Saint Petersburg30 Nov 23 1 Traveller Economy
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About Edinburgh
Edinburgh, which is also pronounced as Edinbruh by the Scots, is one of the most beautiful cities in Scotland. It is also a very popular wedding destination and deservedly so. You will fall in love with the city the moment you step foot in it. The lush greenery, magnificent castles and monuments are a treat to your soul and the eyes. It is the perfect holiday destination if all you want to do is relax and soak in the beautiful scenery. Time passes quite slowly in Edinburgh, and it is the perfect break from your otherwise hectic life. The city also hosts art exhibitions regularly, which is a treat to all you art lovers. You can also head to the beaches here and enjoy a breathtaking sunset or ride a bike along a riverside. If you are in the city with your significant other, the city itself adds a lot of romance to your trip.
Best Time to Visit Edinburgh
Summer is a high season in Edinburgh. The temperature ranges from 8 to 19 degree Celsius. You will find a lot of tourists buzzing around in the city during the summer. Booking a hotel in Edinburgh in this season can be quite expensive since it is peak tourist time. Make sure you do so in advance so you can find accommodation as per your convenience. The days are long, and the weather is quite pleasant. You can also attend a lot of festivals that take place in summer. It is also the festivals that make summer a popular tourist season. The Edinburgh International Festival includes theatre, music, performances. The festival lasts three days and celebrates performing arts. The Edinburgh Fringe Festival also celebrates performing arts from all over the world. It also has musicals and events for children. You can also attend the Edinburgh Military Tattoo that happens in August. Make sure you book your flight tickets to Edinburgh well in advance since the availability might reduce and the rates will increase at the last moment.
The city experiences the autumn season in September and October. It's quite pleasant and a good time to visit the city if you don't like a lot of crowds. The temperature ranges from 8 to 16 degree Celsius. There is a decent chance that you will get a good deal on flights to Edinburgh online during Autumn since it is not peak season. You can attend the International Storytelling Festival if you are visiting in October. None of your plans to go sightseeing or outdoor activities will get affected in this season either. You might even get to indulge in all of the activities at a minimal price.
November to March is winter in Edinburgh and the days are shorter than usual. The temperature reaches a maximum of 8 degree Celsius and drops to as low as 0 degree Celsius. This is a low season for the city, and there are high chances that you will get cheap flight tickets to Edinburgh. The hotel rates also drop considerably, which makes this the perfect season to visit Edinburgh if you are on a budget. January and February are the coldest months in Scotland. If you are in the city during Christmas, you are in for a treat. The city looks gorgeous during Christmas till the New Year's. April and May give you a certain relief from the cold months. You will see fewer tourists during this season, too. The hotel prices and flight fares are also low. The temperature ranges from 3 to 14 degree Celsius. It is a decent time to plan a trip to the city if you want to avoid peak season tourists and enjoy pleasant weather.
Places to Visit in Edinburgh
Settled on top of an extinct volcano, the Edinburgh Castle is one of the most iconic tourist attractions in the city. The view from the castle is stunning, and so are the interiors of the castle. You will fall in love with the architecture and structure of the castle. You can also visit St Margaret's Chao, Half Moon Battery and National War Museum if you are visiting the castle. After you are done exploring the castle, you can head over to Arthur's Seat, the highest point in Holyrood Park. The spot offers a mesmerizing view of the sea and the nearby tourist attractions. If it is more history and art that you are looking for, you can visit the National Museum of Scotland. You will find a lot of interactive displays and art exhibitions here that will leave you impressed and wanting for more. Catch the breathtaking view of the entire city of Edinburgh from the Carlton Hilltop. This is also a popular spot for locals to host musicals and comedy shows.
Explore the wildlife at Edinburgh Zoo. The zoo is home to over 1000 animals like the giant pandas, flamingos, koalas, chimpanzees and other species of animals. If you are visiting the city with your family, this is the perfect place for you to visit. Another recommended tourist spot for art lovers is the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. It is also a great place for aspiring photographers to head to if you are looking for inspiration. Queen's Gallery is another great tourist attraction in the city, that is situated in the Palace of Holyroodhouse. It was opened by the Queen in 2002 for the public, and you will find a lot of things from the royal collection on display here.
