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Union Pacific

Emergencies:

• UP Emergencies: 1-888-877-7267
• Communities

Emergencies: 1-888-877-7267

Union Pacific Steam Schedule

Keep safety top of mind.

• Stay back at least 25 feet from all railroad tracks. This includes drones.
• Railroad tracks, trestles, yards and right of way are private property -  do not trespass.
• Never assume tracks are abandoned or inactive - ALWAYS expect a train .
• Be a safe and considerate driver - do not pace the train .
• Be Aware of the Environment : While we strive to provide access to all guests, Big Boy is positioned in a working rail environment with uneven walking surfaces that may create difficulty for accessibility.

Read more safety tips

Heartland of America Tour

Big Boy No. 4014 will depart on the "Heartland of America Tour" on Wednesday, Aug. 28 from Cheyenne, Wyoming, and travel across nine additional states: Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas. The eight-week tour concludes in late October. No. 4014 will be on display in the following locations:  

• Sunday, Sept. 8: Rochelle, Illinois (Chicago metro area)
• Sunday, Oct. 6: Houston, Texas
• Thursday/Friday, Oct. 10-11: Fort Worth, Texas

Notice to fans

Note: All schedule times and locations are subject to change. The Big Boy can run ahead or behind schedule, based on conditions. Please check back periodically for updates and be aware there is no public access to the Big Boy outside these listed stops. Overnight stops are closed to the public unless otherwise noted; arrival times at overnight locations are not available. Questions about the route? Check out our Steam Locomotive Tracking map , which has the planned route highlighted.

You can also view the route on our interactive Steam Location Tracking map.

Key Definitions 

On Display Admission to display days are free (no tickets required), though parking at surrounding parking facilities may involve a charge. These are the best times to see the Big Boy.

Viewing Only Locations where fans can safely view the Big Boy. In some cases, the Big Boy will be displayed behind a fence or other perimeter. 

Passenger Excursion  Opportunities to ride are rare, but when they are available as a fundraiser for charitable groups, they are listed on this schedule. Any passenger excursion tickets are sold by outside entities -- not Union Pacific -- and are not available on the day of the excursion.  There will not be a passenger excursion during the Heartland of America tour, though there will be an exciting opportunity to ride in the Big Boy's cab! As part of the tour, the Union Pacific Railroad Museum will be auctioning off four cab rides on Big Boy No. 4014, with proceeds going to two worthy causes: the Union Pacific Museum Association and Union Pacific’s Friend-to-Friend Network, a nonprofit that benefits railroad families in times of need, such as medical or natural disaster hardships. The auction starts Monday, Aug. 12 and ends Monday, Aug. 19. Details can be found at https://rarauctions.com/upm .

Overnight Stops Locations where the Big Boy stops overnight are closed to the public due to safety and security reasons, unless otherwise noted on the schedule. Non-employees who access these locations without permission will be treated as trespassers. Afternoon arrival times are not available.

• Order today from UnionPacificStore.com

Westward Bound Tour

Earlier this summer, Union Pacific's legendary Big Boy No. 4014  toured in five states during its 2024 Westward Bound Tour from Wyoming to California. In addition, this mighty steam locomotive was on public display for two days each in Roseville, California and Ogden, Utah. During the tour, the Union Pacific Museum  hosted a special, sold-out passenger trip from Roseville to Sparks, Nevada. The unique experience was the annual gala fundraiser for the nonprofit organization and provided a rare opportunity to travel on this historic heritage equipment. In all, Big Boy No. 4014 will visit 14 of the 23 states Union Pacific serves in 2024.

Union Pacific Steam Club

To be notified when news about Union Pacific's legendary steam program becomes available, join the Official Union Pacific Steam Club at http://UP.com/SteamClub !  Steam club members always get notified first when news about Union Pacific's steam program is released!

Future Schedules

Last fall, we had anticipated including Boise, Idaho, and Portland, Oregon on the Westward Bound tour. As planning continued, we determined that the network capacity on our northern corridor could not accommodate Big Boy No. 4014 along with anticipated demand on a single track. Our goal is to share the Big Boy with as many rail fans as possible across our network, and we look forward to seeing everyone track side – 25 feet back – this fall.

