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Iraqi Airways, direct flights from London Gatwick to Sulaymaniyah in 5.30 hrs. 30kg Baggage allowance. Subject to availability. NOT available ONLINE call us to book.

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For unrivaled views of St. Petersburg, climb to the top of St. Isaac's Cathedral.

How to Have the Best Day in Russia's Culture Capital

What to see and do if you’ve got just one day in this northern gem

You’d need 24 days, not hours, to even begin to see all that St. Petersburg has to offer. But with just one day here, you can get a taste of what makes this Russian gem so compelling. Just a few of these suggestions will be enough to keep you entertained all day, fair warning, though: You’ll be planning your next visit back here before you even leave.

STROLL THE CITY

The Corinthia Hotel is the perfect starting point for an adventure in St. Petersburg. Situated on Nevsky Prospekt, the hotel is within walking distance to a number of St. Petersburg's top attractions.

A couple walks on the Nevsky Prospect, St. Petersburg's main street.

Once you’ve dropped your bags off at your hotel, turn right around and head out for a walk. There’s no better way to get a sense of St. Petersburg and its unique mix of old and new, industrial and opulent. The city’s main street is Nevsky Prospekt, named after Russian Prince Alexander Nevsky and immortalized in an 1835 story of the same name by Nikolai Gogol. It bisects the city, stretching for three miles. Here you’ll find upscale shops, buzzing cafes, and grand palaces, museums, and cathedrals.

VISIT THE CATHEDRALS

A boy walks past the Church of the Spilled Blood.

For some of the most stunning sights in St. Petersburg, make your way to two of its historic houses of worship. The multicolored Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood , along the Griboyedov Canal, was built as a memorial to the “tsar liberator” Alexander II on the very spot where he was fatally wounded in 1881. Unlike other churches in the city, it was built in the medieval style (think St. Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow ) and completed in 1907. Inside, it’s a mosaic masterpiece, with ornate scenes covering the walls and ceiling.

Next, head to St. Isaac’s Cathedral, whose 333-foot-tall gold dome is a dominating landmark of the city. Completed in 1858 after 40 years of construction, the colossal cathedral is a wonderland of semiprecious stones, metals, and decorative arts. Before leaving, climb up to the colonnade that runs around the dome for unrivaled views of the city.

GET OUT ON THE WATER

Boats are docked along one of the many canals that run throughout the city.

Water, not blood, courses through the heart of St. Petersburg. Situated strategically on the Baltic Sea by Peter the Great, it’s one of Russia’s busiest ports. The city itself is crisscrossed by more than 80 rivers and canals. The broad Neva River is the city’s main waterway; stroll along it to see the elaborate architectural details in its granite embankments. From May to September, when the weather is warmer, take one of the many boat tours offered along the banks of the Neva and the larger canals.

TAKE IN A MUSEUM

The Hermitage Museum is home to over 3 million works of art but the buildings' architecture is just as impressive as its collection.

St. Petersburg is home to some of the finest art and antiquity museums in the world. There’s simply no way to see them all in one day, so choose the very best: the Hermitage Museum . This titan, founded by Catherine the Great in 1764, includes more than three million works of art and cultural artifacts. There are paintings by Rembrandt, van Gogh, Titian, Rubens, and Picasso; sculpture by Michelangelo; galleries of ancient armor and weapons; and much more. The museum’s setting is just as impressive. It fills six buildings along the Neva River, including the magnificent Winter Palace.

EXPLORE A PIECE OF HISTORY

History buffs shouldn’t miss the Peter and Paul Fortress , the city’s original citadel. Established by Peter the Great in 1703, the fortress takes up all of small Hare Island in the Neva River. It never fulfilled its destiny as a defensive fort, but instead has been the site of a notorious prison for political figures, the headquarters of the tsarist secret police, and the site of rocket experiments. Incongruously, it’s also the final resting place for many of the tsars; Peter the Great himself is buried at the front of the Peter and Paul Cathedral, which boasts an impressive bell tower.

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SEE THE BEST IN BALLET

Ballet performers take their final bow at the end of La Sylphide at the Mariinsky Theatre.

St. Petersburg has a storied history in the world of music and dance, especially classical ballet. In 1892, Tchaikovsky premiered The Nutcracker at the grand Mariinsky Theatre , which still shines as the home of the Mariinsky Ballet and the Mariinsky Opera. Mikhail Baryshnikov got his start here, as did Anna Pavlova and Vaslav Nijinsky. Another landmark theater with a long pedigree is the Mikhailovsky Theatre , founded in 1833 by Tsar Nicolas I. Check performance schedules and get tickets far in advance to make sure you don’t miss out.

Washington, D.C.-based writer Nancy Gupton has too many books, too many cats, and a very long list of places to visit.

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What time the 2024 solar eclipse started, reached peak totality and ended

By Sarah Maddox

Updated on: April 9, 2024 / 5:04 AM EDT / CBS News

The 2024 solar eclipse will be visible across North America today. As the moon's position between the Earth and sun casts a shadow on North America, that shadow, or umbra, will travel along the surface from west to east at more than 1,500 miles per hour along the path of totality . 

That means the eclipse will start, peak and end at different times — as will the moments of total darkness along the path of totality — and the best time to view the eclipse depends on where you are located. Some places along the path will have more totality time than others.

