The city of Saint Petersburg

It is Russia’s second-largest city after Moscow, situated in the northwestern part of this country.

Geographical position and information on the city

Saint Petersburg is called Russia’s second major city after Moscow and a port on the Baltic Sea. The city was founded in 1703 on the bank of the Neva River, to the east from the Gulf of Finland on the Baltic Sea by order of Peter the Great.

During 1713-1728, Saint Petersburg was the capital of the Russian Empire.

Saint Petersburg is not only one of the modern cities of Russia, but it is also deemed one of the cultural capitals of the country. The Historic Center of Saint Petersburg is recognized as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Hermitage Museum is one of the largest art museums in the world. In this city, there are located many foreign consulates, international companies, banks and offices of commercial companies.

Population of Saint Petersburg

According to the latest official data and results of the census, Saint Petersburg is Russia’s second-largest city after Moscow with 5,281,579 inhabitants.

Weather in Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg has humid continental climate. However, the influence of Baltic Sea cyclones results in hot, humid and short summers and long, cold and wet winters.

The average maximum temperature in this city is +23 °С, and the average minimum temperature is -8,5 °С. The extreme temperature was recorded during the summer heat waves, which shifted in 2010 into the Northern Hemisphere. In winter, in Saint Petersburg the land and some parts of the Neva River within the city limits usually freeze up. They freeze up in November or December. The ice gradually melts down in April and vanishes.

From December to March in Saint Petersburg, there are 118 days average with snow cover. In April, the average snow depth is 19 cm, and the last freezing-up period was on average 135 days.

In view of the fact, that Saint Petersburg is situated in the north, this city is exposed to the influence of the air masses from the Gulf of Finland, which come from Scandinavia. Scandinavian winds bring into the city temperature above freezing. Therefore, winters in Saint Petersburg are warmer than in Moscow and in the suburb. However, in general, the weather conditions in the city are quite variable all year round, and it sees a lot of ups and downs.

The average annual precipitation is about 660 mm, and most of the precipitation is recorded in late summer. In general, the climate in Saint Petersburg is humid, and the average humidity in this city reaches 78%. For 165 days a year this enchanting city sees sky overcast.

Food and beverages

The best flavor of the Russian cuisine is known all over the world, and one can find the quality dishes all over Saint Petersburg. However, this enchanting city is not only a place for the Russian cuisine, but one can find there other fascinating dishes as well.

1. Central Asian dishes (Uzbek and Tajik cuisine)

In the heart of Saint Petersburg, there is a massive community of Uzbek immigrants. It is an extraordinary community with unique culinary traditions. In general, the Uzbek cuisine is very delicious and, at the same time, very cheap. This means that you can try very delicious food for just 250 Russian rubles. Surely, it’s a bit difficult to find places and restaurants offering the Uzbek cuisine.

2. Georgian cuisine

The Georgian cuisine is very delicious and unique as well. One can find these extraordinary delicious dishes in Georgian restaurants in Saint Petersburg. However, the Georgian cuisine is more expensive than the Uzbek one, for one meal you would have to pay about 600 Russian rubles, but it is worth it.