteristics of Saint Petersburg is ning view of Saint Darvin Vinisio, its position on the islands of the River Neva. Moreover, Petersburg (don’t neurologist, the historical monuments of the city are situated in forget to take Equador several historical areas. pictures). And the In the evening you bridges themselves can stroll along the deserve your special Neva Embankment MUST - SEE tiny Dvor, the Alexandrine attention. You can’t and watch the draw- Theatre, Anichkov , cross Anichkov ing bridges. Ploshchad Vosstania, the Bridge without notic- Visit Catherine Park and Cather- Lavra. ing the famous horse ine Palace in Pushkin. Admiralty Island is also sculptures – The Horse Come aboard the Museum The main avenue the main shopping street Tamers. Ship Cruiser Aurora – a of the city, Nevsky with its fashion boutiques, symbol of the Russian revo- Prospect,stretches for 4,5 shopping centers, restau- You will be surprised lution, that signaled the kilometers across the is- rants and bars. by the architecture and ’ storm. land. You won’t go wrong cultural monuments of if you walk along Nevsky Nevsky Prospect crosses the and alleys. Prospect. In any corner the main rivers: the Moika Wherever you turn you you look into, you’ll find a (Green Bridge), Gri- won’t go wrong. If you walk city sight and get the most boedov Canal (Kazansky along Griboedov Canal precise notion of Saint Pe- Bridge), the from Kazan Cathedral, you’ll tersburg and its develop- (). From see the gorgeous Church of the Savior on Blood, ment. Within the prospect then you turn onto Arts Square and you’ll find there you will see the greatest the Mikhailovky Theatre, the , the historical monuments like monument to A.S. Pushkin on Mikhailovsky Square, the Admiralty Building, Ka- zan Cathedral, Great Gos-

18 SAINT PETERSBURG 19 one of the most significant sights of the Northern Capital city – the - ty is nearby. Not far from it you will see St. Isaac’s Cathedral, Alexander Garden and one of the city’s most recog­nizable monuments – the Bronze Horseman (the monu- ment to ), that dominates the well- known Senate Square.

The history overwhelms you in Saint Petersburg!

Vasilievsky Island You can get to the island across Palace Bridge in any way. There you will find the first museum in Russia – the Kunstkam- era, the building of Twelve Collegia, the University Embankment with its An- cient Egyptian Sphinxes sitting proudly opposite Imperial Academy of Arts.

Yan Anzsy, student, China magnificent fence of find yourself at the main It’s well-known that the white nights are one of the , city architectural ensem- features of the city. They usually begin at the end then you come up to the ble: , the of June, it’s just the time for the 2018 FIFA World mysterious St. Michael’s and the Cup. You can stroll along the Neva Embankment or Nevsky Castle. A stroll along the Hermitage Museum Prospect, watch the drawing bridges, visit some bars and Fontanka will bring you to Complex. The latter is restaurants, have a look at the everyday life of the Russian and the viewed most attractively people. During the white nights the streets are usually Field of Mars. from the General Staff flooded with the young. They come with their friends to Arch. Nevertheless, don’t music festivals, take pictures on the Universitetskaya After you’ve turned into be in a hurry to put away Embankment or go on a boat tour. Very few stay at Ulitsa Millionnaya you your cameras, because home – these days are full of life.

20 SAINT PETERSBURG 21 WORTH SEEING

Remember that Saint Petersburg is a mu- seum city and a city of museums. The choice of them is great, so listen to your heart and choose what you like. The Hermitage, the Russian Museum, the Russian Ethnography Museum, the State Museum of Religious History, the could be on your list.

With time to spare, you should go to the suburbs to visit Pe- terhof, Ekateringof, Pavlovsk, , Oranienbaum, , , Vy- borg and .