Section Menu

• UP No. 844 - The Living Legend
• UP No. 4014 - The Big Boy
• Steam Schedule
• UP CARES About Your Safety
• UP Steam Club
• UP Steam Locomotive Tracking

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Changes to traffic due to construction of the Caloundra Creative Hub and Library+ – Click here to learn more

The Events Centre has a Covid Safe Venue Guide in place to ensure the safety of our patrons when attending events at the venue. Make sure you familiarise yourself with the Covid Safe Guide and Conditions of Entry prior to attending an event.

Be entertained by the kaleidoscope of concerts, music, dance, plays and shows for all ages. The Events Centre, Caloundra is the Sunshine Coast’s premier performing arts and conference centre. Bring your event to life in our diverse conference spaces.

The Events Centre is one of the largest function centres on the Coast with dining, high tech staging and equipment for large and small dinners, awards nights, conferences, theatre and special events. The venue has two theatres and dining spaces for over 1,000 patrons.

Venue Information

Based on the beautiful Sunshine Coast, just one hour north of Brisbane, find us located near beautiful Kings Beach and the famous Bulcock Street.

What’s On – Upcoming Shows

GET THE BEAT FINALS COMPETITION 2024

The Celebration | The Dream Dance Company

GET THE BEAT FINALS 2024 GALA EVENT | JUNIOR & SENIOR

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• On Sale Soon

The Ten Tenors | 30th Anniversary World Tour

Presented by mellen events & frog in a sock.

Contact the Box Office on (07) 5491 4240 for large group bookings or other enquiries.

Accessibility Requirements | Click ‘Book Tickets’ above to book wheelchairs, easy access and companion card tickets. For other enquiries click here for assistance

No refunds/exchanges – learn more

• Floor Plans

Date & time

• Sat 26 Apr 2025 2:00pm
• Sat 26 Apr 2025 7:00pm

Presented by

AGE RECOMMENDATION: All ages event

WARNING: The use of strobe lighting, smoke and haze effects will be used throughout this performance

LOCK OUT PERIOD: Please arrive early. This performance has a lock out period

DURATION: TBC

• Accessibility

Pre-Sale: Thursday 12th September at 10am with an exclusive Early-bird price Sign-up to our mailing list here , to unlock this exclusive Earlybird Price!

General Public On-Sale: Thursday 19th September at 10am

“ The cluster of high voices generates pure electricity ” – Los Angeles Times

Marking 30 years since their very first performance in Brisbane in 1995, Australia’s favourite tenor ensemble, The TEN Tenors, will embark on the Australian leg of their massive world tour. They will visit every state in Australia for 38 shows over two months from April 2025.

What started as a one-off performance for a corporate event by a slightly rag tag group of young blokes from Brisbane’s Conservatorium of Music in 1995 has gone on to become a touring juggernaut. The TEN Tenors have circled the world multiple times and performed in some of the most iconic venues including Royal Albert Hall London, The Shrine Auditorium Los Angeles and The Sydney Opera House.

The TEN Tenors now have a touring history in 37 countries around the world and performed more than 3,500 shows. The TEN Tenors are known for their iconic performances of some of the all time great songs which have become TEN Tenor staples including Bohemian Rhapsody, Hallelujah, Funiculì, Funiculà, Largo AL Factotum, and of course, Nessun Dorma. Each show features new and exciting interpretations of well-known classical pop and rock songs, accompanied by show-stopping choreography.

The TEN Tenors are famous the world over for their clever musical medleys including mashups from Michael Jackson, The Bee Gees, Jersey Boys, Disco, 80’s, Boy Band, and of course the Diva Medley, which includes 22 songs seamlessly joined for a rocking and sometimes ironic romp through a catalogue of massive Diva hits.