Things to do in Edinburgh
Going on a sightseeing tour to the Edinburgh Castle and the museums in the city is a popular thing to do. Edinburgh is also one of the best places for you to challenge the photographer in you. You will find a lot of great spots to take pictures and will fall in love with the city. It is best to explore the city on foot. Head to Old Town's Royal Mile or Holyroodhouse Palace. You can walk up to Arthur's Seat from the Holyroodhouse Palace to catch a stunning view of the city. There are quite a few events and festivals that take place during the peak season, and you cannot miss those at all. Take a tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia to experience royalty at its best. It was where Princess Diana and Prince Charles honeymooned, and so did the Duke and Duchess of York. You can explore the yacht and be amazed at the interiors. Of course, you can also take quite a few pictures inside. One thing you must try in the city is their Scotch Whiskey. Head over to the Scotch Whiskey Experience to learn more about the spirit. It also has the largest collection of scotch whiskey of more than 3300 bottles. It is recommended that you go on a guided tour of the place.
Foods and Restaurants
Scotland is popular for a dish called Haggis, which consists of sheep's heart, liver and lungs mixed with oatmeal, onions and seasoning. You will find a lot of restaurants here that serve all types of international cuisine. From Thai food to Italian cuisine, you will do everything that suits your mood here. You must try the traditional British food like fish and chips or hamburgers. You can also head to some of the famous pubs and bars here for some fine whiskey or a glass of beer. The Elephant House is a highly recommended place for all you Potterheads. This is where J.K. Rowling spent her time writing some of the Harry Potter books. You will find a lot of testimonials and artwork by fans thanking the author for the series. You can also sign up for a guided food tour to get the best that the city has to offer in terms of food. Lynne's Scrumptious Snax is a very popular snack van in Edinburgh that you must try. It is the best place to go to if you want to grab a quick bite. If you want to try Italian food with a glass of wine head over to One20 Wine Cafe. Makars Gourmet Mash Bar is highly recommended for craft beers and healthy British and Scottish food. You will also come across a lot of cafes in the city that you must try.
How to reach Edinburgh
Edinburgh Airport is not very far from the city centre and is one of the busiest airports in Scotland. The flight connectivity to Edinburgh from India is excellent, though there are no direct flights to Edinburgh. Almost all flights have a layover in London, and it is one of the most popular routes to Edinburgh. Turkish Airlines and British Airways are the most popular airlines that frequently fly to Edinburgh. If you book in advance and during the right season, you will get cheap flight tickets to Edinburgh. The airport is well-equipped with lounges, prayer rooms, currency exchange, restaurants, cafes and shopping areas. You will not get bored if you have to wait a long time to board your flight. You will also get a taxi or bus to your hotel from the airport quite easily.
About Saint Petersburg
Russia's famous port city, Saint Petersburg, is located on the coast of the Baltic Sea. The city raves some of the best tourist attractions for being one of the big cities in all of Russia. The city was part of the imperial capital for two centuries before the baton was passed to Moscow. While it is not the capital anymore, the city continues to remain the cultural hub of Russia.
Best time to visit St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg enjoys cold weather throughout the year. The temperatures even tend to go in the negative as the geographical features are such. During winters, you will actually get to experience negative temperatures that range from -5 degree Celsius to -2 degree Celsius. With such extreme temperatures, winters shut down the city. While some domestic businesses do function, the city mostly shut as traversing within St. Petersburg is quite risky. With frostbites and breathing problems that could crop up due to the extreme cold, many avoid winters to visit St. Petersburg. The days are short during winters, and the temperatures certainly don't spell 'vacation'. Hence, the best thing to do would be to avoid the months of October through mid-April. Some festivals do take place in the city. However, the cold temperatures make it tough to enjoy the fun, vibrant events. The hotel prices do take a dip as the tourism industry sees less action. This is probably the only time when you will get to enjoy the inexpensive hotels in St. Petersburg.
