The city is home to the most vibrant LGBT+ scene in Russia, but at the same time the roots of the ‘anti-gay’ law come from a lawmaker from St. Myriad events take place day and night, especially when the night is almost as light as day in June and July during the ‘white nights’ season.
The city is known for its intelligentsia. Architecturally closer to Venice or Amsterdam than any Russian city and referred to as the ‘cultural capital’ of Russia, it is eclectic, home to bustling youth subcultures, bars and a vibrant NGO scene.
The first thing many people notice about Saint Petersburg is how different it feels compared to the rest of Russia.