St. Petersburg is a city where grandeur and history collide with modern luxury, creating an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the world. Known as Russia’s imperial capital, it remains a cultural hub brimming with art, architecture, and a sense of timeless elegance. But this isn’t a city content to live in the past—today, it stands as a dynamic blend of old-world charm and contemporary sophistication. From opulent palaces to cutting-edge restaurants, St. Petersburg has become a playground for travelers seeking both refinement and adventure. Its culinary scene has exploded, earning it a reputation as Russia’s new gourmet capital, where chefs push boundaries while honoring local ingredients. Whether you’re strolling along its historic streets, sailing through its intricate canals, or indulging in its world-class hotels and spas, the city offers an immersive experience into Russian culture, history, and luxury. St. Petersburg is a destination where tradition meets innovation at every turn.
Best Hotels
Four Seasons Lion Palace
Walking into the Four Seasons Lion Palace is like stepping into a Tsar’s dream. This 19th-century royal residence turned luxury hotel seduces with opulence. The gilded ceilings, grand staircases, and historic facades are a nod to St. Petersburg’s imperial past. But it’s the understated service that makes this place a cut above. You feel as if the city itself is welcoming you in. And the rooms? Plush, spacious, with views that frame St. Isaac’s Cathedral like a work of art. Every detail, from the hand-carved furnishings to the marble baths, is designed to transport you to a world of royal comfort. After a day soaking in the city’s culture, this hotel makes coming home feel regal.
Address: Voznesensky Ave, 1
Phone: +7 812 339-80-00
Website, Instagram
Corinthia St. Petersburg
For those who want to feel the heartbeat of St. Petersburg, the Corinthia sits right on Nevsky Prospekt—the lifeline of the city. It blends sleek modernity with classic Russian elegance, offering a stay that feels both contemporary and timeless. The hotel prides itself on the details—marble floors, art deco touches, and balconies facing the main street.
It’s not just a place to sleep; it’s a place to watch the world go by, with a cocktail in hand. Whether you’re here for business or pleasure, the Corinthia wraps you in luxury while keeping you connected to the city’s vibrant energy. The Corinthia is where cosmopolitan travelers feel the pulse of St. Petersburg.
Address: Nevsky Ave, 57
Phone: 8 (812) 380-20-01
Website, Instagram
Lotte Hotel St. Petersburg
Combining modern luxury with a deep respect for tradition, the Lotte Hotel offers a quiet, refined retreat in the heart of St. Petersburg. Its impeccable attention to detail is evident in every corner, from the polished marble floors to the stylish art deco furnishings.
The rooms are spacious, with wide windows that offer sweeping views of St. Isaac’s Cathedral and the canal. Perfectly located for exploring the city’s rich history, the Lotte Hotel also offers the tranquility of a luxury escape. Whether you’re indulging in its upscale dining options or simply enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, this hotel strikes the ideal balance between comfort and sophistication.
Address: Pereulok Antonenko, 2
Phone: 8 (812) 336-10-00
Website, Instagram
Best Restaurants
Bourgeois Bohemians
Beef, morels, celery bottarga – from autumn-winter degustation set
Bourgeois Bohemians is redefining what it means to fine dine in St. Petersburg. Known as the best restaurant of Russia according to Where To Eat Awards 2024, it’s a real avant-garde experiment in culinary creativity! Tucked into a sleek, industrial-chic space that could easily fit in the trendiest neighborhoods of New York or London, Bourgeois Bohemians pushes the boundaries of International cuisine. The atmosphere is casual, yet the food is anything but.
À la carte and set menu is a seasonal masterpiece, highlighting local ingredients with a flair for the unexpected. Picture fresh Kamchatka crab accompanied by pumpkin, or a delicate dish of scallop accented with celery bottarga. Each plate is as much a visual masterpiece as it is a culinary one, with presentation rivaling the finest art galleries in the city. But it’s the boldness of flavors that makes Bourgeois Bohemians stand out.
The chefs here are unafraid to blend the familiar with the unexpected, delivering a dining experience with its seasonal degustation menu that feels like a journey through International gastronomic capitals – from Nice to Tokyo. Every bite surprises, and every dish tells a story of tradition meeting innovation. The degustation set changes 2 times a year and brings lots of surprises, definitely a must-try when in the city! At Bourgeois Bohemians, you’re not just eating; you’re taking part in a gastronomic revolution, where the art of food is reimagined and the soul of St. Petersburg comes alive on your plate.
Address: Vilenskiy Pereulok, 15
Phone: 8 (911) 149-17-70
Website, Instagram
Frantsuza Bistrot
For those craving a taste of Paris amid the splendor of St. Petersburg, Frantsuza Bistrot offers the perfect escape. This charming French-inspired bistrot by Alain Ducasse’s apprentice and renowned chef Ivan Froloukhin transports you straight to a café along the Seine, with its cozy, intimate ambiance and elegant decor. The soft lighting, vintage furnishings, and relaxed atmosphere make it an ideal spot for a leisurely meal. The menu is a celebration of French classics with a Russian twist, bringing the best of both culinary worlds to your table. Expect buttery croissants, perfectly crisp duck confit, and a wine list that showcases exceptional bottles from Bordeaux and beyond.
