It kind of makes sense that music and films have largely turned into digital, virtual things lately - they are, in essence, immaterial anyway. The trade in records and DVDs, likewise, has shifted online. But any city, to remain culturally relevant, still needs a few well-stocked record shops.
Play, one of the occupiers of that niche, is located next to the great cultural oasis, St Petersburg State Circus (where non-human animals are forced to perform, so not a recommended place to visit). It was started in 2005 by Bomba-Piter, St Petersburg's largest record company, which over the years has unleashed crucial local rock, singer-songwriter and classical releases on the world. They occasionally put out records by local favourites like Iva Nova, Markscheider Kunst or Oleg Karavaychuk (as well as lesser luminaries).
Some of these local releases are probably a good enough reason to come out to Play, like the double-LP/double-CD anthology of 1980s new wave band Strannyye Igry. But it has a few shelves of classic Russian LPs (many recently reissued) and CDs (many originals), a fairly massive stock of jazz & prog records, a few 7"s (mostly funk, punk and other good stuff), a scary amount of DVDs with films dubbed into Russian, paraphernalia for vinyl addicts, the lot. Can't say it necessarily comes cheap (as real-life record shops are also checking stock prices against Discogs), nor does it cater to my very peculiar needs all that well, but I do come home with an occasional piece of vinyl in my beak.
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Saint Petersburg guide.
"Berthold Centre" in St. Petersburg creates cozy and historic vibes with its big umbrella yard. I always have trouble deciding between the pizza & syrniki!
By
The "Chaev Mansion" in St. Petersburg is a dental clinic that's actually in an old pre-revolutionary mansion! You can't miss it...
By
"The Manege" in Saint Petersburg isn't just a place for trade fairs anymore -- the art exhibitions in this historical riding hall are just stunning!
By
You are likely to see sunbathers and swimmers past St Peters and Paul Fortress on Troitsky bridge on any sunny day in Saint Petersburg -- or ice fishers!
By
"Mariniere by Maison de Zhirobas" is one of the best seasonal restaurants, with the best seafood in Saint Petersburg! Not pretentious at all, either...
By
Getting a ride on a marshrutka in Saint Petersburg is a small taste of local life, but getting the front seat -- that's a ride to rival a rollercoaster!
By
"Doroga Zhizni Memorial", or The Road of Life, is a memorial to the 900 days of the Siege of Leningrad. You should also check out the famous marathon...
By
"Eat Market" is a gourmet gastro-bar dining heaven in retail mall Galeria in St. Pete -- brought to you us by the masterminds behind Vasilievsky Market!
By
"Dovlatov Statue" in Saint Peterburg is in the city's unoffical nightlife center. The spirit of this rebel continues to live on this street every day...
By
"AF Brew Taproom" in Saint Petersburg is a beer enthusiast's dream! It's so fashionably hip it hurts & its vaulted ceiling is reminiscent of an old church.
By
"Stiglitz Drawing Academy" is probably one of Saint Petersburg's most underrated gems. It really makes me feel I've been transported to 19th-century Paris.
By
106 Insider Tips from Locals
Authentic Stories
Escape the Crowds
Full Access to our Art & culture Blog & App!
✓ 106 Hidden Gems only Locals know
✓ Full Access to the Art & culture City Blog & App!