MAXWELL WILLIAM, teacher, USA First of all, even though the classical architecture of the city centre is incred- ibly beautiful, the Soviet design of Constructivism is worth checking out. I’ve found the area around to be one of the best examples of this style. While you are in that area, head down to the metro station Avtovo to see one of the most beautiful interiors in Russia. If it’s too cold to walk around Petrogradsky Island outside and you don’t feel like getting lost in the Hermit- The most precious historical venues of the island are age, the Erarta Museum of Contemporary Art is definitely , the Saint Petersburg Museum my favorite in the city. It’s large enough to know that you of History, the wooden house of Peter the Great, the get your money’s worth, but manageable to see every- Museum Ship Cruiser Aurora. thing in a few hours.

22 SAINT PETERSBURG 23 What to do if it’s hot

The weather of the Northern capital is extremely Make a water tour unpredictable. As soon as the sun comes out, or if of the canals and rivers it gets hot, you must simply go for a walk enjoying of Saint Petersburg impressive architecture and trying to understand the It’s a magnificent entertainment to be repeated soul of this wonderful city. and verified endlessly. You are welcome to choose from many routes: day routes, night Walk round routes, routes with live music, and routes includ- the famous roofs ing the . During these excursions Some tourist agencies offer unusual walks that give you learn lots of new things or just enjoy the view you a chance to look at Saint Petersburg from another of the city from the water. If none of the above point of view. There is a house in Ligovsky Prospect satisfies you, a banquet aboard a ship is always where some paths are made to view the city from possible. You can also rent a boat or a yacht. the roof comfortably and safely. When you see the spire of Peter and Paul Cathedral, the golden Come to see ship on the Admiralty building, St. Isaac’s the bridges drawn at night Cathedral and the Church of the Savior From the end of April to November you can on Blood, you really get thrilled. Roof eyewitness the bridges drawn. It’s a spectacular excursions last an hour and a half. and unforgettable cere­mony. The most popular is Dvortsovy Bridge. The central parts of the bridge Visit Saint Petersburg's rise like two wings. The image of this bridge fre- Botanical Garden quents tourist posters, post cards and calendars. As many other highlights of Saint Petersburg, Botani- cal Garden was laid out at the behest of Peter the If you stay at a hotel on the left bank Great. Initially, they grew various medicinal herbs, but of the river (with Nevsky Prospect, the now the collection of the garden can boast more than Hermitage and other sights in the vicin- 80 000 species of plants. ity), then the best place for watching is Dvortsovaya Embankment. Along the You’ll be stunned to learn what wonders could be grown entire length of the street starting from in this climate zone, under the low grey skies. The the Winter Palace and up to Suvo- conservatories are home for the picturesque hanging rovskaya Ploshchad you can see all the gardens of epiphytes that rest on the trunks and three drawing bridges: Troitsky, Dvorts- branches of tropical trees. Bottle-brush trees, ovy and Birzhevoy. Australian acacias and jasmines are in full blos- som here. A rare cactus “Queen of the night” Before you go for a night outing, think is a star plant of the Garden’s collec- over the ways of getting back home. tion. The plant flowers only one night Check the schedule of the bridges draw- in May. ing.

