ST PETERSBURG
Tambov doesn't really come to mind as a primary tourist destination in Russia, yet it is one of the most charming Russian cities. Founded in 1636 as a fortress on the steppe frontier to protect Russian lands from the nomad raids, Tambov lacks the long and rich history of many other Russian cities. It was never particularly important which may have actually worked for its benefit. It wasn't looted or destroyed by the nomads, Germans didn't occupy it in World War II, Soviet industrialisation hardly touched it. Tambov is as quiet and cozy as it was a century ago. With shady boulevards and parks smothered in lilac bushes and tulips, impeccably clean streets, a picturesque esplanade along the Tsna River, rows of colourful merchant houses and pre-revolutionary public buildings stretching along its main streets, Tambov feels like the happiest Russian city.
Distance from Moscow: 700km Founded in 1703 Population: 5 255 690 UTC+3
TO GET THERE
The fastest and easiest way to get to St Petersburg is by high-speed trains Sapsan. The trains depart 10 times a day, and there're extra services during the holidays. The earliest train departs at 5.40am, and the last at 7.40pm. The journey takes 3h40min to 4h depending on the service. The train departs from Leningradsky Railway Station in Moscow and arrives to Moskovsky Railway Station in St Petersburg.
Tickets can be purchased online on the official RZD website. Make sure you arrive at least 20min prior to the departure, there's an additional security control at the platfrom which may take some time.
Alternatively, there're many slower overnight trains which take 7-9h hours to arrive, including a new double-decker train. We recommend taking the Red Arrow train which departs daily at 11.55pm and arrives to St Petersburg at 8am. The Red Arrow train has been running since 1931. And although all the carriages are new, they've presered many original features (red colour of the train, more spacious compartments, etc.). You can check the timetable and buy tickets on RZD website.
TO GET AROUND
St Petersburg is a large megalopolis. It has an underground (which is the deepest in the world), and a wide range of bus, and trolleybus, and tramway services. The taxi in St Petersburg is very cheap if you use Yandex Taxi service or Uber.
However, many of the historical sites can be reached on foot if you stay in Tsentralny or Admiralteisky districts.
EVENTS IN ST PETERSBURG
29 April - Festival of Lights
29 April-5 May - Easter Festival
2-3 May - Icebreaker Festival
14-15 May - Smelt Festival
26 May-31 July - Stars of the White Nights Festival
27-29 May - St Petersburg City Day
25-26 June - Scarlet Sails Festival
26 July - Russian Navy Day and Warship Parade
15 August - International Marine Festival
20-28 October - International Organ Festival
13-17 December - The Virtuosi of the Flute Festival