As long as you are open to brave the cold and freezing winters of the city, booking flights and hotels in St. Petersburg during winters will get you multitudes of discounts. Months from June through September see the best of St. Petersburg. Although the temperatures don't really escalate to a pleasant 25 degree Celsius to 30 degree Celsius, the average 20 degree Celsius does uplift the city's spirts. Many festivals take place during these months as the sun is present for 24 hours. The city is literally awake the whole time during the summer months, and it only adds to the beauty of St. Petersburg. Restaurants and bars also extend their working hours as the city is practically awake the whole time. This doesn't mean you will have a smooth trip. The summers experience a massive surge in the hospitality sector as many tourists from around the world flock over to visit St. Petersburg. Booking a hotel in St. Petersburg during their summers is quite challenging and comes with an exorbitant cost. However, as long as you make advance hotel bookings in St. Petersburg, you might be able to avail good discounts.
Places to visit in St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg has a plethora of art galleries and architecture that you will enjoy. You can start exploring by visiting the Hermitage Museum and the Winter Palace. Built in 1764, the structure was originally reserved for private art collections. However, it has come out to be one of the most famed attractions in St. Petersburg. Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood is another such attraction that will pique your interest with its story. Plus, the architecture of the place further makes it an alluring sight. St. Isaac's Cathedral is a beautiful neoclassical structure that has managed to survive a lot of ordeals, including the Nazi shelling and World War II. You should also visit Peter and Paul Fortress. It is actually the place where the city of St. Petersburg was founded, hence holds a lot of historical relevance. Do not miss the Catherine Palace and Park. The fanciful structure, with its Russian-inspired architecture, is something worth exploring. You can learn about the royal heiress too. UNESCO has recognised Peterhof Palace and Garden as a World Heritage Site.
Things to do in St. Petersburg
The city's museum is perfect for you to learn more about Russian history. Do visit the Russian Museum for the same. You can also go to the Fabergé Museum for more cultural enlightenment. Opera and ballet are recognised to be popular art. You can catch a show at the Mariinsky Theatre which has shows of Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker. A walk around Alexander Park is also a good way to spend your time in St. Petersburg. The large expanse of the garden is perfectly designed to bring about a lovely and serene vibe. During the warm seasons, the bars and pubs are open till late in the night. Perhaps you can actually hang out there, maybe chat up with the locals and have a good time downing some vodka. There are boat rides too that are available in the city. You can take it up and soak in the beauty of the city.
Food and Restaurants in St. Petersburg
Much like Moscow, even St. Petersburg has a slew of lovely Russian cuisine along with international flavours. Although you might not be able to find those contemporary Mediterranean dishes, it would still be quite a fancy spread. The Russian cuisine is a testament to their geographical features and lifestyle. To combat the excessively cold winters, they need to keep their body warm. This means to consume as much stews and borschts that one can find. Don't be surprised to get hold of the classic Russian dishes as the city has them aplenty. Food spread including borscht, stroganoff, caviar and cabbage stew, are staple to the city. The good thing about food in St. Petersburg in comparison to the country's capital, Moscow, is that the prices are cheap and affordable. Moscow's restaurants put quite an exorbitant price on the menu for the dishes. However, in St. Petersburg, you wouldn't have to worry about that. The restaurants and food establishments make exquisite dishes and are pocket-friendly. When you're in the city, there are some must-haves that you should add to your list.
Aside from the traditional staple food that you'll find, do not miss the Russian version of crepe and pancakes that comes with caviar stuffing. These snacks are affordable and perfect to be relished under the Russian sun. There are many street vendors that are present in every corner, serving piping hot stews and such comfort food on the go. However, if you wish to upscale your dining experience just a notch, then head to Literary Cafe, located on Nevsky Prospekt. They serve the traditional Russian meal and once played host to celebrities such as Pushkin and Dostoyevsky. If you wish to see some variations in the Russian dishes, Hamlet + Jacks have some interesting meals, including Siberian venison and Baltic herring. Phali Hinkali is also a good place to chow down hearty delicacies which are inspired from Georgian cuisine. The city does have fusion food with an elegant setting. Places such as Palkin, Probka and Bekitzer, to name a few, have some interesting food that will go down well with your system. They are a little pricey, but the vibe is what they sell.
