Entertainment
1. Ballet
Towards the end of the 17th century, Peter the Great invited foreign ballet instructors to teach in Russia. Since then, the art form has flourished in the country, which has produced stars like Anna Pavlova and Nureyev.
2. Opera
The first opera was performed in Russia in 1731, while the first was written in Russian in 1755. The 19th century produced opera greats such as Mikhail Glinka and Pyotr Tchaikovsky.
3. Theatre
Russian speakers as well as theatre enthusiasts will find the performances a rewarding experience. Russia is the home of Stanislavsky (who pioneered the method acting approach) and playwrights such as Chekhov.
4. Classical Music
Russia’s outstanding composers include Prokofiev, Stravinsky and Dmitriy Shostakovich. The latter’s “Seventh Symphony” was performed in 1942 during the siege of the city, speakers turned defiantly towards Nazi lines.
5. Football
Football is very popular in Russia. St Petersburg’s local team, Zenit, play at the Petrovskiy Stadium and regularly feature in the Champions League.
6. Nightclubs
St Petersburg is second only to Moscow for its nightlife. The city has clubs for every taste, from the arty Fish Fabrique to the popular Dacha.
7. Cinema
Although Soviet film was respected globally, the industry suffered in post-perestroika Russia. However, it has since seen a revival. There are a few cinemas along Nevskiy prospekt, such as Aurora Cinema at 60 and Crystal Palace at 72. Khudozhestvenny at 67 is a good place to catch the latest Russian releases.
8. Live Rock Music
St Petersburg was the birthplace of some of Russia’s finest perestroika-era rock groups, including the enigmatic Kino. Venues like Fish Fabrique and Griboedov continue to host exciting new groups.
9. Wandering through “Piter”
St Petersburg, or “Piter”, is a city made for walking: from a relaxed stroll up Nevskiy prospekt or a wander along the city’s canals to an all-night White Night hike, the city’s skyline is always impressive.
10. Shopping
Many stores, including several exclusive boutiques, can be found along Nevskiy prospekt. There are also two shopping malls in the centre of town: Stockmann (Nevskiy prospekt 114–116) and Galeria (Ligovskiy prospekt 30a).
Top 10 Venues for Ballet, Opera, Theatre and Classical Music
1. Mariinskiy Theatre
Famous venue for ballet and opera (for further details see Mariinskiy Theatre).
2. Mikhailovsky Theatre
Daily performances of opera and ballet.
Ploshchad Iskusstv 1 • 595 4305
3. Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory
An opera, ballet and classical music venue (for further details see Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory).
4. Octyabrsky Concert Hall
Daily matinees and evening performances.Ligovskiy prospekt 6 • 275 1273
5. St Petersburg Opera
Performances of less common works of opera, including 18th-century chamber operas.Galernaya ulitsa 33 • 312 3982
6. Dom Kochnevoy
A classical music venue on the bank of the Fontanka river.Nab. reki Fontanki 41 • 310 2987
8. Main Hall of the Shostakovich Philharmonic
A great place for classical music.Mikhaylovskaya ulitsa 2 • 312 9871
9. Small Hall of the Shostakovich Philharmonic
A 19th-century concert hall.Nevskiy prospekt 30 • 571 8333
10. Academic Capella
A historic venue for classical concerts.Nab. reki Moyki 20 • 314 1058
