http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12054
In fact, it takes just a few minutes to get to the Hermitage (what a museum!). What is more, Nevsky Prospect is amazing: this boulevard was built in the 18th century and it is full of Italian and French influence: Saint Petersburg is really the union of two different cultures!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12054 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11851
The casual cellar atmosphere is cosy and welcoming. The staff pretty much all speak English. The moderately-priced menu (in English and Russian) features tasty American-style food including nachos with homemade chili, and monster burgers like nowhere else in the city.

Free WiFi and internet phone are really conveninent and helpful, and the English-language book and video library can help keep you sane if you're stuck here in winter.

The bar attracts a younger crowd late nights on weekends, especially when there's a DJ or band. It can get a little wild (in a fun way), and it's a great time to meet and party with locals.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11851 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/8074 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/8074 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/6735 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/6735 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4926
The basic drill is to sit around large tables drinking cheap-ish beer and vodka (occasionally absinthe), talking to friends and random strangers. Don't forget to try the grenki (fried bread with garlic), which give Cynic its special, peculiarly persistent smell. The food is actually surprisingly good, but most people come for the booze.

If you're lucky, some of the younger female patrons might have enough to decide dancing topless on the tables is a good idea. In which case, you've seen a genuine St Petersburg institution.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4926 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4924
There's another Dickens Pub in Riga, so you could do a mini-tour. Although why you'd come to the Baltic to go to a British pub may need some explaining.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4924 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4646 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4646 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4643 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4643 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4642 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4642 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/3965 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/3965 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/3797
The first sight of it will linger always in the memory; the dominant blue, decorated with gold and white trimmings is overwhelming given the scale of the building. It contains the famous amber room, which is panelled entirely with amber taken from the Russian forests. The original is said to have been destroyed or stolen during the second world war, no one knows the truth, but they've just finished restoring it using the same original methods and materials.

Apparently Elton John played in the lavish ballroom not long ago - I'm surprised he hasn't put in an offer yet.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/3797 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/3323 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/3323 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/3320 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/3320 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2584 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2584 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2134 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2134 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9441 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9441 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9438 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9438 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5820 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5820 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4929 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4929 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4878 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4878