Europe in October - Russia?

<p>Good afternoon. I'm sort of struggling for ideas so wanted to see if any of you had some suggestions based on your own experiences.<br>

So it'll probably go without saying, I do not like the sun ;). That is not my idea of a nice break away somewhere, but to each their own. We are interested in culture, history, relaxing, exploring. We liked the idea of Canada or Japan, but to do properly would require too much funding right now, so it'll likely be somewhere a little closer (to the UK). Right now, Krakow (Poland) and and St Petersburg (Russia) seem to be an interesting fit for a 5-7 day visit. What do you think? St Petersburg seems to offer a little more based on some initial research, with of course Moscow being relatively easy to travel to as well - a direct flight is also possible!<br>

Jackets, coats, scarfs, they are all great.<br>

Only reluctance with St Petersburg is the language, which apparently few speak English. But we would have a basic translator via our phone, and would acquire a book with some phrases too.<br>

Food doesn't seem great at either for vegetarians, but I'm sure that could be worked out. I love great food but it's not everything if you get other interests.<br>

Anywhere else come to mind for a visit around October sort of time (no earlier, possibly early Nov)? Somewhere of interest?<br>

Thanks :)</p>

<p>Petrograd in October.</p>

<p>Lenin liked it. ;)</p>

<p>I traveled in late September further west in Europe (DDR, for example), and too much sun was not a problem. The weather was otherwise lovely. After all, you can only take off so much clothes in really hot weather, but it can be nice to have layered clothes to shed as the day warms up. </p><div></div>

<p>Richard,<br>

I visited St Petersburg and Moscow in late September and both can be beautiful at that time of year. It was however 10 years ago so I don't know what the cities look like now. At the time we got by with a mixture of phrase book, sign language and English speaking Russians. Probably more speak English now. If you do go however I would spend a bit of time making yourself familiar with Cyrillic script - for things like signs etc. <br>

Also check out the visa requirements. When I went they had paste-in visas so you needed to leave your passport with the embassy. The process was quite complicated and took a month if I remember correctly. Of course it may all have changed since then.</p>

<p>I have lived in Poland for a couple of years and visited Krakow a number of times. It can be crowded with students and tourists but in October it should be nice. As well as the central old town district and castle there is the Jewish Quarter and a number of Synagogues. Within bike riding distances of town there are a number of castles and churches/monasteries. I highly recommend a visit to the <a href="http://www.wieliczka-saltmine.com/">Wieliczka</a> Salt mine. On a more serious note there is also Auschwitz .<br>

Food (and beer) is good and it shouldn't be too difficult to find places to cater for vegetarian tastes. For instance the Polish dish Pierogi is mostly made from vegetable or vegetable and cheese fillings.</p>

<p>I also found the central area of Romania around Brasov very interesting. Budapest hungry is a very beautiful city. Vienna, if you haven't been is well worth a look though probably more expensive than any of the others.</p>

<p>Laurie</p>

<p>St. Petersburg is lovely, but you might find it more expensive than you expect. My wife (who is a vegetarian, BTW) has been there more recently than me. She says that you should be able to find many students who speak English, and certainly some members of the staff of your hotel. Finding vegetarian food has become easier. You should always be able to find blinis with vegetarian fillings. Have no direct experience with Krakow.</p>

<p>Umm, not sure if this is the best time to be considering a trip to Russia There is a threat (from Russia) to disallow flights arising from nations that are putting sanctions through Russia. I suppose that might mean that the hotels will all be empty (silver lining). It just seems to be an uncertain time to travel to Russia. </p>

<p>The most interesting time to visit a country is when there is blood in the streets! Russia, as another poster points out, is not cheap. Visa alone creates sticker shock. Buy two good guidebooks and a good city map and you'll be able to figure out most by yourself. I've been to a lot of countries around the world and only speak English. You can always find someone to help you out, especially in a place as cosmopolitan as St. Pete. I think Petersburg deserves a minimum of 4 days - two half days at the Hermitage, a full day for day trip to Petroverts (sp?) and Catherines Palace, plus 2 days to see the city. </p>

<p>You couldn't go wrong with either Krakow or St Petersburg. Krakow is lovely - I'm there at the moment, arrived yesterday, and also lived here for 6 years, and I still adore the city. St. Petersburg, also lived there for a while, and it's a fascinating city.</p>

<p>Krakow is by far the best for food - and cheap. In fact, it's my favourite foodie place in Europe. And has an incredible range of cafes with super interiors, a vibrant art life etc., lots of great exhibitions. St Petersburg is a bit more of a severe experience, and much more expensive, but nevertheless fascinating. Bear in mind that it will be getting dark quite early by October in St Petersburg, and will already be pretty cold, may even be snowing. Krakow more likely to have an indian summer.</p>

<p>I'd choose Krakow if you want more of a relaxed, happy experience, St Petersburg if you're after something a bit more severe but fascinating nevertheless.</p>

<p>Bear in mind you'll need a visa for Petersburg, but not for Krakow. Depending on how you apply for it, getting a Russian visa may involve pre-booking expensive hotels. Krakow you can just turn up and there's a huge amount of cheap decent accommodation. Petersburg will be a (much) more expensive experience.</p>

<p>If you do go to Petersburg, make absolutely sure you visit Loft Project which is an amazing complex of galleries and cafes for (mostly) photography in a converted factory with a superb exhibition programme. In fact, they even have their own hostel there aimed at photographers - a good and interesting place to stay: http://www.loftprojectetagi.ru/en/about/</p>