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Last Updated: Jul 16, 2024, 03:25 PM

Undergraduate Admissions Events

Exploring your options? We offer events tailored to prospective students beginning their college search journey. Discover opportunities and find the right fit for your future. If you have any questions, email  [email protected] or call 618-453-7141. Admitted to SIU? Congratulations! Take your next step and register for New Student Orientation .

Register for Open House

At an Open House, you will learn the admissions process, housing options, financial aid, and scholarship information. You can meet with each academic college and learn more about your major, attend our Resource Fair & Academic Showcase, and take a campus tour with one of our Saluki Ambassadors. You'll hear from current students and have a chance to win some Saluki swag!

Ready to learn more about how you can become a Saluki and set out on your own academic journey?

Upcoming Dates

Event schedule.

• 8:30 AM-9:00: Event Check In & Resource Fair Student Center
• 9:00-10:00 AM: Welcome Program & Student Panel Student Center Ballrooms
• 10:00-11:00 AM: Resource & Academic Fair Student Center International Loungue
• 11:00-12:15 PM: Lunch Student Center
• 12:00-1:30 PM: Automotive & Aviation Academic Info Sessions Transportation Education Center, 545 Airport Rd, Murphysboro, IL 62966
• 12:30-1:30 PM: On-Campus Academic Info Sessions Various Locations across Campus (View Open House Map)
• 1:30-3:30 PM: Campus & Residence Hall Tours Available Depart from Student Services Building every 15 minutes

Schedule a Personalized Campus Visit

Daily visits and tours are offered Monday through Friday throughout the year. A typical visit includes a meeting with Admissions, a tour of the campus, and one of our residence halls, not to mention a warm welcome from the moment you arrive. You may also request an appointment with a representative in your major and enjoy lunch in the dining halls at a reduced rate.

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Southern Illinois University

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We make great discoveries all the time. Starting with Our Students.

Our professors are experts in their fields. But they know more than their disciplines. They also know their students.

Southern Illinois University in Carbondale is a campus full of turning points, triumphs and breakthroughs. While we’re a public, high-caliber research institution, we also have the heart of a small college—putting the student at the center of everything we do. It’s why, across all nine of our colleges, in every 4-year degree, our students win awards, jump into research, and graduate to become satisfied, accomplished alumni.

Request more information and we’ll send you our latest campus guide. With over 200 degree programs to choose from, no matter what you want to study we have the program to match your passion.

We love a good success story and we can’t wait to help you with yours.

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Southern Illinois University

Orientation.

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Last Updated: Aug 13, 2024, 11:40 AM

Admitted for Spring 2025?

Orientation dates for students admitted to SIU for the spring semester will be available in the New Student Orientation Portal in mid-November. An email will be sent to all new admits when registration opens.

When available, please log in to the NSO portal* to register. 

• New Student Orientation Portal

New Student Orientation (NSO) is the next step in your Saluki Journey. This event is an on-campus, one-day experience for admitted students and their supporters. These events are designed to give you a jump start on your first semester at SIU. Mingle with other students, get involved on campus, and maximize your use of available resources. 

After you reserve your NSO date, you will be added to a contact list for your academic advisor. Registration for Fall semester classes opens in April. Your advisor will reach out to schedule an advisement appointment after registration opens and prior to your NSO date.

*To access the NSO Portal, please sign in with your Network ID and password. If you haven't claimed your Network ID, please visit netid.siu.edu and follow the instructions for completing the claim process .

New Student Program Fee

A non-refundable $150 New Student Program fee, set by the SIU Board of Trustees, covers costs for NSO, Weeks of Welcome, and new student programs throughout your first year. This fee will be assessed on your first tuition bill after you register for classes. You do not need to pay it up front, but you are responsible for the fee as a first-time SIU student.

