Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Saint Petersburg is the cultural capital of Russia, renowned for its history, architecture, and waterways. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 5,400,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speeds are around 50-100 Mbps, with many coworking spaces offering high-speed Wi-Fi. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 97 RUB, 1 USD ≈ 90 RUB. Major banks include Sberbank and VTB. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. It's advisable to use bottled water or water filters. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular mobile providers include MTS, Beeline, and Megafon. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards are accepted widely, including Visa and Mastercard. Local options include Tinkoff and Alfa-Bank. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from Airbnb to local rental agencies. Websites like Cian and Domofond are popular for long-term rentals. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely in urban areas, though some small shops may require cash. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Booking.com provide numerous options for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Heart of Petersburg and Friends on Vasilyevsky offer affordable lodging. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Nevsky Prospekt is the main avenue and ideal for first-time visitors. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Vasilievsky Island area is popular among expats and offers a vibrant community. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Workle is a leading coworking space with modern amenities and networking opportunities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Mikhailov offers a relaxed atmosphere and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check platforms like Meetup for regular networking events around tech and entrepreneurship. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Saint Petersburg Expats Meetup on Facebook offers community gatherings and events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Yandex Go is the most popular ride-hailing service. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | You can use the city bike-sharing service called Velobike. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Repino Beach is about 40 minutes away by train. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Pulkovo Airlines serves various domestic routes. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Aeroflot offers extensive international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major road connections include the M10 and M20 highways. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Moskovsky Station serves as the primary train hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Depending on the type, public transport passes range from 75 RUB for a single ride to 2600 RUB for a monthly pass. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | You can get to nearby cities like Novgorod by train (approximately 2.5 hours) or by bus. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | City Hospital No. 26 specializes in emergency care and general healthcare. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yogastudio offers various yoga classes suitable for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | World Class is a well-known gym chain, and you can also find many local fitness studios. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry House offers convenient cleaning services across the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Delivery Club and Яндекс.Еда (Yandex.Eda) are popular for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Pelmeni (dumplings) and Blini (thin pancakes) at local eateries. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Berlin is a popular vegan café known for diverse plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Café Pyshechnaya is famous for its delicious donuts and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Try the Kuznechny Market for fresh produce and local foods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Ozon.ru is the leading online marketplace similar to Amazon. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Delivery services from local supermarkets like Pyaterochka are available. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Ligovsky Prospekt is the hub for nightlife with numerous bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Afbov is a popular local brewery offering tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Siphon Bar features an extensive wine selection from local and international vineyards. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Try street food at Vasilievsky Island's food markets. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | You can find great Asian cuisine at Asian Bar and authentic Italian at Cantinetta. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Hermitage Museum, Peterhof Palace, and Church of the Savior on Blood. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Russian Museum features an impressive collection of Russian art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Saint Isaac's Cathedral and the Winter Palace are significant historical sites. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Smolny Convent and Peter and Paul Fortress are key religious landmarks. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | White Nights Festival occurs in June and July, featuring arts and culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Arts Square area is known for its vibrant cultural scene. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Mariinsky Theatre is renowned for opera and ballet performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Sennoy Market offers local goods and produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | In recent years, the local music scene has flourished with many underground venues. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore the street art in the Art District on Vasilyevsky Island. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | The Culinary School offers Russian cooking classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Erarta Museum of Contemporary Art showcases modern Russian artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Singer House and Smolny Cathedral are examples of stunning architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city's history as the former capital is reflected in its culture and architecture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Koltushi Lake area is a great escape for nature lovers. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Leningrad Region National Park is accessible for a day trip. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The waterfront along the Neva River offers stunning views and walking paths. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The roof of the Saint Isaac's Cathedral provides a breathtaking view of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Valaam Islands are popular for birdwatching in summer. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Krestovsky Island has designated areas for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | SDEK and Boxberry offer reliable shipping and delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | You can find tech repair services at IT Center on Nevsky Prospekt. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Ping Pong Club located in the city center is a great option. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Lingua is a popular language school for learning Russian. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Saint Petersburg State Library provides a quiet study environment. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The House of Nationalities promotes cultural exchange and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gamerzone offers various gaming experiences and competitions. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Casino Royal is a known gambling venue in the city. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₽220,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ₽8,800,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₽150,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ₽6,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₽275,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₽16,500,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₽200,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₽12,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₽300,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₽24,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₽250,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₽20,000,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Taxation is based on worldwide income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 13% |
| 🧾 VAT | 20% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules are applied. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, property tax is based on the cadastral value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 0.3% - 2.0% varying by property type. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Digital nomads may benefit from specific treaties with reduced tax rates. |