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Visiting The Hermitage on own.

I'd like to see the Hermitage but am unable to go on a tour because of mobility issues.
Any ideas?

Posted by
5687 posts

What is your question exactly? You can buy tickets and enter the museum itself on your own, just like any other attraction. When I visited, I walked into the courtyard and bought a ticket from a machine then just entered the museum. (I think at crowded times you may have to wait a bit longer though to enter - maybe I was lucky.)

Are you saying you are worried about getting around because of mobility issues and need assistance? It is a huge place.

Posted by
4137 posts

When you enter the museum , there are staff immediately available to aid you ( wheelchair and lift service ) if you need help. As you proceed through the museum , there are places to sit if you need a break . Besides , going on your own , allows you to see things at your own pace , lingering when it suits you , and moving more quickly when you wish . Do some reading about the place and the art therein and you will be well prepared to enjoy it .

Posted by
6428 posts

It's very crowded in tourist season but mostly accessible. Elevators aren't plentiful or very convenient but they're there. I suggest a lot of research about what's where, so you make the most of your available time.

Our guide last month said the best time to see the Hermitage and other big museums is winter, when they're deserted. Of course outside it's bitter cold and mostly dark, so as always there's a tradeoff.

Posted by
7977 posts

Note that the long lines to get in are locals who are getting in for free or reduced prices and need to show ID and clueless tourists. If you get a ticket from the machines in the courtyard or from the box office in the General Staff building (where the 20th century art is kept) you walk right by the line. Check rooms inside are free. The Hermitage is a complicated old building and difficult to navigate with lots of stairs and fairly confusing. With mobility issues, a wheel chair and use of elevators is probably a must. Tickets bought from the machine on sight are MUCH cheaper than buying on line.

Posted by
1 posts

janettravels44 - i was surprised to read your comment, "Tickets bought from the machine on sight are MUCH cheaper than buying on line." Is this true at other popular museums? And can I use a credit card in the kiosk to buy the ticket? thanks

Posted by
5687 posts

I used my US credit card (no PIN) at a machine in the lobby of the Hermitage to buy a museum ticket. This was in June of 2016, though. I don't know if it saved money, but it saved time.

Posted by
2047 posts

The Hermitage has wheelchairs you can borrow. If you have your own wheelchair, you and your assistant are admitted for free. Also, we saw the museum in our own using the RS description/guide. It was nice to go at our own speed.

Posted by
5 posts

Don't worry, there is professional staff ready to help you move. But be ready to a long tour, as it's huge and there are lots of places to visit.

Posted by
1900 posts

I am taking a cruise in September. I am booking shore excursions through my cruise line and have booked The Hermitage in the evening because I believe it will be less crowded. Also, I am thinking there will not be as many tourists the end of September when I will be there.

Are you going on a cruise?

I have been doing a lot of research and there are Russian tour operators who are getting five stars from former guests.

Have you checked out trip advisor or cruisecritic for suggestions about visiting the Hermitage? Also, I love youtube videos.