Vilena, guide in Saint-Petersburg. English, Français (2025)

27/10/2023

St.Isaac square is one of the central squares of St.Petersburg, its actual look has been created for more than 300 years.

The main highlight is St.Isaac cathedral (1818-1858) named after Isaac of Dalmatia, founder of the Dalmatian Monastery in Constantinople, was a Christian monk in the 4 century who is honored as a saint and confessor, was the patron saint of Peter the Great.

In the square’s middle the monument to Nicholas 1 was erected in honor of whom the cathedral was completed.

Mariinsky palace standing opposite the cathedral was a luxurious wedding gift to Maria, beloved daughter of Nicholas 1. Today it houses Legislative assembly.

On the right one is famous hotels - Astoria hotel, a brilliant example of art nouveau style, was opened in 1912 and became popular with the aristocracy.

And finally absolutely remarkable thing is the blue bridge which is so wide that tourists often forget this taking it for a part of the square (the width is about 100m, the length is 30m).

It is better to see once than hear a thousand times.

Photographer:

16/10/2023

This summer I was honored to welcome and guide the official delegation of the Indonesian Navy in St.Petersburg.

The most cheerful, warm-hearted people in the World brought happiness to my soul.
My beloved guests took part in the Navy parade in St.Petersburg which is the important annual event in our country, as well as visited most important highlights in Moscow and St.Petersburg.

A lot of thankful words to you for your interest In our history, culture, for your deep knowledge of our country. we discussed a lot historical, cultural topics, visited famous places and made acquaintance with Russian cuisine.

I will be happy to see you next time! Blessings! 😍

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PS.: yes, Russian borders are opened, you are welcome 🙏

14/10/2023

🍁🏵️🍂🥀🍂🏵️🍁

• Each time that Autumn comes I bloom afresh; • For me, I find, the Russian cold is good; • Again I go through life’s routine with relish: • Sleep comes in season, and the need for food; • Desire seethes — and I am young and merry, • My heart beats fast with lightly leaping blood. • I’m full of life — such is my organism. if you will please excuse the prosaism.

Alexander Pushkin, 1833

🍁🏵️🍂🥀🍂🏵️🍁

Photo by .marin

08/10/2023

One of the most colorful periods has started in our country ❤️🇷🇺

Trees are changing their colors, leaves are falling, the city is getting more and more illuminations earlier in the evening.

Why you must come now to our country now?

🍂You will see picturesque gardens where you will be able to take pics and walk rustling in leaves
🥮 It’s the best time to have a cup of chocolate or mulled wine in cozy cafes (and I know them a lot)
🏺Half-empty museums welcome their guests and a nice, calm walk is guaranteed…
🍁 And as always a lot of stories to hear and places to visit.

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Are you planing a holiday?
So, just write me 💌

27/09/2023

The House of the Book or Zinger House is one of the symbolic buildings in the city center of St.Petersburg…

Initially the building was constructed to house Zinger company producing sewing machines in our country, the owners even wanted to impress the public by constructing a skyscraper on the spot, but that idea was not realized due to the buildings height limits in the city, but anyway the owners managed to impress the locals by applying the most modern technical advances, materials and popular style approaches realized by Pavel Suzor.

The ground and first floors house a big book shop, a cozy cafe with a beautiful view I the city, the upper floors are occupied with different companies including Vkontakte headquarters.

Ph .marin

20/08/2023

Thank you for coming to our country, it was big pleasure to meet with you and to take you to the most beautiful highlights of St.Petersburg🌸🌸🌸

And of course, happy birthday! accept my best wishes of happiness and prosperity 🎁🥳

17/08/2023

I have told that Petersburg is a real city of contrasts, which can be seen everywhere… Here we can find French districts, as well as Italian garden, truly Russian wooden houses as well as American-inspired parkings….

I loved very much this shot reminding me somehow Silent hill multiverse or some other computer games, but this dramatic shot has been also taken in St.Pete. Incredible? But the truth…

with love….

Photographer

02/08/2023

My cutest guest from Beirut 🇱🇧❤️🇷🇺

It’s such pleasure to guide little princes and princesse around St.Petersburg! We have so many « purrrrrfect » statues here: cats, dogs, birds and even a camel ))) everyone will find something interesting to do here.

