Coming to Russia in winter is a challenge for many travelers. Even though St Petersburg is not that famous for its cold winters, sometimes it can invite you to experience really low temperatures and a whole lot of snow. However, if you are dressed for the weather and are not scared to go through some chilly moments, winter in St Petersburg can be really enjoyable. Some ideas for you today!
Check New Year decorations
St Petersburg usually has very nice New Year decoration that creates a very festive atmosphere. So you can walk around the city a little bit enjoying the bright lights and then dive into some café, to warm up with a hot tea or mulled wine. Nevsky usually has the best decoration, you should also check a Christmas tree on Palace Square. Visiting a local “yarmarka” (Christmas market), may be also a good idea, as you can check some local production and find some unusual souvenirs.
Go ice skating
Ice skating is one of the most popular winter activities not only in Russia, but probably across the world. In St. Petersburg you can find many ice rinks. The most popular ones are situated in New Holland, that is always nice to visit. By the way, we’ve talked about this place in this summer article. Also we recommend checking the one in Sevkabel Port, as there you can find an “Ice rink by the sea”. Ice skating with maritime views! Another unusual ice rink, this time a forest one, is situated outside the city in the place called “Okhta Park”.
Try a real “Russian mountain” in Nikolskiye Ryady
Nikolskiye Ryady is a relatively new city space opened in a building of a historical market. In the yard you can find a real Russian mountain, an ice-hill that you can ride down on a snow tube. Nikolskiye Ryady tries to recreate the spirit of Russian winter of the past. Of course, you can also find ice hills outside the city, but this one is situated in the historical district, so you can reach it easily and enjoy the festive atmosphere, as there you can also find a Christmas market.
Celebrate traditional Russian New Year!
New Year in Russia is the most important holiday of the year, and probably you won’t find many places in the world, where it is celebrated in the same way. If you have Russian friends and you are invited to celebrate, don’t miss an opportunity! Most of Russian cook a lot for this holiday and you will see many typical Russian meals on the table, such as holodets, selyodka pod shuboy, and of course, olivie. If you don’t have Russian friends who can invite you, there many possibilities to celebrate the New Year in the city. Anyway, due to fireworks and massive celebration you probably won’t be able to sleep that night.
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