WHEN BEST TO GO
The summer months are undoubtedly the best time to visit St Petersburg, as temperatures average between 12° and 20° from late May through to August.
Visitors in June will get to experience the fabulous White Nights, when the sun barely disappears and the streetlamps are never on.
LOCAL CUSTOMS
St Petersburg is generally considered the most ‘European’ of all of Russia’s cities, as customs are relatively similar to those in Europe, but mixed with the older traditions of Russia. St Petersburgers are generally friendly and obliging towards foreigners, and will provide help if you are unsure of the some of the Cyrillic street signs.
ATTIRE
Western-style dress is the norm throughout the city, with some restaurants and clubs requiring a more formal dress. During the cold winter months it is best to wrap up, as the temperature can drop to below -10°. Warm clothing can be purchased throughout the city; head to Nevsky Prospect for fashionable winter warmers.
LANGUAGE
Russian, English spoken in tourist areas.
CURRENCY
Russian Ruble (RUB)
EXCHANGE RATE
$1 = RUB 28.25
£1 = RUB45.61
€1 = RUB 40.16
COUNTRY DIALLING CODE
+7
24 HOUR EMERGENCY CONTACT
Fire: 01
Police: 02
Ambulance: 03
EMBASSY CONTACTS
US +7 812 331 2600
UK +7 812 320 3200
TIME ZONE
GMT +3 hours
POPULATION
4.6 million
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
- January 1 – New Year
- January 7 – Orthodox Christmas
- March 8 – Women’s Day
- May 1 – Labor Day
- May 9 – Victory Day
- June 12 – Independence Day
- November 7 – Peace and Harmony Day (former October Revolution Day)
- December 12 – Constitution Day
TYPICAL OPENING HOURS
Most sights and shops are open 10am to 6pm most days and close for one day a week – usually a Sunday.