Sightseeing: even if you haven’t come here for the startling architecture on display, you won’t be able to avoid it. Simply walking down main streets in the centre like Nevsky Prospekt means taking in St Petersburg icons like the Admiralty and Cathedral of Our Lady Kazan. Decide what you want to see beforehand and make sure you have a rough itinerary to get the most out of the city. Clubbing: fans of nights out in the former Soviet bloc will have experienced it before, but for many visitors to Russia’s second city an evening in a disused bomb shelter is a first. Who ever said night clubs were unsafe? Fans of lively techno will be in their element here; and there are even gay and lesbian clubs to choose from, a remarkable achievement for a country that is more used to abusing homosexuals than partying with them. St Petersburg Circus: with performances dating back to 1877, the St Petersburg Circus is one of the oldest in Russia and makes for excellent entertainment for families. The usual acts are all here including jugglers, clowns and performing animals. Unlike many activities in St Petersburg, a visit to the circus is best done outside of the summer as the troupe usually travels between July and September. | 
