Lonely Planet St Petersburg dr 5

Built on a swamp, the imperial capital is today a dazzling metropolis whose sheer grandeur never fails to amaze. Despite all that history has thrown at it, St Petersburg still feels every bit an imperial capital, a city largely frozen in time.

•    342 canal and river bridges, 120 rooms of art treasures at the Hermitage, 45 bars, pubs and clubs reviewed, 28 palaces and castles, four new galleries and arts spaces
•    Comprehensive map section
•    Feature coverage of top sights
•    Range of planning tools
•    In-depth background on St Petersburg's art and music history