How to reach St. Petersburg (Transportation)
There is no direct way to reach St. Petersburg from India. One will have to face layovers and change flights to reach the Russian city. The flight connectivity to St. Petersburg from India is decent. It could be better, but due to the little demand the city has from India, there are fewer airlines and flights connected to reach St. Petersburg. The most popular route to reach St. Petersburg is through Warsaw in Poland. Warsaw has the best flight connectivity to St. Petersburg. Hence, you will have to go through the European route to reach St. Petersburg. Airlines such as Uzbekistan Airways, LOT Polish Airlines, Air France, KLM Royal Dutch, Aeroflot, Swiss, Lufthansa, Emirates, to name a few, offer dedicated flights to St. Petersburg. Much of the layovers take place in cities such as Warsaw, Frankfurt and Paris. In fact, Paris is another popular international route to St. Petersburg that is favoured as the connectivity from the French capital is immaculate. There are layovers and flight changes that you will have to deal with on your way to St. Petersburg. Not to mention how a transit visa will also be required.
Since a majority of the popular routes to St. Petersburg fall in European cities, a Schengen transit visa is required. However, acquiring a visa would be quite easy. You can get in touch with the embassy for the same. The flight duration is close to 14 hours if you opt for the Paris route to reach St. Petersburg. It is by far the best international route to choose to reach St. Petersburg. However, depending on the airlines and flight ticket costs, the duration also varies. The summers in St. Petersburg are peak season for tourism so there might be a surge in flight tickets to St. Petersburg. Hence, to avoid paying excessively for flight tickets to St. Petersburg, you can make prior flight bookings online. It would be convenient and might also come with some online discounts and deals. You can make your flight and hotel bookings in St. Petersburg together to avail some online deals and discounts. Plus, the peak season would lead to a lack of good hotels, so it is best to make hotel reservations in advance to avoid any problems later.
Frequently Asked Questions
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About Edinburgh
Edinburgh, which is also pronounced as Edinbruh by the Scots, is one of the most beautiful cities in Scotland. It is also a very popular wedding destination and deservedly so. You will fall in love with the city the moment you step foot in it. The lush greenery, magnificent castles and monuments are a treat to your soul and the eyes. It is the perfect holiday destination if all you want to do is relax and soak in the beautiful scenery. Time passes quite slowly in Edinburgh, and it is the perfect break from your otherwise hectic life. The city also hosts art exhibitions regularly, which is a treat to all you art lovers. You can also head to the beaches here and enjoy a breathtaking sunset or ride a bike along a riverside. If you are in the city with your significant other, the city itself adds a lot of romance to your trip.
Best Time to Visit Edinburgh
Summer is a high season in Edinburgh. The temperature ranges from 8 to 19 degree Celsius. You will find a lot of tourists buzzing around in the city during the summer. Booking a hotel in Edinburgh in this season can be quite expensive since it is peak tourist time. Make sure you do so in advance so you can find accommodation as per your convenience. The days are long, and the weather is quite pleasant. You can also attend a lot of festivals that take place in summer. It is also the festivals that make summer a popular tourist season. The Edinburgh International Festival includes theatre, music, performances. The festival lasts three days and celebrates performing arts. The Edinburgh Fringe Festival also celebrates performing arts from all over the world. It also has musicals and events for children. You can also attend the Edinburgh Military Tattoo that happens in August. Make sure you book your flight tickets to Edinburgh well in advance since the availability might reduce and the rates will increase at the last moment.
The city experiences the autumn season in September and October. It's quite pleasant and a good time to visit the city if you don't like a lot of crowds. The temperature ranges from 8 to 16 degree Celsius. There is a decent chance that you will get a good deal on flights to Edinburgh online during Autumn since it is not peak season. You can attend the International Storytelling Festival if you are visiting in October. None of your plans to go sightseeing or outdoor activities will get affected in this season either. You might even get to indulge in all of the activities at a minimal price.
