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A Russian fantasy city, built on a swap cleared by Peter the Great in the 1703, St Petersburg was the Russian capital until the revolution of 1917. The grand palaces, impressive boulevards and church domes were all built to impress, which they still do today.
WHERE TO STAY
The Turgenev Palace - named after its 19th-century owner, author Ivan Turgenev - is privately owned, but you can still rent the apartment where Turgenev lived. It costs £100/person per day, including the services of a driver and a cook. Current owner Gordon Lee-Steere, who takes the bookings, lives in Surrey. Fontanka 38, St Petersburg (01306 621 223; www.turgenevpalace.co.uk).
WHAT TO SEE
Tsarskoye Selo, the former residence of the Russian royal family, was made into a country residence by Catherine I and has been painstakingly reconstructed and restored, removing wounds inflicted by the country's Communist past and the Second World War. Set a day off to discover the beautiful palace buildings and the 600 hectares of parkland around the estate. Opening times vary and it can be tricky to find, so ask your hotel concierge for help. Pushkin, outside St Petersburg (00 7 812 466 6669).
WHAT TO BUY
Anything you like at Kuznechny Market: one aisle is dedicated to caviar and smoked fish, the next to cuts of meat and piles of tripe, then cheeses, pyramids of fruit and vegetables and, finally dried mushrooms and berries. This is where the locals come to do their food shopping, so you will be off the tourist track. Kuznechy pereulok, St Petersburg (open Monday-Saturday).
HOW TO GET THERE
British Airways, among others, fly to St Petersburg daily.
Read all about St Petersburg in our city travel guide |
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