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I visited St. Petersburg in September 2009. Due to a busy schedule I could only stay for four days. It’s enough for the first visit but if you are planning to see the environs you need an extra day for each place (Peterhof, Pushkin). As I was told one can visit Pushkin and it’s famous Amber room even in winter . Peterhof is perfect in summer with it’s famous fountains and parks a-la Versal which are available from May to September.
I devoted my first day to walking around the central part of the city enjoying the small delightful streets and gorgeous embankments. Boat trips are offered along all the rivers and canals (10 euros). My impression on the water excursion was great but it was rather windy.
On the next day I went down the Nevsky prospect to St. Isaak’s cathedral, marvelous cathedral in barocco style). I would recommend to walk up the colonnade to observe an unforgettable panorama of the city.
I spent my third day walking around Vasilievsky island, visited spit with the Rostral colomns and birzha. Then I crossed the bridge and went to the Peter and Paul’s fortress where Russian tsars were buried. On my way to the fortress I saw a souvenir shop called Museum where I found gifts for my family and friends and bought a gorgeous amber bracelet. Amber is considered to give energy, health and force.
Also I chose a larger box for my mother and very cute little matryoushka dolls for my friends. I continued tmy way. Peter and Paul fortress is situatad on the hare island. It was supposed to be used as defense but it was never used this way. The main buildings to see there are the cathedral itself and the fortifications and the wonderful view of the opposite embankments of the Neva river.
In conclusion I would like to say that despite the stereotyped view it is not dangerous to go to St.Petersburg alone. Staff in the hotels, bars and shops speak good English. Prices for the hotels in comparison to Europe are about the same. Food is cheaper then in France but higher then in Check Republic. The price for the public transport is about 0..5 euro.
On my last day I decided to visit Pushkin with it`s Cathrin´s palace and Amber room. Unfortunately fountains in Peterhof have been already closed.
 
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