24 SAINT PETERSBURG 25 WHAT TO DO IF THE Have a look at Saint Enjoy modern arts Petersburg Modern art galleries can WEATHER TURNS NASTY “in miniature” serve a brilliant alternative to Saint Petersburg can boast a traditional museums. Head The weather in Saint Peters- and you have not decided unique place that is interest- to the “Erarta” Museum. The burg is famously change- where to go first, then you ing both for children and gallery displays more than able. If you think it’s a nice should start with the Her- adults. “Grand Maquette” 2800 works by 300 Rus- idea to wait out the rain in a mitage and the Russian houses under its roof the sian painters. Each floor café, think again. The rain Museum. Every cultured whole city, its miniature of the museum deserves might only end in two days. person must once visit them. model, to be precise. The close attention. But after It’s easy to spend a whole Maquette occupies an area of visiting the total installations What shall we do if we day at these museums. You more than 800 square meters U-Space you get the most have had gigantic plans? will be impressed by a vast in two adjacent rooms. The vivid impressions and stun- Along with your good mood, collection of famous paint- west is to the left of the ning photos. These are 5 reliable rainwear and an ings. The Russian Museum entrance. The east is to the specifically-furnished rooms umbrella are a necessary is home to works by Victor right of it. that generate an associative precaution. Vasnetsov and Ivan Aiva- flow and give a visitor some zovsky. The Hermitage has The creators thought out the special emotional and mental Of course, a sunny day a large and inspiring display miniature thoroughly: every- experience. will make your tour round of unusual sculptures, au- thing and everybody is on the Peter and Paul Fortress, thentic Egyptian cases and move: woodcutters are felling In nasty weather the museum the Admiralty building, the plenty of other works of art. trees, trains are carrying coal has in store for its guests a Bronze Horseman and the from mines. Here cars stop at wide range of indoor attrac- Spit of Vasilievsky Island Rain in Saint Petersburg traffic lights, night comes after tions – such as festivals, more delightful. is another reason to day and tiny houses get lit. plays, movie screenings, visit house museums Not all the highlights of Saint lectures on art and design, It’s the strong wind from of prominent people: Petersburg are displayed in concerts, master classes and the River Neva that , the miniature, but you can unusual per­formances. can be blamed for Vladimir Nabokov, see Peter and Paul Fortress, turning your walk Anna Akhamatova the building of Twelve Colle- Listen to jazz into a real ordeal. or Alexander Block. gia, University Embankment Good music could be a good Well, we have ideas Don’t save money with its Ancient Egyptian ending of a rainy day. The city how to spend time to on an excursion or Sphinxes and some other brims with bars, cafés and most benefit. an audio guide. The sights in detail. restaurants where narration gives additional local musi- Visit museums charm to the exhibits. This The Maquette contains such cians per- Saint Petersburg boasts type of museums is not a great number of objects form. You an astonishingly rich and only manuscripts, publica- that it makes reason to go can stroll to Saint diverse collection of muse- tions of the past, personal round it twice: first you go Petersburg Jazz ums and former homes of possessions of the great, clock-wise, then against the Philharmonic Hall. It well-known writers, poets, but also old Petersburg’s clock. It gives you a chance caters to most inter- artists and actors. If it’s flats with recreated origi- to have a look at the mini- ests from modern jazz your first visit to the city nal interiors. ature at different angles. to classical blues.

26 SAINT PETERSBURG 27 their shady lanes, go round beautiful ponds, admire the Further afield bridges, summerhouses, flower beds and works of Ital- ian sculptors.

If you want to escape from the pressure of the city, make Peterhof, Petrodvorets, the Capital of a trip to its suburbs. Tens of historical sites worth your visiting are just in several kilometers away from Saint These are all the names of one of the most gorgeous cit- Petersburg. ies in the vicinity of Saint Petersburg. The grandeur of the “Russian Versailles” has been formed for three centuries (Tsarskoye Selo) starting from the founding stone in 1712 and up to the Once Tsarskoye Selo, Pushkin is said to be the greenest present days.It literally rose from the ashes after the dev- city in the close vicinity of Saint Petersburg. Six grassy astation during the German occupation. parks are here to testify to its title. No doubt, the main tourist attraction is Catherine Palace with its Amber The city is famous for its parks, especially its series of Room. and parks of Peterhof. There is no other complex in the world equal to its size and beauty. Children The Amber Room is housed in one of the halls of the will be enthusiastic about the trick-fountains. You’d better Golden Enfilade, so it’s impossible to pass it by without have an extra pair of shoes, some clothes to change into noticing it. Maria Belkovskaya, make-up artist, The interior, lost in World War II, was recreated to the Saint Petersburg detail from Kaliningrad amber and opened to the public On a warm summer day you should go to in 2003. The works took about 20 years. You will be Peterhof. What magnificent fountains and greatly astonished by the fine carving and the flamboy- parks! ant colours of the room’s decoration. Unfornunately, You can also visit . It’s a footage is prohibited. picturesque city built on the coast of the Gulf of Finland. Or head to Catherine Park was laid out in two parts: Old formal Komarovo – a small village – to enjoy garden and English landscape garden. Stroll through the sea views and the fresh air.

