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The Currency Online Group was founded in early 2016 by CEO and Founder Paul Brewer who has vast knowledge and experience in the foreign currency sector. Since its inception, the company and head office team have grown rapidly, they plan to be the number one place to for customers foreign currency requirements.

We are governed by HM Revenue and Customs as a Money Service Business (MSB registration no. XDML00000100454).

Newell’s Travel operates 11 branches across Cornwall and into Devon. Founded in 1962, it operates within The Travel Network Group.

Phone: 0800 008 7411

Website: www.newellstravel.co.uk

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I had a very last minute decision

I had a very last minute decision. 3 weeks before I started a month's long leave period I decided I would go around the world on my own. Newells (Tavistock) were superb. They organised the flights and accommodation in a morning! All of it went perfectly... Every flight, all the hotels everything... perfectly. They were so helpful and knowledgeable for the little bits and pieces that I hadn't considered. I cannot thank them and rate them highly enough. Outstanding service.

Date of experience : 10 June 2024

Booked a Jet2 holiday with Lisa from…

Booked a Jet2 holiday with Lisa from Newell's Falmouth. Always helpful, knowledgeable and friendly! Everything went smoothly, both Newell's and Jet2 were excellent and kept us informed throughout. Faultless and thank you so much Lisa for booking us such a wonderful holiday in Sorrento.

Date of experience : 22 April 2024

The girls were lovely and Claire

The girls were lovely and Claire who booked our holiday was amazing.we didn't have much of an idea were to go ,so helfull and informative.

Date of experience : 06 June 2024

A lovely Silver Wedding Anniversary break

Excellent team of staff at the Tavistock office who spent a lot of time and effort to make sure our ‘Typically Cities’ trip to Budapest for our silver wedding anniversary went well. And well it went including them gaining permission from the airline for me to take my CPAP machine on the plane, showing lots of hotels to make sure we were completely happy, and arranging seamless transfers to make it stress free. Well done Newells

Date of experience : 08 January 2024

Had another amazing holiday

Had another amazing holiday , booked in Bodmin Newells with Lisa to Iceland 🇮🇸. Fabulous hotel, very central. Easy transfer. We also booked a few trips for when were there, which Jackie from Bodmin branch needed to contact us about when we were away, she helped us sort the issue and kept us informed of what was happening. Much appreciated and made everything stress free. Hopefully won't be long before we book another . .... just need to decide where ....... thank you ✨️

Date of experience : 11 September 2023

Absolutely brilliant!

We cannot speak too highly of the staff at the Newquay branch, Debbie, Laura and Natasha. They are all extremely knowledgeable, helpful, and do everything they can to ensure the best. Laura has been arranging all our travels for the last ten years, always going that extra mile to ensure that we are no affected when there have been problems. Absolutely brilliant service! VP and J C!

Date of experience : 13 June 2023

Trust in Newells Travel

Just completed a wonderful 10 day trip to Cyprus booked through Newells Travel St’ Austell. I cannot recommend this company or this particular branch highly enough….the holiday of course was fabulous, only enhanced by the security through this travel agent. Yasmin, who dealt with our booking from beginning to end has been amazing - right down getting us checked on to our flights remotely while we were on the train to the airport (this was a Wizz Air problem not Newells) and checking us in to fly back home while we sat by the pool in Cyprus (again a Wizz Air issue)…..fantastic service…. thank you Yasmin……great job Newells St’ Austell.

Date of experience : 30 September 2023

never booked a holiday through a travel…

never booked a holiday through a travel agent before but i must admit julie bullock at newells travel liskeard made a trip one to remember, she went above and beyond to find us the perfect holiday, she was amazing and spent about 2 hours finding the right holiday for us even had a coffee there, i would highly reccoment them, i am looking to book another holiday through them. if your thinking of going away just pop in and see how helpfull and friendly they are.thankyou so much for taking all the stress away.cant wait to see you soon kindest regards sharon and mick

Date of experience : 06 October 2023

knowledgeable, efficient and friendly.

We have booked 3 holidays this year and each time the staff have gone that extra mile to find us EXACTLY the right accommodation. Lacey in Truro and Kate and Karen okay, in Helston are knowledgeable, efficient and friendly. Highly recommend Newells Travel for booking your next holiday

Date of experience : 08 July 2023

Service with a smile

I have used Newell’s, Truro, for nearly twenty five years and have always had superb service. The staff, especially Beverly, are most helpful and welcoming and nothing is too much trouble for them. I have recommended them to several friends.

Date of experience : 18 December 2023

excellent service

We have used them on a couple of occasions and on both times they couldn't do enough to help. Excellent customer service and the staff very helpful from start to finish. We will go back again and again if they keep this level of service going. Thankyou Newells of Truro

Date of experience : 10 February 2024

Stressful Holiday

Just back from a fabulous week in Copenhagen. All booked through the Bodmin Branch with Lisa. She made it so easy from deciding destination, hotels, airports, and booking, to being booked on flights and receiving the tickets. Looking forward to our next visit.

Date of experience : 17 April 2023

Clueless. Book with ANYONE but

Had a recent 'experience' at the Falmouth branch. I was looking for flight information to Los Angeles, and went in to the tired, dated shop. Unfortunately, the assistants were engrossed in conversation about Facebook, and when I approached the desk I was greeted with a vacant look and "what?". After 10 painful minutes trying to explain the route I wanted, they had NO idea where I was trying to travel to. I had to tell them on 3 occasions that the airport code was LAX! I had no choice but to walk out and book elsewhere. Obviously there was the standard smirking and comments as soon as I left. Do NOT book with this clueless, unprofessional and badly managed shambles.

Date of experience : 03 September 2020

Good polite quick service

Good polite quick service Have been helped by all staff over the years at present Katie looks after us and is excellent. Will continue to use this branch when booking our holiday jill and Graham Mellor

Date of experience : 05 July 2023

Although a small company in…

Although a small company in Cornwall,the branch I shall review is in the town of Hayle. For many years we booked our own trips abroad so what changed us from that to using this company?. Simple but at our age very important,service. The staff at this branch always charming,go way beyond their job description. For example last night just prior to closing they called and asked me to drop by,we sorted a problem even though it was after hours, but also found that they had spent considerable time prior investigating that situation. So congratulations Newells Travel of Hayle,we appreciate very much your help and will now give you all our travel plans.

