Living there: advice from residents of St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg is one of the most beloved cities by tourists along with the capital. Coming again to the "city on the Neva", one involuntarily wonders how the local Petersburgers live in such incredible beauty. Of course, they don't spend every weekend in the Hermitage after breakfast in a cafe on Nevsky Prospekt.

Residents of the second capital rest in a completely different way, bypassing the well-trodden tourist trails.

So, if this is not your first visit to St. Petersburg, and you want to feel like a real "veteran" of the city, follow our advice.

10 PHOTOS

1. If you have the means, be sure to stay at the luxurious Grand Hotel Europe, located in the city center near the railway station. The service, food, atmosphere, and location of the hotel in the center of Nevsky Prospekt are beyond praise. A more economical yet safer option is the Park Inn Hotel. You can also try mini-hotels and hostels, or rent a room without an agent. There are a lot of options.

2. Even if this is not your first time in the northern capital, be sure to check out the Russian Museum - a unique museum of fine arts, which is regularly visited by both tourists and St. Petersburg residents.

3. Literary cafe on Nevsky Prospekt 18 is great for breakfast.

4. Restaurant Library. It has five floors, each with its own interior and kitchen. Try everything.

5. Weather permitting, enjoy the panoramic summer terrace of the Terrassa restaurant overlooking the Kazan Cathedral. Book a table in the front row in advance. From the windows of the attic restaurant overlooking St. Isaac's Cathedral.

6. On Friday evenings, salsa lovers and admirers dance in the fire of Vasilevsky Island. There is absolutely no need to go with a partner. The most important thing is the desire - you will be taught to dance in 10 minutes.

7. Option for a quick tour of the city - excursions on a red bus near St. Isaac's Cathedral or Palace Square.

8. Prepare for the trip: buy tickets in advance to the Mariinsky Theatre, which is considered the best for "introducing art", and the Mikhailovsky Theatre. Check out the buffet at Mikhailovsky, which belongs to the largest restaurant project in the city, the Ginza Project.

9. Paradise is a trendy bar among the natives of St. Petersburg, ideal for a party. Gourmet cuisine is skillfully combined with musical sets and famous guests of the institution.

10. If you have already been to Peterhof and Pushkinsky Park, then the best place for a long summer walk will be Elagin Island Park. Costumed balls and various events are held in the ceremonial halls of the palace, and a brass band plays at any time of the year. In the park, you can rent sports equipment or lie down on the green grassy beach.