But while the setting is undeniably French, the flavors are bold and distinctly influenced by the local Russian palate. Local ingredients are seamlessly woven into traditional French dishes, giving each bite a unique and exciting twist. The chef recommends to try the pie with rapana and porcini mushrooms, the scallop in citrus sauce and a luxurious raspberry tart.
The service is warm and unpretentious, allowing you to relax and savor each moment. Frantsuza Bistrot offers more than just a meal—it’s an experience that lingers long after you’ve left, where the charm of Paris meets the soul of St. Petersburg in the most delicious way possible.
Address: Naberezhnaya Admirala Lazareva, 22
Phone: 8 (812) 660-85-90
Website, Instagram
Megumi
At Megumi, you could easily forget you’re in the heart of St. Petersburg and not a high-end sushi joint in the backstreets of Tokyo. Tucked discreetly inside the Lotte Hotel, this is where sushi isn’t just a meal—it’s a form of worship. The kind of place that takes its fish, seafood and meat seriously, with every ingredient flown in fresh from Japan, sparing no expense in delivering an authentic experience. The minimalist décor, with soft lighting and natural wood details, reflects the precision and elegance of the cuisine.
It’s all about letting the food speak for itself—clean, simple, and devastatingly perfect. Here, each piece of sashimi melts like butter, and the nigiri is crafted with such care that it feels like an insult to eat it quickly. But you savor it because that’s what Megumi demands—respect for the craft. The menu reads like an ode to Japan’s finest ingredients, each bite reminding you that wagyu done right is an art form.
This isn’t just the best Japanese cuisine in St. Petersburg—it’s among the best you’ll find anywhere. It’s a temple to the art of sushi, where every detail, down to the grain of rice, has been obsessively perfected. For true Japanese food aficionados, Megumi is not just a restaurant; it’s a pilgrimage.
Address: Pereulok Antonenko, 2
Phone: 8 (812) 336-10-00
Website, Instagram
Harvest
Harvest is the kind of place you almost want to keep secret like a hidden treasure. It’s not too big—but that intimacy is its magic. You’re not just here to eat; you’re here to be surprised. The vibe is chic casual, but the food? Far from it. The menu is a wild mix of global inspiration blended seamlessly with local Russian ingredients, like ravioli with duck and parmesan or gnocchi with chanterelles. The vegetable menu, as per the name “Harvest”, offers the best from the garden. Every dish feels like it was crafted with an artist’s touch, balancing flavors that somehow shouldn’t work together but absolutely do. For example, dried beetroot with young cheese or young cabbage with truffle.
The chef Ivan Froloukhin is fearless, pushing boundaries without pretension. There’s a sense of controlled chaos in the kitchen that translates to a dining experience that’s always fresh, always unexpected. You sit down expecting one thing and leave having tasted something entirely different—something better. Harvest doesn’t rely on spectacle; it lets the food do the talking, and what it says is bold, creative, and utterly unafraid. It’s the kind of place Anthony Bourdain would have loved—a little rough around the edges, but delivering the kind of adventure on a plate that sticks with you long after the last bite.
Address: Prospekt Dobrolyubova, 11
Phone: 8 (911) 922-27-46
Website, Instagram
Birch
At Birch, the menu is an ever-changing journey, with each dish celebrating seasonal ingredients that are sourced from Russia’s finest producers. Think delicate cuts of black cod paired with aromatic Siberian pine, or house-made cheeses that showcase the best of local dairy farms. The chefs here take risks, blending tradition with daring new techniques that elevate familiar flavors into something wholly unexpected.
There’s a quiet confidence in every dish, a sense that you’re witnessing the future of Russian cuisine unfold before your eyes. Dining at Birch feels like being part of something bigger—a culinary movement that honors the past while forging ahead into unexplored territory. It’s not just a meal, it’s an experience that leaves you anticipating where Russian gastronomy will go next.
Address: Kirochnaya St., 3
Phone: 8 (911) 920-31-65
Website, Instagram
Best Health & Beauty Spots
RAMI Clinic
RAMI Clinic is a premier destination for multidisciplinary medical services, particularly renowned for its plastic and bariatric surgery, stomatology and cosmetology offerings. With over 25 years of experience, RAMI combines cutting-edge technology with personalized elite service, creating a comprehensive treatment cycle that encompasses diagnostics, conservative therapy, surgeries, and rehabilitation. RAMI Clinic is known beyond Russia, taking private consultations and events in such destinations as Dubai, for example.
