St Petersburg, Russia — Overview
St Petersburg is a beguiling mix of palace-lined waterways and crumbling houses. With quaint canals, great restaurants and an enticing culture, it's easy to see why it's dubbed the ‘Venice of the North'. Built on a swamp as the new capital of Russia, St Petersburg is a grand 18th-century city with a European flavor. The historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a testament to the city's architectural heritage, with colorful baroque and neoclassical facades. It was here that the tsars of Russia ruled for 200 years until their downfall in 1917. St Petersburg is also home to the Hermitage, the world’s largest art museum, as well as edgy art galleries, underground clubs and an exciting dining scene.