November to March is winter in Edinburgh and the days are shorter than usual. The temperature reaches a maximum of 8 degree Celsius and drops to as low as 0 degree Celsius. This is a low season for the city, and there are high chances that you will get cheap flight tickets to Edinburgh. The hotel rates also drop considerably, which makes this the perfect season to visit Edinburgh if you are on a budget. January and February are the coldest months in Scotland. If you are in the city during Christmas, you are in for a treat. The city looks gorgeous during Christmas till the New Year's. April and May give you a certain relief from the cold months. You will see fewer tourists during this season, too. The hotel prices and flight fares are also low. The temperature ranges from 3 to 14 degree Celsius. It is a decent time to plan a trip to the city if you want to avoid peak season tourists and enjoy pleasant weather.
Places to Visit in Edinburgh
Settled on top of an extinct volcano, the Edinburgh Castle is one of the most iconic tourist attractions in the city. The view from the castle is stunning, and so are the interiors of the castle. You will fall in love with the architecture and structure of the castle. You can also visit St Margaret's Chao, Half Moon Battery and National War Museum if you are visiting the castle. After you are done exploring the castle, you can head over to Arthur's Seat, the highest point in Holyrood Park. The spot offers a mesmerizing view of the sea and the nearby tourist attractions. If it is more history and art that you are looking for, you can visit the National Museum of Scotland. You will find a lot of interactive displays and art exhibitions here that will leave you impressed and wanting for more. Catch the breathtaking view of the entire city of Edinburgh from the Carlton Hilltop. This is also a popular spot for locals to host musicals and comedy shows.
Explore the wildlife at Edinburgh Zoo. The zoo is home to over 1000 animals like the giant pandas, flamingos, koalas, chimpanzees and other species of animals. If you are visiting the city with your family, this is the perfect place for you to visit. Another recommended tourist spot for art lovers is the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. It is also a great place for aspiring photographers to head to if you are looking for inspiration. Queen's Gallery is another great tourist attraction in the city, that is situated in the Palace of Holyroodhouse. It was opened by the Queen in 2002 for the public, and you will find a lot of things from the royal collection on display here.
Things to do in Edinburgh
Going on a sightseeing tour to the Edinburgh Castle and the museums in the city is a popular thing to do. Edinburgh is also one of the best places for you to challenge the photographer in you. You will find a lot of great spots to take pictures and will fall in love with the city. It is best to explore the city on foot. Head to Old Town's Royal Mile or Holyroodhouse Palace. You can walk up to Arthur's Seat from the Holyroodhouse Palace to catch a stunning view of the city. There are quite a few events and festivals that take place during the peak season, and you cannot miss those at all. Take a tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia to experience royalty at its best. It was where Princess Diana and Prince Charles honeymooned, and so did the Duke and Duchess of York. You can explore the yacht and be amazed at the interiors. Of course, you can also take quite a few pictures inside. One thing you must try in the city is their Scotch Whiskey. Head over to the Scotch Whiskey Experience to learn more about the spirit. It also has the largest collection of scotch whiskey of more than 3300 bottles. It is recommended that you go on a guided tour of the place.
Foods and Restaurants
Scotland is popular for a dish called Haggis, which consists of sheep's heart, liver and lungs mixed with oatmeal, onions and seasoning. You will find a lot of restaurants here that serve all types of international cuisine. From Thai food to Italian cuisine, you will do everything that suits your mood here. You must try the traditional British food like fish and chips or hamburgers. You can also head to some of the famous pubs and bars here for some fine whiskey or a glass of beer. The Elephant House is a highly recommended place for all you Potterheads. This is where J.K. Rowling spent her time writing some of the Harry Potter books. You will find a lot of testimonials and artwork by fans thanking the author for the series. You can also sign up for a guided food tour to get the best that the city has to offer in terms of food. Lynne's Scrumptious Snax is a very popular snack van in Edinburgh that you must try. It is the best place to go to if you want to grab a quick bite. If you want to try Italian food with a glass of wine head over to One20 Wine Cafe. Makars Gourmet Mash Bar is highly recommended for craft beers and healthy British and Scottish food. You will also come across a lot of cafes in the city that you must try.