In Texas, the south-central region had clouds in the forecast , but it was better to the northeast, according to the National Weather Service. The best eclipse viewing weather was expected in New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine, as well as in Canada's New Brunswick and Newfoundland.

What time does the 2024 total solar eclipse start?

The total solar eclipse will emerge over the South Pacific Ocean before the shadow falls across North America, beginning in parts of Mexico. The path of totality , where onlookers can witness the moon fully blocking the sun (through eclipse viewing glasses for safety ), is expected to first make landfall near the city of Mazatlán around 9:51 a.m. MT. 

The total solar eclipse will cross over the U.S.-Mexico border into Texas, where it will emerge over Eagle Pass at 12:10 p.m. CT and then peak at about 1:27 p.m. CT.

In Dallas, NASA data shows the partial eclipse will first become visible at 12:23 p.m. CT and peak at 1:40 p.m. CT. The next states in the path of totality are Oklahoma and Arkansas, where the eclipse begins in Little Rock at 12:33 p.m. CT. 

Cleveland will see the beginning of the eclipse at 1:59 p.m. ET. Darkness will start spreading over the sky in Buffalo, New York, at 2:04 p.m. ET. Then, the eclipse will reach northwestern Vermont, including Burlington, at 2:14 p.m. ET. Parts of New Hampshire and Maine will also follow in the path of totality before the eclipse first reaches the Canadian mainland  at 3:13 p.m. ET.

Although the experience won't be exactly the same, viewers in all the contiguous U.S. states outside the path of totality will still be able to see a partial eclipse. Some places will see most of the sun blocked by the moon, including Washington, D.C., where the partial eclipse will start at 2:04 p.m. ET and peak at about 3:20 p.m. ET.

In Chicago, viewers can start viewing the partial eclipse at 12:51 p.m. CT, with the peak arriving at 2:07 p.m. CT.  In Detroit, viewers will be able to enjoy a near-total eclipse beginning at 1:58 p.m. ET and peaking at 3:14 p.m. ET.

New York City will also see a substantial partial eclipse, beginning at 2:10 p.m. ET and peaking around 3:25 p.m. ET.

In Boston it will begin at 2:16 p.m. ET and peak at about 3:29 p.m. ET.

The below table by NASA shows when the eclipse will start, peak and end in 13 cities along the eclipse's path.

What time will the solar eclipse reach peak totality?

Millions more people will have the chance to witness the total solar eclipse this year than during the last total solar eclipse , which was visible from the U.S. in 2017. 

The eclipse's peak will mean something different for cities within the path of totality and for those outside. Within the path of totality, darkness will fall for a few minutes. The longest will last more than 4 minutes, but most places will see between 3.5 and 4 minutes of totality. In cities experiencing a partial eclipse, a percentage of the sun will be obscured for more than two hours.

Mazatlán is set to experience totality at 11:07 am PT. Dallas will be able to see the moon fully cover the sun at 1:40 p.m. CT. Little Rock will start to see the full eclipse at 1:51 p.m. CT, Cleveland at 3:13 p.m. ET and Buffalo at 3:18 p.m. ET. Totality will reach Burlington at 3:26 p.m. ET before moving into the remaining states and reaching Canada around 4:25 p.m.

Outside the path of totality, 87.4% of the sun will be eclipsed in Washington, D.C. at 3:20 p.m. ET, and Chicago will have maximum coverage of 93.9% at 2:07 p.m. CT. New York City is much closer to the path of totality this year than it was in 2017; it will see 89.6% coverage at 3:25 p.m. EDT. 

Detroit is another city that will encounter a near-total eclipse, with 99.2% maximum coverage at 3:14 p.m. ET. Boston will see 92.4% coverage at 3:29 p.m. ET.

What time will the solar eclipse end?

The eclipse will leave continental North America from Newfoundland, Canada, at 5:16 p.m. NT, according to NASA.

At the beginning of the path of totality in Mazatlán, the eclipse will be over by 12:32 p.m. PT, and it will leave Dallas at 3:02 p.m. CT. The eclipse will end in Little Rock at 3:11 p.m. CT, Cleveland at 4:29 p.m. CDT and Buffalo at 4:32 p.m. ET. Burlington won't be far behind, with the eclipse concluding at 4:37 p.m. ET.

Meanwhile, the viewing will end in Chicago at 3:21 p.m. CT, Washington, D.C. at 4:32 p.m. ET, and New York City at 4:36 p.m. ET. 

In Detroit, the partial eclipse will disappear at 4:27 p.m. ET, and in Boston, it will be over at 4:39 p.m. ET.

How long will the eclipse last in total?

The total solar eclipse will begin in Mexico at 11:07 a.m. PT and leave continental North America at 5:16 p.m. NT. From the time the partial eclipse first appears on Earth to its final glimpses before disappearing thousands of miles away, the celestial show will dazzle viewers for about 5 hours, according to timeanddate.com . 

The length of the total solar eclipse at points along the path depends on the viewing location. The longest will be 4 minutes and 28 seconds, northwest of Torreón, Mexico. Near the center of the path, totality takes place for the longest periods of time, according to NASA.

Spectators will observe totality for much longer today than during the 2017 eclipse , when the longest stretch of totality was 2 minutes and 32 seconds.