Queen Bohemian Rhapsody: 50 Years On

• Music Tribute
• Book tickets

Twist & Shout | A Salute to Rock’n’Roll of the 50s & 60s

• Music Celebration

Gary Puckett and The Union Gap

Johnny Cash and The Outlaws

• 20 Minchinton Street Caloundra QLD 4551
• events@theeventscentre.com.au
• (07) 5491 4240

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Acknowledgment Of Country

The Events Centre Caloundra, located on the Sunshine Coast, acknowledge the Kabi Kabi peoples and the Jinibara peoples as the custodians of the land we work on, recognising their connection to land, waters and community. We honour the story-telling and art-making at the heart of First Nations’ cultures, and the enrichment it gives to the lives of all Australians.

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• St. Petersburg Tours

Our 20 Best St. Petersburg Tours of 2022

Join us for a Journey of a Lifetime to St. Petersburg the gem of Russia. Sometimes called the city of the Tsars or the Northern Venice, it is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. All of our tours to St. Petersburg are fully customizable and can be adjusted to fit any budget. Our most popular tours are listed below. Please click on the tour details to learn more or contact us for more information about our St. Petersburg tours using the form on the side of the page. You can also schedule a call with one of our Russian travel specialists to learn more.

Classic St. Petersburg

This is our most popular tour of St. Petersburg. It includes all the most important highlights of the Northern Capital, and also provides enough free time for exploring the city on your own. We have a huge variety of St. Petersburg excursions that you can take for extra sightseeing.

Accommodation

PRIVATE TOUR

Express St. Petersburg

This tour gives you a great overview of the city. You will visit Peter and Paul Fortress, the birthplace of the city and also the location where the Last Romanovs are buried. You will become acquainted with the rich collection of the Hermitage Museum and learn about Imperial life while visiting Peterhof.

Weekend in St. Petersburg

This tour is a great way to get acquainted with St. Petersburg if you are short on time. You will see all of the city’s major highlights and visit the Hermitage Museum - one of the largest museums in the world and former residence of Russian tzars.

Imperial St. Petersburg

This is our most complete St. Petersburg tour package. Besides visiting all of the major sights within the city and three Imperial summer residences, you will also see the Yusupov Palace and learn about the life and murder of Rasputin, one of the most mysterious figures in Russia’s history.

Group Tour St. Petersburg Break by Intourist

Explore St. Petersburg, the former capital of Imperial Russia with its magnificent palaces, parks, and monuments. Our engaging and most importantly fun tour includes all the most important highlights, such as Peter and Paul Fortress, the Hermitage Museum, and the Catherine Palace with the Amber Room.

Jewish Heritage, Major City Highlights, Peterhof & Catherine Palace

This tour will take you to St. Petersburg’s great museums such as the Hermitage and the Catherine Palace, and it also includes several sights connected with the life of the Jewish community.

Major City Highlights

Let our friendly and knowledgeable guide take you on a fun and informative tour to St. Petersburg's major highlights including the Peter and Paul Fortress, Nevsky Prospect, the Hermitage, the Cathedral on the Spilt Blood and more over the course of one day.

All City Highlights

This tour is a great introduction to St. Petersburg - the Venice of the North. During the tour, you will visit the Yusupov Palace associated with the fate of Rasputin, St. Isaacs Cathedral, the Hermitage Museum and the Cathedral on the Spilt Blood.

Major City Highlights & Peterhof

On this tour, you will have the chance to explore the magnificent parks and fountains of Peterhof, the outstanding interiors of the Grand Palace at Peterhof, and the Hermitage Museum - one of the world's greatest museums.

Major City Highlights & Catherine Palace

This tour takes you to one of the world's most famous treasures - the Amber Room in Tsarskoe Selo. You will visit the Catherine Palace and Park, and explore the famous Hermitage Museum.

Three Imperial Residences

This tour takes you to three Imperial suburbs - each with its own palace and park and all associated with Russia's colorful history. See the fountains of Peterhof, the Amber Room in the Catherine Palace and Emperor Paul's German style residence in Pavlosk.

One-Day Moscow Tour with Visit to the Tretyakov Gallery

This tour brings you the main highlights of Moscow, Russia’s capital. You will also take an excursion to the Tretyakov Gallery which contains many masterpieces from the greatest Russian artists.

Jewish Heritage, Major City Highlights & Catherine Palace

This tour will acquaint you with the Hermitage Museum and the Catherine Palace with its world-famous Amber Room, while at the same time it explores the history and present-day life of St. Petersburg's Jewish Community.

