St. Petersburg

How To Plan  and must do things:

• I took a bullet train Sapsan from Moscow to St. Petersburg. On the way back, I took a 1.30 hour Aeroflot flight. The view from the train is beautiful and if you have time, take at least one side train.
• Rains are unpredictable. Do pack your umbrella, raincoat, etc. Also do not forget your warm clothes for layering- thermals, jackets, etc.
• Plan for at least 4+ days. St Petersburg is gorgeous and there is a lot lot to see even around it.
• In Russia, you will have a language problem. Most people do not speak English. But people are very helpful They do try to help.
• I am vegetarian and survived on fruits, vegetables etc. There are Indian restaurants also. But yes, there are a lot of non-vegetarian dishes there.
• Russia is expensive. But if you spend sensibly and know the right places, you will be okay.
• Uber does not work here. There is Yandex taxi app and that does not work with an international sim. I took the help of the hotel reception desk to call me Yandex cab. You could pay cash. 
• Have cash ready. Taxis etc. mostly take cash.
• Russian chocolates are yum. Russian vodka is famous. Though I did not try.
• Everyone says and I completely agree that St. Petersburg is more beautiful.

Must-Visit Places 

• Saint Isaac's Cathedral
• Church of the Saviour
• Go for a ballet show
•  Must include Peterhof in your itinerary. Will post its pics in the next post. Take a boat trip to go there.
• St. Petersburg raising draw bridge. Night boat trip.
• State Hermitage Museum and Winter Palace 
• Grand Palace
• Nevsky Prospekt
• Peter and Paul Fortress
• Catherine Palace