Get Enthralled by St. Petersburg Russia’s Leading Destination for Leisure and MICE
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.
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.
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." 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.
The Winters in St. Petersburg
In winter the city 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 subzero 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 cuttingedge 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 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. 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. Boasting 79 spacious rooms, including 27 luxurious suites, each equipped with high-end technology, the Wawelberg 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.
Planetarium 1 is a former 19th-century gasholder that, in November 2017, was converted into a Planetarium. It has the world’s biggest dome, measuring 37 metres 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,” (Beydardi in Hindi) glorified by Nacho Duato, at the Mikhailovsky Theatre.
A Visual Symphony of St. Petersburg's Opulent Past
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.
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.