Saint Petersburg, the Northern Capital of Russia, is a city with rich football traditions and world-class infrastructure. This guide explores how the city hosted the 2018 FIFA World Cup, highlights of the tournament, and provides essential travel information including car rental contacts for visitors exploring this magnificent destination.
Saint Petersburg: A World Cup Host City
Saint Petersburg provided ideal conditions for hosting the FIFA World Cup 2018. The city offered all the necessary amenities for international visitors, including multilingual signage, electronic maps, and comprehensive guidebooks. With excellent transport connections, an extensive metro system, and vast tourist infrastructure, Saint Petersburg successfully welcomed hundreds of thousands of football fans from around the globe.
The city was involved in the World Cup 2018 from the very first day of the Championship to the very last, hosting multiple group stage matches and crucial playoff games.
2018 FIFA World Cup Group Stage Matches in Saint Petersburg
Saint Petersburg hosted four exciting group stage matches during the 2018 World Cup:
- Morocco vs Iran (Group B) – June 15, Friday at 6 p.m. (18:00)
- Russia vs Egypt (Group A) – June 19, Tuesday at 9 p.m. (21:00)
- Brazil vs Costa Rica (Group E) – June 22, Friday at 3 p.m. (15:00)
- Nigeria vs Argentina (Group D) – June 26, Tuesday at 9 p.m. (21:00)
Saint Petersburg welcomed football fans from around the world during the 2018 FIFA World Cup
Playoff Matches Hosted in Saint Petersburg
In addition to group stage games, Saint Petersburg hosted three memorable playoff matches:
- Round of 16 – July 3, 2018
- Semi-final – July 10, 2018
- Third Place Playoff – July 14, 2018
Krestovsky Island and Saint Petersburg Stadium (Zenit Arena)
For the duration of the 2018 World Cup, the home stadium of FC Zenit was officially renamed Saint Petersburg Stadium. This remarkable venue remains one of the most impressive football arenas in the world.
The stadium cost approximately $1 billion (around 45 billion rubles) to construct. Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa designed the venue to meet all modern requirements, incorporating cutting-edge technologies that allow matches to be held in any weather conditions, whether summer or winter.
The stunning exterior of Saint Petersburg Stadium (Zenit Arena) on Krestovsky Island
Key Features of Saint Petersburg Stadium
The Saint Petersburg Stadium boasts numerous impressive features that make it a world-class venue:
- Seating capacity: 68,000 spectators for football matches, expandable to 80,000 for concerts and public events
- Retractable field: The arena field can roll off the stadium to maintain grass quality in local climate conditions
- Glass area: Approximately 40,000 square meters of energy-efficient tempered 6mm thick triplex glass
- Steel structures: 32,000 tons total weight, comparable to four Eiffel Towers
- Facade finish: 26,000 square meters of composite aluminum panels with anti-vandal ceramic metal panels at the base
Inside view of Saint Petersburg Stadium showcasing its impressive seating bowl and playing surface
The Revolutionary Retractable Roof
The dome-shaped roof with sliding canopy represents one of the stadium’s most innovative features:
- Roof area: 71,000 square meters, comparable to three Red Squares
- Sliding mechanism: Similar to a drawbridge design, capable of moving with loads up to 50 kg per square meter
- Load capacity: When folded, the roof can bear up to 2,000 tons
- ETFE film technology: Originally developed for aircraft and space industries, this innovative material transmits light, stores heat, protects from precipitation, and is non-combustible
- Automated control: The sliding roof operates via an automatic remote control system
How Saint Petersburg Prepared for the 2018 World Cup
To welcome the world’s best football players and fans, Saint Petersburg underwent significant improvements ahead of the tournament.
Hotel Infrastructure Expansion
Prior to the World Cup, Saint Petersburg primarily offered 5-star luxury accommodations, making it challenging for budget-conscious travelers to find affordable options. The city administration addressed this by approving a development plan for economy and mid-range hotels. As a result, dozens of new 2-3-star hotels opened before the tournament, offering reasonable prices for visitors.