28 SAINT PETERSBURG 29 and a towel, as children a light house, now domi- get soaked, running under nates Yakornaya Plosh- the water splashes of these chad. The interior is in the funny fountains. School marine style. Petrovsky children are often eager to Dock is also worth seeing. visit Aleksandria Park for It was designed by Holland its interactive excursions, engineers for quick repair quests and master-classes. service of ships.

Much is said and written Twelve fortresses dominate about Peterhof, but nothing the artificial islands round can express the beauty Kronstadt. Some of them and spirits of its glamorous remained intact, some palaces, monuments and survive in fragments. It’s parks better than when you nice to browse along the see it with your own eyes. city streets admiring the architecture of the 17th and Peterhof is located on the 18th centuries, neglected coast of the Gulf of Finland, churches and monuments 30 kilometers away from to sailors. Saint Petersburg, so you can get there both by land It’s easy to get from Saint and by water. The land Petersburg to Kronstadt. trip seems more practial, Buses run every 30 mi­ whereas the water trip is nutes from metro stations: rather romantic because “Staraya Derevnya”, “Chy- you can have splendid ornaya Rechka” and “Park panoramic views of North- Prosvestcheniya”. ern Venice. Michael and Helga City-Fortress Schvellensattel, Kronstadt We recommend the fortress Since the time of Peter Oreshek. You can see the Great, Kronstadt has some ancient military reserved its significance fortifications there. In Tsar- in the naval service in ist Russia the fortress served Russia. It is also home also as a jail. for more than 300 objects Pavlovsk is another nice place to visit. of cultural and historical Pavlovsky Park is a beautiful retreat on a heritage. Among them are unique works of hydraulic hot day. The vast green space of 62 hectares engineering and military provides a great opportunity to wander along the defense. Kronstadt Naval paths, sit in the shadow or sunbathe. Cathedral, once erected as

30 SAINT PETERSBURG 31 I live in St. Petersburg because it’s a lovely city, I fell in love with it when I came here 3 years ago. I found that The best thing in the city is the cul- the city was beautiful under the snow. tural side, there are so many places to enjoy and feel it. On the other hand, Saint Petersburg is the “door to ” and you feel at home in every place you go. Just sit in front of the Hermitage, breathe and feel the beauty, trust me. I’m in love with Saint Petersburg’s cafés.

I think St. Petersburg’s citizens are really cool people.

Not that friendly at the beginning but if you sit and relax with them, they’ll open their hearts.

I met some Russian people and they were really nice to me, asking questions about my country and giving me suggestions on places to go.

а student

32 SAINT PETERSBURG 33 WHAT Yan Anzsy, student, China TO EAT When people ask me where to dine, I recom- mend “Teremok” at once, because I consid- AND DRINK er it to be the symbol of the Russian food. But it bears the features of the Russian The culinary map of Saint culture and civilization. Teremok’s drinks, Petersburg is no less mors and kvas, are my favourites. I remarkable and various especially like ukha and Blin Cesar. than its culture and history. If you are in the mood for Its peculiarity lies in the something interesting I would geographical position of the recommend Literatur­noye café city due to which the Rus- where the great Russian poet sian traditional cuisine has Pushkin had his final cup of been enormously effected coffee before the duel. There by the European trends are a lot of nice bars to spend since the 19th century. As some time before or after a a result of it, there is a vast match, Grizzly bar or Rock variety of restaurants and Pub on Nevsky Prospect. cafés with world’s cuisines.