Jewish Heritage Tour

This tours takes you to the major Jewish sights of St. Petersburg including the Grand Choral Synagogue, the Kolomna district and the Ethnography Museum which has an excellent exhibition dedicated to the history and culture of the Jewish people in Russia.

Jewish Heritage, Major City Highlights & Peterhof

Besides exploring St. Petersburg's main sights such as the Hermitage, Cathedral on the Spilt Blood and the Imperial suburb of Peterhof with its magnificent fountains, this tour will also acquaint you with the history of St. Petersburg’s Jewish community.

Revolution, WWII & Soviet Leningrad

Russia is well known for its rich history and especially the Russian Revolution that ushered in the age of communism and the Soviet Union. Our tour will take you to the places associated with the Soviet epoque.

All City Highlights and Three Imperial Summer Residences

Over the course of 3 days, you will visit three of St. Petersburg's Imperial suburbs - Peterhof, Pushkin with the Catherine Palace and Pavlosvk. We will also explore the city's most beautiful museums, such as the Hermitage, the Yusupov Palace, St.Isaac's Cathedral and more.

Major City Highlights, Peterhof & Catherine Palace

This tour will give you a great understanding and feeling for the city of St. Petersburg, Russia's art and cultural capital. It takes you to the Hermitage, Catherine Palace (including the Amber Room), the Peter & Paul Fortress, St. Isaac's Cathedral and more.

All City Highlights, Peterhof & Catherine Palace

On this tour, you will explore the city's most beautiful museums, including the Hermitage and the Yusupov Palace, as well as two Imperial suburbs - Peterhof with its fountains and Pushkin with the Catherine Palace and the Amber Room.

This tour explores St. Petersburg’s main attractions including the Hermitage Museum, the Church on the Spilt Blood and two of the city's Imperial suburbs - Peterhof with its magnificent fountains and Pushkin’s Catherine Palace, famous for the Amber Room.

This tour takes you to the town of Pushkin, also known as Tsarkoye Selo, one of St. Petersburg's main Imperial suburbs. You will visit the Catherine Palace and Park - home to one of the world's most exquisite pieces of architectural and decorative art, the Amber Room.

St. Petersburg is considered the capital of Russian arts and cultural. During this tour, you will visit such gems as the Hermitage Museum, the Church on the Spilt Blood and the Peterhof Palace with its magnificent gardens and fountains.

One-Day Moscow Tour with Visit to the Kremlin

This one-day tour to Russia's capital includes major highlights of Moscow, such as Red Square, the Kremlin Cathedrals and Armory. Feel the energy that has always made Moscow one of the most exciting cities on earth.

City Tour of St. Petersburg with visit to St. Isaacs Cathedral

A great introduction to St. Petersburg for visitors who enjoy walking. Our expert guide will take you down the famous Nevsky Prospect, to Palace Square (the Winter Palace) home...

Walking tours

City Tour of St. Petersburg

Our St. Petersburg walking tour is a great introduction to this marvelous city for visitors who enjoy walking. Our expert guide will take you down the famous Nevsky Prospect, to...

St. Isaacs Cathedral walking tour

One of the finest architectural monuments of the XIX century, the former principal cathedral of the Russian capital has the capacity to accommodate 10,000 people. The cathedral...

Hermitage Museum Tour

The Hermitage is one of the greatest museums in the world. The museum consists of five historical buildings including the Winter Palace – the residence of the Russian Tsars....

City Tour of St. Petersburg with visit to Peter and Paul Fortress

Peter and Paul Fortress walking tour

The Peter and Paul Fortress was founded by Peter the Great in 1703. Besides the ancient fortifications, the fortress includes the Peter and Paul Cathedral, built in the early XVIII...

Tour to Pavlovsk, Tsar Pauls stronghold

Built in the late XVIII and early XIX centuries, Pavlovsk’s palace and park was used as a summer residence for emperor Paul I and his family. The landscape park, one of the...

Tours by car

Tour of Pushkin: Catherine Palace and Park, Amber Room

The Palace and Park of Tsarskoye Selo is a former country residence of the Russian Tsars. It is a fascinating monument of the world’s architectural and gardening arts of...