The moon's shadow seen on Earth today, called the umbra, travels at more than 1,500 miles per hour, according to NASA. It would move even more quickly if the Earth rotated in the opposite direction.

What is the longest a solar eclipse has ever lasted?

The longest known totality was 7 minutes and 28 seconds in 743 B.C. However, NASA says this record will be broken in 2186 with a 7 minute, 29 second total solar eclipse. The next total solar eclipse visible from parts of the U.S. won't happen until Aug. 23, 2044.

Sarah Maddox has been with CBS News since 2019. She works as an associate producer for CBS News Live.

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The 7 Best New and Affordable Places To Travel in 2024

Posted: March 16, 2024 | Last updated: March 16, 2024

Planning your 2024 vacation? If your wanderlust has you eager to go where you've never been, consider one of these new and affordable destinations for 2024.

Find Out: 8 Tips to Fly Business Class for the Price of Economy Read More: 5 Genius Things All Wealthy People Do With Their Money

Amboseli National Park, Kenya

Most safari vacations offer rustic accommodations, and a stay at Angama Amboseli does mean you'll be sleeping in a tent. But you'll also be able to gaze on the majesty of African elephants in the shadows of Mount Kilimanjaro. The resort celebrates the local indigenous community in its architecture and its culinary offerings.

For You: Dave Ramsey: 7 Vacation Splurges That are a Waste of Money Try This: 11 Expensive Vacation Destinations That Will Be Cheaper in 2024

Sponsored: Owe the IRS $10K or more? Schedule a FREE consultation to see if you qualify for tax relief.

Busan, South Korea

While the K-pop stars BTS may have put Busan on the map, an influx of new resorts keeps it there. A new Windham property joins many beachfront resorts on the Sea of Japan. Foodies will want to consider Busan as it will welcome a new Michelin guide this year.

Check Out: I'm a Luxury Travel Agent: 10 Destinations My Wealthy Clients Are Booking for 2024

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Ocean views and a thriving maritime economy have long been associated with Nova Scotia, but this seaport now boasts an emerging technology industry. The newly redeveloped waterfront area features the Queen's Marque, with restaurants, art galleries and a five-star hotel.

Kangaroo Island, Australia

This Australian destination has rebuilt much of its lost in bushfires in 2020, and several new resorts will open this year. Cabn X is an affordable option, with small homes with a modern feel, and Southern Ocean Lodge, destroyed in the fires, has been rebuilt and is now open.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

The DR has long been known as an affordable Caribbean destination, but it is now being recognized for luxury as well. Several new resorts in Punta Cana will open this year, including the St. Regis Cap Cana, the Sanctuary Cap Cana, and a new W hotel. Many resorts are all-inclusive, and some only welcome adults.

Find Out: 7 Cheap, Beautiful Places for a Winter Vacation

Quito, Ecuador

Most travelers visit Quito on their way to the Galapagos Islands, but the Ecuadorian capital has undergone a recent renaissance that makes it a destination in and of itself. An expanded subway has reduced traffic congestion and made it easier for non-locals to get around. New shops, galleries and restaurants have much to offer visitors, and its weather is mild year-round.

Transylvania, Romania

Beautiful castles and a rich history will prove that Transylvania is known for more than just vampires. Try Bethlen Estates near many historical sites, including Dracula's Bran Castle, for luxury. For a retreat experience, Matca offers walking safaris and praying with monks, all with views of the Carpathian Mountains.

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• Flight Fort Lauderdale - Newark (FLL - EWR) $55+
• Flight Miami - Newark (MIA - EWR) $55+
• Flight Dallas - New York (DFW - LGA) $68+
• Flight Orlando - New York (MCO - LGA) $75+
• Flight Fort Lauderdale - New York (FLL - LGA) $83+
• Flight Orlando - Newark (MCO - EWR) $83+
• Flight Miami - New York (MIA - LGA) $84+
• Flight Los Angeles - New York (LAX - LGA) $93+
• Flight Dallas - Newark (DFW - EWR) $96+
• Flight Chicago - Newark (ORD - EWR) $103+
• Flight Chicago - New York (ORD - JFK) $127+
• Flight Los Angeles - Newark (LAX - EWR) $158+
• Flight Atlanta - New York (ATL - JFK) $161+
• Flight San Francisco - New York (SFO - LGA) $162+
• Monumental Movieland Hotel $53+
• Grand Hotel Kissimmee At Celebration $55+
• Rosen Inn International $70+
• Flight Atlanta - Orlando (ATL - MCO) $36+
• Flight Cleveland - Orlando (CLE - MCO) $41+
• Flight Philadelphia - Orlando (PHL - MCO) $47+
• Book A Bed Hostels $26+
• Generator London $34+
• Corbigoe Hotel $52+
• Ramada London North M1 $60+
• Flight New York - London (JFK - LGW) $381+
• Flight New Windsor - London (SWF - STN) $387+
• Flight Boston - London (BOS - LHR) $390+
• Flight Boston - London (BOS - LGW) $426+

