I've got the chance to go to either cities for a short visit.
Which city do the people in the know recommend when it comes to nightlife, architechture, culture, sights....
I know the cities are not far apart with train but I only have a couple of days.

Thanks for any advice!!!!!!!!!

If you have limited time I would definitely say Moscow. It feels much grittier and more 'Russian' than St Petersburg which, although beautiful, could be in a number of European countries.

Hope this helps

Rachel

I know what poster #1 means, but if you want gritty post-Communism, you have a choice of many countries - every EE country has its miles of concrete suburbs.

However, no city in Europe is quite like St Petersburg, with stunning art and architecture but a very definite Russian ambience and attitude. And if it's your first trip to Russia, it's a good place to start. You can get gritty on subsequent trips once you've fallen in love with the place!

If you only have a few days, go to St. Petersburg. I may be somewhat biased since I lived in St. Petersburg for an entire summer, and only visited Moscow for 2 weeks.

Moscow is a much bigger city than St. Petersburg, but beyond the Kremlin & St.Basil's, it is an ugly cinderblock city.

St. Petersburg has incredible architecture and museums. The canals and promenades add a lot of charm. It is much easier to get around since the city is much more compact than sprawling Moscow.

By the way, Moscow and St. Petersburg are about 8 or 9 hours apart by train. If you really wanted to, you could take an overnight train and see both. But you'll probably just wish you had stayed in St. Petersburg for another day.
There are other sites outside the city such as Pushkin and Petrosdvorets (sp?) that are nice as well.

spent 3 days in St Petersburg, 4 days in Moscow two years back.

Wish I had done 5 days St Petersburg, 2 days Moscow.

St Petersburg has more vitality, more sights and is all round friendlier. The Hermitage is one of the worlds best visits!

One that Russians love to argue over themselves. If you only have a few days, yes St. Petes I suppose. It is smaller and more accessible. Most of the major tourist attactions are within walking distance. But if you were ever to have the chance to spend a little more time getting to know the heart and soul of a city, Moscow is fascinating.

I loved Russia when I went in the 90's especially St Petersburg with Catherine The Great's Winter Palace being one of the strong points. Also you must try the ice-creams the people sell in the streets!! When I took the train to Moscow it was about 11 or 12 hours though!

Apartment in Valencia

This message has been edited. Last edited by: valencia,

That’s definitely a tricky one… and to make it even more complicated, I’d say there were many more great places to visit in Russia for a few days beyond these two cities!!
I’d have to recommend St Petersburg for a short break though – it has a fascinating legacy of history, art and architecture. Even though it’s more accessible than Moscow, I’d still recommend taking a tour of the sights if you’re not there for long.
There aren’t any tourist offices in the city but most St. Petersburg hostels will help you organize something.

Hope it helps!