St. Petersburg is mostly known as a romantic travel destination, but only in summer and winter. Come spring, the city becomes one of the best hot spots for cultural exploration coupled with unique experiences, all because it’s a quieter tourist season.

Where to Stay in St. Petersburg

When you are in St. Petersburg, we recommend staying at a hotel close to most of the attractions you’re there to experience. Hotel Astoria, a Rocco Forte hotel, is located in the heart of historic St. Petersburg near the most iconic attractions of the great city such as Nevsky Prospect, Palace Square, the Mariinsky Theatre and directly across from St. Isaac’s Cathedral. Since opening in 1912, the elegant Art Nouveau hotel has hosted eminent guests, from dancer Isadora Duncan to poet Sergei Yesenin.

7 Things to do in St. Petersburg

Visit the Hermitage Museum

The Hermitage Museum, which is located inside the Winter Palace of Empress Catherine, holds the prestigious art collections of the nation’s Tsars. Nearly 200 years old, it is considered as one the oldest and most beautiful museums in the world. The magnificent emerald palace holds works of Leonardo Da Vinci, Monet, Van Gogh, and many more renowned and well-respected artists from across the world. It conducts various exhibitions such as the Believe Not Thine Eyes or the Trompe l’oeil in Art which is dedicated to the illusory reproduction of real-life objects by artistic methods.

Explore the city through a Canal Tour

St. Petersburg is a city known for its beautiful canals and rivers. Unlike its busy roads, St. Petersburg’s rivers and canals are tranquil and a faster mode of transportation. Getting around the city by a cruise or a boat is definitely one of the best ways to enjoy a romantic sightseeing trip. The famous Neva River is a 10-minute walk away from the Hotel Astoria. Taking a cruise along the Neva River, you get to see a different view of the city and its neo-classical architecture while enjoying a breeze of fresh air and the shimmering reflections on the water.

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Opera and ballet at the Mariinsky and Mikhailovsky Theatres

Seeing the ballet in Mariinsky and Mikhailovsky Theatres promises to be a highlight of your stay in St. Petersburg, especially if you are lucky to be there in time for Corsaire, Spartacus or Flame of Paris starring the incredible Ivan Vasiliev. To make it even more special, when staying at The Astoria Hotel you can sit in the hotel’s VIP box in the Mikhailovsky Theatre.

The fabled jeweled eggs at the Faberge Museum

The collection at the Faberge Museum tells a story of the royal gifts of love – the first jeweled eggs were the Easter presents from Tsar Nicolas II to his wife Alexandra. Elaborate pieces of art had secret mechanisms and precious decorations and were elaborately done to the smallest details. Hotel Astoria has a signature dessert in an ode to the museum– Faberge Winter, a chocolate and mint indulgence by Pastry Chef Yulia Ivanova.

Enjoy contemporary arts at New Holland Island

You can’t leave St. Petersburg without dedicating a day to wondering the streets of the historic city center. Be sure to stop at the New Holland Island, a contemporary center of arts, entertainment and outdoor activities such as an open-air ice skating rink and a variety of dining options.

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Caviar Tasting

Russia and caviar are synonymous, but there are so many different varieties to discover. The tasting experience at the Astoria Café gives one the opportunity to sample different types, from Keta to Beluga, learning about where they come from, the different taste profiles, how they should be served, and which vodkas to pair them with.

White Nights Segway Tour

A golden glimpse of St. Petersburg in an effortless Segway tour. The two-wheeled, 90-minute route around the city will take in the waterways and bridges, the architectural magnificence of the palaces, the majesty of St Isaac’s Cathedral and the verdant splendor of the Alexander Garden, all placed in context by a knowledgeable guide.