How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Saint Petersburg, Russia

1. Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

Awesome orthodox church built on the spot where Alexander II was assassinated. Avoid overpriced souvenir stalls around the entrance.

Official Souvenir Shop: Buy official souvenirs inside for authenticity and fair prices
Local Markets: Find cheaper and more unique souvenirs in local markets nearby
Time of Visit: Visit early or late to avoid crowds and high prices

Iconic museum with an extensive collection of art and artifacts. Beat long lines by buying tickets online.

Online Tickets: Buy tickets ahead to skip the line and save time
Guided Tour: Join a guided tour for an insider perspective and efficient use of time
Peak Hours: Avoid visiting during peak hours (10 AM - 2 PM) to dodge crowds

Main street full of shops and eateries. Choose authentic places off the beaten path.

Local Eateries: Ask locals for recommendations to find genuine food spots
Side Streets: Explore side streets for hidden gems away from tourist crowds
Menu Prices: Compare menu prices with nearby eateries to avoid overpriced places

Royal palace with beautiful gardens. Avoid pushy vendors and high prices at the lower park.

Baroque palace with stunning interiors. Don't get fooled by fake guides offering tours.

Official Guides: Ensure guides are official and affiliated with the museum
Crowded Areas: Avoid areas with large crowds to avoid scammers
Ahead-of-Time Booking: Book tickets in advance to guarantee official tours and guides

World-renowned opera and ballet theatre. Buy legitimate tickets to avoid scams.

Official Box Office: Purchase tickets from the official box office or authorized online platforms
Ticket Prices: Be wary of overpriced tickets and compare with official sources
Show Times: Check show times and dates to avoid ticket scams

Boat tours along Saint Petersburg's canals. Opt for budget-friendly options.

Budget Boat Tours: Look for budget-friendly canal tours to save money
Group Tours: Join group tours to share costs and have a more social experience
Avoid Peak Hours: Choose non-peak hours to avoid crowds and high prices

Impressive gold-domed cathedral. Avoid aggressive vendors outside.

Official Tickets: Purchase tickets from the official counter to skip the line
Local Police: Ask local police for help in case of aggressive vendors
Early or Late Visit: Visit early or late to avoid crowds and high prices

Historic fortress with museums and cathedrals. Skip overpriced food and souvenirs.

Bring Food: Pack your own snacks to avoid expensive on-site eateries
Official Souvenirs: Buy official souvenirs from the museum shop for authenticity
Peak Hours: Avoid visiting during peak hours to dodge crowds and high prices

Museum dedicated to the famous Fabergé eggs. Beat lines with online tickets.

Boat tours along the Neva River and its canals. Choose a reliable company.

Reliable Companies: Research and choose a reputable boat tour company
Group Tours: Join group tours to share costs and have a more social experience
Avoid Peak Hours: Choose non-peak hours to avoid crowds and high prices

Home to over 100 species. Avoid pushy vendors and overpriced food.

Famous amber-covered room inside the Catherine Palace. Skip overpriced trinkets.

Official Souvenirs: Buy official souvenirs from the museum shop for authenticity
Ahead-of-Time Booking: Book tickets in advance to guarantee entry
Peak Hours: Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds

Large museum showcasing various cultures. Avoid overpriced food and souvenirs.

Pack Snacks: Bring your own snacks to avoid expensive on-site eateries
Official Souvenirs: Buy official souvenirs from the museum shop for authenticity
Time of Visit: Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and high prices

Panoramic view of Saint Petersburg from the top of the Rostral Columns. Avoid overpriced food and drinks.

Pack Snacks: Bring your own snacks to avoid expensive on-site eateries
Avoid Scams: Be cautious of street vendors offering food or drinks at the top
Early or Late Visit: Visit early or late to avoid crowds and high prices