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Russia's first (and only?) lesbian club opened in 2002 and is still a fun, laidback place with dancing, live music at Thursdays and billiards. The multicoloured paint job and oddly shaped apertures give the interior a dreamy, almost space-age atmosphere. But the crowd is pretty down-to-earth and very diverse (aside from being mostly women, of course). Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday are women-only.
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Akimova Comedy Theatre
Housed inside the incredible Eliseevsky building, this is a great place to see contemporary and classic comedies, including works by Neil Simon, Oscar Wilde and Mikhail Bulgakov.
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Alexandrinsky Theatre
Formerly the Pushkin State Drama Theatre, this magnificent venue is just one part of an immaculate architectural ensemble designed by Carlo Rossi. The theatre's interior oozes 19th-century elegance and style, and it's worth taking a peek even if you don't see a production here. This is where Anton Chekhov premiered The Seagull, which was pretty much universally hated by the public and critics alike. These days, the company has a huge repertoire, ranging from Russian folktales to Shakespeare.
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Art-Vokzal
This innovative new club has retained much of the structure of the factory that formerly occupied this space, so the atmosphere is industrial, gritty and modern. It's a no-frills space for cutting-edge performance art and music. In some cases, 'cutting-edge' might mean adult puppet theatre, in other cases, it could be experimental jazz music: so check the program before you commit.
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Avrora
Opening in 1913 as the Piccadilly Picture House, this was the city's most fashionable cinema in the early years of Russian film, and it has retained its position pretty consistently ever since. Renamed the more Soviet-sounding Avrora in 1932, it was here that a young Dmitry Shostakovich played piano accompaniment to silent movies. Today it's one of the best cinemas in town, and most premieres (to which you can nearly always buy tickets) take place here.
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Baltic House
Known under the Soviets as Lenin Konsomol Theatre, this large venue has long hosted an annual festival of plays from the Baltic countries. Renamed in 1991, Baltic House also stages Russian and European plays, as well as a new and growing repertoire of experimental theatre.
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Belgrad
If you are up for a night of bar-hopping, you can't do better than Dumskaya ul. Belgrad is crammed into a crumbling, classical façade, along with three other hot spots for drinking and music. Bel -yankin and Grad -ovich. Get it? This is your best bet for live music. DJs start playing at while bands start at midnight.
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Black & White
So perhaps the black and white décor is a little predictable, but the location on Vasilevsky's Island main strip is unbeatable. The sidewalk seating offers a perfect place to sip your joe and watch the world go by. Also serving breakfast and business lunch.
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Bolshoy Drama Theatre
Named for acting pioneer Georgi Tovstonogov, the BDT became the city's most innovative and exciting theatre under his direction between the 1960s and the 1980s. His 1957 staging of Fyodor Dostoevsky's The Idiot is still remembered as one of the peaks of Soviet theatre. Unfortunately, when Tovstonogov died in 1989, a suitable replacement was not found. As such, the theatre company has not really progressed since that time.
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Bolshoy Puppet Theatre
This 'big' puppet theatre is indeed the biggest in the city, and has been active since 1931. The repertoire includes a wide range of shows for children and adults. Don't forget: you can get free tickets if you are staying next door in the Puppet Hostel.
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Bolshoy Zal
Bolshoy Zal on pl Iskusstv is the venue for a full program of symphonic performances. The venue is also used for numerous music festivals, including the superb Early Music Festival.
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Bridge Lounge
This swank spot is part restaurant, part lounge and 100% upper-class. Set within the western bastion of the Peter & Paul Fortress, this see-and-be-seen-spot boasts an atmospheric location and awesome vista. Its white tent-roof interior is gorgeous, with plush pillows and drapes adorning the otherwise sparse space. Face control ensures that the clientele looks as good as their surroundings.
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Cabaret
Now in a new location near Baltic Station, this cabaret and karaoke club has a fun, friendly vibe, open to anyone who is entertained by a little gender-bending. The highlight of the night is the drag show, which is among the best in the city if you enjoy seeing men dressed as ageing Soviet pop stars.
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Café Rico
Evoking Columbia, or maybe Brazil, the décor of this long-standing favourite raises expectations about the quality of the coffee. And Café Rico does not disappoint, serving roasts from around the world, as well as coffee cocktails and irresistible sweets. The entrance is actually from Pushkinskaya ul.
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Central Station
Right behind Sinners, this newer, flashier gay club is huge, featuring countless bars and dance floors, in addition to the café and souvenir shop (in case you have such a good time that you need to have a pair of Central Station boxer shorts). There seems to be something special going on every night, including guest DJs, dance contests and many, many men. Thursday is student night; Saturday is a weekly 'pop' party.
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Che
Coffee lounge by day; jam-packed bar by night. This is where you'll find the smart set, slumped in comfy sofas and listening to live music. Art 'happenings' are diverse, ranging from world music to jiving jazz to DJ spins. The food is also excellent .
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Circus In Avtovo
This place is on the far southern outskirts of the city and it may take quite a journey to get here. But how far are you willing to go to see no-rules wrestling (only in Russia…)? Avtovo also hosts children's circus clubs and an annual international festival of circus schools. What a way to inspire your children to become tightrope walkers and lion tamers!
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City Bar
A sort of St Petersburg celebrity, co-owner Aileen has presided over this popular place since 1996. It's busy every night of the week with expats and travellers and locals who enjoy their company. They come for free wi-fi access, outrageously good food (especially breakfast and burgers) and live entertainment. Music, poetry readings and stand-up comedy are all on the agenda, depending on the day. Also available: English-language books and DVDs from the lending library.
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Coffee Break
Not just a café, but also an art gallery. Infused with the sounds of chill-out music and the scents of fresh-brewed java, this modern space is a delightful place to get your daily dose and admire the local artwork. The choice of coffees, teas and other drinks is impressive.
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Cynic
Calling itself a 'trash-café-club', Cynic holds a very special place in the hearts of the St Petersburg underground. Rumour has it that this divey place is struggling for survival, but the student-slacker crowd has not abandoned its no-frills cellar bar. Arty types still come to nurse cheap beers and indulge in the famously delicious grenki (black bread fried in garlic). Literature fans of the male persuasion can peruse Pushkin in the toilet.
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Datscha
If you are up for a night of bar-hopping, you can't do better than Dumskaya ul. Datscha is crammed into a crumbling, classical façade, along with three other hot spots for drinking and music. Shabby chic décor, cheap drinks and a strict 'no house or techno' policy.
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Demmeni Marionette Theatre
Since 1917, this venue under the arches on central Nevsky is the city's oldest professional puppet theatre. Mainly for children, the shows are well produced and professionally performed.
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Die Kneipe
Fresh-brewed lager, Weiss, pilsner, Dunkel and Hefe-Weiss - it's reason enough to stop by this newish microbrewery on Vasilevsky Island. The incredible happy-hour specials (from until ) are added incentive. To top it off, the outdoor tables offer amazing views of St Isaac's Cathedral and the Admiralty across the Neva River.
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Dom Kino
This cinema shows arty Russian and foreign films, as well as some higher brow Hollywood productions. It is also where the British Council holds its British Film Festival. Under renovation at the time of research, the whole place remains remarkably Soviet in a charming way.
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Dumskaya Ul
If you are up for a night of bar-hopping, you can't do better than Dumskaya ul, where four of St Petersburg's hottest spots for drinking and music are crammed into a crumbling, classical façade. A couple of these places are (or were) owned by Anton Belyankin and Andrei Gradovich - two members of the local ska band Dva Samolyota - which pretty much guarantees great music and a cool vibe.