Date of experience : 06 June 2018

Port Of The Sun.....Mallorca

Just returned from everyone's favourite holiday Island of Mallorca and I can't thank the girls at the Tavistock branch enough. Thank you again Ali, Sue, Sharon and Nat. I stayed at the Hotel Eden Nord in Puerto Soller for a week and was treated like royalty. Excellent hotel and staff: the girls in housekeeping; Paolo and Adrian and the staff in the restaurant and the girls at reception, especially Jess. Food great. As much as you can eat and a lovely swimming pool and gym into the bargain! Weather was perfect and the little port itself is having a renaissance. Shiny shops and swanky cafes and restaurants abound now since they opened up the Soller Tunnel in '97. The north of the island is more accessible now compared to the 70s, when I came here first. Then it was not so reachable and quite dangerous if one came up by the mountainous coast road. Now it's easy: hop on the ferrocarril at the Placa Espanya in Palma. A picturesque journey through the mountains will enthrall you (18 euros) or hop on the 204 bus (4 euros) which will take you 40 minutes up to the Port. Enjoy the ensaimadas and the Rosa Blanca (the local beer). I'll be back again at some point. Thank you again girls.

Date of experience : 16 June 2023

We happened to go into the Truro branch…

We happened to go into the Truro branch of Newells when it was quiet (which is unusual) and were greeted with cheerful helpfulness ….we found nothing but good vibes and were pleased to book the Cruise we were interested in with no hassle ….Thankyou crew of Newells Truro ..well done

Date of experience : 02 November 2022

A wonderful company

An absolutely wonderful company to deal with and also to work for. The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable. I couldn't recommend them enough.

Date of experience : 17 January 2022

Poor customer service

After booking a surprise trip to New York for my wife for her 40th Birthday. I explained to the representative of Newells travel that I wasn’t a frequent traveller and I certainly hadn’t been to the states before. I also explained that I am not very good with technology and asked them to guide me though the process on which taking my deposit they agreed. I had to keep going into the travel agents to pay bits of the holiday off in the months leading up to the holiday and kept asking if there was any admin I should be taking care of. Even 2 weeks prior to the trip once I had told my wife about it we both went into Newells travel of Truro and asked the representative if we should be doing anything else in relation to flight admin prior to the trip. The representative explained we had our tickets and boarding passes could be viewed on the app. They also explained that check in and immigration could be done in Dublin which was our first connecting flight. On the day of the flight from Dublin to New York we were asked for our Esta or visas. Which of course I hadn’t completed or even heard of up until this point. We frantically tried to apply for them online however we missed our flight from Dublin to New York and had to take a trip at our own expense along with a costly stay over in Dublin the following day, No help was given from Newells Travell, no compensation was offered and we lost 24hrs of our trip of a lifetime and also had to spend half our spending money on the missed flight fee and the extra stay over in Dublin. In the defence of the representative they did send 1 email months prior to flying (which I missed to read) stating about the visas. My point is I asked the representative multiple times if there was any extra admin I should be carrying out and on each occasion they said no. I am so disappointed with the lack of customer service that I really needed and hoped for. This error lead to both my wife and I stood in Dublin watching our plane leave without us and all could have been avoided if the representative had just once said. Don’t forget about your visas! Such a shame.

Date of experience : 08 December 2023

Reply from Newell's Travel

Good morning, We apologise for any oversight regarding the reminder about the need for a Visa for your trip to the USA. Your suggestion to provide clearer references to Visa requirements has been duly noted and will be implemented in our future communications. When you made your booking and completed the necessary forms, we discussed and confirmed the Visa requirement with you. Furthermore, the email quote you received included detailed information in accordance with the US Government’s website, which you acknowledged and proceeded to book. In terms of the assistance provided, our records indicate numerous phone calls between ourselves, you, and the tour operator involved in the flight booking. We are pleased that the issue was eventually resolved and hope you both had a wonderful time in New York. Kind regards, The Newell's Travel Team

We found the Bodmin branch very helpful…

We found the Bodmin branch very helpful when we booked a European cruise,we found Lisa especially helpful

Date of experience : 15 March 2023

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Newell man travels country as nurse, online content creator.

ON THE GO — One of the stops this summer for Justin Shaw, also known as the Hillbilly Travel Nurse, was Mount Rushmore. Shaw, a Newell resident who is a licensed practical nurse, has made a living traveling across the continental United States. -- Contributed

NEWELL — Nurse, first responder and family man as well as online content creator — Justin Shaw is a busy guy.

Better known in Facebook and YouTube circles as Hillbilly Travel Nurse, Shaw is ready to hit the road from his Newell home to travel back to Maryland, wrapping up his current nursing gig, before heading off west again to Billings, Montana. He said he enjoyed his stint there in mid-February, so he is looking forward to the return trip.

Shaw has more than three decades in the nursing field, 15 of them with the Orchards of Foxcrest in Chester. At one time, he served as their personal care coordinator.

He became a travel nurse three years ago and does acknowledge the money is good; however, mostly it was his love of travel that convinced him to hit the road.

“Facilities don’t pay nurses enough,” he said, adding that travel nurses, who fill in at locations when there are openings, tend to be better compensated.

Shaw currently works under Rock Medical Group out of Nebraska and Grapetree of Iowa as well as some independent contract assignments. Most of his contracts are with long-term skilled nursing facilities.

“The challenge is getting to know your patients and the (geographic) area,” Shaw said.

His first contract trip was in Iowa, where the flat terrain amazed this West Virginia guy. It also was a bit of culture shock being without his family, which includes wife Lisa, whom he has been married to for two decades, and his daughters Michaela, 18, and Alexa, 17.

Shaw also has done stints in Wisconsin and South Dakota, chronicling his travels on his Facebook page since creating it a few months ago with still photographs and stories. Just recently he added a YouTube channel to the mix, where he can upload videos from his locations.