Before Orientation

• Your Network ID is your university-wide login information, which you will use to register for classes, access your Bursar account, and take care of other items. Your Network ID is “SIU” followed by your dawgtag number (siu85xxxxxxx).
• Multi-Factor Authentication is a two-step authentication process that increases security for your SIU credentials and accounts. To set up your MFA, follow these instructions . If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Information Technology .
• After reserving your date, check your email regularly for a confirmation of date, program reminders, and other helpful information.
• Email your advisor to get instuctions for how to register for classes. 
• Access Degree Works through SalukiNet by searching Degree Works to monitor your degree progress.
• The Math Placement Test is required for most incoming students. To complete the test, you must log on to MyCourses and select the "Math Placement" course on your MyCourses homepage. Click on "Content" to find the test and instructions. Transfer students who are required to take the test should email Dr. Thara Lowndes at [email protected]  to receive access.
• If you have transferred in credit for the prerequisite to the course you want to take at SIU with a grade of C or better or if you will be entering SIU with a transferable college course equivalent that satisfies the lowest level math requirement for your major, then you may not have to take the math placement exam. You can contact your advisor for further clarification. All incoming students with no transferable math credit must take the placement test.
• Get credit for what you know and find the right class for you. Note that the foreign language test is not required.
• All students are required to be in compliance with the immunization requirements. The form must be submitted to avoid any registration holds. It can be mailed, emailed or faxed to the Immunization Compliance office or turned in at their table during the Resource Fair at orientation.
• A Housing Contract is required to reside on campus. Please review  student housing policy  for more information. For questions, contact University Housing at [email protected] or 618/453-2301.
• You can access your award package by searching Financial Aid on SalukiNet. The Financial Aid Office is open from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and can be reached at 618/453-4334 or via email at [email protected] . 
• Financial Aid is available for 15-minute Virtual Financial Aid Advisement Sessions.
• To avoid any registration holds and for your financial aid to be disbursed, an official copy of your final transcript must be submitted once you are done taking classes at your current institution. High school transcripts should be sent to Undergraduate Admissions and college transcripts to Articulation and Evaluation . If you attend an earlier orientation date, you may not be able to take this step just yet.

During Orientation

Items to bring to orientation.

• Identification – Valid goverment issued picture ID (example: driver’s license, state ID, military ID, or a passport) Photos of IDs or school issued IDs will not be accepted.
• Any Financial Aid questions or documents to submit.
• Questions for University Housing.
• Immunization Compliance Form - Can be turned in at the Student Health Center table during the Resource Fair. 
• Weather appropriate clothes and comfortable shoes as this program requires being outdoors and walking
• Notebook/paper to take note

Steps to Complete during Orientation

• Students who have not yet completed their Housing Contract or have questions will have the opportunity to meet with housing representatives at orientation. 
• The Financial Aid and Bursar’s Offices will be open for walk-ins as well as scheduled, individualized appointments throughout all orientation programs.
• Students and families attend a welcome with the student’s specific academic college or school . Learn about opportunities for involvement and success in the student’s major and career field.
• Tours of campus will be offered for students and supporters to gain an in-depth knowledge of how to navigate campus as a student.
• Students who will reside on campus will tour their residence halls on their assigned side of campus (East/West)
• Explore what SIU has to offer by meeting with university staff and campus departments during the Resource Fair.
• Note that immunization compliance forms can be turned in at the Student Health Center table during the Resource Fair.
• Orientation Leaders (OLs) are current students who are here to assist you with your transition to SIU. OLs come from all over the world and represent a wide variety of majors offered at SIU. 
• Purchase your Saluki Apparel and textbooks. 
• Dawg Days is a four-day, three-night retreat for incoming students at the Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center. Make friends and learn more about life at SIU!
• Once you have registered for classes, SIU will only communicate information to you through this email. 
• SIU app that you can use to check-in at events, such as SIU Athletics and Student Programming Council events, and earn points for prizes.
• Information on upcoming events, including Saluki Start Up and Family Weekend.
• Follow SIU on social media channels