34 SAINT PETERSBURG 35 WHERE TO DINE MUST-TRY Admiralteisky, Tsentralny, Petrogradsky and Vasileostro- vsky districts brim with eater- The food brand of Saint Pe- rarity of the Soviet times ies of all kinds. A buzzy blend tersburg is smelt. This fish and it’s still among of restaurants offering world’s is a real local delicacy. the favorites. cuisines (Russian, French, There are a lot Italian, Indian, Mexican, The fish is tangy, resem- of places that Greek, Georgian, Finnish, bling pickled cucumbers. sell pyshka: German, Polish, Hunga­rian, The flavor of it heralds the most Jewish, Tatar and others) is the approach of spring in famous is along with the most famous Saint Petersburg. A special in Bolshaya sights of the city. Hence Saint amusing event is held in the Konushen- Petersburg has a reputation city in May – Smelt holiday. naya 25. If you of a restaurant-touring city. Vendace is another popular feel a yearning for fish. some, be ready to The renowned Ulitsa line for a while before Rubinsteina is the restau- Another viand of the you will enjoy the famous rant mecca of Saint Peters- Northern Capital city is pyshka with the crispy crust burg. The street is snugly its pyshka. It should in sugar powder. lined with different restau- not be confused with a rants located in the build- doughnut. Pyshka is ings, once the houses of the considered to be a famous owners.

Gorohovaya, Bolshaya Mor- skaya as well as Nevsky and Moskovsky Prospects have much to offer for foodies. Espinosa Sigensia Molecular gastronomy res- Darvin Vinisio, taurants have been opening neurologist, Equador in the city center. Vegetarian For tourists I recommend restaurants also take their Russian soups, the most place in the city. famous is called shchi, it’s typically Russian and has been While dining your way through known since the old times. You can also order Saint Petersburg don’t forget solyanka, borshch; the latter is not traditio­nally Russian, but very popular. Blinis is another about some adventurous Russian treatment, that can pass for fast culinary destinations where food. Pirog, kulebyaka, vareniki, pelmeni you can enjoy delightful lunch are also Russian dishes. Kebab is another while listening to a concert. typical meat dish. Beefstroganoff, fish, buck- watching a film. wheat are also delicious.

36 SAINT PETERSBURG 37 ALCOHOL DRINKS

If you are in the mood establishments. These for authentic Petersburg are often small cozy bars boozing, please meet the where you can hear an cider – the main drink of interesting story about the city. The locals love local and foreign brands. visiting cidrerias – places It’s an excellent opportu- that sell cider. However, nity to relax after watching you can find it in many a match! bars and restaurants. There are lots of bars in Beer is also popular in Saint Petersburg. Here have become popular in tastes: pubs, DJ-bars, Saint Petersburg. City they arrange excursions the Northern Capital city. dance and music bars, breweries are known in called bar-hopping when You can find that sort of among which the the country. Kraft beer you marathon from one tours in the Internet. ones with jazz music bars are a splendid ad- bar to another (testing In Saint Petersburg you are especially dition to the drinking included, of course). They find places for all popular.

MAXWELL WILLIAM, teacher, USA On Fontanka, there is a really nice cluster of bars, cafés, and restaurants in the Galitsyn Loft. There you can check out an anti-café named Zifer- burg where you pay for the time you stay instead of the drinks you have. Also, Utka (which means “duck”) is an energetic bar with great drinks. If you are on Petrodradskaya, be sure to stop at The Wall for a beer and maybe a football match. Finally, if you are look- ing for a nice glass of wine, Prosto Vino (which means “simply wine”) has a very large selection and is not far off Nevsky.

38 SAINT PETERSBURG 39 Porcelain The china ware produced by the Imperial Porcelain Factory can make an ex- cellent present for coffee addicts or just those who like beautiful things. You can buy cups or tea sets decorated with celebrities’ silhouettes as well as figures created to the drawings of some famous artists. Each item is unique and bears its creator’s signature.