“I started Hillbilly Travel Nurse, so I could showcase the beautiful areas I’m traveling or staying as well as share tips regarding travel or nursing,” Shaw explained. Although he has had the Facebook presence since February, the video content on YouTube is a much more recent endeavor. “I have got to visit Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone National Park and even Devil’s Tower (in Wyoming).”

There are differences in what various states allow an LPN to do; however, that isn’t much of a challenge for him as he can do IVs as they allow. He also is extremely competent in wound care.

Shaw is a multi-state licensed LPN, meaning he can work in 36 different states where his West Virginia credentials are recognized.

He likes that he can tell one of his two employment agencies where he would like his next assignment to be geographically as well as for how long and for how much.

Many times this is gauged around his family. For example, his youngest daughter is in marching band at Oak Glen High School, and Shaw doesn’t want to miss her performances during football games in her senior year. Therefore, he outlined parameters to his agency that allows him to return home for those games within the contract.

Wife Lisa, who teaches preschool at Little Blessings in New Cumberland, periodically gets away to visit him on the road. Shaw hopes eventually to get some assignments in Alaska and Hawaii that they both can enjoy.

Shaw does prefer to drive his camper when able to get a longer time lease at a campground in his assignment location over plane travel. But sometimes he cannot bring the camper, so he elects to go the AirBNB route as they provide the comfort of a home away from home for him and Lisa, when she gets out of Hancock County for a brief visit.

“This has been really a cool experience, and I have made quite a few friends along the way, he said, this has been beneficial as a lot of these agencies use talent from different backgrounds, which allows him to learn about additional approaches to health care. “I also like that I can work out a contract and take a month break at home before heading out to my next assignment.”

Shaw, who also is an amateur radio operator, said that he sometimes takes his system along on the road. “I am part of Parks On The Air, and they set up in national parks and I have successfully made thousands of contracts for them from there,” he said.

Although his life on the road does keep him busy, Shaw does answer some fire and medical calls if they have them when he is home as part of Newell Volunteer Fire Department. Although he retired as a captain years ago, the department still is trying to lure him back on a more consistent basis.

Shaw is trying to grow his Hillbilly Travel Nurse presence and has found some success through his engagement approach. Followers were the ones who told him earlier this summer, they would like him to return to Wyoming in an onsite poll and, ultimately, he agreed to follow their recommendation.

Shaw plans on continuing to build on that engagement especially since he has plenty of time on the Road. “It can get boring, so I started Hillbilly Travel Nurse to find something productive to do when away from home. I hope during this Montana contract, I can find some time to explore the area more for the page.”

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13 Things To Do In Saint Petersburg | Russia’s Most Beautiful City

By Author Christian L.

Posted on Published: January 17, 2021  - Last updated: September 11, 2021

Categories Europe , Destinations , Russia

Once known as Leningrad and before that Petrograd, Saint Petersburg, Russia, is the country’s second-largest city. Set next to the Neva River, close to the Baltic Sea, this city is home to over 5 million people.

It’s the world’s northernmost city, founded by Peter the Great and named after Saint Peter the apostle. Once home to the Tsars of Russia, it is today known as the country’s cultural capital.

With iconic sights such as Hermitage Museum, Nevsky Prospect, Peterhof Palace, and so much more, it has a fascinating heritage ripe for exploration. Without further ado, let’s dive into the 13 best things to do in St. Petersburg. 

Top Things to do in St. Petersburg, Russia

St. Petersburg, Europe, has grown into one of the top tourist destinations on the continent. Although it might get very cold in winter, there are still plenty of things to do – and the summers are absolutely perfect! Saint Petersburg is one of the prettiest cities in all of Europe .

Keep reading for some of my favorite choices. 

1. Visit The World Famous Hermitage Museum

One of the city’s most popular attractions (with over 3 million items in its esteemed collection), State Hermitage Museum showcases everything from fine art to ancient artifacts. 

Even if you don’t plan on entering inside, the exterior is an architectural gem in itself. The columns are all in white with green/gold facades that can be viewed from the river or Palace Square.

If you’re visiting St. Petersburg, Russia, your trip would not be complete without stopping past this world-famous landmark. It’s also a great activity to do no matter what time of year you are visiting – and a perfect way to escape those cold Russian winter days. 

There are six buildings in the museum complex in total. Five of which – Winter Palace, Small Hermitage, Old Hermitage, New Hermitage, and Hermitage Theatre – can be accessed by the public.

Within, you’ll be treated to Egyptian collections, artifacts dating from ancient Mesopotamia, and classical Greek jewelry, pottery, and sculptures. This is any historical culture lover’s dream. 

Keep exploring, and you will find collections of prehistoric relics from the Palaeolithic era to the Iron Ages, European fine arts, Impressionist works, Catherine the Great’s personal collections, and so much more.

In fact, you’ll need an entire day or possibly longer to explore this incredible museum complex. If you only have limited time in St. Petersburg, be sure to add this museum to your itinerary! There are also guided tours available if you want a more educational experience. 

Did you know? The Hermitage Museum is the world’s second-largest art museum.

2. Take in a Performance at Mariinsky Theatre

The Neoclassical Mariinsky Theatre is home to Russia’s revered opera and ballet companies.

The theatre – named after the wife of Tsar Alexandra II, Empress Maria Alexandrovna – has been here since 1860 when it was known as the Kirov Theatre.

This magnificent building, since it opened, has hosted stage performances and premieres from Tchaikovsky and Mussorgsky and famous ballets such as Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake and The Nutcracker. 

Today, in addition to hosting live performances, the theatre has its own record label, which focuses on releasing music by Russian composers Stravinsky, Tchaikovsky, and Rachmaninov.

If you enjoy the arts and are going to be in St. Petersburg for several days, book tickets to see a world-class performance – you won’t be disappointed.

3. See Jewelled Eggs at the Faberge Museum

The House of Faberge was founded in St. Petersburg in 1842 by Gustav Faberge. Originally a jeweler, he became famous for designing jewel-encrusted eggs for the Tsars of Russia and is arguably the most famous goldsmith of the modern era. 

Today, you can view these iconic collection pieces in the Faberge Museum. It showcases 4,000 items in total, including Faberge Easter eggs, jewelry, silverware, home decor, and fantasy-themed objects.

