1. Wear grey. All the time.
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St. Petersburgers are famous for their style. Grey is the new black over here! ‘50 shades of grey’ – that could be the name of the style book of St. Petersburg (just like its weather). A huge scarf around your neck (nothing colorful of course) will be a perfect addition to the look.
2. Feel privileged
Petr Kovalev / TASS
St. Petersburg always makes every “the best cities in the world” list - and not without reason. Locals are proud of their city and its beauties, and nobody is allowed to say anything negative about it (unless you want to be outed as a Moscow sympathizer!).
3. Be polite
Ilya Pitalev / Sputnik
The city is called “the cultural capital” not only for its sightseeing, but first of all because of the manners sported by its inhabitants. And it doesn’t mean “smiling” (the Russians don’t smile, remember?). Giving your seat up to elders on the subway, holding the door, helping a babushka cross the street – this is what we are talking about. So if you see a tourist with a map trying to find the Hermitage, ask them if they need help. Help him even if he says he doesn’t.
4. Take an umbrella everywhere you go. You never know
Roman Pimenov / TASS
The average yearly amount of sunny days in St. Petersburg is 45! If you are lucky. For example, in December 2019 there were 2,5 hours of sun in the entire month! The rest of the time it is cloudy and can start raining anytime. Better be prepared.
5. Love ballet and opera
Grigoriy Dukor / TASS
St. Petersburg is the theatre capital of Russia. There is always something to see, make sure to check the program and go at least once a month.
6. Know the schedule of rising bridges by heart. You'll need it for at least 5 months in a year!
Roman Pimenov / TASS
Drawbridge season starts mid-April and ends in October (sometimes even November, depending on the weather). If you want to go from one part of the city to another (for example from the city center to the Vasilievsky island) in the night and the bridges are raised, you will have to wait hours for them to go down again. A useful thing is “promezhutochnaya svodka” when some of the bridges go down for 20 minutes giving you the opportunity to use this time to go to another side.
7. Read
Ruslan Shamukov / TASS
Russians love literature and read a lot. Talking about the last book you’ve read is the best way to make a good impression anywhere you go here.