Day trip to Novgorod - the ancient capital of Russia

At 8.00 AM, our driver will pick you up to depart for Novgorod. Veliky Novgorod is one of Russia’s most ancient cities and was Russia’s first capital. No other Russian...

Alexander Nevsky Monastery walking tour

The largest monastery in Russia, Alexander Nevsky Lavra was built near the location where Grand Prince Alexander won his victory over the Swedes and the Teutonic Knights in 1240....

Cathedral of the Saviour on the Spilled Blood walking tour

St. Petersburg´s most Russian looking building. The cathedral would seem at home on Moscow´s Red Square with its onion shaped domes and multi colored facade. The cathedral...

Yusupov Palace Tour

This is an extremely interesting palace excursion and St. Petersburg tour. The building is notable both for its beauty and for the historical events that have taken place within...

Russian Museum Tour

The Michailovsky Palace where the Russian Museum is situated was built by the architect K. Rossi at the beginning of the XIX century for Alexander I´s brother Michail. It...

Tour to Pushkin & Pavlovsk

Pavlosk was built in the late XVIII and early XIX centuries, the palace and park were used as a summer residence for emperor Paul I and his family. The landscape park, one of the...

Tour to Peterhof (Petrodvorets)

Peterhof is a jewel of Russian art – a town of parks, palaces and fountains. In the past, it was used as an exquisite summer residence by the Russian Tsars. Verkhniy Garden...

City Tour of St. Petersburg with visit to Peter & Paul Fortress and St. Isaac's Cathedral

The tour will take the visitor throughout the historical center of St. Petersburg and includes spectacular views of the Neva River, Canal Griboyedova, Moika Canal, the many bridges...

Dostoyevsky's St. Petersburg Tour with transport

Fyodor Dostoevsky, the famous Russian novelist, journalist and short-story writer spent much of his life in Russia’s Northern Capital, even though he was born in Moscow....

Boat Excursion Along the Canals of St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg is a city of canals and viewing it from the water is an unforgettable experience. During your one hour trip, you will sail from Pevchesky bridge along the Moika...

City Tour of St. Petersburg with visit to the Hermitage Museum with transport

The tour will take the visitor throughout the historical center of St. Petersburg and includes spectacular views of the Neva river, Canal Griboyedova, Moika canal, the many bridges...

Military Tour: the Artillery Museum and the Central Naval Museum with transport

This excursion will be exciting for those who are interested in the military history of Russia. The tour includes a visit to the Artillery Museum and the Central Naval Museum....

Dostoevsky Museum walking tour

Learn more about the life and times of Dostoevsky on this most engaging excursion. Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoyevsky's literary works explore human psychology in the troubled political,...

The National Museum of Alexander Pushkin Tour

Learn more about the father of Russian literature, Alexander Pushkin with a visit to his house located on the Moika River Embankment. During your visit you will learn about Pushkin's...

Revolutionary St. Petersburg Tour with transport

St. Petersburg is often called the cradle of the Russian Revolution. If you want to know more about the political history of Russia, or just walk the paths of the revolutionary...

WWII and the Siege of Leningrad Tour with transport

The city suffered on an almost unimaginable scale during the time of WWII. The bravery and courage of the citizens of Leningrad, as the city was called during that period, is well-known...

Thank you both for making our visit to St. Petersburg so enjoyable. Asya - your prompt replies to my many emails and your efficient organization were greatly appreciated. Elena - you were a delight. I don't know how you remembered all those names and dates! Your knowledge and enthusiasm made our 2 days with you very interesting and memorable. I will recommend you both to any friends we hear who are travelling to St. Petersburg. Thank you again for 2 wonderful days.

I am very glad to put in a good word for your excellent tour company. You handled all the tour arrangements so well. Compliments also to Dasha the tour guide & Dmitri the driver. The tours to the museums, city & palaces were really well explained and interesting. We were so happy not to stand in the long lines. Our driver drove efficiently and safely. We will have only compliments if anyone asks us about your tour company. Russia is beautiful and we have a great appreciation of your history, art and people.