In the photo you can see the monument to Carl Bulla, famous Russian photographer whose name in unknown to lots of Russian people but who have definitely seen a lot of photos he had taken at the end-beginning of the 20c, especially photos of the Romanovs.

Bulla took photos of different genres: human and animal portraits, interiors, reportages and so on. Quite often he took his pet to work who helped his clients to relax and this small English bulldog you can find here in the photo too.

07/02/2023

Today I’d like tell you about Nihao Moscow-Beijing, à luxurious Chinese at 8, Aptekarskaya Embankment, St.Petersburg
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For the first time I visited there before the pandemic with my tourists from Asia, we were celebrating Catholic Christmas there, than day there were Christmas trees, gifts, and delicious dishes.
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And last summer we celebrated HB of my friend there.
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It’s a really luxurious place. Unfortunately, lots of Chinese restaurants did not survive the pandemic, and the Nihao network almost completely died, except this restaurant. I note lots of Chinese visitors come there.
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You will see an Extraordinary interior is overwhelming even the WC looks like rich. A truly instagrammable atmosphere reigns there .) Warm Chinese colors, embroidery with birds and flowers, singing birds in cages, wooden and silk screens, a huge collection of figurines of horses throughout the restaurant (In ancient China, horses are revered as a symbol of honor, prosperity, supreme power. Sometimes a good talented hardworking person is compared with them. Perhaps here is a reference to the famous Terracotta Army) there is also a piano and a calligraphy table where you can sit at and do some practice.
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Food is Deliciou. It was proved even by a Chinese girls who was among us. My fav dish is gobao pork in sour sweet strawberry sauce. Highly recommended!
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The place can't be called cheap in a comparison with traditional Chinese spots but it’s definitely worth of visiting!

Average bill: 2000₽

28/01/2023

It’s difficult to imagine a child without a teddy bear, it’s the favorite bestie of anyone in any country. There is even holidays in honor of this legendary hero) such holiday exists I Russia too and it’s celebrated on November 19.

Before revolution bear toys we’re made of wood, clay, ceramics. «plush bears» were brought from other countries and were very expensive.

The first traditional teddy bear in Russia appeared in 1908. And in the 1930s the Russian toy factory got the special order to make up an exclusive Russian teddy bear which should not look like the “western one”. And so, the Russian teddy bear appeared.

It’s not a secret that from the ancient times Russia has loved the bear and it has been venerated as the symbol of Russians , a divine animal and so forth. Who doesn’t know the most common Russian stereotype?)

Of course with time and thanks to international trading “foreign” bears appeared in Russia too.
But the essential is the same, the teddy bear is still loved in our country :)

Ph .marin
Muah

13/01/2023

Let’s start new 2023 year with new goals and prosperous projects, breathtaking ideas and great hope 🌍🕊

I believe that this year will change everything and again I will see my friends from all over the World, I will welcome new guests, I will discover totally amazing places with you , guys !

I am waiting for you my dear guests , you are always welcome in our country.

From Russia with love 🇷🇺❤️‍🔥🪆

My Christmas mood is photographed by
Deeply thankful for your magic 🪄 and especially for Alexandra’s working and collaborating.

———

Are you planning to come to Russia? Wanna to have an exclusive tour? Let me know ❤️‍🔥💌

12/11/2022

🇬🇧 On July 9, 1762, the most famous coup d’état in the russian history of took place. Ekaterina Alekseevna, wife of Emperor Peter III, plotted against her husband, he was eliminated and with the help of the Guards regiments she became the Russian empress.
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Since that the longest and most successful period started in our history. Catherine became the winner of the Turks, the conqueror of the Crimea and the western territories.
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But before that In 1744, a German princess Sophia-Frederike of Anhalt-Zerbst secretly arrived in Russia.She came with a secret mission entrusted by Empress Elizabeth herself. Sophia was to become the wife of Grand Duke Peter, heir to the Russian imperial crown.
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The marriage was a political matter. The young princess willingly accepted Orthodoxy, being baptized as Ekaterina, and she demonstrated her affection for the Russian people, their language and culture.
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She read books with an extraordinary passion. She studied sciences and arts. She donated a lot of money to the poor, built churches and schools, paid attention to soldiers.
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She got married just at 17. But her husband didn’t love her, preferring playing soldiers or even hunting rats. Alas the personal life was awful, she was Virgin for a long time, ans when the long awaited son was both, he was taken away by Elizabeth…
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When Peter became emperor his manifests and actions were not appreciated by nobles..
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At the same time Guards officers, attracted by the beauty and intelligence of Catherine gathered at Catherine’s. Among her closest confidants were the bothers Orlov, Nikita Panin, Ekaterina Dashkova who helped Catherine to get to the trone.
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So at night on July, 9 her allies made her to go to in St. Petersburg. The Izmailovsky regiment was the first to kneel to Catherine, then the Semenovsky and finally the Preobrazhensky…. Soon her husband was killed.
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New prosperous era started….