“Raketa” watches The legendary “Raketa” watches have been produced since 1962. The factory was opened by Peter the Great in 1703 when the city was founded. It’s now MUST-HAVE more than 300 years ago. Brand shops feature watches both in the Is it possible to leave Russia without souvenirs? You Soviet and in the Russian styles. will find unique gifts for your friends and relatives abso- Besides, the Museum of “Raketa” lutely in every city. As a rule, owners of the gift shops watches has a rich exposition of sell authentic Russian goods. In other shops you can watch designs that were earlier presented also find a lot of interesting items. to many famous people.

Retro-letter from Saint Petersburg Umbrella When did you receive a real paper letter last time? The umbrella is a This unusual gift can make your relatives feel happy. nice, and what is To send it, you need to come to the main post office mostly important, (Potchtamtskaya ul., 9) a useful present. where they give you Every time you dodge old paper, ink and under it you recollect this a dip pen. You wonderful city on the River write your letter Neva. Each item has its own and get it brand charm being decorated stamped and with the prints of the wax sealed. Your famous sights of Saint retro-letter can be Petersburg. As a rule, sent anywhere in these umbrellas are of the world. custom design.

40 SAINT PETERSBURG 41 Espinosa Sigensia DarvinVinisio, neurologist, Equador It’s important to underline that Saint Petersburg is a peaceful city for a comfort- able living, there are prac- tically no criminals. We can also say that the city then don’t forget about never sleeps, but works WHERE TO STAY drawing bridges. Check the 24 hours a day. drawing schedule before- hand other­wise you risk to USEFUL ADVICE ready that the road traffic have problems on your way The lodging industry is heavy there and it can back to the hotel. in Saint Petersburg is trouble you. Europe-type sockets, believed to be first class. If you’ve booked a room 220 V, 50 Hz; It’s no problem to choose However, the street noise in a mini-hotel or a hostel, where to stay as even in problem is solved in 4- and then keep in mind they are Service is not included the central parts of the city 5‑star hotels. often located in dwelling in hotels (maid service you find deluxe hotels as houses (perhaps built and receptionists), restau- well as cheap but comfort- The embankments of before the revolution). In rants (waiters) as well as able hostels. Griboedov Canal and the that case you’ll have to tips for drivers and tour River Moika as well as Ul- share the same entrance guides; at your choice; It’s more comfortable to itsa Italianskaya, Bolshaya door or there will be offices stay in the city center as Morskaya and Bolshaya or private apartments Staff speak Russian and all the sights are within Konushennaya could be neighboring your hotels. English as a rule; walking distance from the great locations for your Hostels are often situated hotels. choice. You can find in lofts or in very creative Card payment usually; comfy boutique hotels with Saint Petersburg’s places when booking a private Please keep in mind the picturesque views from the brimming over with life. apartment check the way following peculiarities. windows as a bonus. of payment beforehand; Choosing accommoda- Important tion in Nevsky, Ligovsky, If you have decided to stay to remember: 24‑hour shops and su- Vladimirsky, Moskovsky on Petrogradsky, Kre- Tap water is not drink- permarkets in the vicinity Prospects you should be stovsky, Vasilievsky islands able; that is always a bonus.

42 SAINT PETERSBURG 43 TRANSPORT cial bus routes in the city. They operate both in the city and the suburbs. You pay to the bus conductor or use an electronic ticket. Working hours from 06:00 till Underground 00:00 daily. Most of the passengers in Saint Petersburg are car- Trolleybus. It carries passengers on 46 routes. Pay ried by metro. It’s the deep- to the conductor. Travel cards are valid. est underground system in the world. Admiralteiskaya Tram. There are 39 tram routes. Pay to the tram con- station is 102 meters deep. ductor. No fee for children under 7 accompanied by Metro lines go under nu- adults. Important to know, the stops are announced merous rivers and canals in Russian and in English. Besides, on some routes and even under the River you can hear some brief information about the sights Neva. 67 metro stations located nearby. are connected by 5 lines, Taxi. There are lots of taxi services in Saint Petersburg. 11 of them have exits to To call a taxi, you can use the apps. You can always coach terminals and railway phone an official representative of the service. stations. Devyatkino metro station is located in the Leningradskaya region.

