St. Petersburg

⚠️ SAFETY WARNING: Due to the risk of arbitrary detention, lack of direct flights, and severe financial restrictions, government agencies (including CA, USA, UK, AU, IE, NZ) advise travelers to avoid all travel to St. Petersburg. While the city's cultural sites remain open, Western tourists face a volatile security environment with minimal consular assistance available. Families are strongly urged to check their government's official travel advisory before considering a visit.

St. Petersburg is a city of islands and water, often called the "Venice of the North." A boat tour along the canals is the best introduction for families, offering views of the pastel-colored palaces without the fatigue of walking. The Peter and Paul Fortress is a favorite for kids, featuring a sandy riverside beach and the daily firing of the cannon at noon, which is loud enough to thrill older children. The city is also home to the Grand Maket Rossiya, a massive interactive model layout of the entire country with moving trains and cars that fascinates visitors of all ages.

No visit is complete without a hydrofoil ride across the Gulf of Finland to Peterhof. The Lower Gardens are famous for their golden statues and "trick fountains" designed to spray unsuspecting passersby—a guaranteed hit on warm summer days. The Hermitage Museum can be overwhelming, but focusing on the Knight's Hall or trying to spot the museum's legendary guardian cats in the courtyards makes it manageable for younger ones. During the "White Nights" in early summer, the sun barely sets, creating a magical atmosphere where families can watch the massive Neva bridges open late at night.