St. Petersburg

World-class entertainment at the Mariinsky Theatre, sultry White Nights in midsummer, ice-skating on the Neva and the sublime architecture of the Church on the Spilled Blood - Russia's 'northern capital' amazes all who visit. This smart, streetwise and stylish guide uncovers the cultural riches, captivating history and carefree nightlife of this magnificent city.

• IMMERSE YOURSELF IN ART - compare Picasso and Poussin, Gainsborough and Gauguin with a whole chapter dedicated to the vast Hermitage Museum

• CATCH THE SCENE - dance on tables or watch world-class ballet; our St Petersburg expert reveals the complete range of entertainment options

• EXPLORE the city with tailor-made walking tours, full color, cross-referenced maps and metro plan

• TALK THE TALK with our detailed language chapter complete with Cyrillic script

• ESCAPE to opulent Tsarist palaces and charming historic towns with our comprehensive Excursions chapter