St. Petersburg Russia Tours

St. Petersburg is one of the world’s most beautiful cities. It was built on a collection of islands where the Neva River meets the Gulf of Finland and is divided further by a system of canals earning the city the name the Venice of the North. St. Petersburg was referred to as Peter the Great’s Window to the West because the great Tsar and reformer Peter the First designed the city to be Russia’s most European. The European feeling of the city is as true today as it was during the early 1700s. The embankments and boulevards are full of 18th and 19th century palaces of the nobility giving St. Petersburg an almost fairytale atmosphere. The historical city center is huge and dominated by the Winter Palace (former residence of the Tsars) which now houses the world famous Hermitage Museum . St. Petersburg Russia indeed is one of the most romantic and beautiful cities on earth. Our company is based in St. Petersburg, Russia allowing us to offer the widest variety of St. Petersburg Russia tours and excursions available on the Internet. All of our tours are designed so that our guests experience maximum enjoyment and become immersed in the culture and history of this great, Russian city. All our tours are private and can be fully customized upon your request. You can either choose one of our ready-made packages or create your own. Because we are locally based, we can offer excellent prices and the most knowledgeable guides in the city.

St. Petersburg – a Historical Gem

The city has witnessed some of the most dramatic and important moments in Russian history since its founding in 1703 by Peter the Great , making the city especially important for curious travelers coming to Russia. St. Petersburg was the scene of the Decembrist uprising , the famous court of Tsarina Catherine the Great , the assassination of Tsar Pavel and Alexander II and the home of Rasputin , the Siberian mystic. The last Tsar, Nicholas the II, was overthrown at the Winter Palace and the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution and Lenin brought communism to power here. After the revolution, the name of the city was changed to Leningrad. During the Second World War, Leningrad was under siege and fully blockaded by the Nazis for almost 3 years, resulting in the deaths of up to 1.5 million of its citizens. Our St. Petersburg tours take you to the places associated with many of these events and more.

Frequently Asked Questions From Our Travelers

What is the best time of year to go to st petersburg.

St Petersburg is a spectacular city regardless of the time of year, it all depends on your itinerary. Summertime can be wonderfully warm and brings the White Nights, nearly 24-hours of sunshine and a party atmosphere. However, St Petersburg will be very busy and accommodation can be much more expensive. St Petersburg is quite cold in winter, but enchantingly beautiful and with less crowds. The worst weather takes place in November and March. Check to see if your visit will coincide with Russia’s holidays and festivals, and for more information about the best time to visit, read our guide .

How many days are enough in St. Petersburg?

With a carefully planned and researched itinerary you can see St Petersburg’s main sights over a long weekend. St Petersburg’s city centre is compact compared to Moscow’s, and its most famous attractions are reachable by foot from one another. Find centrally located accommodation, acquaint yourself with public transport, and book tickets in advance so that you can skip the queues. To make the most of a short trip, check out our informative St Petersburg city tours with options to suit all interests.

Is it safe to walk around St Petersburg, Russia?

Walking around St Petersburg is no more dangerous than exploring any European city if you are sensible with your belongings and use common sense. The city centre rarely feels isolated as it is quite compact, and many bars and restaurants are open 24/7. During White Nights there are nearly 24 hours of sunlight, meaning that you’ll never venture anywhere in the dark. If you travel by taxi make sure to book in advance, or take public transport, which is perfectly safe and tourist-friendly. For more information, read our guide about staying safe in Russia .

Do they speak English in St. Petersburg?

St Petersburg is Russia’s most western-leaning city and staff in city centre restaurants, hotels, shops and attractions can generally accommodate English speaking tourists. There are also English-speaking tourist police. The metro and bus service maps have English translations, and intercom announcements are also made in English. If you’d prefer to travel by taxi, the Yandex Taxi app (Russian Uber) works in multiple languages, although it’s unlikely that your taxi driver will speak English. Younger Russians are more likely to speak basic English than older Russians, but Google Translate is useful if you get completely stuck.

