As noted in a previous Jetsetera article, Russia is definitely an overlooked country that most travelers don’t think to visit. Although it certainly gets somewhat of a bad rap, it now has a relatively stable economy that supports a large tourist industry. One of the most exciting places to visit is St. Petersburg because it has something for practically everyone. Here is an assortment of things to do in the city if you are traveling with several people with different tastes.

1. 1.      The Hermitage

Whether or not your entourage is into museums, this particular museum represents hundreds of years of European history, and simply cannot be missed. While it would take you several visits to see even a fraction of what it has on display, taking a guided tour should be enough to give you a fascinating insight into Russia’s strange history. There are also several pieces from continental Europe on display. A crowd favorite is the Peacock Clock created by 18^th century London jeweler and goldsmith.

1. 2.      The Idiot Café

One thing that many tourists will notice about Russian cuisine is that there are not very many appetizing options for vegetarians. Most vegetarians who do not do their research in advance will spend the rest of their trip consuming potatoes, beets, and cabbage. One fine dining restaurant that is reasonably priced is called The Idiot Café, named after Dostoyevsky’s novel by the same name. Located on the Moika, the Idiot has a charming interior that evokes 19^th century Russia. There are chess and backgammon boards available, an English menu that is almost entirely vegetarian or pescatarian, and fine wines to complement a sumptuous meal.

1. 3.      Ice Palace

There is bound to be at least one sports fan in your group. To appease this companion, check out the Ice Palace, the home stadium of St. Petersburg’s hockey team, SKA. Seats are usually easily available, and ticket prices are very reasonable. Hockey season in Russia runs from February to September.

1. 4.      Mariinksy Theater

For the theater buff in your family or group of friends, the Mariinsky Theater is the place to go. While the theater regularly runs old classics like Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake and several plays by Anton Chekhov, there are also other shows that you likely have not heard of, like The Fountain of Bakhchisarai that is currently playing, which is a choreographic poem in four scenes.

1. 5.      Club Dusche

For those in your group who are music fans, specifically of the indie oeuvre, then be sure to visit the out-of-the-way music club founded by members of the seminal Russian rock band Leningrad. Located in a courtyard behind Tekhnoschok, it is surrounded by litters and crumbling stores. Although it doesn’t look like much on the outside, the club is one of the most popular small music venues in the city.

Of course, this list represents only a fraction of the millions of things to do in and around the great city of St. Petersburg. Once you become acquainted with the layout of the city, the very modern metro system is easy to use, so finding out how to spend your evenings should not be a problem at all. Most importantly, remember to sit back, relax, and enjoy the richness and hospitality of Russian culture in a European setting.

By-line:

This guest post is contributed by Barbara Jolie, who writes for online classes.  She welcomes your comments at her email Id: barbara.jolie876@gmail.com.