Where to go in St. Petersburg in winter

The closer the New Year holidays get, the more questions arise like “where to go?” or “where to relax in Russia in winter?” In short, everyone is busy planning. And if you haven't decided where to go yet, here's an idea for you: we suggest heading to St. Petersburg! Just imagine: you, the frozen Neva, and the beauty of the Northern Capital. Isn't that the perfect winter match?

In short, it's time to buy tickets to St. Petersburg and get comfortable. Now we'll tell you where to go and what to do in St. Petersburg in winter. Let's go!

What to see in St. Petersburg in winter

In winter, St. Petersburg transforms into a fairy-tale city: it's bathed in lights and garlands, welcomes guests with New Year's fairs, and opens stalls with hot coffee and mulled wine to go. In short, walking around is a pure pleasure. That is, if the weather is good. But even if St. Petersburg is capricious and shows its gloomy grayness, there is still plenty to see and do here. 

«Sevkabel Port»

This used to be a factory, and today it's one of the city's most popular spaces. In winter, «Sevkabel» operates the «Ice Rink by the Sea». It attracts all lovers of magnificent views: directly from the ice, you can admire the picturesque panorama of the bay. Also, in mid-December, a pop-up market opens in the space, where you'll find various heartwarming New Year's trinkets.

Address: Kozhevennaya Liniya, 40.

Elagin Island

One of the favorite places for family recreation among St. Petersburg residents. It's pleasant to walk here at any time of the year. But in winter, Elagin Island transforms into a snowy kingdom: trees with white caps, frozen ponds, ruffled sparrows, and fluffy snowdrifts. In short, a powerful dose of inspiration for epithets and metaphors.

In December, an ice rink is set up here, and slides and ski tracks appear. In short, you can both simply admire the park and spend time actively.

Address: Elagin Island, 4 (park entrance on weekends is paid — 100 rubles per person).

Manege Square

In mid-December, this place transforms into a large Christmas fair.  Trading stalls and pavilions, decorated with bright garlands and lanterns, appear everywhere. A Christmas tree is set up in the middle of the square, and next to it, a large carousel. 

For those who want to grab a bite, there are themed cafes where you can get mulled wine or hot tea.

Address: Manezhnaya Sq. 

Annenkirche

This is an active Lutheran church on Kirochnaya Street. It appeared in St. Petersburg as early as 1775. And then many things happened to it: Annenkirche was a cinema, then a bar, and in 2002, a fire broke out here, during which the church's interiors were completely burned out.

Since then, the facades have been restored, but the interior was left as is. This became Annenkirche's unique feature. Today, Lutheran services, classical music concerts, lectures, and exhibitions are held there.

But this place becomes especially atmospheric in winter. Around New Year's, a Christmas tree appears under the ceiling of Annenkirche, and the church transforms into an ideal place to take photos in the style of Wednesday Addams or Harry Potter. 

Address: Kirochnaya St., 8V.

Nikolskie Ryady

A cool public space in the center of St. Petersburg where something is always happening. Concerts, events, fairs — in short, all forms of interesting and active leisure.

In the winter season, an ice rink, a Venetian carousel, outdoor curling lanes, ice mini-golf, and slides open here. In short, a great location for finding that New Year's mood. 

Address: Sadovaya St., 62A.

«Berthold Centre»

A unique creative space is hidden in the courtyards not far from Sennaya Square. It's not so easy to find, but once you visit, you'll want to return. In every corner of «Berthold Centre» there are shops with handmade goods, workshops, cafes, and various art objects.

In winter, this creative spot becomes very cozy. Here you can settle into a cafe with a book and a cup of coffee or cocoa, watching the snow swirl outside through a French window.

Address: Grazhdanskaya St., 13-15.

Winter entertainment

There's no less entertainment in St. Petersburg than there are attractions and parks to see in winter. We won't describe everything (otherwise, we'd be here until spring) and will focus on our personal list of «What to do in St. Petersburg in winter». 

Ice Rinks

Ice skating is a great option for both romantic dates and active friendly get-togethers. Moreover, there are quite a few ice rinks in St. Petersburg where you can come and skate to your heart's content. Here's just a small part of them.

«Ice Rink by the Sea» at «Sevkabel Port»

Suitable for romantics and lovers of magnificent views. Just imagine: you're skating, and directly from the ice, you get a view of the bay.

Entry: from 300 ₽ for adults, free for children aged 3 to 7.

Skate rental: 480 ₽.

Address: «Sevkabel Port», Kozhevennaya Liniya, 40.