Besides, Saint Petersburg’s metro is one of the city’s sights. The architectural decorations of many sta- tions are real masterpieces themselves. The most beautiful ones could be found on the red line be- tween Ploshchad Vossta- nia (Uprising Square) and Avtovo stations. Check the opening hours at the entrance to the metro Water transport station or on the official site During the navigation period from May to October you in the Internet. As a rule the can go along the waterways by riverboats – a water metro is open from 05:30 till taxi. The route lines are: Primorskaya, Tsentralnaya, 00:30 daily. Nevskaya, Kurortnaya, Prigorodnaya. Working hours from 08:00 till 21:00 daily. Ground transport Bus. The bus is most Bicycle popular. There is a network Bikes are widely used in Saint Petersburg. Rental cent- of municipal and commer- ers are all over the city.

44 SAINT PETERSBURG 45 DON’T MISS stadium “Saint Petersburg Stadium” The church The Bronze of Saviour The Admirality Horseman on Blood “Saint Petersburg” will host the 2018 FIFA World group stage matches, one match of Round of 16, one semi-final and a third- place match.

St. Isaac’s Cathedral

Palace Square The Winter Palace

Anichkov bridge

Kazan Cathedral

Peter and Paul Fortress

Capacity: 68 134. Location: . Nearest Metro Station: Peterhof “Krestovsky Ostrov”.

46 SAINT PETERSBURG 47 R GOOD MORNING HI V HELLO HOTEL WI FI WI FI RESTAURANT

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USEFUL INFORMATION 112 GOOD HELLO MORNING GOODHI HELLO HI MORNING Useful telephone numbers For fire service, For police, For ambulance, For gas service, call call call call

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112 112 24‑hour Electric112ity WI FI RESTAURANT emergency call Europe-type 112 centre (mobile sockets phone) – 112 HOTEL 112 220 V 50 Hz Mobile telephony V R 3G, 4G, LTE WI FI WI FI WI FI Money, RESTAURANT Internet currency WI FI RESTAURANT exchange WI FI In all the cities of the 2018 FIFA HOTEL

World Cup you have an easy HOTEL WI FI V R access to the Internet, free Wi- You can exchangeWI FI Fi zones in hotels and in WI FI moneyRESTAURANT in banks and V R a great number RESTAURANT in bureaus de change WI FI of cafés located in large shopping and restaurants. centers. Never change HOTEL HOTEL money from private deal- ers. WI FI RESTAURANTV R V R

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HELLO GOOD GOOD HI MORNING MORNING ForeignHI LanguagesHELLO Post office Most of hotel staff and those in tourist business Every city district in speak English. In case you need to ask a question Russia has its post in the street, address it to people under 30 – they office where from are likely to speak English. you can send a parcel, a letter or a postcard. 112 GOOD HELLO HI MORNING 112112 112

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HOTEL Car rent WI FI WI FI WI FI V You can rent a car in most of the large citiesR in RESTAURANTRESTAURANT WI FI WI Russia. You need to have a regular passport and RESTAURANT a valid driving license, no less than 1 year of driv-

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In any unusual situ- RESTAURANT HOTEL ations appeal to the 112 police. V V R R HOTEL With any problems and questions at the V R R stadiums,V fan-zones or railway stations appeal to the volunteers of the 2018112 FIFA World Cup.

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HOTEL V R R V 52 Federal Agency for Tourism