Photo by

31/10/2022

🇷🇺текст на русском ниже⬇️
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🇬🇧What has happened to McDonald’s in Russia?
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It’s not a secret that lots foreign companies left Russia or their Russian branches were purchased by other Russian companies and they are reopened under other names.
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So, don’t panic, the fast food are opened under the name «вкусно и точка». A bit strange name perhaps but for SMM managers believe me, it’s a good choice)
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We visited with my pal Karina a very special resto of the ex McDo in Kamenoosteovsky avenue. It’s here where the 1 SaintPetersburg restaurant was opened in 1996, that year I visited this place for the first time (my Happy meal toy is still alive, they were better than they are now) and I took the first photo with Ronald McDonald sitting on the bench :)
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You can find the same products, only their names changed. In summer when restaurants were opened again, there were problems, now everything is smooth, no problems. The menu was enlarged.
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So, big tasty became big special, Big Mac - Big hit, filet of fish - fish burger, Royal de Lux - grand de lux, Coca Cola - cola.
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The taste is the same, and in something even Russian versions are better, so batter of chicken nuggets is tastier, more natural, big special sauce (ex- big tasty) isn’t so salted and concentrated.
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Now, we are waiting for Happy Meals returning :)
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🇷🇺 Первый Макдональдс открылся в СПБ на Петроградке в 1996. Я была там в тот год, будучи еще совсем малышкой, народу было тьма. До сих пор храню Смурфика из Хэппи Мила, и он в рабочем состоянии, раньше игрушки были гораздо лучше. А ещё помню там была скамья с клоуном Рональдом, с которым конечно я сфоткалась.
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И именно в этом же ресторане мы решили провести свой обзор. Итак, сегодня Макдак сменил название - Вкусно и точка!
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А так ли это?
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До этого, была летом сразу после открытия, признаю были проблемы и скромное меню. Сегодня проблем не выявлено. Меню увеличилось.
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Те же блюда, но под другими названиями. А вот что-то даже стало лучше! Панировка нагетсов более натуральная, а соус в бывшем бигтейсти теперь не такой соленый и концентрированный.
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Осталось дождаться только русского хэппи мил )
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А вы уже были в русском Макдаке?

17/10/2022

I see new friends in my Instagram World, that’s why I decided to introduce myself.

So, I am a professional travel guide and travel manager in Russia. With my team we organize the most comfortable and unforgettable holidays in Russia, you can visit St.Petersburg, Moscow, Kazan, Vladivostok, Novgorod and so on ❤️🪆🇷🇺
(In English, French, Russian and other languages)

Myself I guide in St.Petersburg and
I suggest you to discover completely unique city in Russia, famous with its long rich history, important cultural heritage and grandiose architecture!

You will be fascinated with the Imperial residences , breathtaking cathedrals, magnificent parks and gardens ! Here you can make an amazing boat ride on the numerous rivers and canals in Venice of the North and contemplate beautiful buildings by strolling along Nevsky prospect.

Forget about dull stories and boring guide books! I will do my best to make you fall in love with my native city! You will have unforgettable experience! See you in Russia!

