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St. Petersburg: Know Before You Go Part of the Places of a Lifetime series from Traveler magazine

Local experts recommend books, music, and films that give you a feel for the city. Also: travel basics, the best websites and local media, cultural tips, recipes, advice on shopping for local handicrafts, and walking tours of the city.

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A young Mariinsky Theatre dancer practices en pointe in the early morning.
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The Basics
Nuts-and-bolts information to plan your trip, plus a checklist of essentials to include when you pack.
Get the Basics

Cultural Tips
Cultural dos and don’ts, plus a handy phrase book that introduces you to the language and local argot.
Learn St. Petersburg Cultural Tips

Books
Great reading that provides a sense of the city, from the Traveler online Ultimate Travel Library.
Get a Reading List

Music
Compilations and classic songs that put you in mind of the city, from our city playlist.
Experience the Sounds of St. Petersburg

Movies
Movies that capture the atmosphere of the city.
Get Movie List

Recipes
A sampling of signature regional dishes, with complete instructions for preparation.

Links and Media
Our favorite Web links and the best local media.
Get Links and Media

Authentic Shopping Guide
The best local handicrafts and artisanal items, from our online worldwide Authentic Shopping Guide.
View Shopping List

Walking Tours
Three select walks that reveal the best of the city.

St. Petersburg Multimedia

Know Before You Go: St. Petersburg

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Best of St. Petersburg: Must-Dos

Save plenty of time to explore all of St. Petersburg. After all, this is the city of the Hermitage and Russian Museums, gravesites of the tsars, and famous Nevsky Prospekt.

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Country Profile: Russia

Stretching from Europe to Asia, Russia spans 11 time zones. Heartland of the former Soviet Union, Russia is today a democratic federation, with ethnic groups such as the Tatars and Bashkirs politically represented in their own autonomous republics.

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St. Petersburg Walking Tour: Nevsky West End

This tour along Nevsky Prospect (said to be Russia’s most famous avenue) takes place among shoppers but includes plenty of sites with literary and historical importance.

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