«Forest Rink» at «Okhta Park»

A simply magical ice rink is available 10 km . These are literally ice paths in the forest. It's especially cool here in the evening when the lights turn on. The only downside of the rink is that it will take a long time to get there. 

Entry: from 900 ₽ for adults, from 600 ₽ for children.

Skate rental: from 600 ₽. 

Address: Leningradskaya obl., der. Mistolovo, ul. Lyudmily Kedrinoy, resort «Okhta Park».

Large ice rink in «New Holland»

This location is suitable for those looking for their New Year's mood. Lighting, garlands, and music create a festive atmosphere even on gloomy St. Petersburg weekdays. 

Entry: from 200 ₽ for adults, 50 ₽ for children aged 3 to 6.

Skate rental: 450 ₽.

Address: nab. Admiralteyskogo Kanala, 2/3.

Ice rink near «Planetarium No. 1» on Obvodny

A cool location with illumination, stylish photo zones, and a cafe with barbecue parties. In short, you can both skate and hang out. 

Entry: from 350 ₽ for adults, from 150 ₽ for beneficiaries.

Skate rental: from 350 ₽. 

Address: nab. Obvodnogo Kanala, 74Ts.

Large ice rink on Elagin Island 

It is considered one of the most comfortable and atmospheric ice rinks in the city. Plus, Elagin Island is beautiful in winter, and you can simply take a walk. So, in one trip, you can enjoy nature and go ice skating.

Entry: from 200 ₽.

Skate rental: 350 ₽.

Address: Elagin Island, 4.

Christmas Fairs

In winter, many colorful Christmas fairs open in St. Petersburg, which you definitely should visit. Firstly, it lifts your spirits. Garlands, lights, the scents of pine needles and mulled wine... A certain boost of cheerfulness already appears, wouldn't you agree? And secondly, they often sell various New Year's trinkets there, which can make great holiday gifts for friends and family.

In December, fairs open at Myasnikov's Mansion, Manezhnaya Square, in the «Sevkabel Port» space, Nikolskie Ryady, the Botanical Garden, Moskovskaya Square, and so on.

Ski Resorts

For skiers and snowboarders, there are good resorts in the vicinity of St. Petersburg. Moreover, they are located not far from the city, so you can get to them by public transport: electric train or bus.

The most famous ski resorts are «Igora» with five slopes, «Pukhtolova Gora», which is perfect for beginners, and «Okhta Park», where in addition to slopes, there is an ice rink, cottages, a restaurant, a cafe, and even a pastry shop.

Winter walks

If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city, welcome to one of St. Petersburg's eco-trails. For example, you can go to Komarovo or Lindulovskaya Roshcha. 

In winter, these places turn into a snowy fairy tale: green conifers, fresh air, and the silence of the forest. Great company for a weekend. 

Walks along eco-trails don't take much time, but we still advise you to dress warmly, not forget your hat and scarf, and also bring a thermos with hot tea.

Snow tubing

Why not treat your inner child during a winter trip to St. Petersburg? Already in December, enough locations open here where you can slide down on snow tubes with a breeze.

Slides can be found in Yablonevy, Yusupovsky, and Tauride Gardens, Yuzhno-Primorsky, Udelny, and Shuvalovsky Parks, Moscow Victory Park, Aviators Park, Babushkin Park, 300th Anniversary of St. Petersburg Park, and «Ekateringof», on Suzdal Lakes. In short, many places. However, there is no equipment rental in city parks. But snow tube rental is definitely available at Nikolskie Ryady and Manezhnaya Square. 

Surroundings

If you've come to the Northern Capital, then also plan a separate trip to the suburbs. In the  surroundings of St. Petersburg, there are cool locations that you definitely need to visit in winter. Here are just a few of them.

«Zubrovnik»

The family recreation and ecotourism park «Zubrovnik» is located in Toksovo, near St. Petersburg. Here you can see bison and walk through the Kavgolovsky Forest Park. In winter, there is also rental of sleds, skis, and snowmobiles for active recreation enthusiasts. 

Gatchina Palace Park

This is the oldest of the Gatchina park complex. It was created at the end of the 18th century. Now it is one of the favorite places for walks for guests and residents of the city. When it snows, the palace becomes even more atmospheric.  

Vyborg and Mon Repos Park

Getting to the small but very cozy town in the Leningrad region is easy: electric trains regularly run from Finland Station to Vyborg. Less than an hour, and you find yourself in a winter European Middle Ages: castles, churches, cobblestone streets — all covered in snow.

Mon Repos Park deserves special attention. If in summer it attracts with its greenery and leisurely walks in the shade of trees, then in the cold season, completely different views open up here: rocky shores covered in snow and the ice-bound Vyborg Bay. 