Fort Lauderdale

• Days Inn by Wyndham Fort Lauderdale Airport Cruise Port $65+
• Red Carpet Inn Airport Fort Lauderdale $65+
• HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof Fort Lauderdale $67+
• Flight Atlanta - Fort Lauderdale (ATL - FLL) $44+
• Flight Philadelphia - Fort Lauderdale (PHL - FLL) $45+
• Flight Raleigh - Fort Lauderdale (RDU - FLL) $46+
• Green Tortoise Hostel Seattle $59+
• Travelodge by Wyndham Seattle By The Space Needle $122+
• Holiday Inn Seattle Downtown $127+
• Flight Denver - Seattle (DEN - SEA) $78+
• Flight Ontario - Seattle (ONT - SEA) $96+
• Flight Phoenix - Seattle (PHX - SEA) $97+
• Fabhotel Royal Residency Lakdikapul $20+
• Katriya Hotel & Towers $26+
• Royalton, Hyderabad $42+
• Flight New York - Mumbai (JFK - BOM) $486+
• Flight New York - New Delhi (JFK - DEL) $517+
• Flight New York - Ahmedabad (JFK - AMD) $567+
• Best Western Sapporo Odori Koen $28+
• Smile Hotel Premium Sapporo Susukino $30+
• Nest Hotel Sapporo Ekimae $32+
• Flight Los Angeles - Tokyo (LAX - NRT) $457+
• Flight San Francisco - Tokyo (SFO - NRT) $526+
• Flight Ontario - Tokyo (ONT - NRT) $607+
• Royal Grove Waikiki $110+
• Kuhio Banyan Club $118+
• Pacific Marina Inn $126+
• Flight Oakland - Honolulu (OAK - HNL) $212+
• Flight Los Angeles - Honolulu (LAX - HNL) $217+
• Flight Ontario - Honolulu (ONT - HNL) $258+
• Super 8 by Wyndham Dallas Love Field Airport $54+
• Dallas Love Field Inn $60+
• Comfort Inn Dallas North Love Field Airport $67+
• Flight Atlanta - Dallas (ATL - DFW) $50+
• Flight Chicago - Dallas (ORD - DFW) $50+
• Flight Chicago - Dallas (MDW - DFW) $51+
• OYO Hotel And Casino Las Vegas $27+
• The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower $28+
• Four Queens Hotel and Casino $44+
• the D Las Vegas $45+
• Flight Los Angeles - Las Vegas (LAX - LAS) $31+
• Flight Burbank - Las Vegas (BUR - LAS) $33+
• Flight Denver - Las Vegas (DEN - LAS) $43+
• Flight Oakland - Las Vegas (OAK - LAS) $47+
• Freehand Chicago $35+
• Chicago Getaway Hostel $46+
• Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago $103+
• Flight Atlanta - Chicago (ATL - ORD) $33+
• Flight Atlanta - Chicago (ATL - MDW) $37+
• Flight Dallas - Chicago (DFW - ORD) $51+

San Francisco

• Hi San Francisco Downtown Hostel $51+
• The Mosser $73+
• Chancellor Hotel On Union Square $114+
• Flight Ontario - San Francisco (ONT - SFO) $36+
• Flight Los Angeles - San Francisco (LAX - SFO) $53+
• Flight San Diego - San Francisco (SAN - SFO) $58+

Washington, D.C.

• Generator Hotel Washington DC $70+
• Days Inn by Wyndham Washington DC/Connecticut Avenue $123+
• Georgetown Residences by LuxUrban, Trademark Coll by Wyndham $148+
• Hotel Harrington $164+
• Citizenm Washington DC Noma $168+
• Beacon Hotel & Corporate Quarters $174+
• Henley Park Hotel $192+
• Hyatt Place Washington DC/US Capitol $196+
• Morrison Clark Historic Inn $200+
• Citizenm Washington Dc Capitol $200+
• Arc Hotel Washington DC, Georgetown $201+
• Washington Plaza Hotel $202+
• Flight Atlanta - Baltimore (ATL - BWI) $34+
• Flight Boston - Baltimore (BOS - BWI) $56+
• Flight Dallas - Baltimore (DFW - BWI) $63+
• Flight Houston - Baltimore (HOU - BWI) $79+
• Flight Houston - Baltimore (IAH - BWI) $79+
• Flight Los Angeles - Baltimore (LAX - BWI) $83+
• Flight Chicago - Baltimore (ORD - BWI) $95+
• Flight Dallas - Washington, D.C. (DFW - DCA) $95+
• Flight Minneapolis - Washington, D.C. (MSP - DCA) $99+
• Flight San Francisco - Washington, D.C. (SFO - DCA) $99+
• Flight Atlanta - Washington, D.C. (ATL - DCA) $107+
• Flight Minneapolis - Baltimore (MSP - BWI) $117+
• Hotel Boutique Casa Mallorca $70+
• Suites Malecon Cancun $71+
• Avani Cancún Airport Hotel $84+
• Flight Dallas - Cancún (DFW - CUN) $165+
• Flight Orlando - Cancún (MCO - CUN) $180+
• Flight Houston - Cancún (HOU - CUN) $182+

