Top 50 Best Things to Do in Leningrad Oblast

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je ne sais quoi

Last month I visited Russia and I was in the grand imperial city of Saint Petersburg. At the heart of Saint Petersburg stood the Winter Palace, built in the 18th century and it served as the imperial residence of the Romanov dynasty for over 150 years. Inside is the Hermitage Museum, established by Catherine the Great and it contains art and collections from all over the world. It is one of the largest palaces in the world, and to see everything in the Hermitage properly would actually take you 11 years.It is highly recommended that you purchase a ticket online before going as the queues are normally significant especially on weekends.Inside the Hermitage the highlights of the palace complex are the Jordan Staircase, the Throne Room and the 1812 Gallery which are unmissable and you must take some nice photos there.As for the collections, there are really a lot so you got to prioritise which ones to explore as you likely only have a few hours there. For me I focused largely on the Russian element as well as the rare collections from Central Asia, Mongolia, the Caucasus and the Silk Road as those are not commonly found in Western art museums and more specific to Russia due to the historical links to the former empire.Regardless of how you choose to explore the Winter Palace, a trip here is a must once in your lifetime!#russia #russia_pics #saintpetersburg #winterpalace #hermitage #hermitagemuseum

Exploreit

The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood in Saint Petersburg is one of the most beautiful churches I have ever seen in my life, a true architectural gem and a must-visit landmark. Its vibrant, colorful onion domes make it one of the most photogenic spots in the city. and intricate mosaics is absolutely mind blowing 🤯 During the day, sunlight illuminates the dazzling exterior and detailed mosaics, bringing out every color and pattern. Inside, the church is even more breathtaking — walls and ceilings covered with intricate mosaics depicting biblical scenes create a serene and awe-inspiring atmosphere.Visiting this church feels like stepping into a piece of living history, showcasing Russia’s rich artistic and religious heritage. Whether you admire it from the outside or explore the interior, the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood is a highlight of any Saint Petersburg itinerary.

SHARMIN K

This is the most beautiful palace I've ever been to. The Czar family and Catherine the Great used to spend summers there. The most beautiful part of the palace is the Amber room, where the whole room is made out of Amber Stone.You can even buy Amber- made souvenirs like bracelets and key chains on the ground floor at the souvenir shops in the palace. Catherine Palace was destroyed in WW2 when it was bombed by the Germans. Today, it has been restored to its former glory. The Amber Room itself took over 24 years to restore! You will be given special socks to wear inside the palace so as not to damage the wooden floor of the palace.You can also request audio headphones in English in case you need translation as the guide only speaks Russian.

Matryoshka行走

[Attractions] The Catherine Palace, Catherine Gardens, Alexander Gardens, the Amber Room, and the Golden Room are all worth seeing. [Visit Experience] Not crowded on non-holidays. [Scenery] Beautiful, with a royal atmosphere. [Value for Money] At 1,700 rubles, it's not expensive and offers good value. [Transportation] We recommend taking bus numbers 186 or 299, as there's less walking.

je ne sais quoi

Peterhof is without a doubt, one of the most stunning palaces in Russia and the world at large. It was built by Peter the Great as a summer residence and became known as the "Russian Versailles" due to the stunning Baroque architecture. The fountains and gardens all reflect this grand opulent 18th-century Baroque style. Yet this Baroque style is distinctly Russian, as you can see from the subtleties of the architecture, especially of the church on the palace complex.The best way to get to Peterhof from Saint Petersburg is via hydrofoil, which will depart from the area near Admiralteyskaya near the Winter Palace. The hydrofoil is an excellent option because it is not only a relaxing way to get there, the views are amazing too as you can see all the great classical style buildings on the Neva, but you can also see the Lakhta Tower in the northern outskirts. That tower is actually not just the tallest in Saint Petersburg, it is the tallest in Russia and the tallest in Europe. But be prepared that the winds of the Baltic are really strong, so even if visiting in summer, layer up!When you see the palace, it is adorned b the Grand Cascade and Samson Fountain, which are simply spectacular to marvel at. At the complex itself, the gardens are the most worth exploring. You can simply get lost in it and forget that time even existed. There are many other smaller buildings in the compound, such as Monplaisir.#russia #saintpetersburg #peterhof

逍遥影使

I have a DVD of "Swan Lake" at home and watch it often. During this trip to St. Petersburg, I was fortunate to enjoy the Swan Lake performance at the internationally renowned Mariinsky Theater. The scale of the performance was very impressive and the performance was pleasing to the eyes. Although the ticket price was high, it was worth it. Unfortunately, you cannot take photos or videos during the performance.

SHARMIN K

The architecture of this cathedral is simply breathtaking, and whereby you can go inside to take photos, attend mass, or purchase tickets & and go up the spiral stairs for an overview of the city! Tickets can be purchased at the ticket booth outside the church at the entrance. Summers are incredibly busy and crowded. This is a must-see as the inside of the church is very colourful! You can also purchase souvenirs inside the church.

Exploreit

Kazan Cathedral in Saint Petersburg is an elegant masterpiece and a symbol of Russian Orthodox faith. Its grand colonnade stretches majestically along Nevsky Prospekt, creating a striking and photogenic landmark.During the day, the cathedral’s classical architecture and detailed façade are impressive, and the surrounding square is lively with locals and visitors alike. Inside, the church exudes serenity, with beautifully decorated icons, chandeliers, and intricate artwork creating a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere.Kazan Cathedral is not only a place of worship but also an important historical and cultural site, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring Saint Petersburg.

Claudia Venter

Nevsky Avenue: St. Petersburg's Vibrant HeartbeatExploring Nevsky Avenue in St. Petersburg was a captivating journey through history and culture. The bustling thoroughfare, lined with stunning architecture and lively cafes, offered a glimpse into the city's rich heritage. From iconic landmarks like the Kazan Cathedral to charming boutiques and art galleries, there was something to discover around every corner.The energy of the avenue was infectious, drawing me in with its vibrant atmosphere and diverse array of sights and sounds. A stroll along Nevsky Avenue is a must-do experience for anyone visiting St. Petersburg, offering a true taste of the city's charm and vitality.

莱利莱

The price-performance ratio is very high, the collection is rich, there were not many people when I went, the experience was okay, but the cultural and creative products were too ugly. It is best to go to the Winter Palace and the Winter Palace in two days. Just be prepared to walk your legs off, the tour route is designed quite reasonably, and you don't have to go back