Despite rising costs, demand for travel remains high, Izvestia reports. The White Nights period is still considered the main tourist season in St. Petersburg and attracts visitors from all over the world. Tour operators note that many tourists have become more attentive to spending: they more often choose apartments instead of hotels, reduce spending on restaurants and plan their own sightseeing program.
A trip to St. Petersburg for a few days during the White Nights now costs an average of 500-800 euros per person – depending on the format of rest, accommodation and itinerary. The most popular accommodation option is still studios and small apartments, which are usually rented for three to five days. The cost of such accommodation averages 35-50 euros per night, while the prices for hotels in the city center are much higher.
Despite the decrease in prices for domestic flights within Russia, travel to St. Petersburg remains expensive for foreign tourists due to the limited international air service and complicated logistics with connections. Rising prices for excursions, transportation and meals also add to the overall cost of travel.
A trip to a café or restaurant during the White Nights season costs tourists an average of 20-25 euros per person. Experts note that visitors have become less likely to choose expensive establishments and are more careful about spending even during the peak tourist season.
The main symbols of the White Nights are still the drawing of bridges, night walks along the Neva and canals, as well as trips to Peterhof, Tsarskoye Selo and Pavlovsk. At the same time, the tourist market relies not only on classic excursions, but also on gastronomic routes, city festivals and cultural events.
Against the background of rising prices, St. Petersburg is increasingly competing not with domestic Russian destinations, but with short trips to European capitals. However, the unique atmosphere of the white nights continues to keep tourists’ interest in the city high.
