This article features Russia's second largest city – St. Petersburg – and its major tourist attractions. Various types of excursions around the city are briefly described.

St. Petersburg is Russia's second biggest city after Moscow with over 4 million inhabitants, and Europe's biggest city after Istanbul, London and Moscow. Saint Petersburg is Europe's major cultural centre, and Russia's important port on the Baltic Sea. It warmly welcomes thousands of visitors yearly. Russia's cultural and political centre for two centuries, the city is at times called in Russia the Northern Capital. During its history it has also been referenced as 'the Venice of the North'. A number of overseas consulates, international firms, banks and other businesses are located in St. Petersburg. Undoubtedly, one of the best ways to enjoy the splendid view of the city of rivers and canals is on a boat. Over 70 canals and rivers make their way through the whole city, with approximately 400 bridges crossing them. The looming images of the bridges, the magnificence of the rivers, the granite embankments with their various piers and slipways, the 18th and 19th century palaces and green parks on the banks of the River Neva and the canals, architectural landmarks in the form of domes and spires of churches and cathedrals, which can be seen from faraway - all this contributes to the unique view of the 'Venice of the North', one of the world's most beautiful cities. You can also explore the city from the comfort of a vehicle, accompanied by a qualified travel guide. You will see St. Petersburg most popular tourist attractions - beginning with the magnificence of St. Isaac's Cathedral, geometry of Palace Square, visiting the oldest structure of St. Petersburg - the Peter & Paul Fortress and the Cathedral - where the Romanovs were buried. Every tourist to the city should go on an excursion to the Hermitage. Today, the Hermitage Museum contains about 2.7 million exhibits and displays a full range of world art from Ancient Egypt to early 20th century Europe. There are masterworks by famed painters. The collection is vast and very exciting. It has been calculated that if you decide to spend a minute in front of each museum exhibit, you will stay in the Hermitage for eleven years, but on the guided tour you have the opportunity to see all the greatest works of the world's art in a few hours, being guided by a professional guide. There is a lot more to see in this fantastic city.

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