Parks

Here, you might spot holiday decorations or the very on-theme fir trees, but likely no crowds or a lot of social activities. Luckily, St. Petersburg can actually boast quite a few parks and gardens of various degrees of wilderness that will make the perfect backdrop for your mental health walks. We’ve written about some of them here and here. Even though the weather has been quite mild lately, don’t forget to layer up if you are planning a lengthy outdoor trail and consider packing a thermos with a hot drink to keep you warm from the inside.

Libraries

Ah, what would we introverts do if it weren’t for libraries? Those palaces of knowledge that store hundreds of sweet-smelling books – and that also forbid you to speak above a whisper and encourage you to sit silently in contemplation for hours. And now, in the pre-holiday rush, they welcome us with open arms for all our needs, be that cramming for exams, writing papers, or just taking a breather in-between all the to-dos. At ITMO, your go-to spot is ITMO Library and elsewhere in the city there are quite a few options, but you can start with our list.

Cemeteries

Unexpected choice or not, visiting the city’s historic cemeteries is an unusual way to learn about the people who used to walk the same streets we do today – sometimes, centuries ago. Plus, this is an opportunity to explore some unique architectural decisions of artists and masters throughout history who sought to honor the dead with due respect. Speaking of respect, cemeteries are also typically not fit for active socializing, which means your quiet exploration of their depth will likely not be disturbed. Look into our guide to learn more about this side of the city. 

Quirky & lesser-known museums

For those looking for a cultural fix far from the madding crowd, there are always plenty of off-the-beaten track options. For instance, did you know there is a Hermitage branch near the Staraya Derevnya metro station with a no less inspiring collection? Other options to consider are the Geological Museum, the Arctic and Antarctic Museum, the Ethnographic Museum, all kinds of historic apartment museums, these budget-friendly museums, or the majority of spots from our list of unusual museums in the city.

Cathedrals and temples

As Russia’s cultural capital, St. Petersburg is home to churches and temples of different religions that welcome visitors of all faiths. Many are hosting themed exhibitions or concerts during the holiday season, but even without this additional program they are worth visiting and exploring – as a way to learn about different cultures, as well as embrace the city’s architectural diversity. You can start your exploration with this list, then look for churches in different styles here. We also have a handy list of etiquette tips to rely on during your cultural tour.  

Bonus: popular places at unpopular times

If you do want to explore all the holiday attraction spots, this lifehack goes a long way. Whatever you opt for, from markets to ice rinks, our best tip is to visit them on weekday mornings. Just imagine: no queues or crowds, only you and a couple of like-minded quiet-loving holiday-makers. At ice rinks, you are also likely to catch the best price at these hours, while also having the rink mostly to yourself. So, on your next day with a late class, venture out early into the city for an introvert-friendly holiday treat.