St Petersburg is Russia's most beautiful city, its capital of culture and window on Europe. Built on 44 islands set amongst canals and rivers and crossed by over 300 bridges, the city is full of palaces, churches, mansions and parks. The city centre is a Unesco World Heritage Site, but it's not a museum-city; it's a lively metropolis filled with clubs, restaurants and music. The guide starts with the city's Top 10 Attractions, highlighting the unmissable sights such as St Isaac's magnificent cathedral and the Winter Palace and Hermitage with its treasure trove of artworks. Handy maps on the cover flaps help you find your way around, and are cross-referenced to the text. The guide provides all the essential background on St Petersburg's culture, history and people, plus an Eating Out chapter covering the city's cuisine. There are carefully chosen listings of the best hotels and restaurants and an A-Z of all the practical information you'll need.