Lindulovskaya Roshcha

Want cool winter shots from the forest? Then this is the place for you. Lindulovskaya Roshcha is ideal for walks with a camera. The eco-trail passes through a nature reserve near the Roshchinka River, which was formerly called Lindulovka. By the way, this territory has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1990. 

In short, it's definitely worth taking a walk here (just be sure to dress warmly). 

«Okhta Park»

This is truly a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts in St. Petersburg. Here you'll find an ice rink, a ski resort, an outdoor pool, and simply a recreation base where you can rent a cottage.

In short, the views here are super, the ice rink is great, and the slopes are well-equipped. Plus, there are good cafes and restaurants here, so the plan to «escape from everyone into a winter fairy tale» is easily achievable here. 

If you like magnificent snowy views, then a winter vacation in Altai is simply made for you. Take a look at it. We recommend it. 

Where to eat

St. Petersburg can be called the gastronomic capital of Russia. So you're guaranteed to eat well here. 

Breakfast and Brunch

The Favourite Breakfast

A nice little spot about ten minutes from Ploshchad Vosstaniya metro station. There aren't many seats inside, but you can book a table in advance for the weekend. The menu is quite varied: there are croissants, hearty waffles, syrniki, and oatmeal, plus a good selection of desserts.

Address: Vosstaniya St., 37-39.

Mickey & Monkeys 

A large selection of breakfasts: omelets, toasts, porridges, pancakes. In short, you won't go hungry. Plus, breakfasts are served all day here, so it's suitable for those who like to sleep in.

Address: Gorokhovaya St., 27.

«Sweater» 

A small and cozy coffee shop in Petrogradka is famous for its Napoleons. There are eight types here. The place will appeal to those who prefer leisurely and quiet breakfasts without fuss. There are not many items on the menu, but you won't go hungry.  

Address: Barmaleeva St., 33.

Lunch and Dinner

Vokzal 1853

For those who haven't decided what they want to eat. This is the largest food mall in St. Petersburg and Europe, located on the site of the Warsaw railway station. Here you can find pastries, smoothies, soups, shashlik, pho-bo, and pretty much anything else. And most importantly — all in one place. 

Address: nab. Obvodnogo Kanala, 118S.

Butcher & Banker

A restaurant with a cool interior and an interesting menu. They serve European cuisine with author's touches. For example, here you can try venison cutlets with baked pumpkin and nut sauce and have Napoleon with plum jam for dessert. In short, it's interesting and delicious.

Address: Bolshaya Morskaya St., 22.

AIKI terrasa
A scenic bistro with a European menu is located on the eighth floor of the AVENUE-PAGE coworking space on Aptekarskaya Embankment. For a light snack, there are salads and bowls. Heartier options are also available, such as lasagna and smoked trout with quinoa.

Address: Aptekarskaya nab., 18.

Where to stay

Accommodation options in St. Petersburg can be found for every taste, color, and budget.
Of course, the most pleasant is to stay in apartments in the center. Here are a few ideas. 

Sands Rooms Apart-hotel
Carefully restored apartments are located in a 1911 building near Ploshchad Aleksandra Nevskogo metro station. Here you'll find high ceilings, stucco molding, windows with original brass fittings, and century-old oak parquet.

Price: from 4 706 ₽/night.
Address: Konnaya St., 8.

Boutique Hotel Underwood Art Room

This stylish hotel is located in the house where Sergey Dovlatov lived for almost 30 years. It is located near Dostoevskaya/Vladimirskaya metro station.

Price: from 6 850 ₽/night.
Address: Rubinsteina St., 23.

«Sokroma Osobnyak Oleninykh» Apart-hotel

Here you can rent one of five comfortable studios daily. Interestingly, the interior is designed in the spirit of Pushkin's era: many paintings, antique-style lamps. Fans of literary St. Petersburg from the Golden Age should enjoy it.

Price: from 2 620 ₽/night.
Address: nab. reki Fontanki, 101.

Weather in St. Petersburg in winter

So, we know where to go, what to see, and what to do in St. Petersburg. The hardest part remains: choosing your wardrobe according to the weather. To do this, you need to understand what the St. Petersburg climate is like. First, it's humid. Second, it's windy here. Third, the weather here is as unpredictable as it gets.

As a rule, winter in St. Petersburg begins at the end of November. That means snow falls and all that. However, thaws are common. The average daytime temperature in December is −2 °C, in January −5 °C, and in February −4 °C. But there can also be very severe frosts down to −20…−30 °C. So be sure to wear a hat and scarf for your walk around the Northern Capital.

Well, that's all we wanted to say. Welcome to St. Petersburg!