After Orientation

• Help us continue to improve the incoming Saluki experience by completing the survey sent to your email.
• Begin packing for your big move to SIU!
• The Bursar’s Office offers an installment payment plan for a minimal fee per semester that divides your bill up into four payments per semester if enrolled by July 30th for the fall semester and December 30th for the spring semester. You must re-enroll in the plan each semester. The Bursar's office is open from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and can be reached at 618/453.2221 or via email at [email protected] . 
• SIU requires all students taking on-campus courses to have health insurance. To meet this mandate, all students taking on-campus courses will be billed the student health insurance fee. Students who already have comparable health insurance coverage may waive the fee by completing the waiver process prior to the posted deadlines.
• We are upgrading our student ID cards. The new card will offer enhanced convenience, new features, and industry-proven technology to safeguard your personal information. You will receive an email with instructions for obtaining your ID.
• In order to purchase your parking pass you will need your vehicle registration, license plate number, and SIU Dawg Tag. 
• Manage your class schedule, plan your finances, and check the “Must Do” list for important, time-sensitive items.
• SIU will only communicate information to you through this email so it will be important for you to check it daily for information about your transition.

You Will...

Your Orientation Leaders will help facilitate your orientation day activities. You will also meet with faculty and staff members from your college and other campus departments, current SIU students, and other new students attending New Student Orientation.

Learn about resources that make "unparalleled access" more than just a phrase. No matter your background or your career ambition, we have what you need to fit into the academic and social environment of SIU. Because SIU is an important part of the community, you'll learn what the city of Carbondale has to offer. 

Investigate

Learning isn't just hitting the books. It's connecting with people whose interests are similar to yours but whose backgrounds may be different. It's trying something new. It's using your academic major interests to support your community by volunteering. During NSO, you'll learn about opportunities for all of that, and more.

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We will help you go as far as you want to go in your academic career.

If you are beginning your college career and you are seeking a bachelor’s degree or an associate’s degree, you are an undergraduate. You’ll start the application process with   Undergraduate Admissions . They’ll walk you through the steps and answer your questions. They might even answer a few you didn't know you should ask.

If you are coming to SIU Carbondale as an undergraduate from another university or college, you are a   transfer student . You will want to use many of the same services as new freshmen, but you’ll also want credit for the college work you’ve already done. We will go out of our way to make the transfer process a barrier-free one.

Graduate students apply to the   Graduate School   with a particular degree in mind, or they apply as a Nondeclared Graduate Student. Our graduate programs take you to the next level. Initiative is always rewarded at SIU Carbondale.

SIU welcomes students to back to campus, announces upcoming events

Southern Illinois University | Saturday, August 24, 2024

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August 10, 2022

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois University Carbondale will roll out the maroon carpet to welcome new and returning students to campus in grand Saluki style with a host of special activities during Saluki Startup and Weeks of Welcome .

Students move onto campus Aug. 18 and 19, with classes starting Aug. 22. Preparations have been underway for months to ensure a smooth transition for students to their new campus home away from home. View the online schedule , which is constantly being updated as activities are added. Students can also stay abreast of what’s happening by downloading the Saluki Superfan app , their portal to keep tabs on student life throughout the year.

Dawg Days helps create a successful transition

SIU’s Dawg Days New Student Retreat , set for Aug. 15-18 at Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center , is an action-packed week. Organized and led by students, it is designed to help their new student peers successfully transition to college life. 

Forging connections through Saluki Startup

Creating a Saluki family connection is what Saluki Startup , set for the early days of the semester, is all about. During special activities on Aug. 18-21, the university will help returning and new students get acquainted with one another and the campus.

A recent popular addition to Saluki Startup is Light up the Lake, set for 7-9 p.m. Aug. 18 as the boat dock will be glowing all evening. Campus Lake/Becker Pavilion will come alive with glow-in-the-dark games and activities, slacklining, a climbing wall, a DJ, freebies, snacks, a pottery throwing wheel and other fun Saluki experiences.

A Resource Fair provides information about what’s available and how to connect with the campus departments or units as well as community organizations 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Aug. 19, in Ballroom D of the Student Center. The Saluki Startup Kickoff at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 19 at Saluki Stadium is a giant pep rally, complete with a class picture for new students. Afterward, the action moves to the Student Recreation Center for Late Nite at the Rec, with volleyball, swimming, basketball and a host of other activities from 9 to 11 p.m.

A favorite tradition, the Chancellor’s Welcome Fest , will be 1-3 p.m. Aug. 21, complete with a cookout, DJ, climbing wall, yard and watermelon games, giveaways and the chance to get acquainted with campus leaders, faculty and staff.