How to reach Edinburgh
Edinburgh Airport is not very far from the city centre and is one of the busiest airports in Scotland. The flight connectivity to Edinburgh from India is excellent, though there are no direct flights to Edinburgh. Almost all flights have a layover in London, and it is one of the most popular routes to Edinburgh. Turkish Airlines and British Airways are the most popular airlines that frequently fly to Edinburgh. If you book in advance and during the right season, you will get cheap flight tickets to Edinburgh. The airport is well-equipped with lounges, prayer rooms, currency exchange, restaurants, cafes and shopping areas. You will not get bored if you have to wait a long time to board your flight. You will also get a taxi or bus to your hotel from the airport quite easily.
About Saint Petersburg
Russia's famous port city, Saint Petersburg, is located on the coast of the Baltic Sea. The city raves some of the best tourist attractions for being one of the big cities in all of Russia. The city was part of the imperial capital for two centuries before the baton was passed to Moscow. While it is not the capital anymore, the city continues to remain the cultural hub of Russia.
Best time to visit St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg enjoys cold weather throughout the year. The temperatures even tend to go in the negative as the geographical features are such. During winters, you will actually get to experience negative temperatures that range from -5 degree Celsius to -2 degree Celsius. With such extreme temperatures, winters shut down the city. While some domestic businesses do function, the city mostly shut as traversing within St. Petersburg is quite risky. With frostbites and breathing problems that could crop up due to the extreme cold, many avoid winters to visit St. Petersburg. The days are short during winters, and the temperatures certainly don't spell 'vacation'. Hence, the best thing to do would be to avoid the months of October through mid-April. Some festivals do take place in the city. However, the cold temperatures make it tough to enjoy the fun, vibrant events. The hotel prices do take a dip as the tourism industry sees less action. This is probably the only time when you will get to enjoy the inexpensive hotels in St. Petersburg.
As long as you are open to brave the cold and freezing winters of the city, booking flights and hotels in St. Petersburg during winters will get you multitudes of discounts. Months from June through September see the best of St. Petersburg. Although the temperatures don't really escalate to a pleasant 25 degree Celsius to 30 degree Celsius, the average 20 degree Celsius does uplift the city's spirts. Many festivals take place during these months as the sun is present for 24 hours. The city is literally awake the whole time during the summer months, and it only adds to the beauty of St. Petersburg. Restaurants and bars also extend their working hours as the city is practically awake the whole time. This doesn't mean you will have a smooth trip. The summers experience a massive surge in the hospitality sector as many tourists from around the world flock over to visit St. Petersburg. Booking a hotel in St. Petersburg during their summers is quite challenging and comes with an exorbitant cost. However, as long as you make advance hotel bookings in St. Petersburg, you might be able to avail good discounts.
Places to visit in St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg has a plethora of art galleries and architecture that you will enjoy. You can start exploring by visiting the Hermitage Museum and the Winter Palace. Built in 1764, the structure was originally reserved for private art collections. However, it has come out to be one of the most famed attractions in St. Petersburg. Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood is another such attraction that will pique your interest with its story. Plus, the architecture of the place further makes it an alluring sight. St. Isaac's Cathedral is a beautiful neoclassical structure that has managed to survive a lot of ordeals, including the Nazi shelling and World War II. You should also visit Peter and Paul Fortress. It is actually the place where the city of St. Petersburg was founded, hence holds a lot of historical relevance. Do not miss the Catherine Palace and Park. The fanciful structure, with its Russian-inspired architecture, is something worth exploring. You can learn about the royal heiress too. UNESCO has recognised Peterhof Palace and Garden as a World Heritage Site.
