Other Attractions, Saint Petersburg

A friend and I were going to eat at this restaurant in St. P. I saw this Russian guy who looked so much like Rob Schneider that I had to tell my friend about it. Turned out it was Rob, promoting his movie in St. P. You see celebrities in L.A. every day, but didn't expect it in Russia. Then again, I didn't expect to run into my professor either.

During the summer months when the Neva river isn't frozen, the bridges across the river open at night to allow ships to pass up and down. Bridges open from May to late October according to a special schedule. Make sure you check the schedules and don't get caught on the wrong side of the river after 2 a.m., or you will be stranded on the wrong side of the river until the drawbridges are lowered between approximately 4:30 a.m. and 5 a.m.
One night, about 2 am we went to see how the bridge opens. Unfortunatelly, we were too late because this particular night it opened earlier because of the renewing. But... the tradition is that during bridge opening you should open the bottle of champagne and drink it at the bank. So we did it watching at the opened bridge and ships passing by.

Whores a-plenty. This seedy little bar is where I went with two other Westerners just after our car crash. I'd never been here before.

I don't know what the vibe is here. Its not full at all, but there are dodgy-looking devushki eyeing up the Western notecases stuffed with green. There are some stripper-type dancers (male and female) and its quite a sad atmosphere in general. The beer is overpriced but the vodkas are reasonable.

Sometimes there is a cover charge - it seems arbitrary. I made the mistake of taking a date there once but actually she kind of deserved it in a way! My advice is to avoid unless you really do want an overpriced lady of negotiable affection.

Dress Code: Shirt recommended.

When I visited Spain several years ago, I wanted to see a bullfight. Between Hemingway's romanticism and the gorgeous art of the posters, I was able to put out of my mind the violence involved. . .until it actually came to buying a ticket and I backed out.

Much the same thing happened with the St. Petersburg circus ~ I thought I wanted to go (it is the country's oldest, with renowned acrobatic acts). . .but chickened out at the last minute, due to the probability of seeing (and supporting through my purchase) cruel treatment of animals.

But, if you aren't bothered by such thoughts. . .they have evening performances and matinees on the weekend (note that the circus closes for six weeks during the summer).

The english written newspaper called St. Petersburg Times always has a section with night live tips. Mostly this tips are up to date. You will find the St Petersburg Times in hotels and travel agancies around the city. It is free of charge.

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I went to see the bridges at night as in the middle of the night they are opening them to let the big boats to pass through.