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3l
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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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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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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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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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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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.
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Dunes
Feel like lounging on the beach with a fruity cocktail, catching some rays or playing some badminton? Then visit Dunes, St Petersburg's first beach bar, complete with sand, hammocks and beach chairs. That this outdoor café is located in a crumbling courtyard (with no sea in sight) only adds to the charm. The place is hard to find: go through the unmarked archway off Konyushennaya pl and proceed to the second courtyard.
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Experimental Sound Gallery (Gez-21)
You know that a place called 'experimental' is going to be out there, especially as it is part of the alternative art complex at Pushkinskaya 10. Music ranges from jazz to rock to undefinable, and there are also film screenings, readings and other expressions of creativity. The toilet contains quite an interesting gallery (of sorts).
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Fidel
If you are up for a night of bar-hopping, you can't do better than Dumskaya ul. Fidel is crammed into a crumbling, classical façade, along with three other hot spots for drinking and music. This funky place is a sort of musical and alcoholic tribute to the ruler who 'outlived six presidents of America and six leaders of the Soviet Union and Russia'.
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Griboedov
Griboedov is hands-down the longest-standing and most respected music club in the city. Another club in a bomb shelter, this one was founded by the blokes from the local ska band Dva Samolyota. It's a low-key bar in the early evening, gradually morphing into a rowdy club later in the night. Excellent music acts run the gamut from russky rock to reggae to electronica to trance. Upstairs, Griboedov Hill functions as a cool café by day with occasional concerts by night.
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Island
The Island club is on a rather hard-to-reach embankment location on Vasilevsky Island. It is professionally run and aimed at a well-off, fashionable crowd without being pointlessly elitist. There are some superb shows on the revolving dance floors. Music is mainly pop and techno, although big-name DJs occasionally visit.
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Manhattan
In this raucous Fontanka-side basement there's always a sociable, arty/student crowd enjoying the boho atmosphere and the (often ear-splitting) live music. There are usually a couple of bands doing sets each evening and DJs keep the crowd happy the rest of the time. The food is surprisingly delicious here too, and there's internet access.
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Metro
St Petersburg's most popular spot for teenagers, Metro is a giant venue with three dance floors, featuring Russian and European music downstairs, techno and house on the 2nd floor, and the poppiest pop on the top floor. At four nights a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday), male and female dancers clad in leather (at least at the beginning) put on an erotic show. Student nights - Monday and Wednesday - are packed.
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Mod
A popular spot for students and other indie types who appreciate the fun and friendly atmosphere, the groovy mix of music (live and spun) and the added entertainment. Novus, anyone? (It's like billiards, but not.) If you don't find something you like, head next door to the new (and promising) Achtung Baby.
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Ounce
Hiding behind the tea shop, a chic salon overlooks a quiet courtyard. Twinkling lights and comfy couches make for a sublime setting to sip your tea. Sample from hundreds of varieties of black, green and herbal.
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Pivnaya 0.5
With Soviet films playing on the big screen, this classic place recalls the days when the local pivnaya (beer bar) was the only choice for a brew. This particular pivnaya has gone upscale. The retro-chic atmosphere is heavy on the chic, however, with its dark wood and copper décor, sumptuous leather furniture and electronica music.
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Probka
Romantic and sophisticated, serving wines from around the world…what more do you want from your wine bar? Tile floors and terracotta walls recall an Italian enoteca, with its shelves stocked with wine bottles and liqueurs. Several wines are available by the glass or half-bottle, and there is a menu of light snacks, salads and pastas.