RAMI Clinic is staffed by legendary specialists who are leaders in their fields. The General Director Galina Reznik highlights the transformative potential of plastic surgery, noting that it can significantly impact a person’s life. This commitment to patient care is reflected in the clinic’s meticulous approach to safety and quality. Excitingly, RAMI is set to launch the RAMICLINIC RESIDENCE, designed to establish new global standards in aesthetic medicine. This expansion will further enhance its reputation as both a family-friendly clinic and an exclusive medical club, offering VIP accommodations for those seeking privacy and comfort.
In addition to aesthetics, RAMI Clinic provides exceptional services in most of the medical fields, making it a versatile choice for patients. The clinic’s dedication to innovation and patient satisfaction positions it as a leader in the private healthcare sector. RAMI exemplifies high-quality private medicine, promising an unparalleled patient experience through its expert staff, VIP medical wards, state-of-the-art facilities, and a holistic approach to healthcare. For anyone considering aesthetic procedures or comprehensive medical care in St. Petersburg, RAMI Clinic is undoubtedly a top-tier choice.
Address: Kirochnaya St., 13
Phone: +7 921 376-20-13
Website, Instagram
Privé7
Privé7 Saint Petersburg is a true haven with 2 beauty salons for those who demand perfection in every detail. This is where the city’s stylish set goes when they need to elevate from head to toe look to the next level. The salons’ design reflects its high-end clientele, with its sleek, modern aesthetic, gleaming surfaces, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels both intimate and refined. Privé7 offers VIP cabins for those seeking more intimacy, 6-hands service and a range of sophisticated beverages and snacks for its guests.
From a signature Privé7 blowout & makeup to a dramatic beauty transformation thanks to professional cosmetologist & masseuse, every service is delivered with meticulous care. Veronica Plekhanova and her team are known for their attention to detail, ensuring that each client leaves feeling not just pampered but transformed. The staff listens carefully to your needs, tailoring every treatment to highlight your natural beauty, all while offering expert advice on the latest trends and techniques. Whether you’re in for a subtle refresh or a bold new look, the results are always impeccable, with every strand styled to perfection.
The experience at Privé7 goes beyond the best nail service, haircare or beauty injections; it’s about confidence, creativity, and a touch of glamour. As you leave the salon, you don’t just feel pampered—you feel elevated, as if you’ve been crafted into the best version of yourself. For those seeking excellence in every detail, this salon is a destination where artistry and elegance converge in the city.
Address 1: Baskov Pereulok, 2 str1
Phone: 8 (999) 066-44-02
Address 2: Mytninskaya embankment, 7/5
Phone: +7 (931) 000-05-12
Website, Instagram
Mandara Spa
Mandara Spa offers a serene retreat, a world away from the vibrant streets of St. Petersburg. As soon as you step inside, the stresses of the outside world fade, replaced by an atmosphere of calm and rejuvenation. The spa is designed to transport you to a peaceful paradise, with its soft lighting, gentle music, and a soothing environment that instantly puts your mind at ease. Every detail, from the decor to the services, evokes the essence of Bali.
The spa’s signature Balinese massage is a perfect blend of technique and care, designed to release deep-seated tension and bring your body back into balance. The therapists from Bali here are highly skilled, and their expert hands seem to know exactly where your body holds stress. Whether it’s the flowing strokes of the massage or the gentle pressure of a facial treatment, each service feels like a restorative journey. The treatments are meticulously crafted, focusing not just on relaxation, but on holistic well-being.
Address: Pereulok Antonenko, 2
Phone: 8 (812) 336-10-00
Website, Instagram
Best Leisure Activities
Royal Yacht
If there’s one way to truly capture the grandeur of St. Petersburg, it’s from the water. Royal Yacht provides some of the most exclusive yacht and boat services in the city, offering a front-row seat to its majestic palaces, gilded domes, and hidden canals. Whether you’re booking a private yacht for a cruise trip to Kizhi or a sunset boat along the Neva River, Royal Yacht delivers a seamless experience. The pristine vessels, combined with the attentive crew, ensure that every detail is taken care of, allowing you to focus solely on the stunning views.
Gliding across the water, St. Petersburg reveals a quieter, more ethereal side. From the Neva and canals, the city’s architectural masterpieces—like the Winter Palace and St. Isaac’s Cathedral—rise before you in breathtaking beauty. The waterways offer a unique perspective that adds a layer of tranquility to the city’s grandeur, as if time itself slows down while you cruise past. The private cruise experience is elevated with luxuries such as an exclusive route with your own chef and attentive crew.
Royal Yacht transforms a simple boat ride into an elegant affair, where you don’t just witness the beauty of St. Petersburg and its surroundings—you feel a part of it. For anyone looking to experience the city in true style, a journey with Royal Yacht offers a glimpse into the soul of St. Petersburg’s timeless splendor.
Address: St Petersburg
Phone: +7 (999) 021-10-02
Website, Instagram
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