HOW TO GET AROUND SAINT PETERSBURG

Walking: The city is quite large and you will have to use some kind of transportation, however, the city centre with the key sights is traversable by foot. Organized walking tours usually start at the Palace Square and last for an hour or two. Enjoy the view of the most important city's sights and open your eyes to seemingly less important details too, because every street and every single house tells a story of this magnificent town.

Cycling: Cycling through St. Petersburg could be unpleasant and quite risky. With lack of cycling paths, uneven roads with tram tracks and heavy traffic, the city could not be described as bicycle-friendly. If you prefer two wheels anyway, you should stick to less crowded areas or, even better, cycle along the Neva River. Be aware of a solid frozen ground during long winter months.

Car: If you drive, you will have to cope with heavy traffic and delays, lack of signposting and poor quality of roads. During winter months, snow tyres are mandatory.

Bus & Trolleybus: Domestic and international buses run from the city's main bus station, located near the city centre. The city has extensive local bus network with several hundred of routes spread all over the urban and suburban area. As an environment-friendly way of transportation, the city's trolleybus network has grown over the past 60 years. Trolleybus stops are marked with the blue letter 'T' signs.

Metro: Saint Petersburg's Metro System contains five lines with 64 stations decorated with marble and bronze details. Arm yourself with the Metro Map and use this relatively cheap and comfortable way of public transportation.

Tram: In the 1980's, Saint Petersburg (then called Leningrad) had the largest tram network in the world, but many tracks were dismantled in the 2000's. There are still 38 routes across the town, providing somewhat slow, but yet practical way of transport.

Train: Five main railway terminals, along with several smaller railway stations, make St.Petersburg well connected with the rest of the country, as well as with some other European countries, like Finland or Germany. The high-speed railway service will enable you to traverse 400-mile distance to Moscow within three and a half hours.

Marshrutka: The marshrutka is a kind of a shared taxi, similar to the mini bus used in other countries. Marshrutkas serve several hundred routes all over the city.

Boat: Many smaller boats and water-taxis are available to take you over the Neva River and several canals during summer months.