When moving to Moscow my first thought was that I would be able to travel much more often. Indeed, there are more opportunities to make a journey from the capital due to the fact that it is closer to many important points of destination. Moreover, it is much cheaper to go from Moscow than from any other city of Russia.
As a matter of fact, it is only 712 kilometers from Moscow to Saint Petersburg by car. And it is always a good idea to go to Saint Petersburg and spend a weekend in the former capital of the Russian empire.
For some reasons I could not start travelling for almost half a year, but finally, I decided to spend the public holidays in May on visiting my favourite Russian city. Actually, the friend of mine is currently living in Saint Petersburg, and I could not but accept the invitation to visit her place.
There are so many ways to get to The Northern Capital. First of all, you can go there by car. Unfortunately, I have no car, and the first option was not acceptable for me. Secondly, you may go there by plane. But the tickets for a plane were not cheap for those days. So, my option was to get to Saint Petersburg by train. Eventually, I bought a return ticket on a high-speed train for five thousand rubles only. I suppose, if it was not a hot season, I could buy a ticket for a lower price. Moreover, the regular train, which goes two times slower, would cost much less, but I wanted to save time.
So, the train departs from Leningradsky railway station, which is located near Komsomolskaya underground station, and terminates at Moskovsky railway station.
The express train, which I am going to travel with, is called Sapsan. As a matter of fact, it is named after the fastest bird in the world. So, with the average speed of 200 kilometres per hour it delivers to Saint Petersburg in 4 hours.
The train looks very attractive, and it is well-equipped with the big windows, areas for large luggage, modern toilet facilities, comfortable seats and free Wi-Fi. You even may order some beverages, snacks and hot dishes via browser on your smartphone. Furthermore, the staff is well trained, and the service is really excellent here.
I should say, that the trip with Sapsan was really comfortable. What is more important, I arrived exactly at the center of the city. So, after leaving the train I at once set off for the walking with my friend, who was already waiting for me.
Honestly, I have visited Saint Petersburg many times. And every time I am enjoying my staying here despite the fact that I have the same walking route, which usually starts with Nevsky prospect.
Actually, Nevsky prospect is the main avenue and probably one of the well-known streets in Russia. Throughout its length of 4.5 kilometres it is brightened by impressive unique buildings and well-planned squares.
For the record, these days in Russia are devoted to the celebration of the Victory Day, and the main street was also decorated with the corresponding symbolic.
I noticed, that many buildings in the city were equipped by scaffolding. On the one hand it looks sad, but on the other hand I realize, that the facades need the restoration from time to time, and we should be thankful that it is being done on time.
When I think about Saint Petersburg I always remember its notable courtyards. Unfortunately, not all of them accessible, but even looking through the gates always leaves the lasting impression. I would say, that all these places are just perfect for the fast city sketching.
The canals is another distinctive feature of the city. They count around one hundred tributaries and canals in Saint Petersburg. And the most famous rivers and canals are Moyka River, Fontanka River, Griboedov Canal, Swan Canal, Winter Canal and of course Neva river. Do not miss opportunity to have a boat trip! The view of the city from the water is absolutely amazing. However, this time the temperature was quite low for such experience, so I did not dare to this venture.
On the Fontanka river embankment, close to the Saint Michael's Castle, you can discover lots of people leaning towards the water. In fact, they are trying to place a coin on the tiny bird statue. There is a belief, that if a coin will be placed on a pedestal, your wish will make true. Unfortunately, today I has not been so lucky, as well as many other tourists.
One of the most romantic and beautiful places in Saint Petersburg is the Summer Garden, which occupies the island between the Fontanka, the Moika and the Swan Canal. The entrance to the park is absolutely free, which is quite surprising, because for me it is like a museum in the open air. It is worth visiting by all means.
The park was designed back in 1704. Many powerful personalities, writers, artists, composers and other famous people of their time loved to take rest in this remarkable place, promenading under the branchy alleys, among numerous fountains and sculptures. And now we also can appreciate this remarkable place, which may become a real haven in a hot day.
The underground in Saint Petersburg is one of the deepest in the world. For example, Admiralteyskaya station is 86 meters below the ground level. It is not so richly decorated as the underground in Moscow, but I like it more, because it is considered to be not so complicated, and, in general, it looks cleaner.
My friend is living in suburbs of Saint Petersburg. Frankly speaking, I have never been so far from the city center before, but now I can see what the sleeping quarters look like here. I should admit, that uptown in Russia is the same at every city. However, as my friend said, in Saint Petersburg she felt more comfortable than in Novosibirsk, which is also a big and developed city.
After having a short nap, we went to the park of 300 anniversary, located nearby. It is a really remarkable place, because there is a neat beach on the Gulf of Finland. And additionally, from that point it is clearly observable the tallest building in Russia and Europe, called Lakhta.
In total, we had a nice walking around the park, but afterwards I insisted on visiting a city center once more, because I wanted to enjoy the atmosphere of the evening city before bedtime. And it was marvelous.
We were getting home late at night. However, at this time the illuminated city reveals its nature from another side, which I really like. Another good thing about the night city is that it is not crowdy at all.
It was over twelve a.m., but luckily we were able to catch the last train. However, you should be aware of the fact, that the schedule for different stations in Saint Petersburg underground may vary.
After a long strolling I am tired, but absolutely happy. However, this is not the end of my short trip. Tomorrow there will be another round.
