The St. Petersburg Convention Bureau recently provided the opportunity to marvel at the enchanting city of St. Petersburg and its MICE capabilities whilst offering a deeper understanding of the city, surpassing my previous knowledge of it. St. Petersburg ticks all the right boxes not only as a remarkable cultural experience but also as an exceptional MICE destination.
– Prashant Nayak
Founded by Peter the Great more than three centuries ago, St. Petersburg holds witness to a considerable amount of Russian history. For more than 200 years, it was the resplendent capital of the great Russian Empire, where the Tsars ruled, and it remains the country’s cultural and spiritual centre to this day. Formerly known as Leningrad and Petrograd, St. Petersburg stands as Russia’s second-largest city after Moscow.
Architectural Splendour Across Centuries
St. Petersburg is a designed city on the Neva River, reflecting splendour from the 17th century to the 21st century and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Russia, and it is a daunting task to pinpoint specific places to visit in the city. Adorned with intricate waterways and canals, St. Petersburg has also been known as the “Venice of the North.” From the moment you step into the historical centre, you find yourself breathless, surrounded by magnificent architectural masterpieces, each depicting its own captivating story. The city boasts numerous palaces, grand buildings, museums, and historical monuments, both within its limits and in the surrounding areas, each offering a glimpse into bygone eras. The enchanting atmosphere exudes creativity and warmth, making it impossible not to fall in love with the place. St. Petersburg is stunning because no one else has managed to build a city of such grandeur and scale so far in the north; elusive and enigmatic, it carved out its distinctive identity, unfolding as timeless with an unparalleled blend of beauty and harmony.
The Winters in St. Petersburg
Starting late November, the city in winter transforms into a magical wonderland adorned with a pristine blanket of snow, adding an extra layer of charm to its winter allure. Strolling through its lanes feels like stepping into a Russian fairytale, with enchanting views at every turn. Winter in St. Petersburg brings sub-zero temperatures and early darkness, yet it holds a unique beauty. With proper layers to keep warm, exploring the city during this season becomes incredibly rewarding. The Neva River and the canals, adorned with palaces and churches, transform into a captivating sight as they freeze solid, presenting a joyous spectacle to behold.
The MICE Showcase
The ExpoForum Convention and Exhibition Centre is truly impressive. The centre is built in accordance with the standards of the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry and uses cutting-edge technologies to minimise damage to the environment and conserve resources. Apart from other major industries, international events in the oil, gas, and energy sectors are held in this centre. Multifunctionality and transformability are major strengths of the complex. The centre boasts three exhibition pavilions, a convention centre with a total holding capacity of 30,000 people (68 conference halls), a business centre, a customs and logistics complex, cafes, restaurants, and other such infrastructural amenities, and St. Petersburg’s first Hilton hotel. ExpoForum can accommodate concerts and shows for up to 10,000 attendees, host banquets for as many as 6,500 guests, and facilitate sports events with seating for up to 5,000 spectators. Annually, ExpoForum successfully orchestrates more than 200 events, attracting a substantial 1.4 million visitors. The travel time from Pulkovo International Airport to ExpoForum is about 15 minutes, and to the city’s historical centre, it is around 30–45 minutes, depending on the traffic.
Enjoying a fantastic central location opposite the golden dome of St. Isaac’s Cathedral, The Astoria offers 211 luxurious rooms and suites and opulent event space, including the hotel’s sumptuous Ballroom and Winter Garden. These venues are ideal for receptions, presentations, and banquets for around 150 to 200 pax. Its three meeting rooms are ideal for small-scale and private meetings and can also be used for seminars and training events for 8 to 36 people. Also, excellent meeting facilities are available at the neighbouring Angleterre Hotel. Elegantly adorned and equipped with cutting-edge audiovisual technology, the Angleterre features four versatile MICE venues. Among them, a 205-seat amphitheatre and two transformer halls stand ready to cater to various event needs.
In 2021, the Wawelberg Hotel was unveiled following an extensive renovation of the renowned historical Wawelberg family building on Nevsky Prospekt. Boasting 79 spacious rooms, including 27 luxurious suites, each equipped with high-end technology, the hotel provides a modern and comfortable stay. The highlight is the Wawelberg Hall, a historically reconstructed 740-square-metre space ideal for hosting small weddings and intimate celebrations.
