Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
May Day and Victory Day) - St Petersburg empties out as many residents re-
treat from the city for much-needed vacations. Transport is often difficult to
book around these periods, but accommodation is usually not a problem. Al-
though many residents leave, the city is a festive place over New Year's and
during the May holidays, usually hosting parades, concerts and other events
in honour of the holidays. The downside is that many museums and other in-
stitutions have shortened hours or are closed altogether during these holiday
periods.
By contrast, the Stars of White Nights Festival was designed with tourists in
mind: theatres, museums and other institutions often host special events
between late May and early July to appeal to the massive influx of visitors dur-
ing this period. If you are visiting St Petersburg at this time, book your travel
and accommodation in advance and expect to pay top rates. In August there
are still plenty of tourists around, but residents tend to retreat from the city to
recover. Many theatres close for the month of August, as do some of the
smaller museums and galleries.
lowing list is St Petersburg's public holidays.
New Year's Day
1 January
Russian Orthodox Christmas Day
7 January
Defenders of the Motherland Day
23 February
International Women's Day
8 March
Easter Monday
April/May (varies)
International Labour Day/Spring Festival
1 & 2 May
Victory Day
9 May
Russian Independence Day
12 June
Day of Reconciliation and Accord
(the rebranded Revolution Day) 7
November
Constitution Day
12 December
