top of page

Destination Guides

Russia

By Erin Baker, Certified Travel Associate

A picturesque city view looking down the Griboyedov Canal toward the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood in Saint Petersburg, Russia. The iconic Russian Orthodox church, featuring intricately patterned onion domes and golden spires, stands prominently at the end of the waterway, framed on both sides by multi-story pastel buildings, stone embankments, and pedestrians under a moody, cloud-filled sky illuminated by warm sunlight.

Church on Spilled Blood, St Petersburg

St. Petersburg's grand palaces and canal-lined avenues reflect Russia's history as an imperial power, with the Hermitage Museum alone worth a full day's visit. Summer's "White Nights" (June) bring nearly 24-hour daylight to St. Petersburg and a unique atmosphere. A 3-4 day stay covers the Hermitage, Peterhof Palace, and the historic center. Given the complexity of Russian visa requirements and evolving travel advisories, this is a destination where working with an advisor to confirm current entry requirements before booking is essential, not optional.


Local Etiquette & Cultural Tips

Russian culture values formality with strangers that warms considerably once a relationship is established.

  • Friendly greetings: A firm handshake, first names used only once invited.

  • Dress respectfully: Modest, neat dress, headscarves required for women entering Orthodox churches.

  • Dining times: Lunch 12:00-2:00pm, dinner from 7:00pm onward.

  • Local customs: Smiling at strangers is less common than in the US, it doesn't indicate unfriendliness, just a different social norm.

  • Transportation and timing: The St. Petersburg metro stations are architectural landmarks worth seeing in their own right, efficient and inexpensive.

  • Practical tip: Confirm current visa and entry requirements well before booking, as these can change and require advance processing.


Souvenirs

  • For the Foodies: Russian tea.

  • For the Fashionistas: A hand-painted lacquer box or matryoshka (nesting doll) accessory.

  • For the Home: A traditional matryoshka nesting doll set, an iconic Russian craft.


Suggested Gratuities

  • Private Tour Guides: $15-20 per person for a half-day tour

  • Shared Group Tour Guides: $5-10 per person

  • Taxis: Round up the fare

  • Restaurants: 10% for good service

  • Private Drivers: $10 per trip

  • Housekeeping: $2-3 per night

  • Porters: $1-2 per bag

  • Spa Staff: 10% of the service cost


Practical Travel Notes

  • Currency: Russian Ruble, confirm current card acceptance and currency exchange guidance before travel

  • Language: Russian, English limited outside tourist areas

  • Transportation: Metro and walking cover the historic center

  • Weather: Cold winters, mild summers, White Nights in June bring near-constant daylight

  • Walking: Very walkable historic center, dress warmly outside summer months


Related Blogs

Last Reviewed

9/22/26

Ready to plan your trip?

bottom of page