New budget-friendly hotel options became available in Saint Petersburg ahead of the World Cup
Transportation Improvements
Major infrastructure upgrades enhanced connectivity throughout the city:
- New footbridge: Direct pedestrian access to the stadium
- New metro station: Opened specifically to serve World Cup visitors
- Airport expansion: Pulkovo-1 and Pulkovo-2 airports were enhanced to accommodate hundreds of daily flights from across Europe
- Glass bridge connection: A pedestrian bridge linking Pulkovo 1 and Pulkovo 2 for passenger convenience
- Airport rail link: Improved connections from Pulkovo to the city center for easier fan transportation
Pulkovo Airport underwent major expansions to handle increased visitor traffic during the World Cup
Top Tourist Attractions in Saint Petersburg
Saint Petersburg is one of the world’s most captivating cities. Its 300-year history is filled with drama and glory reflected in stunning architecture. More than 400 bridges connect dozens of islands, while granite embankments create some of the most romantic settings anywhere. Dozens of museums house priceless collections, and palaces showcase flourishing classical architectural styles. The city’s unique atmosphere, fabulous white nights, the treasures of the Hermitage, and nearby palace complexes at Peterhof, Pushkin, and Pavlovsk await every traveler.
Nevsky Prospekt
Nevsky Prospekt is the most famous and picturesque street in Saint Petersburg, often called the city’s main facade. This magnificent boulevard stretches 4.5 kilometers to Alexander Nevsky Lavra, offering visitors a stunning showcase of the city’s architecture, shops, and cultural landmarks.
Nevsky Prospekt, the iconic main thoroughfare of Saint Petersburg
White Nights in Saint Petersburg
The White Nights are a unique natural phenomenon typical of northern regions. During summer months (June-July), the sun barely sets and night lasts only a couple of hours. This magical time is the most romantic and pleasant season when life in the city never stops. Visitors stroll along embankments, watch the famous drawbridges open, enjoy cafés, and experience the city’s vibrant atmosphere around the clock.
The magical White Nights transform Saint Petersburg into a 24-hour destination during summer
The Bronze Horseman
The Bronze Horseman is the famous monument to Peter the Great, founder of Saint Petersburg, located in Senate Square. Commissioned by Catherine the Great, the monument was created by sculptor Étienne Maurice Falconet. While Catherine originally envisioned Peter dressed as a Roman emperor with a scepter, Falconet portrayed him as a creator and benefactor of Russia, stretching his hand protectively over the country.
The Bronze Horseman, the iconic monument to Peter the Great in Senate Square
The Summer Garden
The Summer Garden is the oldest city park, dating back to the 18th century and founded during the reign of Peter the Great. The first sculptures appeared here in 1707, and during Peter’s lifetime, the garden served as his summer residence. Each successive ruler expanded the garden, transforming it into a magnificent showcase of landscape art.
The historic Summer Garden, Saint Petersburg’s oldest park founded by Peter the Great
The Palace Bridge
The Palace Bridge is a famous bascule bridge over the Neva River and an enduring symbol of Saint Petersburg. Connecting Vasilievsky Island with the city center, the bridge opened to the public in 1916, though its iconic decorative railings were added 20 years later. Key facts about this landmark include:
- Cast iron components weighing 700 tons
- Some turning machinery elements over 100 years old
- Major repairs completed in 1967, 1977, and 1997
- Tramway service operated until 1998
The iconic Palace Bridge, a symbol of Saint Petersburg spanning the Neva River
Palace Square
Palace Square is the main square of Saint Petersburg, situated in front of the Winter Palace. Nearly twice the size of Moscow’s Red Square, this magnificent architectural ensemble with perfect geometrical proportions was created during the 18th and 19th centuries. The Alexander Column stands at its center, commemorating Russia’s victory over Napoleon and erected by order of Nicholas I.
The grand Palace Square featuring the Alexander Column and Winter Palace
The State Hermitage Museum
The State Hermitage Museum is the largest museum in Russia and ranks among the world’s most outstanding art collections alongside Spain’s Prado Museum, the Louvre in Paris, and the Vatican Museums.
The State Hermitage Museum, one of the world’s largest and most prestigious art museums
The museum’s exhibitions occupy a complex of six buildings housing over three million items. The crown jewel is the Winter Palace, the former residence of the Russian Royal Family. This magnificent complex was built by Bartolomeo Rastrelli in the distinctive Elizabethan Baroque style.
