City on the Neva, city of white nights, city of three revolutions and bridges. Saint Petersburg. It is unlike other Russian cities. Straight lines, strict facades, grille of quays. The city's birthday is celebrated on May 27. In 2026, Saint Petersburg will turn 323 years old. The celebration will be grand: concerts, fireworks, festivals. But the main thing is not this. The main thing is that the city lives and changes, remaining itself.

History: from bog to empire

On May 27, 1703 (May 16 old style), Peter I laid the foundation of the Peter and Paul Fortress on Zayachy Island. This is considered the founding day of the city. The location was not ideal from a military point of view (a bog), but convenient for trade. The first inhabitants were soldiers, workers, Swedish prisoners of war. The city was built on bones — thousands of serfs died of malaria, hunger, cold.

By 1712, Saint Petersburg had become the capital of Russia. It remained so until 1918. Over 200 years, the capital saw the growth of palaces, cathedrals, theaters, factories, stations. The city survived floods, fires, revolutions, siege. In 1991, it was returned to its historical name (Leninград during the Soviet era).

Today, Saint Petersburg is the second largest city in Russia (5.6 million residents), the largest cultural center, port, scientific center. Although the capital functions have moved to Moscow, Petersburg remains the "cultural capital". This proud unofficial title it confirms every day.

How to celebrate the Day of the City

Traditionally, the celebration lasts two days — May 27 and 28. In 2026, it will be Wednesday and Thursday. Many enterprises declare only May 27th a holiday, but celebrate both days.

The central event is the festive concert on Palace Square. Stars of the music industry, symphony orchestras, ballet perform. Admission is free. In the evening, there will be a fireworks display and a light show on the Palace Bridge. In 2026, an especially grandiose fireworks display is expected — 3,000 shots.

In parks and squares, fairs with craft goods, food courts, amusement parks are held. In exhibition halls — open days: you can visit the Hermitage, the Russian Museum, Peterhof (only in the city itself, not in the suburbs) for free. On Nevsky Prospect, street musicians and mimes perform.

Ships on the Neva are decorated with flags. You can ride on small river boats for free on the canals and rivers (but you need to register in volunteer groups in advance).

What to see on the Day of the City

Must-see: the bridgehead. Although they draw the bridges every night in navigation, the show is especially colorful on the Day of the City. The best spot is the Palace Bridge (crowded, but atmospheric) or the Lieutenant Schmidt Embankment (spacious). In 2026, light installations are promised on the bridge supports.

Peter and Paul Fortress. Entry to the island is free. You can see the cathedral, the Trubetskoy Bastion prison, the mint. At 12:00 there is a cannon shot — a tradition since the 18th century.

Nevsky Prospect — the main street. Walk from the Admiralty to Revolution Square. Look at the houses where Gogol, Dostoevsky, Tchaikovsky lived. On the way, visit the Kazan Cathedral (admission is free for Orthodox Christians).

Rubinstein Street — a gastronomic cluster. Enjoy delicious food, listen to jazz on open terraces.

The cruiser Aurora — moored forever. On the Day of the City, excursions are held with a story about the 1917 revolution.

Eliseevsky Department Store on Nevsky — magnificent interiors, you can buy the famous Petersburg chocolates "Mishka na Severe".

Not only the center: where else to go

If you get tired of crowds (and the center will be crowded on May 27), you can go to the suburbs, but the suburbs will also be crowded. It is better to choose parks in the city itself. For example, the Catherine Park (metro "Pushkinskaya") — spacious, plenty of greenery, you can have a picnic. Or the 300th Anniversary Park (near metro "Begovaya") — a view of the bay and the Okhta Bridge.

The "Nevskaya Zastava" museum — little known but interesting. There is a display of the life of workers in the outskirts before the revolution. The entrance is free on the Day of the City.

Krestovsky Island — an updated embankment, bike paths, observation platforms. Not as crowded as the center.

Another option is the Vasileostrovsky Market. There, on the Day of the City, they hold a tasting of local products: herring (the spring king), smoked herring, Petersburg gingerbread.

Herring — the symbol of the festival

Herring is a small fish with a fresh cucumber smell. In spring, in May, it spawns in the Neva. Petersburgers catch it in packages, fry it in pans, eat it with potatoes. On the Day of the City, herring is sold everywhere — in tents, cafes, restaurants. It costs 300-500 rubles per kilogram (in season). It is considered that those who do not eat herring on the Day of Petersburg are not Petersburgers.

