Norwegian Cruise Line offers a variety of great destinations, but going to St. Petersburg is simply one of those trips that you will not soon forget. With the normal amenities you can expect from Norwegian, anyone can enjoy a visit to this eclectic city full of rich culture and history. When you’re looking for the best things to do in St. Petersburg, keep some of these ideas in mind.
Finding the Best Things to Do in St. Petersburg, Russia
There are plenty of sights in St. Petersburg for those looking to explore the great city. Unlike many cities throughout Russia, which went through much change after the communist revolution, St. Petersburg has remained relatively the same over the years. This has helped preserve much of the city and offers a great window into Russia’s history.
Summing Up All of the Highlights
The Spit of the Vasilievsky Island offers a great view of the city along the Neva River. It offers a view of Winter Palace, Peter and Paul Fortress, and St. Isaac’s Cathedral. Though all of these offer beautiful views and a great look into the city, much of the focus is on the Peter and Paul Fortress and St. Isaac’s Cathedral, which is the main Cathedral in the city.
The reason that the Peter and Paul Fortress is so special is because it actually houses a separate cathedral inside, which is a sight in and of itself. It is the oldest church in St. Petersburg, and truly gives an impression of the rich history offered by St. Petersburg and the Russian culture as a whole. Of course, this is just the start of your journey through St. Petersburg, and there is much more to see.
Relax in the Peterhof Gardens
Among the St. Petersburg attractions, the Peterhof Gardens offers a great and beautiful place to relax and enjoy the scenery. The park itself is absolutely beautiful, with well-tended bushes and trees, and a variety of beautiful locations to simply sit out and enjoy the day. Of course, the foliage is only just the beginning, as the area is also accented nicely by the birds and other small wildlife that call the park home.
Perhaps even more unique are the variety of gorgeous fountains found throughout the park. The sounds of this water lapping along the fountains and steadily running along makes for a really relaxing feeling as you enjoy the sights of nature. With anything else in this great city though, nature is not where the beauty ends.
There are also a variety of buildings around the park, which offer a great glimpse into the Russian architecture. With grand designs and even grander construction, it gives for a lavish feeling as you gaze upon the buildings. While travel through the park, hearing the fountain’s running water, walking along the cobblestone, it seems like the whole world could simply stop around you and you would not even care.
Explore the Culture with a Russian Ballet
One of the best things to do in St. Petersburg is paying a visit to the Russian Ballet. If the culture of St. Petersburg is important to you, this is one the tour that you absolutely must visit. Many of the world’s most famous ballets have been performed and produced in the Russian Ballet, including the famous Swan Lake.
The theater itself is absolutely beautiful, with a lavish and luxurious feel for all who sit within. Of course, Russian ballet is known for its spectacular music compositions as much as it is for its wonderful dance routines. As such, watching a show in the Russian ballet is an absolute pleasure for all of the senses.
Even if ballet is not typically of interest to you, keep in mind that it is perhaps the most iconic part of St. Petersburg’s history, which gives it an absolutely unique feature. By simply entering the ballet, you will immediately know why it is so important to the area’s culture, and you’ll have a hard time not sticking around for the show. If for nothing else, experiencing a Russian ballet is one of the best things to do in St. Petersburg. This is simply not something you will find anywhere else.
Learn the History in Imperial St. Petersburg
If you don’t spend the time to head to the Imperial St. Petersburg tour, you are missing out on a rich part of the city. The tour begins at the Summer Residence of Russian royalty, and will immediately impress you with unmistakable Russian architecture. Immediately after, you will pay a visit to the Grand Palace, which is perhaps as glorious.
Walking through the Grand Palace will make you feel like you have been lost in the baroque era of Russia, where every room is unique and absolutely full of splendorous beauty. Outside, the fountain garden will continue to amaze you. Full of golden statues, beautiful landscaping and plenty of fountains, even a king would be impressed with the presentation.
After visiting this area, you return by hydrofoil to Vasilievsky Island, where you can get a gorgeous panoramic view of the entire city. Finally, you end your tour with a visit to the Peter and Paul Cathedral for one final look at the city’s history. For those interested in the regal past of St. Petersburg and Russia as a whole, this is the No. 1 tour to take while you are venturing on shore.
NCL Cruises to St. Petersburg – Book Your Getaway
Norwegian Cruise Line offers a variety of great getaways and an array of great amenities as you make your journey across the sea. Its journeys can bring you through various areas of Russia and other destinations within the Baltic Sea in Northern Europe, all depending on how long you want your getaway to be. The best of all, a cruise gives you the chance to enjoy other areas in the region as well, at an all-inclusive price that will keep you from feeling guilty for taking such a lavish vacation.
Rather than wait around and dream about your vacation, take the time to explore your cruise options today. Norwegian cruises to St. Petersburg will have you feeling like a king as you explore this rich area of culture and history. Don’t delay another journey, and if exploring this rich Russian city is on your to-do list, make sure to cross it off right away.
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