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St. Petersburg   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Getty Images |

Why Go To St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg stands at the geographic and cultural borders of the west and east. While the city's appearance was influenced by the intricate and ordered architecture of Western Europe, it is still infused with a vibrant and persevering Russian spirit. St. Petersburg largely owes its dualistic nature to its founder, Peter the Great, an unabashed lover of all things European. In the early 1700s, Peter commissioned the city's streets and architecture to resemble his favorite western cities.

And the results of the czar's great experiment? A grand European-style city, replete with long boulevards, narrow canals and grand public squares. It's also an epicenter of distinctly Russian culture, as the place where literature and music greats like Dostoyevsky, Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev all found their voice. Moscow might be known for its luxury and decadence, but St. Petersburg offers compromise between the expensive tastes of Russia's capital and the often-overrated (and just plain crowded) cities of Western Europe.

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Best of St. Petersburg

Best hotels in st. petersburg.

• # 1 in Grand Hotel Europe
• # 2 in Hotel Astoria, a Rocco Forte Hotel
• # 3 in SO/ Saint Petersburg

Best Things to Do in St. Petersburg

• # 1 in Hermitage Museum and the Winter Palace
• # 2 in Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood
• # 3 in St. Isaac's Cathedral

St. Petersburg Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best time to visit St. Petersburg is from mid-June to September. Although it's expensive, St. Petersburg's near 24 hours of sunshine and White Nights celebrations during the summer months are not to be missed. Summers are generally cool but pleasant, with low temperatures dropping to the 50s and highs hovering around 70 degrees, so be sure to pack accordingly. Traveling to St. Petersburg in the winter is rare; days are short, and temperatures will dip well below freezing into the teens.

Weather in St. Petersburg

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

• Bring your Russian dictionary English is widely spoken in major hotels and restaurants, but you'll find very few English speakers outside the tourist districts. You'll hear Russian and see Cyrillic almost exclusively, so it's best to be familiar with the alphabet before your trip.
• Carry change for restrooms While St. Petersburg once had reputation for inadequate, ill-equipped public restrooms, the city has improved its facilities. However, use of restrooms in some public spaces, such as parks and shopping malls, may require a small payment (around 30 rubles or 50 cents).
• Breathe easy Thanks to legislation passed in 2013, bars, restaurants and public transportation are now nonsmoking spaces, making secondhand smoke less of an issue for visitors. However, public sidewalks are another story.

How to Save Money in St. Petersburg

• Invest in a St. Petersburg Card With the St. Petersburg Card , you'll enjoy free admission to more than 80 museums and tours, including the Peter and Paul Fortress , Peterhof and the Russian Museum , among others. Plus, you can use the card to pay your fare on public transportation. St. Petersburg Cards can be purchased in two-, three-, five- or seven-day increments.
• Book early Making your hotel reservations up to a year in advance – especially if you intend to visit during June's White Nights celebration – can save your wallet some pain.
• Protect your pockets As in many large cities, pickpockets are prevalent in St. Petersburg. Keep a close eye on your belongings in crowded areas, such as Nevsky Prospekt and the metro.

Culture & Customs

English is spoken in major hotels and restaurants, but you'll find mostly Russian speakers in the more local areas like the market or small inns. Some helpful Russian greetings include the informal "hello" ( priv-EYET ), the formal "hello" ( ZDRA-stvooy-te ), the informal "goodbye" ( pah-KAH ), and the formal "goodbye" ( Dah svih-DA-nee-ye ). Saying "thank you" ( Spa-SEE-ba) is always nice as well.

The ruble is the official currency of Russia. One U.S. dollar is equivalent to about 64 rubles. Plan to check the current exchange rate before your trip. While you might want cash for some purposes (purchasing metro tokens, for instance), you'll find that most restaurants, stores and hotels accept credit cards. Currency exchanges in airports generally offer less favorable rates than banks. ATMs are common in Russian cities, so your debit card might work (though you should check with your bank before you go regarding fees and exchange rates).

Tipping for service is common practice in Russia, and tips of around 15% are typical.

What to Eat

While it's true that visitors can still find classic Russian culinary staples like borscht, stroganoff, cabbage stew and caviar on menus around the city, travelers will also enjoy more contemporary dishes as well. And fortunately for visitors, food prices are more reasonable in St. Petersburg compared to Moscow .