The herring festival takes place separately (usually in May, but tied to the Day of the City). In 2026, the festival will be held on the стрелка of Vasilyevsky Island. Chefs compete to see who can fry the fish better. There are soups, smoked herring, even herring pate.

The symbol of herring is a monument on Malaya Sadovaya Street. On the Day of the City, flowers and coins for luck are placed on it.

Weather on May 27: what to expect

The weather in Petersburg is unpredictable. In 2026, meteorologists promise +15...+18 degrees, sunny with clouds, possible short-term rain. This is normal for May. But be prepared for the fact that it will be +8 in the morning, +20 in the afternoon, and it will rain in the evening. So take an umbrella, a warm sweater, and waterproof shoes. Petersburgers know: you need to walk in rubber boots on the Day of the City.

The wind is up to 10 m/s, stronger on the Neva. If you go to the embankment, wear a windbreaker. The sun can be bright — don't forget sunscreen and glasses.

Due to white nights, it gets dark only after 22:00, the fireworks at 23:00 are visible even without complete darkness. But photography is difficult — the flash won't help.

Transportation on the Day of the City

The metro is the best friend. On the Day of the City, it works as usual (until 1 am), but stations in the center may close the entrance when crowded. Trains are crowded, especially in the evening.

It's better not to venture into the city for drivers. Streets are closed in the center, there are no parking spaces. Paid parking costs 200-300 rubles per hour. There is a risk that your car will be towed.

Taxis become more expensive by 2-3 times. In 2026, prices are expected from 1000 rubles for a ride within the center. It is more reasonable to take the metro to the outskirts and then take a taxi there.

Water transport (aquabuses) operates according to schedule, but there are few seats. You need to buy tickets in advance online.

Safety and etiquette

On the Day of the City, there are hundreds of thousands of people in Petersburg. The risk of pickpocketing increases. Do not carry valuables in a backpack, keep money and a phone in an inner pocket. Do not drink from the hands of strangers — they may sprinkle something.

Do not jump into the water from bridges and embankments. The Neva is cold (+10), with strong currents. Every year, people drown while drunk. Don't risk it.

Respect the city: don't litter, don't break flowers in parks, don't write graffiti on monuments. Fines are huge (up to 100 thousand). Do not use drones — prohibited over the center.

Photography is allowed everywhere. But if you are taking people in close-up, ask for permission — it is polite.

And what at home: an online celebration

If you can't come to Petersburg on May 27, don't be upset. The celebration will be broadcast on the "Saint Petersburg" channel (TV) and in social networks. You can watch the concert, the fireworks, the bridgehead. Many museums hold virtual tours. For example, "Peterhof online" — a 3D tour of the fountains.

The "Culture of Petersburg" website will publish the program of events on May 27, 2026. You can watch lectures about the city, cooking shows with herring, concerts.

Home alternative: buy herring (it is available in large supermarkets in May), bake it in the oven. Make a "postcard to Petersburg" — draw a view of the Neva or the Hermitage. Post it online with the hashtag #деньспб.

The future of the city: what has changed and is changing

In 2026, Saint Petersburg looks different than 10 years ago. Many facades in the center have been restored. New public spaces have appeared — "New Holland", "Svekabel Port", "Island Forts" (Kronstadt). Residential quarters with parks are being built on the site of industrial zones.

A new metro section (from "Spasskaya" to "Gornaya") has been launched. The Great Smolensky Bridge across the Neva has been opened — a drawbridge with two levels.

Ecology: the Neva is cleaner than in the 2000s, thanks to purification facilities. The city has banned the felling of old parks. But the problem of traffic jams and smog remains.

The spirit of the city has not changed. It is still "the most reading", "the most intellectual", "the most depressive", and "the most beautiful" at the same time.

Conclusion: happy birthday, city

Saint Petersburg is not just a city. It is a destiny. Pushkin walked here, Dostoevsky suffered, Blok wrote poems, Shostakovich created music. Every stone breathes history. On the Day of the City, this stone comes to life, sings, dances. And we, Petersburgers and guests, become part of its eternity.

If you are in Petersburg on May 27 — go out on the street. Feel the wind from the Neva. Hear the roar of voices. Smile. And say: "Happy birthday, beloved city." It will hear.

Permanent link to this publication: