The oldest luxury hotel in Russia’s cultural capital, Belmond Grand Hotel Europe is a living museum. Opened in 1875, it endured the country’s turbulent 20th-century history all while keeping its elegant art nouveau interiors and memories of famous musical guests, including composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky, opera singer Luciano Pavarotti and pop star Elton John. Located between Nevsky Prospekt (St. Petersburg’s main thoroughfare) and the Arts Square, the palatial property is a cultural hub, housing about 2,000 antiquity items and five Russian Avant-Garde-themed suites along with playing host to opera and ballet performances. Food isn’t an afterthought here, either. Get a taste of Russia at L’Europe, learn everything you always wanted to know about Russian caviar (but were afraid to ask) at Caviar Bar & Restaurant, and let the city’s only vodka sommelier guide you through 35 varieties and teach how to drink without suffering the next day.