United States

• Flight Newark - Fort Lauderdale (EWR - FLL) $51+
• Flight Newark - Miami (EWR - MIA) $55+
• Flight San Francisco - Las Vegas (SFO - LAS) $61+
• Kauai Palms Hotel $191+
• Tip Top Motel $194+
• Kauai Beach Villas $220+
• Flight Los Angeles - Hawaii (LAX - USHI) $188+
• Flight San Francisco - Hawaii (SFO - USHI) $212+
• Flight Ontario - Hawaii (ONT - USHI) $258+
• Super 8 by Wyndham San Diego Hotel Circle $85+
• California Suites Hotel $93+
• Best Western Seven Seas $105+
• Flight Phoenix - San Diego (PHX - SAN) $48+
• Flight San Jose - San Diego (SJC - SAN) $56+
• Flight San Francisco - San Diego (SFO - SAN) $58+
• Shared Living Not A Hotel $34+
• Super 8 by Wyndham Phoenix West $54+
• Hometowne Studios by Red Roof Phoenix - Dunlap Ave. $57+
• Flight Ontario - Phoenix (ONT - PHX) $38+
• Flight Dallas - Phoenix (DFW - PHX) $50+
• Flight Los Angeles - Phoenix (LAX - PHX) $57+

Los Angeles

• Boutique Hostel $34+
• Freehand Los Angeles $41+
• City Center Hotel Los Angeles $104+
• Four Points by Sheraton Los Angeles International Airport $108+
• Rotex Western Inn $108+
• La Quinta Inn & Suites LAX $125+
• USC Hotel $129+
• Flight Oakland - Los Angeles (OAK - LAX) $55+
• Flight San Francisco - Los Angeles (SFO - LAX) $58+
• Flight Dallas - Los Angeles (DFW - LAX) $66+
• Flight Chicago - Los Angeles (ORD - LAX) $74+
• Flight Denver - Los Angeles (DEN - LAX) $79+
• Flight Houston - Los Angeles (HOU - LAX) $82+
• Flight Houston - Los Angeles (IAH - LAX) $82+
• Selina Gold Dust $52+
• Motel 6 Miami. Fl $73+
• La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Miami Airport North $84+
• Miami Gardens Inn & Suites $86+
• Days Inn by Wyndham Miami International Airport $91+
• La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Miami Airport East $98+
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Miami-Kendall $112+
• Radisson Red Miami Airport $113+
• The Palms Inn & Suites Miami, Kendall, Fl $114+
• Holiday Inn Miami West - Airport Area $119+
• Courtyard by Marriott Miami West/FL Turnpike $123+
• Flight Atlanta - Miami (ATL - MIA) $42+
• Flight Philadelphia - Miami (PHL - MIA) $47+
• Flight Chicago - Miami (ORD - MIA) $52+
• Flight Chicago - Miami (MDW - MIA) $55+
• Flight Baltimore - Miami (BWI - MIA) $60+
• Flight Raleigh - Miami (RDU - MIA) $63+
• Flight Boston - Miami (BOS - MIA) $68+
• Flight Charlotte - Miami (CLT - MIA) $75+
• Flight Detroit - Miami (DTW - MIA) $76+
• Flight Houston - Miami (HOU - MIA) $77+
• Hometowne Studios by Red Roof Denver - Glendale/Cherry Creek $64+
• Super 8 by Wyndham Denver Stapleton $75+
• Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Denver International Airport $97+
• Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Denver Airport $100+
• Comfort Suites Denver International Airport $101+
• Quality Inn & Suites Denver International Airport $101+
• Baymont by Wyndham Denver International Airport $101+
• Flight Minneapolis - Denver (MSP - DEN) $38+
• Flight Detroit - Denver (DTW - DEN) $63+
• Flight Chicago - Denver (ORD - DEN) $68+
• Flight Houston - Denver (IAH - DEN) $68+
• Flight Atlanta - Denver (ATL - DEN) $69+
• Flight Ontario - Denver (ONT - DEN) $69+
• Flight Orlando - Denver (MCO - DEN) $75+
• Hi Boston Hostel $61+
• Found Hotel Boston Common $101+
• Ramada by Wyndham Boston $153+
• Flight Baltimore - Boston (BWI - BOS) $55+
• Flight Miami - Boston (MIA - BOS) $68+
• Flight Orlando - Boston (MCO - BOS) $75+
• Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Atlanta Airport $63+
• La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Atlanta Airport North $101+
• Sonesta Atlanta Airport North $105+
• Flight Orlando - Atlanta (MCO - ATL) $23+
• Flight Baltimore - Atlanta (BWI - ATL) $36+
• Flight Detroit - Atlanta (DTW - ATL) $36+
• Generator Madrid $34+
• C&h Aravaca Garden $39+
• Toc Hostel Madrid $44+
• Flight New York - Madrid (JFK - MAD) $367+
• Rodeway Inn Fairgrounds-Casino $68+
• Econo Lodge Airport at RJ Stadium $69+
• Tampa Inn Near Busch Gardens $70+
• Flight Philadelphia - Florida (PHL - USFL) $46+
• Flight Newark - Florida (EWR - USFL) $51+
• Flight Chicago - Florida (ORD - USFL) $52+
• Flight Atlanta - Tampa (ATL - TPA) $45+
• Flight Raleigh - Tampa (RDU - TPA) $47+
• Flight Cincinnati - Tampa (CVG - TPA) $48+

New Orleans

• Ramada by Wyndham New Orleans $68+
• Wyndham Garden Hotel Baronne Plaza $93+
• Hampton Inn & Suites New Orleans Canal St. French Quarter $102+
• Flight Orlando - New Orleans (MCO - MSY) $53+
• Flight Dallas - New Orleans (DFW - MSY) $59+
• Flight Atlanta - New Orleans (ATL - MSY) $62+

Frequently asked questions about KAYAK

How do i find travel deals on kayak.