The opulent interior of the Hermitage Museum with its priceless art collections
Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood
The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood was built by order of Alexander III on the site where Emperor Alexander II was assassinated. The building stands 81 meters tall, corresponding to the year of this tragic event (1881). Construction was completed in 1907, and the church held memorial services for Alexander II rather than regular worship. During the Soviet period, the building served various purposes before being restored as a museum in 1997.
The stunning Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood with its iconic colorful domes
Kazan Cathedral
Kazan Cathedral is the main Orthodox church in Saint Petersburg, housing the revered icon of Our Lady of Kazan. Designed by architect Andrey Voronikhin in the Empire style, the cathedral’s groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Alexander I himself.
Kazan Cathedral, the principal Orthodox cathedral of Saint Petersburg
Saint Isaac’s Cathedral
Saint Isaac’s Cathedral is a magnificent landmark and the largest Orthodox church in Saint Petersburg. Constructed under the direction of Auguste de Montferrand and supervised by Nicholas I, the building exemplifies the Late Neoclassical style with Byzantine and Neo-Renaissance influences. The cathedral was named after Saint Isaac of Dalmatia, the patron saint of Peter the Great.
Saint Isaac’s Cathedral, the largest Orthodox church in Saint Petersburg
Peter and Paul Fortress
The Peter and Paul Fortress represents a classic example of Russian Baroque architecture. This fortified construction and historical center of Saint Petersburg dates back to the early 18th century, marking the founding of the city.
The historic Peter and Paul Fortress, the birthplace of Saint Petersburg
The State Russian Museum
The State Russian Museum is the world’s largest museum dedicated to Russian fine art. It was established in the late 19th century during the reign of Nicholas II and houses an unparalleled collection of Russian masterpieces.
The State Russian Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of Russian art
While it’s impossible to list every attraction in Saint Petersburg, renting a car makes it much easier to explore this magnificent city’s countless treasures.
How to Rent a Car in Saint Petersburg
Car rental in Saint Petersburg is available for visitors who are at least 23 years of age with a minimum of 2 years driving experience. Business class vehicles may have more stringent requirements.
Rental options are available to suit every budget, with agencies offering cars with or without drivers. Services are available to businesses, individuals, foreign visitors, and tourists from other Russian cities. To avoid potential issues with hidden fees or unexpected charges, it’s important to work with reputable rental agencies known for their honesty and reliability.
Recommended Car Rental Companies in Saint Petersburg
Here are some of the most popular and reliable car rental companies in the city:
Almak Rental
- Location 1: 23 Zastavskaya Street (Metro: Moskovskiye Vorota) – Phone: +7 (812) 244-67-84
- Location 2: 18 Laboratory Street (Metro: Vyborgskaya) – Phone: 8 (800) 555-89-50
- Website: avto-prokat.spb.ru
Auto Premium
- Address: 33 Engels Prospekt, building 1 (Metro: Udelnaya)
- Phone: +7 (812) 325-99-03
- Website: prokat-auto.spb.ru
Lux Rent
- Location 1: 43-45 Ligovsky Prospekt (Metro: Vosstaniya Square) – Phone: +7 (812) 640-65-34
- Location 2: 41A Pulkovskoe shosse (Metro: Prospekt Veteranov) – Phone: +7 (812) 970-34-34
- Website: arenda-auto.ru
Diligence
- Location 1: 16B Moskovskoe shosse (Metro: Zvyozdnaya) – Phone: +7 (812) 605-56-26
- Location 2: 20B Roshinskiy Street (Metro: Electrosila) – Phone: +7 (812) 365-65-56
- Website: 9560226.ru
AmegaCar
- Address: 136 Engels Prospekt, building 1 (Metro: Prospekt Prosvesheniya)
- Phone: +7 (812) 310-01-00
- Website: amegacar.ru
Car Rental (7777555)
- Address: 78K Moskovsky Prospekt (Metro: Frunzenskaya)
- Phone: +7 (812) 777-75-55
- Website: 7777555.ru
Storlet Car Rental
- Address: 266 Ligovsky Prospekt, office 33 (Metro: Moskovskiye Vorota)
- Phone: +7 (800) 333 08 33
- Email: [email protected]
Renting a car is the best way to explore Saint Petersburg and its surrounding attractions
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Published June 01, 2018 • 10m to read