There are also meet-and-greet events sponsored by numerous colleges and groups and various other activities throughout the early days of classes. Find the complete Saluki Startup schedule of events at wow.siu.edu/saluki-startup.  For more information about any of the events, email [email protected] or call 618-453-1000.

Welcoming one and all with events galore

At SIU, the “welcome back” vibe continues with a variety of diverse activities during five Weeks of Welcome , or WOW, as it is called it on campus. Highlights of the fall schedule include some very special guests you’ll want to see.

SIU will celebrate Diversity Week during this time. Juan Manual “John” Quiñones, ABC News correspondent/journalist and longtime host of “What Would You Do?,” will speak during the kickoff on Aug. 29. The diversity commemoration from Aug. 29 to Sept. 1 will also feature a discussion of military culture, a disability support and accessibility presentation, jazz ensemble, a Women’s Equality Day celebration and a jazz and hip-hop seminar, mural painting, SAFE Zone and DACA training and more. The full schedule will be available online when finalized.

You can also “Meet Kevin and Oscar from ‘The Office’” in the Student Center Ballrooms at 6 p.m. Sept. 22.  Oscar Martinez and Kevin Malone, portrayed by Oscar Nuñez and Brian Baumgartner, will share about their time on the NBC Emmy-winning series “The Office.” Students and the general public are welcome to attend the free presentation; no tickets are required and admission is on a first-come basis. A book signing will follow, and some fortunate guests will have the opportunity to meet the pair at a reception following the moderated event.

Other Week of Welcome activities include open houses, an involvement fair, movies, a job fair, a bonfire, barbecue, workshops, student organization events, and a free Family Carnival at the Student Recreation Center’s west gym from 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 27 featuring a bounce house, games, snacks and more. Geared toward non-traditional families, the event is designed to help them learn about campus and the community and connect with resources and other people.

Weeks of Welcome will wrap up with Saluki Family Weekend , Sept. 23-25, featuring a craft sale , Greek Sing, and other activities, including the the football Salukis hosting North Dakota in gridiron action.

Visit wow.siu.edu for the complete schedule of events, which is subject to change, depending on weather and other factors.

_______________________________________________________________________________

Media Advisory

Reporters, photographers and news crews are welcome to cover many of SIU’s Dawg Days New Student Retreat , Saluki Startup and Weeks of Welcome activities.

Opportune times to capture good stories, photographs and video at Dawg Days, set for Aug. 17-18 at the Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center , include:

• The Saluki Welcome Fest, 4:30 p.m. Aug. 15 , featuring the SIU spirit Squad and other fun along with various guest speakers, including Tena Bennett, assistant vice chancellor for auxiliary enterprise; Jennifer Jones-Hall, dean of students; and Jeffery T. Burgin Jr., vice chancellor for student affairs.
• Participants will rotate among various active games, 9 a.m.-noon Aug. 16 .
• New students will be enjoying a costume party at 9 p.m. Aug. 17.

All activities take place at Camp 2. For more information or to arrange a visit to Touch of Nature at another time, contact Brian Croft at 618-453-1121 or [email protected] .

You can also find great opportunities for stories, photographs and video on the SIU campus during numerous Saluki Startup and WOW, including:

• Move-in, which begins 18 for new students and continues Aug. 19 for returning students. For more information, visit housing.siu.edu/move-in/ . For details, contact Jim Hunsaker, senior associate director of operations for University Housing , at 618-453-1067, 618-201-2211 (cell) or [email protected] .
• Light up the Lake, 7-9 p.m. Aug. 18 , Becker Pavilion, Campus Lake.
• Saluki Kickoff Event , 6:30-8 p.m. Aug. 19 , Saluki Stadium.
• Late Night at the Rec, 9-11 p.m., Student Recreation Center.
• Dawg’s Night Out, 7-11 p.m. Aug. 20 , Student Center. Arts and crafts, games, inflatables.
• Chancellor’s Welcome Fest , 1-3 p.m. Aug. 21 , Shryock Lawn, climbing wall, yard and watermelon games, and more.
• Involvement Fair, 5-7 p.m. Aug. 25 , Faner Plaza. Students can find out what’s happening on campus, learning about campus resources and registered student organizations as well as community organizations as they meet fellow Salukis. Contact [email protected] or 618-453-5714.
• Family Carnival, 10 a.m.-noon Aug. 27 , Student Recreation Center.
• Diversity Week , 29-Sept.1 . The full schedule will be posted online when finalized.
• “Meet Kevin and Oscar from ‘The Office’” 6 p.m. Sept. 22 , Student Center Ballrooms.