Simply use one of our travel search engines to scan for prices gathered from hundreds of travel sites. KAYAK’s search results pages have loads of filter options to help you find deals, discover exactly what you’re looking for and make booking seamless. Plus, there’s no extra fee from KAYAK.

How can I use KAYAK to manage my travel bookings?

KAYAK Trips creates a travel itinerary for you that will give you flight status alerts, can be shared with friends and more. Simply forward your booking confirmations to [email protected] or use the KAYAK app and sync your email account to keep all your travel plans organized in one app, even if you didn’t book with KAYAK. You can share your holiday plans with friends and family and also check out your travel stats for past vacations, like how far you’ve traveled, your most popular cities and how many times you’ve traveled around the world. Even if you don’t have signal, don’t worry, as you can access Trips to check out your itineraries whilst on the road. Your data is safe and secure with us and you won’t have to re-enter credit card info when booking future trips. If you want to make changes or cancel bookings, then you should contact the travel provider, which is provided on the booking confirmation.

What makes KAYAK a great travel app?

On the KAYAK app for iOS and Android you’ll find all the great travel offers found on the website and much more. There are special mobile rates and app only deals that allow you to save even more money. Plus, you can get notifications straight to your phone letting you know when prices for your next trip have dropped. But the KAYAK app is much more than just a travel app. Use the Trips function to manage your travel itinerary and get up to date status alerts on flights, check-in changes and to store your boarding pass. Even if you’re in the middle of nowhere on your travels, you can still access your travel notes via Trips, as no internet connection is required.

What are KAYAK Price Alerts?

Instead of manually checking back in on the price of your next flight or stay, let KAYAK do the hard work for you with KAYAK Price Alerts. Once you’ve saved your search, our data will determine how the price will rise or fluctuate over the coming days. You’ll then get a push notification letting you know when’s the perfect time to book.

13 Things To Do In Saint Petersburg | Russia’s Most Beautiful City

By Author Christian L.

Posted on Published: January 17, 2021  - Last updated: September 11, 2021

Categories Europe , Destinations , Russia

Once known as Leningrad and before that Petrograd, Saint Petersburg, Russia, is the country’s second-largest city. Set next to the Neva River, close to the Baltic Sea, this city is home to over 5 million people.

It’s the world’s northernmost city, founded by Peter the Great and named after Saint Peter the apostle. Once home to the Tsars of Russia, it is today known as the country’s cultural capital.

With iconic sights such as Hermitage Museum, Nevsky Prospect, Peterhof Palace, and so much more, it has a fascinating heritage ripe for exploration. Without further ado, let’s dive into the 13 best things to do in St. Petersburg. 

Top Things to do in St. Petersburg, Russia

St. Petersburg, Europe, has grown into one of the top tourist destinations on the continent. Although it might get very cold in winter, there are still plenty of things to do – and the summers are absolutely perfect! Saint Petersburg is one of the prettiest cities in all of Europe .

Keep reading for some of my favorite choices. 

1. Visit The World Famous Hermitage Museum

One of the city’s most popular attractions (with over 3 million items in its esteemed collection), State Hermitage Museum showcases everything from fine art to ancient artifacts. 

Even if you don’t plan on entering inside, the exterior is an architectural gem in itself. The columns are all in white with green/gold facades that can be viewed from the river or Palace Square.

If you’re visiting St. Petersburg, Russia, your trip would not be complete without stopping past this world-famous landmark. It’s also a great activity to do no matter what time of year you are visiting – and a perfect way to escape those cold Russian winter days. 

There are six buildings in the museum complex in total. Five of which – Winter Palace, Small Hermitage, Old Hermitage, New Hermitage, and Hermitage Theatre – can be accessed by the public.

Within, you’ll be treated to Egyptian collections, artifacts dating from ancient Mesopotamia, and classical Greek jewelry, pottery, and sculptures. This is any historical culture lover’s dream. 

Keep exploring, and you will find collections of prehistoric relics from the Palaeolithic era to the Iron Ages, European fine arts, Impressionist works, Catherine the Great’s personal collections, and so much more.

In fact, you’ll need an entire day or possibly longer to explore this incredible museum complex. If you only have limited time in St. Petersburg, be sure to add this museum to your itinerary! There are also guided tours available if you want a more educational experience. 

Did you know? The Hermitage Museum is the world’s second-largest art museum.

2. Take in a Performance at Mariinsky Theatre

The Neoclassical Mariinsky Theatre is home to Russia’s revered opera and ballet companies.

The theatre – named after the wife of Tsar Alexandra II, Empress Maria Alexandrovna – has been here since 1860 when it was known as the Kirov Theatre.

This magnificent building, since it opened, has hosted stage performances and premieres from Tchaikovsky and Mussorgsky and famous ballets such as Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake and The Nutcracker. 

Today, in addition to hosting live performances, the theatre has its own record label, which focuses on releasing music by Russian composers Stravinsky, Tchaikovsky, and Rachmaninov.

If you enjoy the arts and are going to be in St. Petersburg for several days, book tickets to see a world-class performance – you won’t be disappointed.

