The first city of Russia comes to everyone's mind is usually the capital Moscow. This could have been stuck into your brain for long but you should perhaps give St Petersburg a chance. If you ever need any reason that you should visit Saint Petersburg over Moscow as your first stop at Russia, here's why:
Next's up: Peterhof vs. Catherine Palace
Everywhere in St Petersburg City Centre is Walkable
Most attractions in the city centre of Saint Petersburg are within walking distance and it's very easy to be reached by public transports like subway and buses.
St Petersburg is not as Expensive as you Thought
Moscow is the capital of Russia and it's expected to be expensive. When comparing the average transportation fees, accommodation cost and restaurant bills, St Petersburg isn't that cheap but it's a lot more affordable than other big cities on earth.
The St Petersburg Metro is also an Attraction
The most convenient way to travel around St Petersburg is taking the subway. Not many metro stations in the world alone are as grand as a royal palace but their subway stations are definitely worth visiting. Look at the interior - the colourful ceiling and tiles will surely leave you a good impression of Russia. Here are the stations that you should check them out before you leave Saint Petersburg: Avtova, Bucharestskaya, Pushkinskaya, Sportivnaya and Zvenigorodskaya.
St Petersburg is Home to Many Beautiful Churches
The images of Saint Basil's Cathedral in Moscow Red Square could have been stuck in everyone's head for long but that specific church isn't the only place that you shouldn't miss. In St Petersburg, the home to many churches, where you would be able to find loads of stunning and historical religious sites such as St. Isaac's Cathedral and Savior on the Spilled Blood.
St Petersburg was Once a Capital with Royal Families' Palaces
Saint Petersburg was a capital city of Russia for two centuries, where the Russian Empire was established and the royal families resided. There's no surprise that you could find luxury and classic architectures everywhere. Peterhof Palace and Catherine Palace are two royal homes in St Petersburg that you shouldn't miss. Which one should you make your visit first? You will get the idea here.
The Food Culture in St Petersburg is Warm and Diverse
If you are looking for a restaurant that offers every cuisine at one place, Marketplace (Address: Nevsky Ave, 24, St Petersburg, Russia, 191186) is where you should go. This chained buffet restaurant is both loved by locals and tourists. It was the place where you could discover the diversity of Russian food culture. For the best Russian cuisine, you can simply get one floor down to the basement to visit Katyusha. The staff welcomes you as warm as coming home. Their speciality in making dishes with luxurious roe is excellent and it's hard to be found anywhere in Saint Petersburg.
Our next stop in Russia: Moscow!