Must-Visit Experiences
The Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg is not only one of the oldest museums in the world; it is also considered to be one of the best. It is located inside the Winter Palace of Empress Catherine the Great and spans more than 1,500 rooms. Leonardo da Vinci, Monet, Van Gogh, and artwork from the dawn of time—this museum will quite literally take your breath away. The Hermitage Museum showcases everything from fine art to ancient artifacts, with over 3 million items in its esteemed collection. Even if you only have limited time in St. Petersburg, be sure to add this museum to your itinerary! The Palace Square is located right in front of the Hermitage Museum and is impossible to miss. This square is magnificent and has been a witness to major historical events. It feels great to be in the middle of this place.
Walking around the historical part of St. Petersburg, one cannot help but notice a mysterious tower rising over the Obvodny Canal. It is a former 19th-century gasholder that, in November 2017, was converted into the world’s largest planetarium dome. Planetarium 1 has the world’s biggest dome, measuring 37 mt in diameter, and the full-dome projection space of 4000 m2, along with the surround sound, makes it a surreal space experience.
While Russian opera and ballet productions are world-renowned, the Mikhailovsky Classical Ballet and Opera Theatre, established in 1833, still keeps traditions alive. As an Indian, it was wonderful to witness the 150-year-old ballet “Bayadere,” glorified by Nacho Duato, at the Mikhailovsky Theatre. In this story, ancient India becomes a brilliant backdrop for the love of a temple dancer and a fine warrior, fated to remain apart in both the real and astral world.
A Visual Symphony of St. Petersburg’s Opulent Past
There are so many great cathedrals, churches, and monuments in St. Petersburg to visit that it can be hard to choose! St. Petersburg’s most iconic sight is probably the Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood. The Peter and Paul Fortress marks the very spot where St. Petersburg was founded. Walking along Nevsky Prospekt from beginning to end is the best way to get to know St. Petersburg and to check its pulse. The Peterhof Palace, on the outskirts, was built by Tsar Peter to outshine Versailles, and its grand cascade draws millions of tourists each year.
Summer Delights of St. Petersburg
In the summer months, one can embark on a boat cruise along the central Neva, Moika, and Fontanka River for a delightful exploration of St. Petersburg’s landmarks. Night cruises offer a unique spectacle of opening and closing bridges, passing by illuminated sights, and enchanting city embankments. Explore the historic cruiser Aurora, a naval ship turned museum on the Neva River, showcasing Russia’s rich history. Experience the city from a different perspective as locals organise rooftop tours and romantic dates, providing unparalleled views of St. Petersburg.
Overview
St. Petersburg is a photographer’s dream, with unique architecture that stands among the world’s most Instagrammable places. Rich in history, the city is easily a week-long holiday destination with diverse attractions, and one can be genuinely impressed by the lively energy and warmth of its people as they stroll through the bustling streets. My stay at the Indigo Hotel was comfortable, with cosiness evident in every corner. Noteworthy restaurants like Oh Mumbai, Schastye, VETER, BLOK, and Marso Polo in the city provided delightful settings and tantalising dishes. St. Petersburg is an amazing city that I have simply begun to admire!
From the MICE perspective, St. Petersburg, adorned with its stunning venues, is not just limited to the ones already discovered; there are undoubtedly more hidden gems scattered throughout the city. The architectural marvels and historic landmarks, combined with a rich cultural tapestry and scrumptious cuisines, make St. Petersburg an enticing destination for MICE from India.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
Guided Tours: English is widely understood but may not be easily communicated. Opt for a guided tour to grasp the city’s essence.
Currency: As some international cards currently do not work, ensure you have enough local currency (Roubles) for convenience.
Winter Essentials: Pack an extra layer of warm clothes for the winter chill.
Mobile Roaming Services: Activate international roaming, as Russian SIM cards may not be compatible with your phone.
Social Media: Facebook and Instagram may not function, but WhatsApp works reliably. Utilise Google Translator for language assistance when needed.