3. See Jewelled Eggs at the Faberge Museum

The House of Faberge was founded in St. Petersburg in 1842 by Gustav Faberge. Originally a jeweler, he became famous for designing jewel-encrusted eggs for the Tsars of Russia and is arguably the most famous goldsmith of the modern era. 

Today, you can view these iconic collection pieces in the Faberge Museum. It showcases 4,000 items in total, including Faberge Easter eggs, jewelry, silverware, home decor, and fantasy-themed objects.

The incredible jeweled eggs are famous all over the world, and there are several museums dedicated to them. But if you want to learn about Gustav Faberge, his family, and how it all began, this is the museum to visit. You can purchase a ticket in person or online. 

4. Spend an Hour Canal Cruising

St. Petersburg is built on 42 islands, and once upon a time (before bridges were constructed), cruising was the only way to navigate the city.

On a Golden Ring boat tour, you’ll see some of St. Petersburg’s iconic sights along the Kryukov Canal, including St. Nicholas Cathedral, Saint Isaac’s Cathedral, and the Mariinsky theatre.

You’ll dip beneath the famous colored bridges on Neva River whilst enjoying views of Peter and Paul Fortress, Vasilyevsky Island, and the Summer Garden. This is truly one of the most breathtaking ways to take in all the beauty that St. Petersburg has to offer. 

This tour also only takes around an hour, so you’ll have plenty of time to revisit your favorite spots throughout the day!

5. Discover Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

One of St. Petersburg’s architectural masterpieces is the Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood.

This former Russian Orthodox Church was completed in 1907 and is built in Baroque, Neoclassical, and Russian Revival design. It is one of the city’s main attractions, with ornate domes, intricate frescoes, and 7,500 square meters of mosaics inside. 

If you don’t wish to enter, you can gain incredible views from Griboedov Canal. But if you do venture inside, you’ll be rewarded with interior frescoes and mosaic works depicting biblical scenes and figures created by celebrated Russian artists of the time.

The Church of the Saviour of Blood is built on the spot where Emperor Alexander 2 was assassinated in 1881 – hence the name. So, not only will you be able to appreciate the fine architectural designs, but also explore an important part of Russian history. 

6. Take a Rooftop Walk-in St. Petersburg

If you have viewed the city from canals and rivers, try it from the rooftops! You can take a guided rooftop walk in the city, seeing streets and skylines from an elevated perspective.

One particular tour to highlight is the Official Rooftops Excursion of St. Petersburg. Just a few minutes from Nevsky Prospect, these sites offer vistas of Fontanka River and Trinity Cathedral – and that’s just the first roof.

The second roof boasts views of St. Petersburg’s old center, St. Isaac’s Cathedral, Kazan Cathedral, and the Church on Spilled Blood.

This is a truly incredible way to see the city in all its glory, plus the tour provides you with binoculars so you can see everything in great detail.

7. Admire Nevsky Prospect’s Magnificent Architecture

The main street of St. Petersburg is Nevsky Prospect. Begin at the intersection at Stroganov Palace before venturing to Kazan Cathedral. While you walk, take in the monuments dedicated to Catherine the Great and browse goods at The Passage – Nevsky Avenue’s premier department store.

This store was quite the trailblazer. It opened its doors in the late 1840s and was one of the first buildings in Russia to use gas for lighting. Then, in 1900, an electric station was installed on an underground floor.

Once you’ve finished shopping and enjoyed a fresh cup of coffee, continue to the Russian National Library – the oldest public library in Russia – and Alexandrinsky Theatre (which was built for the Imperial troupe of Petersburg).

8. Visit the Island of Peter and Paul Fortress

Set on an island connected by bridges, Peter and Paul Fortress is instantly recognizable from its needle spire, which dominates the skyline. The fortress was originally built to defend the maritime city from Swedish invaders.

However, Peter the Great defeated the opposition before it was even completed! It has since served as a military center and prison for political dissenters and, latterly, as a museum.

Inside the vast complex, you can see Peter and Paul Cathedral, visit the resting place of the Romanovs, and watch military processions or the firing of the noon-day gun.

It’s a great day trip for anyone interested in Russian, maritime or military history. There are also plenty of group walking tours available. 

9. Sample Russian Vodka in a Ryumochnye

A visit to Russia wouldn’t be complete without sampling the local drink – vodka, and the best place to do this is in a Ryumochnye. This is a specific style of 19th-century Russian drinking house that not only offers some of Russia’s best vodka but also a short history lesson.

You could call it a bar, but it’s more than that – most mainstream Ryumochnye have a definite Soviet vibe and are places for working men to kick back and enjoy vodka with their buddies.

Beverages come in bottles or shot form, and some places offer self-service and snacks.

If that sounds too hardcore for your taste, there are updated versions of Ryumochnye in the city, like Mayak in St. Petersburg, where you can gain a similar experience. 

10. Enjoy local Saint Petersburg Craft Beer

Although most people think of vodka when visiting Russia, you can also enjoy some of the best craft beer in Saint Petersburg . Russia’s second-largest city has an exciting, rapidly growing craft beer scene, in part due to its history and geography.

Historically, the Russian empire was influenced by Northern Europe, and the Dutch & English beer-drinking culture eventually made its way here. Today, Saint Petersburg is home to a growing number of modern microbreweries, cool taprooms, and stylish bars.