The complete schedule of events for Weeks of Welcome is at wow.siu.edu . For more information, contact Jennifer Jones-Hall, dean of students, at [email protected] or 618-453-4846.

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Welcome to SIUE!

Experiencing campus is an important part of the college search process. Whether you are just beginning that process or making your final decision, SIUE offers a variety of campus visit options to meet your needs. We offer daily campus tours, preview programs, academic department previews, and virtual visits. If you’re ready to check out SIUE now, our virtual tour is available online.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is authorized to operate as a postsecondary educational institution by the  Illinois Board of Higher Education .

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School of Aviation 545 N. Airport Road Murphysboro, IL 62966

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SIU Aviation offers a comprehensive aviation program offering both undergraduate and graduate degree programs in aviation. SIU Aviation has three different undergraduate majors including   Aviation Flight ,   Aviation Management   and   Aviation Technologies . In addition, we offer a graduate degree in Aviation Management .

Be a Part of this.

The Boeing Company generously donated $50,000 to the School of Aviation to assist in subsidizing the cost of an aviation education for our students Thank you Boeing!!

United Airlines Career Day

SIU will once again host the United Airlines Career Day.

Saturday, October 19, 2024

All communicatins will be handled via email.

Registration Begins September 4.

Our Undergraduate Programs

• Aviation Management (B.S.)
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• Airframe & Powerplant Maintenance Certificate
• Airframe Maintenance Certificate
• Aircraft Management and Plannin g Minor
• Air Product Support Minor
• Air Traffic Control Minor
• Aircraft Product Support Minor
• Unmanned Aircraft Systems Minor

Flying Salukis

The Flying Salukis is part of our nationally recognized aviation program. The 15- to 18-member squad plays an important role in highlighting both the aviation program and the university’s accomplishments. The team has nine National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) titles dating back to 1977. Since 2011, when the Flying Salukis surprised many competitors by winning a then-seventh national championship, the team has nine straight top 3 national finishes. That includes championships in 2014 and 2015 and second-place showings in 2016 and earlier this year.

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15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in St. Petersburg, Russia

Written by Diana Bocco Updated Dec 23, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Moscow might be Russia's most modern, cosmopolitan city, but St. Petersburg is the cultural and historical heart of the country . Home to the Hermitage, one of the largest and most stunning art museums in the world, surrounded by canals, and home to beautiful white nights (when the sun never sets in summer), St. Petersburg is regal and inspiring.

First-time visitors should start at the Hermitage Museum -a museum so large, it is literally impossible to see it all in one day -and the beautiful Nevsky Avenue, flanked by opulent restaurants, churches, and palaces, and a great place for people watching. The Peterhof Palace Complex requires a day trip out of town, but it's a must-see and one of the highlights of a trip to St. Petersburg.

Whether you already know what to do when visiting or are looking for more ideas on how to spend your time, take a look at our list of top tourist attractions in St. Petersburg.

1. State Hermitage Museum

2. peter and paul fortress, 3. palace square, 4. peterhof palace, 5. eliseyev emporium, 6. vasilyevsky island, 7. nevsky avenue, 8. church of the savior on spilled blood, 9. mariinsky theater, 10. rivers and canals, 11. cruiser aurora, 12. saint isaac's cathedral, where to stay in st. petersburg, russia for sightseeing, map of tourist attractions in st. petersburg, russia.

Founded when Empress Catherine the Great started acquiring works of art in the late 1700s, the museum didn't officially open to the public until 1852. Today, the Hermitage is the second-largest art museum in the world after the Louvre, and it's home to a collection of over three million items.

The Hermitage technically occupies six buildings, although the main part of the museum (and the building most people associate with the museum) is housed in the Winter Palace, which served as the home of the Russian emperors until 1917, and it's a massive structure with 1,500 rooms.

