1. State Hermitage Museum
What is it? Undoubtedly the jewel in St Petersburg’s crown, the former winter palace of the Russian tsars is now a world-class art museum.
Why go? Wander the polished parquet corridors of this fantastic palace and marvel at the riches within. From Rembrandts to post-impressionists, you will need more than a day to take in the splendour of the three million works of art and world culture artefacts within. Don’t miss the 200-year-old clock adorned with mechanical golden peacocks, which still sing to this day.