Saint Petersburg is also home to Stepan Razin Brewery, the oldest brewery in Russia (now, of course, owned by Heiniken). It opened in 1795, but today the building is known as the Saint Petersburg Beer Museum, showcasing the history of beer in Russia and the Soviet Union.

Russia’s largest and most popular brewery, Baltika, is also located in Saint Petersburg, and it’s possible to take a tour of their huge brewery.

11. See the Majestic Catherine Palace

A stately palace of blue and gold, Catherine’s Palace is located 26 kilometers south of St. Petersburg. Named after the wife of Peter the Great, this place was originally a two-story modest building commissioned in 1717.

The exterior, which stretches for one kilometer in circumference, is surrounded by woodlands, lawns, gilded balconies, and reliefs. However, the interiors are even more impressive.

With great halls, a white dining room, an amber room, and more. It’s the perfect place to step back into history and discover what life was like as a Russian aristocracy.

12. Explore Peterhof Palace

If you’re going to visit Catherine Palace, you should tour Peterhof too. It’s a 40-minute drive away, but you can even take a hydrofoil speed boat from right behind the Hermitage in Saint Petersburg center.

Sitting close to the Baltic Sea, Peterhof Palace was constructed by Peter the Great to be Russia’s version of Versailles. The opulent residence surrounded by sculptures, fountains, and tiered staircases leading to the grand entrance evokes mystery and the history of a bygone era.

Inside it is lavishly decorated with dazzling chandeliers, one-of-a-kind artworks and beautiful ceiling frescoes.

On a guided tour, you can learn more about the palace’s history. Discover the Throne Room, Portrait Hall and Peter the Great’s Oak Study. You’ll see dining rooms set for dinner, grand ballrooms where dancing and gatherings would take place, and décor which defies time.

The palace offers great insight into his life and legacy, and if you are interested in history, art and interior design, you’ll love it.

Want to know more about Peterhof?

13. Spend a Day by the Finnish Border at Vyborg

Just over an hour from central Saint Petersburg by train is the city of Vyborg. It sits on the Gulf of Finland and was first settled back in the 12th century. The city has been occupied by Finnish and German forces and suffered extensive damage during the Second World War. However, it has since been rebuilt. 

It’s a charming center to wander around, with narrow cobbled streets, a medieval castle, and Finnish art nouveau structures sprinkled throughout. An easy day trip from St. Petersburg, it can also serve as a stop-off point if you’re crossing into Finland to continue your adventure.

Want to know more about Saint Petersburg?

Where is St. Petersburg | Is St. Petersburg in Europe?

If you want to know “Where is Saint Petersburg?”, you’ve come to the right place. Beautiful St. Petersburg is located in northern Russia. Russia is a massive country, so it is no surprise that many people want to know “Is Saint Petersburg in Europe?”. The answer is yes. 

How to Get to Saint Petersburg

The maritime city is well linked to Europe by air, sea, rail and road. Depending on where you’re traveling from and the rest of your itinerary, you can use one of the following ways to arrive at St. Petersburg.

You can fly into Saint Petersburg through Pulkovo International Airport. There are around 1,100 international flights a week and 1,200 domestic flights operating in and out of the local airport.

Although many flights from European cities to Saint Petersburg are direct, you may have to change flights if flying from further afield.

It’s also possible to travel to St. Petersburg by train. The most popular (and most frequent) routes operate from Moscow, Helsinki, and Tallinn. However, there are options to travel from other areas in central Europe, central Asia, and eastern Europe by rail.

There is a central bus station in Saint Petersburg, with services to and from Moscow, Pskov, Novgorod, Vilnius, Riga , Tallinn and Helsinki. Some of these journeys can be long and arduous.

Therefore, thorough research and choosing the right bus company is important.

Baltic Sea Cruises also operate to St. Petersburg as part of a larger itinerary, and St. Peter Line Ferry sails from Helsinki in Finland and Tallinn in Estonia.

Exploring Saint Petersburg, Russia

Saint Petersburg is the 5th most populous city in Europe and also a leading tourist destination. Although people sometimes forget about Russia, this city is breathtakingly beautiful and provides plenty of cultural and historical attractions.

Now that you know where to go, I hope you have an amazing time in Russia’s most beautiful city.

Friday 19th of January 2018

Thank you! So great review about our St. Petersburg!

What to do in St. Petersburg in 1 day - Probe around the Globe

Thursday 11th of May 2017

[…] more about the beauty of St. Petersburg from the Unusual […]

Friday 17th of June 2016

Which hostel did you stay at? I am potentially thinking of going to Russia for World Cup 2018 after my World Cup trip to Brazil two years ago. Saint Petersburg is one of the host cities, and so I am very interested in learning more about this city and recommendations from fellow travellers who have been.

Christian L.

I stayed at Soul Kitchen Junior, and I will go so far and say its by far the best hostel I have ever stayed at!! Anywhere in the world, no other hostels even get close to it:)

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Visitor Information in St. Petersburg

For visitors from out of town, the city and its major attractions are all staffed with knowledgeable and helpful workers that can provide the latest and most curate information. St. Petersburg visitor information centers can be found at all major airports, metro stations, shopping malls, museums, and galleries, as well as at local community centers like libraries and schools. Many of these centers also sell tickets to major events being held in the area and can provide recommendations on where to go for sightseeing, dining, and entertainment.

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