The incredible jeweled eggs are famous all over the world, and there are several museums dedicated to them. But if you want to learn about Gustav Faberge, his family, and how it all began, this is the museum to visit. You can purchase a ticket in person or online. 

4. Spend an Hour Canal Cruising

St. Petersburg is built on 42 islands, and once upon a time (before bridges were constructed), cruising was the only way to navigate the city.

On a Golden Ring boat tour, you’ll see some of St. Petersburg’s iconic sights along the Kryukov Canal, including St. Nicholas Cathedral, Saint Isaac’s Cathedral, and the Mariinsky theatre.

You’ll dip beneath the famous colored bridges on Neva River whilst enjoying views of Peter and Paul Fortress, Vasilyevsky Island, and the Summer Garden. This is truly one of the most breathtaking ways to take in all the beauty that St. Petersburg has to offer. 

This tour also only takes around an hour, so you’ll have plenty of time to revisit your favorite spots throughout the day!

5. Discover Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

One of St. Petersburg’s architectural masterpieces is the Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood.

This former Russian Orthodox Church was completed in 1907 and is built in Baroque, Neoclassical, and Russian Revival design. It is one of the city’s main attractions, with ornate domes, intricate frescoes, and 7,500 square meters of mosaics inside. 

If you don’t wish to enter, you can gain incredible views from Griboedov Canal. But if you do venture inside, you’ll be rewarded with interior frescoes and mosaic works depicting biblical scenes and figures created by celebrated Russian artists of the time.

The Church of the Saviour of Blood is built on the spot where Emperor Alexander 2 was assassinated in 1881 – hence the name. So, not only will you be able to appreciate the fine architectural designs, but also explore an important part of Russian history. 

6. Take a Rooftop Walk-in St. Petersburg

If you have viewed the city from canals and rivers, try it from the rooftops! You can take a guided rooftop walk in the city, seeing streets and skylines from an elevated perspective.

One particular tour to highlight is the Official Rooftops Excursion of St. Petersburg. Just a few minutes from Nevsky Prospect, these sites offer vistas of Fontanka River and Trinity Cathedral – and that’s just the first roof.

The second roof boasts views of St. Petersburg’s old center, St. Isaac’s Cathedral, Kazan Cathedral, and the Church on Spilled Blood.

This is a truly incredible way to see the city in all its glory, plus the tour provides you with binoculars so you can see everything in great detail.

7. Admire Nevsky Prospect’s Magnificent Architecture

The main street of St. Petersburg is Nevsky Prospect. Begin at the intersection at Stroganov Palace before venturing to Kazan Cathedral. While you walk, take in the monuments dedicated to Catherine the Great and browse goods at The Passage – Nevsky Avenue’s premier department store.

This store was quite the trailblazer. It opened its doors in the late 1840s and was one of the first buildings in Russia to use gas for lighting. Then, in 1900, an electric station was installed on an underground floor.

Once you’ve finished shopping and enjoyed a fresh cup of coffee, continue to the Russian National Library – the oldest public library in Russia – and Alexandrinsky Theatre (which was built for the Imperial troupe of Petersburg).

8. Visit the Island of Peter and Paul Fortress

Set on an island connected by bridges, Peter and Paul Fortress is instantly recognizable from its needle spire, which dominates the skyline. The fortress was originally built to defend the maritime city from Swedish invaders.

However, Peter the Great defeated the opposition before it was even completed! It has since served as a military center and prison for political dissenters and, latterly, as a museum.

Inside the vast complex, you can see Peter and Paul Cathedral, visit the resting place of the Romanovs, and watch military processions or the firing of the noon-day gun.

It’s a great day trip for anyone interested in Russian, maritime or military history. There are also plenty of group walking tours available. 

9. Sample Russian Vodka in a Ryumochnye

A visit to Russia wouldn’t be complete without sampling the local drink – vodka, and the best place to do this is in a Ryumochnye. This is a specific style of 19th-century Russian drinking house that not only offers some of Russia’s best vodka but also a short history lesson.

You could call it a bar, but it’s more than that – most mainstream Ryumochnye have a definite Soviet vibe and are places for working men to kick back and enjoy vodka with their buddies.

Beverages come in bottles or shot form, and some places offer self-service and snacks.

If that sounds too hardcore for your taste, there are updated versions of Ryumochnye in the city, like Mayak in St. Petersburg, where you can gain a similar experience. 

10. Enjoy local Saint Petersburg Craft Beer

Although most people think of vodka when visiting Russia, you can also enjoy some of the best craft beer in Saint Petersburg . Russia’s second-largest city has an exciting, rapidly growing craft beer scene, in part due to its history and geography.

Historically, the Russian empire was influenced by Northern Europe, and the Dutch & English beer-drinking culture eventually made its way here. Today, Saint Petersburg is home to a growing number of modern microbreweries, cool taprooms, and stylish bars.

Saint Petersburg is also home to Stepan Razin Brewery, the oldest brewery in Russia (now, of course, owned by Heiniken). It opened in 1795, but today the building is known as the Saint Petersburg Beer Museum, showcasing the history of beer in Russia and the Soviet Union.

Russia’s largest and most popular brewery, Baltika, is also located in Saint Petersburg, and it’s possible to take a tour of their huge brewery.

11. See the Majestic Catherine Palace

A stately palace of blue and gold, Catherine’s Palace is located 26 kilometers south of St. Petersburg. Named after the wife of Peter the Great, this place was originally a two-story modest building commissioned in 1717.

The exterior, which stretches for one kilometer in circumference, is surrounded by woodlands, lawns, gilded balconies, and reliefs. However, the interiors are even more impressive.

With great halls, a white dining room, an amber room, and more. It’s the perfect place to step back into history and discover what life was like as a Russian aristocracy.

12. Explore Peterhof Palace

If you’re going to visit Catherine Palace, you should tour Peterhof too. It’s a 40-minute drive away, but you can even take a hydrofoil speed boat from right behind the Hermitage in Saint Petersburg center.

Sitting close to the Baltic Sea, Peterhof Palace was constructed by Peter the Great to be Russia’s version of Versailles. The opulent residence surrounded by sculptures, fountains, and tiered staircases leading to the grand entrance evokes mystery and the history of a bygone era.