You'll find hundreds of culinary hot spots in St. Petersburg, especially along Nevsky Prospekt, ranging from luxurious eateries to sprawling, local markets. If you're looking for an affordable snack on the go, try a Russian crepe, or blini. This Russian pancake is usually stuffed with butter, caviar or other fillings and is a treat for the adventurous foodie. You'll find it at street vendors around the city. To acquaint yourself with local produce, meats and cheeses, pay a visit to the Kuznechnyy Rynok (Kuznechny Market) a favorite among tourists for its honey vendors and plentiful souvenirs.

If you're craving a classic Russian meal, consider Literary Café on Nevsky Prospekt, which once played host to the likes of Pushkin and Dostoyevsky. For a more modern take on Russian fare, head to Hamlet + Jacks for dishes like Baltic herring and Siberian venison. And for Georgian cuisine, Phali Hinkali is a top spot thanks to its hearty dishes. If you're celebrating a special occasion, or just want to treat yourself to a memorable meal, critics and travelers suggest making a reservation at Palkin , which is known for its elegant dining room and fusion of Russian and French cuisines. Other well-reviewed eateries include Probka (Italian), Bekitzer (Israeli) and Etnos Café (Georgian).

St. Petersburg has a mixed reputation when it comes to safety, but most agree that it has improved from the chaotic time immediately following the fall of the Soviet Union. Discrimination against ethnic groups, specifically individuals of Asian or African descent, is still reportedly an issue in Russia, as is discrimination against LGBTQ individuals. Government officials warn against traveling alone at night to avoid violent confrontations.

In October 2019, the U.S. State Department issued an advisory urging increased caution in Russia because of possible terrorism and arbitrary enforcement of laws. However, these mainly applied to specific areas (such as the North Caucasus for terrorism and occupied portion of Ukraine for abuses by authorities). With respect to St. Petersburg specifically, the State Department noted possible delays in services for U.S. citizens because of reductions in diplomatic personnel. According to the State Department, you can be detained by Russian police for not having your passport with you (police in Russia do not need to show probable cause to stop, question or detain you). Plan to carry your passport with you at all times. Visit the State Department's website for more information.

When walking around, you'll also want to be very careful when crossing roads, as drivers don't always yield to pedestrians here. Use crosswalks and only cross when vehicles have come to a complete stop. Several travel sources advise tourists not to drink the tap water in St. Petersburg due to the antiquated pipes and high metal levels in the tap water. To avoid illness, only drink filtered or bottled water.

Getting Around St. Petersburg

The best way to get around St. Petersburg is by public transportation; otherwise, you can walk around Nevsky Prospekt, the main thoroughfare. There's an extensive bus and metro system with lines that run throughout the center and into the city's outskirts. The tram or trolley is best for short journeys through downtown. For trips to the suburbs, try the metro system. Rental cars are available at the Pulkovo Airport (LED), but acquiring the proper driving documents can be a hassle. Taxis are also a prevalent (though, at times, unsafe) way to move around.

From the airport, a taxi can cost anywhere from 600 to 1500 rubles (or about $9.50 to $24), depending on your destination. Taxi Pulkovo is the preferred company; you'll see Taxi Pulkovo stands in the arrivals area of the airport. However, several recent travelers have been overcharged for taxi trips between the airport and the city. Many recommended relying on smartphone apps instead to ensure a fair price.

Entry & Exit Requirements

Acquiring a visa to travel in Russia is a bit more complicated and expensive than visiting other countries. Every foreign traveler entering Russia must have a Russian-based sponsor (like a hotel, tour company, university or relative). In addition to a valid U.S. passport, you must also obtain a travel visa from a Russian embassy or consulate prior to arriving in Russia. If you plan to stay in Russia for more than seven days, you have to register your visa and migration card (the white paper document given by the border police on first entry to Russia) with the Federal Migration Service. Tourists visas start at $160 per person. You can apply for a visa up to 90 days before your intended visa start date. For more information on entry and exit requirements, visit the U.S. State Department  website .

St. Petersburg is built around a network of rivers and canals, with many of the city's top attractions located on the banks of the water.

Explore More of St. Petersburg

Things To Do

Best hotels.

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