Anyone to ask about Russia?

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08-01-2014 , 09:57 AM

blackchilli

Pooh-Bah

Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 5,027

I've been thinking about visiting Saint Petersburg for a month in December. My Russian ESL students have been telling me that it's an amazing place and it is very safe etc.

Are there any grinders in Russia? How safe is Saint Petersburg and is it as beautiful as my students are claiming?

Thanks in advance for the help.

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08-01-2014 , 10:42 PM

rwillia789

adept

Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 927

i really doubt it. was looking at getting the train there from finland and it looked awful on google maps

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08-02-2014 , 12:34 AM

madhusudana

centurion

Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 129

I've been to most major US cities and traveled by car thru northern europe (sweeden, germany, estonia, netherlands, denmark), and saint petersburg is still, by far, the most beautiful city i've ever been to. This does not apply to the outskirts. I've staid there for a month and it felt pretty safe. There are some shady areas around outskirts but you don't want to go there anyway. It's definitely not as English-friendly as most of the european countries. Also, you will freeze you balls of in december.

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08-02-2014 , 08:13 AM

blackchilli

Pooh-Bah

Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 5,027

Madhusana thanks for the input. Did you ever feel unsafe at any point of time? I'll be travelling with my girlfriend who is a very small-sized Asian girl and I'm a little bit worried that she'll look like an easy target.

In Japan and Singapore I would let her walk-around and shop by herself since it's so safe. Is this a recipe for disaster in Saint Petersburg? Does it snow there?

Last edited by blackchilli; 08-02-2014 at 08:19 AM.

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08-02-2014 , 10:17 AM

madhusudana

centurion

Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 129

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackchilli

I can't recall feeling unsafe. During the day she is fine for sure, there is plenty of people everywhere etc. I've being going out at nights as well and it felt just as safe. Chill and relaxed atmosphere. I've been there during the summer, during the "light nights" or whatever, its only dark for like ~2 hours a day. Yes it does snow and it snows a lot. Wouldnt surprise me if its like -25C overthere in december. Temperature probably cuts a lot on people outside and site seeing stuff.

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08-03-2014 , 08:47 AM

blackchilli

Pooh-Bah

Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 5,027

Thank you very much. You've been very helpful. Will probably head to Saint Petersburg at the end of the year.

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08-04-2014 , 03:39 AM

madhusudana

centurion

Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 129

I would also say stick to official taxis or use subway. Sp has deepest subways in the world, pretty cool experience. Ignore people who might try to sell you stuff at touristy locations. Exchange currency at banks only or just withdraw from atms, they will spit out roubles

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08-04-2014 , 01:33 PM

supersplitz

adept

Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 1,086

Are you planning on playing any poker while you're over there? Also, the Russian visa is a pretty laborious process so I'd recommend getting on that as soon as you can as I'm not sure if it would raise suspicions the fact that you'll be there for the entire month.

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08-04-2014 , 01:35 PM

supersplitz

adept

Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 1,086

I was in Sochi for the Olympics and spent three days in Moscow as well. Fell in love with Russia and SP is at the top of my list of places to go next. Might head there for a week in October. Will let you know how it goes if I do. Cheers

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09-23-2015 , 05:19 PM

#10

zadu80

centurion

Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 139

any grinders in St. Petersburg atm?
might be coming soon and it would be nice to grab a beer with someone

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01-10-2019 , 04:46 AM

#11

MarkusJack

stranger

Join Date: Jan 2019 Posts: 1

Late to the party but I visited Saint Petersburg during summer while staying in Finland. Wow, what a great city it is I agree with madhusudana! Definitely, travel during summer, and make sure you're in there for the festival of the Scarlett Sails (or something like that). The fireworks are friggin amazing, Dubai-level to say the least just have a look at the picture:

Apart from that, there are a million other things to see: museums, theatres, ballet, and the nightlife is great. I felt safer than at home for the most part (and I'm Swiss, lol!).

So yeah, 10/10, must visit!

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01-10-2019 , 02:36 PM

#12

Pahvak

centurion

Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 149

Does anyone know why do they have new years eve fireworks at 3AM in St. Petersburg?

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01-13-2019 , 05:06 AM

#13

spets1

centurion

Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 144

SPB rains a lot. But as most people already said one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Sochi appeals to me the best as its got best climate in russia. It also had a lot of works done as the winter olympics were held there.

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