Mariinsky Opera & Ballet Theatre / Mariinsky Concert Hall

The Mariinskiy is better known for its ballet company and the name of the it's director Valeriy Gergiev, it is also Russia’s leading opera & ballet house. Neo-Renaissance facade, the pale blue and gold auditorium, where so many world famous dancers have made their debut, creates a dazzling impression. Its architectural decoration of twisted columns, atlantes, cherubs and cameo medallions, emperial eagles in the Royal box has remained unchanged since the theatre completion in 1896.

Hermitage

The best place to get acquainted with St. Petersburg is the elegant Palace Square. Its scale alone can hardly fail to impress—the square's great the Winter Palace was constructed to clearly out Versailles. The Palace is home to the best reason to come to St. Petersburg - the Hermitage. Renowned as one of the world's leading picture galleries, it also served as a residence of the Russian Imperial family, and now hosts some of the greatest old Western master paintings in the world.

• Tuesdays - Saturdays: 10.30-18.00
  Sundays: 10.30 - 17.00
  Closed Mondays