I will be in St. P on a (humongous) cruise ship on Sat-Sun June 20-21.
What should I do (Hermitage, of course)?
I welcome all tips, cautions, and accounts of your experiences.
Thanks, Chani
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
Within the city center the must sees are:
1. Hermitage
2. Russia Museum
3. St Isaacs Cathedral
4. Kaza Cathedral
5. Artillery Museum
1-4 are all within walking distance of each other.
I was underwhelmed by the Peter and Paul Fortress.
Outside the city the palaces are supposed to be spectacular but I didn't have the time to visit.
Posted by
Perth, Australia
16 posts
Chani --- If you do not have your own Russian visa you will be obliged to go on the trips organised by the cruise line :)
Because of thet we were unfortunate to get to the Hermitage in the afternoon and our guide was determined that we see the Art collection -- which did not interest me a bit ( having seen LOTS of art galleries throughout Europe)
Having said that St Petersburg was good -- NEXT time we go we will do it on a different trip and spend more that 2 days there
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
Jackie you're upset that your tour guide took you to the most popular attraction in not only St Petersburg but all of Russia: The Hermitage? If I were on a tour the ST Pete and the guide bypassed what is considered to be the best art museum in the world, I would try and have him fired:)
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
I would slightly prioritize the Russian Museum over the Hermitage. Yes, the Hermitage contains many priceless works of art, but similar in style and subject matter to many other collections throughout Europe. Just much bigger than most.
The Russian Museum, however, contains unique works of art on Russian subject matters that you won't see anywhere else.
And don't miss out on a good bowl of borstch.
Posted by
OP
Tel Aviv
15794 posts
Visa's not an issue. I will travel on my Israeli passport, no visa required.