If you thought that electric vehicles are a new fad invented to save the planet from ecological disaster, think again! Long before gas-guzzling motor cars blocked the roads and ruined city centres, electric transport - namely trams and trolley-buses - were in wide use. They still are in some cities, but the fabulous Museum in St Petersburg celebrates them in all their retro forms.
The museum has exhibits that go through the entire fascinating history of city transport, a real insight into the cultural and social history of this amazing city. The best bit though is that it is interactive - you can actually ride some of the retro vehicles. For example, the bright red tourist tram #1 (obviously) is a frequent site around the city - I often catch sight of it outside the mosque on Petrogradskaya. It's probably because the tram leaves to a timetable from the museum at 10:00, 13:00, 16:00 on weekdays, and on the hour from 10:00 to 19:00 at weekends. Guests can sit on a wooden seat and enjoy gliding around the city, passing a host of sights en route. It's a great way to see the city, and a far better experience than any hop-on, hop-off double-decker bus experience.
Find your way with 106 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
I like it when historic places suddenly get their second life. This is exactly what's happened with Anna "Pavlova's Room" in Saint Petersburg...
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"Berthold Centre" in St. Petersburg creates cozy and historic vibes with its big umbrella yard. I always have trouble deciding between the pizza & syrniki!
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The "Chaev Mansion" in St. Petersburg is a dental clinic that's actually in an old pre-revolutionary mansion! You can't miss it...
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"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!
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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!
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"Mariniere by Maison de Zhirobas" is one of the best seasonal restaurants, with the best seafood in Saint Petersburg! Not pretentious at all, either...
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"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...
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"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...
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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!
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The "Yelagin Island Parkrun" in Saint Petersburg is a 5k run that takes place very Saturday morning, as is tradition in the movement. It's not a race!
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"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!
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106 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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