Inside it is lavishly decorated with dazzling chandeliers, one-of-a-kind artworks and beautiful ceiling frescoes.

On a guided tour, you can learn more about the palace’s history. Discover the Throne Room, Portrait Hall and Peter the Great’s Oak Study. You’ll see dining rooms set for dinner, grand ballrooms where dancing and gatherings would take place, and décor which defies time.

The palace offers great insight into his life and legacy, and if you are interested in history, art and interior design, you’ll love it.

Want to know more about Peterhof?

13. Spend a Day by the Finnish Border at Vyborg

Just over an hour from central Saint Petersburg by train is the city of Vyborg. It sits on the Gulf of Finland and was first settled back in the 12th century. The city has been occupied by Finnish and German forces and suffered extensive damage during the Second World War. However, it has since been rebuilt. 

It’s a charming center to wander around, with narrow cobbled streets, a medieval castle, and Finnish art nouveau structures sprinkled throughout. An easy day trip from St. Petersburg, it can also serve as a stop-off point if you’re crossing into Finland to continue your adventure.

Want to know more about Saint Petersburg?

Where is St. Petersburg | Is St. Petersburg in Europe?

If you want to know “Where is Saint Petersburg?”, you’ve come to the right place. Beautiful St. Petersburg is located in northern Russia. Russia is a massive country, so it is no surprise that many people want to know “Is Saint Petersburg in Europe?”. The answer is yes. 

How to Get to Saint Petersburg

The maritime city is well linked to Europe by air, sea, rail and road. Depending on where you’re traveling from and the rest of your itinerary, you can use one of the following ways to arrive at St. Petersburg.

You can fly into Saint Petersburg through Pulkovo International Airport. There are around 1,100 international flights a week and 1,200 domestic flights operating in and out of the local airport.

Although many flights from European cities to Saint Petersburg are direct, you may have to change flights if flying from further afield.

It’s also possible to travel to St. Petersburg by train. The most popular (and most frequent) routes operate from Moscow, Helsinki, and Tallinn. However, there are options to travel from other areas in central Europe, central Asia, and eastern Europe by rail.

There is a central bus station in Saint Petersburg, with services to and from Moscow, Pskov, Novgorod, Vilnius, Riga , Tallinn and Helsinki. Some of these journeys can be long and arduous.

Therefore, thorough research and choosing the right bus company is important.

Baltic Sea Cruises also operate to St. Petersburg as part of a larger itinerary, and St. Peter Line Ferry sails from Helsinki in Finland and Tallinn in Estonia.

Exploring Saint Petersburg, Russia

Saint Petersburg is the 5th most populous city in Europe and also a leading tourist destination. Although people sometimes forget about Russia, this city is breathtakingly beautiful and provides plenty of cultural and historical attractions.

Now that you know where to go, I hope you have an amazing time in Russia’s most beautiful city.

Friday 19th of January 2018

Thank you! So great review about our St. Petersburg!

What to do in St. Petersburg in 1 day - Probe around the Globe

Thursday 11th of May 2017

[…] more about the beauty of St. Petersburg from the Unusual […]

Friday 17th of June 2016

Which hostel did you stay at? I am potentially thinking of going to Russia for World Cup 2018 after my World Cup trip to Brazil two years ago. Saint Petersburg is one of the host cities, and so I am very interested in learning more about this city and recommendations from fellow travellers who have been.

Christian L.

I stayed at Soul Kitchen Junior, and I will go so far and say its by far the best hostel I have ever stayed at!! Anywhere in the world, no other hostels even get close to it:)

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Over 17 million airline passengers head out for the busiest Labor Day weekend ever

Juliana Kim

Travelers await rides at Los Angeles International Airport ahead of the Labor Day holiday on Friday. Mario Tama/Getty Images hide caption

This summer's record-breaking travel season is not over yet.

This Labor Day weekend is expected to be the busiest ever for the holiday at airports — with 17 million passengers planning to fly through Wednesday, the Transportation Security Administration said.

On Friday, there were over 8,000 delays and 450 cancellations affecting flights within, into or out of the U.S. By Saturday afternoon, there had already been 1,800 delays and 180 cancellations, according to the flight tracking site FlightAware .

Delta's flight delays and cancellations prompt Dept. of Transportation investigation

The American Automobile Association reported that domestic travel this weekend is up 9% compared to last year. Travel to Seattle — which is Labor Day's most popular destination — also went up nearly 30% from last year, when it had also topped the list. According to AAA's booking data, Alaska cruises have been sold out for the weekend.

AAA said international travel over Labor Day weekend is down 4% compared to last year. It said international travel costs, which went up by 11%, may have been a factor.

Planning a trip? Here's how to pack like a pro

Meanwhile, for road trip lovers, the average price for gas this weekend in the U.S. is lower this year — dropping to about $3.35 for a gallon of regular from $3.82 a year ago. AAA said it's preparing to rescue more than 300,000 stranded drivers over the coming days due to flat tires, dead batteries and lockouts.

This busy Labor Day weekend caps a historic summer for travel. The TSA said the 10 busiest days in the agency's history took place this summer starting in May. On July 7, the TSA screened a record 3 million in a single day.

19 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in St. Petersburg, FL

Written by Lura Seavey and Lana Law Updated Dec 24, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

The city of St. Petersburg, known locally as St. Pete and famed for its perpetual sunshine, lies on the Pinellas Peninsula on the central Gulf Coast of Florida, between Tampa Bay and Boca Ciega Bay. Off the western side of the peninsula is a chain of long, narrow islands with some of Florida's best beaches.

The city is compact and easy to navigate. Many of the top attractions are near one another, making visiting more than one in an afternoon an easy task. St. Petersburg is one of Florida's cultural hot spots with a fine selection of world famous institutions, including the Dali, Imagine, and Fine Arts Museums along with the Morean Arts Center.

However, St. Pete's isn't all about culture. Mere minutes away is St. Pete's Beach and the gorgeous soft sands and warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Turning inland, the city of Tampa is another fun place to explore, with more things to do and great restaurants.

Explore the best places to visit in the city and surrounding areas with our list of the top attractions and things to do in St. Petersburg.