🇷🇺❤️Do you want to come yourself or bring your clients here??? ❤️🇷🇺
Ready for collaboration! just message me💌

Photo taken by

20/09/2022

🇷🇺текст на русском ниже⬇️
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🇬🇧Символов Петербурга великое множество, один из них крыльцо Нового Эрмитажа. Его украшают атланты пришедшие к нам из греческой мифологии, те самые, что по преданию держат небосвод.
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До 1920х здесь был главный вход в музей. Здание Нового Эрмитажа возвёл Лео фон Кленце, а гигантов - Александр Теребенев из сердобольского гранита (добытого на севере Ладожского озера. Сердоболь – это нынешняя Сортавала).
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Возведение скульптур было работой уникальной – ни в Петербурге, ни в Европе не было монументальной скульптуры из гранита. Процесс был долгим и трудозатратным: Теребенев размечал гранитные монолиты, а более 150 каменотесов изготавливали статуи. Скульптор затем проверял их и проводил чистовую отделку.
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Согласно городской легенде, прикосновение к большим пальцам ног скульптур в день свадьбы гарантирует крепкую и счастливую семейную жизнь (точнее, самого правого атланта, чей взгляд направлен на Марсово поле). Новобрачные при этом обычно держатся за руки. Кроме того, если держитесь за левый –в вашей семье будет девочка, за правый – мальчик.
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🇬🇧 There are a lot of symbols of St.Petersburg, one of them is the New Hermitage entry. It is decorated with Atlases coming from Greek mythology, the same ones that were believed to hold the sky.
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In the past the museum main entrance was here. The New Hermitage building was constructed by Leo von Klenze and the giants were sculpted by Alexander Terebenev. They were made of Serdobol granite (stone mined in the north of Lake Ladoga. Serdobol is Sortavala today).
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Sculptures producing was a unique work, at that time there was not monumental sculpture of granite in Europe. The process was laborious: Terebenev marked granite monoliths, and more than 150 stonemasons made statues! The sculptor then checked them and carried out and finished them.
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According to a city legend, touching the sculptures’ big toes on the wedding day guarantees a happy family life (more precisely, the Atlas on the right, whose gaze is directed to the Field of Mars). Moreover, if you hold the left toe, there will be a girl in your family, if the right one - a boy will be born.

Ph .marin

19/09/2022

🇷🇺 текст на русском ниже ⬇️

🇬🇧 The most delicious mussels in St.Petersburg have been found...❤️
Come on:

We have spent a wonderful summer evening with and with a wonderful view on the sea…

The atmosphere inside also produced the most pleasant impressionson us: loft design with Art Deco elements... everything we love... we will definitely come back…

🇷🇺Вкуснейшие мидии найдены…❤️🦪 явки и пароли:

Провели замечательный вечер с с прекрасным видом на залив…
Атмосфера внутри также оставила самые приятные впечатления: дизайн лофт с элементами ардеко… все, как я люблю… обязательно вернёмся❤️

17/09/2022

🇷🇺текст на русском ниже ⬇️

🇬🇧 I was asked if there are any stories about crocodiles in St.Petersburg, so, here you are…

In 1941, some residents of Leningrad Zoo were travelling to Belorussia, the main goal was to show animals to children.

But, alas, at this moment the war started ,people managed to evacuate only some animals but, not all of them! Among the animals there was an American crocodile.

Unfortunately,it was impossible to move it to another place because he needed special conditions. Someone suggested to release the crocodile into the waters of the Western Dvina, this idea was supported, and the thermophilic reptile set off on a free voyage.

What happened to it, we don’t know. I wonder, how the local residents could have reacted to this huge reptile...🐊

In the photo you can see Totosha living in St.Petersburg Zoo.

🇷🇺 Кто-то спрашивал меня а есть ли истории про крокодила в Питере ...🤣🤣🤣 про жирафа, бегемота, слона мол писала , а про крокодила нет! Исправляюсь!

Вот вам история и про питерского крокодила ...🐊

В 1941 году некоторые жители Ленинградского зоопарка отправились в путешествие в Белоруссию, главная цель - показать животных детям.
Но, увы, именно в этот момент началась война, некоторых животных успели эвакуировать , но, к сожалению , не всех !
Среди животных был и американский крокодил.

К сожалению, вывезти его не могли, так как для передвижения ему были нужны особые условия. Кто-то предложил отпустить крокодила в воды Западной Двины, эту идею поддержали, и теплолюбивая рептилия отправилась в свободное плаванье. О его дальнейшей судьбе так никто и не узнал...

Интересно , какая реакция была у местных жителей , которые возможно видели огромную рептилию....

А на фото Тотоша, находящийся на пмж в Ленинградском зоопарке, ему исполнилось в этом году 32 годика! 🐊🎂🥳3️⃣2️⃣

Vilena, guide in Saint-Petersburg. English, Français