Things to do in St. Petersburg
The city's museum is perfect for you to learn more about Russian history. Do visit the Russian Museum for the same. You can also go to the Fabergé Museum for more cultural enlightenment. Opera and ballet are recognised to be popular art. You can catch a show at the Mariinsky Theatre which has shows of Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker. A walk around Alexander Park is also a good way to spend your time in St. Petersburg. The large expanse of the garden is perfectly designed to bring about a lovely and serene vibe. During the warm seasons, the bars and pubs are open till late in the night. Perhaps you can actually hang out there, maybe chat up with the locals and have a good time downing some vodka. There are boat rides too that are available in the city. You can take it up and soak in the beauty of the city.
Food and Restaurants in St. Petersburg
Much like Moscow, even St. Petersburg has a slew of lovely Russian cuisine along with international flavours. Although you might not be able to find those contemporary Mediterranean dishes, it would still be quite a fancy spread. The Russian cuisine is a testament to their geographical features and lifestyle. To combat the excessively cold winters, they need to keep their body warm. This means to consume as much stews and borschts that one can find. Don't be surprised to get hold of the classic Russian dishes as the city has them aplenty. Food spread including borscht, stroganoff, caviar and cabbage stew, are staple to the city. The good thing about food in St. Petersburg in comparison to the country's capital, Moscow, is that the prices are cheap and affordable. Moscow's restaurants put quite an exorbitant price on the menu for the dishes. However, in St. Petersburg, you wouldn't have to worry about that. The restaurants and food establishments make exquisite dishes and are pocket-friendly. When you're in the city, there are some must-haves that you should add to your list.
Aside from the traditional staple food that you'll find, do not miss the Russian version of crepe and pancakes that comes with caviar stuffing. These snacks are affordable and perfect to be relished under the Russian sun. There are many street vendors that are present in every corner, serving piping hot stews and such comfort food on the go. However, if you wish to upscale your dining experience just a notch, then head to Literary Cafe, located on Nevsky Prospekt. They serve the traditional Russian meal and once played host to celebrities such as Pushkin and Dostoyevsky. If you wish to see some variations in the Russian dishes, Hamlet + Jacks have some interesting meals, including Siberian venison and Baltic herring. Phali Hinkali is also a good place to chow down hearty delicacies which are inspired from Georgian cuisine. The city does have fusion food with an elegant setting. Places such as Palkin, Probka and Bekitzer, to name a few, have some interesting food that will go down well with your system. They are a little pricey, but the vibe is what they sell.
How to reach St. Petersburg (Transportation)
There is no direct way to reach St. Petersburg from India. One will have to face layovers and change flights to reach the Russian city. The flight connectivity to St. Petersburg from India is decent. It could be better, but due to the little demand the city has from India, there are fewer airlines and flights connected to reach St. Petersburg. The most popular route to reach St. Petersburg is through Warsaw in Poland. Warsaw has the best flight connectivity to St. Petersburg. Hence, you will have to go through the European route to reach St. Petersburg. Airlines such as Uzbekistan Airways, LOT Polish Airlines, Air France, KLM Royal Dutch, Aeroflot, Swiss, Lufthansa, Emirates, to name a few, offer dedicated flights to St. Petersburg. Much of the layovers take place in cities such as Warsaw, Frankfurt and Paris. In fact, Paris is another popular international route to St. Petersburg that is favoured as the connectivity from the French capital is immaculate. There are layovers and flight changes that you will have to deal with on your way to St. Petersburg. Not to mention how a transit visa will also be required.
Since a majority of the popular routes to St. Petersburg fall in European cities, a Schengen transit visa is required. However, acquiring a visa would be quite easy. You can get in touch with the embassy for the same. The flight duration is close to 14 hours if you opt for the Paris route to reach St. Petersburg. It is by far the best international route to choose to reach St. Petersburg. However, depending on the airlines and flight ticket costs, the duration also varies. The summers in St. Petersburg are peak season for tourism so there might be a surge in flight tickets to St. Petersburg. Hence, to avoid paying excessively for flight tickets to St. Petersburg, you can make prior flight bookings online. It would be convenient and might also come with some online discounts and deals. You can make your flight and hotel bookings in St. Petersburg together to avail some online deals and discounts. Plus, the peak season would lead to a lack of good hotels, so it is best to make hotel reservations in advance to avoid any problems later.