See also: Where to Stay in St. Petersburg

Soak Up the Sun at St. Pete Beach

The dali museum in st. petersburg, see nature come alive at the sunken gardens, head out to the new st. pete pier, explore beaches and history at fort de soto park, check out the colorful chihuly glass collection, st. petersburg saturday morning market, waterfront arts district, imagine museum, museum of fine arts, enjoy some nature at the boyd hill nature preserve, drive the sunshine skyway bridge, run, walk, or cycle the pinellas trail, weedon island preserve, great explorations children's museum, clearwater marine aquarium, visit john's pass village & boardwalk, take a drive to clearwater beach, sand key park, where to stay in st. petersburg for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to st. petersburg and clearwater, map of attractions & things to do in st. petersburg, fl, saint petersburg, fl - climate chart.

Just a 20-minute drive from downtown St. Petersburg is the fun beach town of St. Pete Beach. Home to a spectacular wide and long stretch of soft, golden sand lapped by warm, clear water, St. Pete Beach has been drawing legions of visitors for years. The list of things to do in St. Pete Beach is long, and includes lazing on the beach (of course!), parasailing, fishing, jet skiing, and frolicking in the ocean.

An assortment of accommodation is available, ranging from old-school Florida hotels to condos, right through to luxury resorts. Restaurants along the main street all have outdoor patios, perfect for grabbing a light lunch or a pleasant dinner once the heat of the day has passed. St. Pete Beach is just one of many fantastic beaches along this stretch of coastline; others include Treasure Island, Madeira, Redington Shores, and Indian Shores.

The Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg houses a comprehensive collection of paintings by this Surrealist master, with a total collection of more than 2,000 works of art. Dali's entire artistic career is represented, from his early work in Impressionism and Cubism to later experiments in more "Classical" styles.

Oil paintings, watercolors, original drawings, sculptures, graphics, photographs, and prints are among the exhibits. The Dali Museum Library and Center for the Avant-garde are also housed here, which preserve books, magazines, newspaper clippings, and other important documents related to Dali, Surrealism, and Avant-garde influences.

Address: One Dali Boulevard, St. Petersburg, Florida

Official site: http://thedali.org

The Sunken Gardens began as the hobby of a plumber named George Turner and have evolved into a St. Petersburg institution. First conceived of in 1903, Turner transformed a lakebed into a six-acre tropical garden, which eventually became so popular that he started to charge admission.

The Turner family continued to care for and improve upon the garden, and it was finally purchased by the city in 1999, becoming a community effort. Today, you can walk the paths and enjoy the rare plants, some of which are as old as the garden itself.

You'll have a chance to see tropical flora from all over the world, and enjoy the ambience of waterfalls, footbridges, and even resident flamingos. The gardens also conduct horticultural programs and garden tours, as well as host special events, including weddings.

Address: 1060 Gulf Boulevard, Clearwater, Florida

Address: 1825 4th St. N., St. Petersburg, Florida

Official site: https://www.stpete.org/visitors/sunken_gardens.php

The brand-new St. Pete Pier is a far cry from what used to exist in the same space only a few short years ago. Today the Pier is more than just an extension into the ocean; now it's 26 acres of fun, food, activities, and entertainment.

Blending seamlessly into the surroundings, the pier area is an ideal place to spend an afternoon with the family or an evening out with a group of friends. You'll find six different restaurants ranging from Teak, a fine-dining establishment with fantastic views, right through to the more casual Fresco's Waterfront Bistro offering vistas of the incredible array of pleasure craft moored nearby. For a snack by the beach, pop into the Spa Beach Bistro.

The St. Pete Pier is 3,000 feet long and can be a nice place to visit for a stroll, but it can also feel like a long walk in the hot Florida sun. Fortunately, a tram runs from end to end making a walk out and a tram ride back a popular combination.

Spread throughout the St. Pete Pier area are public works of art , one of the most spectacular being the work by Janet Echelman called Bending Arc . Near the end of the pier is the unique Olnetopia by Nick Ervinck. Also definitely worth checking out is the sculpture of the Benoist Airboat first flown by Tony Jannus in 1914.

Don't worry, you can still fish at the new St. Pete Pier – just walk all the way out to the end, where you'll find a platform. Bait and tackle are available nearby.

Address: 800 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg, Florida

Official site: https://stpetepier.org/

Five different keys make up the 1,136-acre Fort DeSoto Park, the largest park in Pinellas County. Most people come here to enjoy the beaches, but numerous nature and recreation trails offer great opportunities for hiking, birding, biking, and rollerblading, and there are also two fishing piers.

The park is named for the fort located on the southern end of Mullet Key , built in 1898 during the Spanish-American War. Remains of the fort can be visited on a self-guided tour, and a small museum with historical information is located in the former Quartermaster Storehouse. Other buildings on-site include civilian quarters, barracks, the bakery, and the former hospital, among others.

This is a particularly popular spot for bird-watchers , home to at least 328 species of birds.

Camping is also popular here. The park has 238 sites just a short stroll away from the beach. Sites have electricity and water; central washroom buildings have flush toilets and showers. The campground has special sites set aside for those traveling with pets. The county has recently upgraded the playground in Campground Area #2, with new features that children will be sure to love.

Camping reservations can be made six months in advance for non-residents, seven months in advance for residents.

Address: 3500 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde, Florida

Official site: www.pinellascounty.org/park/05_ft_desoto.htm

St. Petersburg is proud to be home to the Chihuly Collection. Found at the Morean Arts Center , the collection is spread out over 10,000 square feet and is housed in a specially designed building. To get the best experience and understanding of the items you are about to see, start your visit by watching the short video on Dale Chihuly's life and his creative methods.

The collection has some of the artist's finest pieces, including Ruby Red Icicle Chandelier, Macchia, Ikebana, Tumbleweeds, and many others. The colors are incredible and varied; the shapes formed are unlike anything you've ever seen.

For a peek into how these amazing pieces of art are formed, be sure to visit the Morean Arts Center Hot Shop (additional fee). Here, you'll see the artists hard at work blowing glass into fantastical shapes.

