Five things to do in St Petersburg during the World Cup in Russia, or any time

Soccer fans descending on Russia’s second city for the Fifa World Cup are spoiled for choice when it comes to diversions away from the matches – but you don’t need the excuse of a sports tournament to pay a visit

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A night view looking along one of St Petersburg’s many canals. Photo: David Burden

Published: 9:15pm, 14 May 2018Updated: 8:09pm, 15 May 2018

Are you heading to Russia to watch your team in the World Cup this summer? If you’re going to be in St Petersburg – base for England, Costa Rica, Saudi Arabia and South Korea and host city for a semi-final and third place play-off – you’re in luck. Russia’s second city offers plenty for the visitor to explore beyond the St Petersburg Stadium.

With no tall modern buildings, the St Petersburg skyline has barely changed since the city was built. Photo: David Burden

1. Impressive churches

One thing St. Petersburg is not short of is churches. There’s the Church of the Saviour on the Spilled Blood just off Nevsky Prospekt, with its opulent mushroom minarets and intricate interior mosaic frescoes, while over near Palace Square, St Isaac’s Cathedral affords visitors to its upper-level colonnade a 360- degree view across the rooftops of the city.

Ascend to the viewing level at St Isaac’s Cathedral for views across the city rooftops. Photo: David Burden

The largest Russian Orthodox place of worship in the city, with soaring ceilings and lavish golden interiors, it is well worth a visit.