Official site: https://www.moreanartscenter.org/chihuly/

St. Petersburg is considered one of Florida's most livable cities for its mild climate, cultural institutions, and overall quality of life. Part of what makes it an attractive place to live are things like the St. Petersburg Saturday Market. Each Saturday, over 125 vendors set up and showcase their goods.

It's an ideal place to collect all the freshest ingredients such as meats, cheeses, vegetables, and sweets for your Saturday night get-together dinner. It's also a great spot to search out that eclectic or unique piece of artwork for that blank space on your wall. Feeling a bit of hunger coming on? You are in the right spot. Over 15 different cuisines are represented by vendors cooking up the tastiest dishes you can imagine.

In addition to all the great shopping, local musicians fill the air with the sounds of music. The market runs from 9am until 2pm. In the fall and winter (October 2nd to May 28th), the market is located at the waterfront at the address below. In the summer, it is located at Williams Park, 301 1st Ave N.

Location: 100 1st Street NE, St. Petersburg, Florida

Official site: https://saturdaymorningmarket.com/

Just back from St. Petersburg's waterfront area is a delightful area known at the Waterfront Arts District, one of five located throughout the city. Stately old trees line the streets, and several city parks provide public space to rest and relax. Park the car and just wander around; you'll be amazed at what you find.

The area is home to many of the city's most popular cultural institutions, including the Dali Museum, the St. Petersburg Museum of History, The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art, along with many others. All are within walking distance of one another.

In addition to the museums, the area is full of shops and restaurants, many of which have lovely shady patios, ideal for lunch or dinner. Walk towards the water past South Straub Park, and you'll come across the St. Pete Pier to your left and Demens Landing Park to your right.

The area is roughly defined as a long rectangle running from Beach Street/1st Street South to 3rd Street and 7th Avenue North and 7th Avenue South.

The Imagine Museum is one of the top museums in the United States for art created out of glass. The museum is the proud home of the extensive Trish Joy Collection of over 1,500 pieces, 500 of which are on display at any point in time. In addition, you'll find other interesting collections, including the spectacular 1,000 Buddha installation.

One of the best ways to experience the museum is to take one of the three free tours included with your admission. The first of the three tours is titled Journey of the Imagination. It is a fascinating multimedia and augmented reality experience.

The second tour is the Introduction to Studio Glass, and details the development of this art form starting in the 1960s.

The third tour, Introduction to International Studio Glass, showcases the evolution of studio glass work in Europe. Tours are generally 30 minutes in length and take place on specific days.

Official site: https://www.imaginemuseum.com/

St. Petersburg's Museum of Fine Arts is considered the premiere art museum in the Tampa Bay area, home to over 20,000 works of art that span 5,000 years of human creativity.

The collection includes Greek, Roman, and Asian antiquities, African art, ancient art from the Americas, and European art. Among the better-known artists featured here are Monet, Rodin, and O'Keefe, and the museum hosts traveling exhibits and temporary galleries.

Collections also include a large photography collection, a gallery of glass art, and a sculpture garden. Docent-led tours are available for full museum tours, and visitors can request tours that focus on the areas that interest them most.

The museum is located in a lovely setting in St. Petersburg's waterfront downtown area.

Address: 255 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg, Florida

Official site: http://mfastpete.org

This lovely park is a beautiful retreat for those looking for a little nature. The park features six miles of walking trails and boardwalks that explore the area's varied ecosystems, including swamp woodlands and a willow marsh.

The park is also part of the Great Florida Birding Trail and home to the Birds of Prey Aviary, and rangers provide guided tours, which often spot turtles and other wildlife. The park also offers nature camps and picnic facilities and has a playground, picnic areas, and shelters.

A great way to explore the park is to take one of the tram tours. For a modest fee (in addition to your park admission) you'll cover far more of the park in a shorter period of time and learn about the flora and fauna from an expert.

Also on site is a gift shop, and the park hosts annual nature events like a butterfly count conducted by the North American Butterfly Association.

Located on I 275, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge crosses the water at the entrance to Tampa Bay. This spectacular bridge is impressive from a distance but driving across it offers a unique perspective. Stretching 12 miles in total, a little more than four miles of the bridge rises high above the ocean, allowing for large vessels to pass below.

Two main pillars tower above the road, and the high points add some eye-catching drama to the bridge. It took five years to build, and is now considered one of the world's most beautiful bridges. Views of the bridge are particularly beautiful at night when it is lit up.

If the wind is blowing, pull off at the northern Skyway Rest Exit and check out the kiteboarders racing across the water under their colorful kites.

The Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail, created along an abandoned railroad corridor, is a 37-mile-long park and recreation trail, running from the downtown waterfront of St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs.

This multi-use trail is enjoyed by walkers, runners, cyclists, and skaters, and features a number of shops, restaurants, and cafes along the route. To help visitors navigate, nine sculptures mark the various communities through which the trail passes.

One of the lovely areas along the trail is Dunedin , a quaint town that has preserved its village-like atmosphere. It began as a seaport and trading center, and is best known today as the spring training camp for the Toronto Blue Jays.

Honeymoon Island State Recreation Area and Caladesi Island State Park are located just off the coast of Dunedin and offer opportunities for both nature and water sports enthusiasts.

The Weedon Island Preserve covers over 3,000 acres in north St. Petersburg on the shores of Tampa Bay and can be explored on foot via nearly five miles of paths and boardwalks, and by water on designated paddling trails along the waterways.

A great place to start is the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center , which houses a variety of exhibits and resources. This is a free attraction, and visitors will learn about the area's ecosystems, habitats, plants, and animals, and how humans have interacted with nature here over thousands of years. From the center, you can walk out on scenic trails.

If you are interested in paddling or fishing, head to the boat launch area. You can set off from here, and the water is quite shallow in areas. People come here to kayak or stand up paddleboard; kayak rentals are available nearby. Next to the launch is a dock where people come to fish.

This is an excellent place for bird-watching, as well as spotting marine life in the water of this protected flood plain, including stingrays and oysters.

Address: 1800 Weedon Drive N.E., St. Petersburg, Florida

Official site: http://www.weedonislandpreserve.org/

The Great Explorations Children's Museum is an excellent place go on a rainy day, providing a variety of educational activities and fun things to do for younger kids. Children can explore and climb on an ocean-themed play structure, Longo's Cove, or dig in the sand in a beach-themed play area.

Young engineers can build using an assortment of materials provided at the "Build It" tables or stack giant soft blocks to create kid-size structures. Kids can try being a grown-up in the kid-size supermarket, help a sick puppy get better at the veterinarian's office, make "pizza" at the local shop, and learn about safety while exploring the firehouse.

Other interactive areas include an art studio, a theater, and a health and wellness exhibit sponsored by Johns Hopkins.

Address: 1925 4th Street North, St. Petersburg, Florida

Official site: https://greatex.org

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is best known as home to film dolphins Winter and Hope who inspired and starred in the Dolphin Tale movies. Among other residents are sea turtles, otters, pelicans, sharks, and stingrays, as well as an assortment of other fish.

The aquarium has regular shows, which are part of general admission, as well as special tours and activities you can choose as add-ons. One of the most popular is a behind-the-scenes tour, which allows you to see rescued and recovering animals awaiting return to their ocean homes and learn about what it takes to care for these beautiful creatures.

Other offerings include guided kayak and boat tours, which explore various topics, including the ecology of Clearwater Bay and a Dolphin Adventure Tour.

Address: 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, Florida

Official site: https://www.cmaquarium.org/

Tourist trap or fun place to go shopping and hang out; the jury hasn't made a final determination on this popular attraction. If it's a so-so day or you've had enough culture or beach and are looking for something different, swing by John's Pass. You'll find a boardwalk lined by restaurants with good views over the water and constant boat traffic.

Back from the waterfront is an extensive retail area with over 100 retailers consisting of souvenir shops, ice-cream stands, and places selling things you never thought you needed. Many tour boats leave from here on excursions out into the Gulf of Mexico. Note that parking here is not free, and enforcement is stringent.

Address: 12901 Gulf Lane, Madeira Beach, Florida

Official site: https://johnspass.com/

Clearwater Beach is often rated as one of the top beaches in Florida , and even the United States. Miles of pristine white sand attracts tourists and local sun-seekers, and it's all just a 40-minute drive from St. Petersburg. A number of Clearwater's top resorts look over this beautiful beach.

The Beachwalk , Clearwater Beach's seaside promenade, stretches along the sand and is lined with souvenir shops, restaurants, and other attractions. Another popular spot is Pier 60 , a 1,080-foot fishing pier with numerous amenities, including a large bait and tackle shop, which provides rental equipment to tourists.

Family attractions include a huge beach playground and nightly sunset celebrations with entertainment and vendors

Sand Key Park is located on the barrier island of the same name, and is home to both a beautiful beach and a diverse nature area, if you are visiting Clearwater, it's worth a stop.

The park is part of an ongoing effort to create an artificial reef in the Gulf of Mexico, and also works closely with Clearwater Aquarium to ensure the safety of the sea turtles and their hatchlings.

In addition to its walking trails, Sand Key Park is ideal for bird-watching , where heron, roseate spoonbill, great horned owl, anhinga, and common moorhen nest and feed in the salt marsh.

The park's beach area offers a good range of amenities, including lifeguards during the summer months, concessions, and bath houses. Plenty of rentals are available, so you don't need to lug your own - you can get everything from umbrellas and cabanas to bicycles and kayaks. This beach is also one of the least expensive things to do around St. Petersburg, with only a minimal parking fee.

We recommend these highly rated hotels in St. Petersburg, near popular downtown attractions like the Dali Museum :

• The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club : A 4-star luxury resort, this 1925 landmark property features stylish décor, multiple restaurants, a deluxe spa, and heated outdoor pool.
• Avalon Hotel : This mid-range hotel is located in the historic district and has a funky retro feel. The rooms feature Art Deco décor. Guests have access to an adjacent pool and a free area shuttle.
• Hampton Inn & Suites St. Petersburg Downtown : With affordable rates, a lovely outdoor pool, modern room décor, and free hot breakfast, this hotel checks all the boxes.
• The Inn on Third : This budget-friendly hotel offers quaint décor and antique furnishings.
• Segway through St. Petersburg: Tourists can cover plenty of ground while exploring St. Petersburg by Segway on this guided historic tour . Limited to a maximum of seven people, this intimate tour provides an up-close look at some of the city's most historic spots while a knowledgeable guide provides commentary and answers questions. Safety equipment and Segway operation instruction is included.
• Speedboat Adventure: Tourists can take the wheel and feel the thrill of driving their own speedboat on this two-hour guided tour of Tampa Bay . Communicating with your guide via two-way headset, you will be led past some of the bay's top tourist attractions, including Sunshine Skyway Bridge, Fort de Soto, and Egmont Key, as well as several stops at scenic spots where you can spot marine wildlife like dolphins and manatees. Instruction on boat operation is included.
• Romance on the Gulf: Couples will particularly enjoy this 2.5-hour evening cruise by yacht on the Gulf of Mexico . The cruise features live music and dancing, and passengers can enjoy the views from both the outdoor observation deck and the indoor areas, which feature picture windows to ensure a great view. For those who would like to dine during the cruise, a full-service gourmet restaurant has a wide variety of options.
• Marine Wildlife on Shell Key: Tourists can get a great introduction to Shell Key Island on this two-hour small-group Dolphin Watch and Snorkeling Cruise. The cruise, which offers a variety of departure times to fit your family's vacation itinerary, stops on the shores of Shell Key Island where passengers can choose to swim, stroll on the beach, or snorkel using provided equipment. Guests will also get the chance to look out for sea life on the way to and from the island, including dolphins, rays, and even manatees.

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Family Fun in Tampa: Tampa sits about 45 minutes from St. Petersburg and can be reached via either of two bridges, which span Tampa Bay from one city to the other. Tampa's most popular tourist attractions include Busch Gardens and several other wildlife-focused parks, as well as good museums for families, a historic district, and the Franklin Street pedestrian center. Like many other cities on Florida's Gulf Coast, Tampa is home to several excellent resorts.

Orlando Getaway: While Clearwater Beach is a great day trip from Orlando , tourists staying here can just as easily head inland for a day in the nation's theme park capital. The city of Orlando is home to top family amusement parks like Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, and also close to the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral.

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