In addition to French Neoclassical and Impressionist art, Flemish Baroque and Italian Renaissance exhibits, the museum also holds an impressive collection of Russian art from the 11th to 19th centuries, a sizable 19th-century Egyptian antiquity collection, and a hall showcasing prehistoric art. The Hermitage has the largest collection of paintings in the world, spanning many countries and centuries.

The Peter and Paul Fortress was originally a fortified area meant to protect the state from foreign attacks. It was constructed in 1703 and then extended and modified for the following four decades. While the fortress never saw any actual combat, it still has a dark story behind it, as it served as a prison and execution quarters during the Bolshevik revolution in the early 20 th century. Today, it's part of the State Museum of the History of St. Petersburg.

Within the walls of the fortress and surrounded by beautiful gardens and stone paths, there are several buildings. Perhaps the best known is the 18 th -century Peter and Paul Cathedral , the final resting place of Russian czars. Prison cells, a city museum, and the Saint Petersburg Mint building (founded in 1724 to manufacture coins and still in operation) are also located within the walls of the fortress.

St. Petersburg's main city square is a massive open public space right in front of the Winter Palace. The Alexander Column , built in the 1830s of a single piece of red granite, stands 47 meters tall at the center of the square. It was commissioned by Alexander I to commemorate the victory against Napoleon.

Many major events in Soviet/Russian history have taken place right on the square-Tsar Alexander II was shot here in 1879, and Bolshevik troops started the Revolution here in 1917 by storming the Winter Palace, where the royalty lived. Since then, the square has also been used for marches and demonstrations, from military parades to celebrate Victory Day (which marks the end of WWII) to New Year's Eve celebrations.

Located less than 30 kilometers from central St. Petersburg, the 18 th -century Peterhof Palace complex consists of a series of buildings, several formal gardens, and a total of 173 fountains fed by underground springs. Designed in the style of the Palace of Versailles , Peterhof is best known for its "Grand Cascade," which consists of 64 fountains located on a series of terraces outside the main entrance of the palace.

The opulence of the palace itself can be discovered through a guided tour. It features 30 rooms decorated with truly imposing gold colors, lots of marble, and items brought back from Asia mixing in with Baroque-style fireplaces and giant mirrors. Although it's possible to take a bus to get here, you can also catch a boat from St. Petersburg. The ride takes 45 minutes on the Neva River and offers great views of the shoreline along the way.

When the Eliseyev Emporium building was inaugurated in 1903, it was one of the most luxurious structures of its time. This might not be the case anymore, but the Art Nouveau details, stained-glass windows, crystal and metal candelabra, and hand-painted wall patterns are still quite impressive. The main attraction here, however, is the window displays, which feature moving puppets representing characters from The Nutcracker .

Today, this retail complex focuses mainly on food, with the most famous stop inside being the Eliseevy Merchants' Shop , Russia's oldest confectionery shop, which also sells high-end meats, spices, and dressings. The Eliseyev Emporium is also home to a unique homemade ice-cream shop selling flavors such as spicy basic and strawberry, green tea with jasmine, and "tender violet." Beautiful, hand-carved wooden souvenirs of traditional figures from Russian folktales are also available here.

Located just across the river from the city center and the Winter Palace and connected to the mainland by two bridges and a metro line, this small island is home to a number of landmarks and beautiful parks-including a Museum of Electrical Transport; the Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography; the Old Saint Petersburg Stock Exchange; and the Baroque Menshikov Palace, which serves as a branch of the Heritage Museum and holds mainly 17 th -century Russian art.

The Russian Academy of Sciences has several branches on the island, as well-and visitors might particularly appreciate visiting the Institute of Russian Literature , which holds original manuscripts of some of Russian's most famous writers, including beloved poet Alexander Pushkin.

Named after the Alexander Nevsky Lavra monastery that sits on this same street, the 4.5-kilometer-long Nevsky Prospect (or Avenue) is the heart of St. Petersburg. Home to the 18 th -century Great Gostiny Dvor, one of the oldest shopping arcades in the world, Nevsky Avenue also hosts lots of high-end shops, fancy restaurants, and luxury hotels.

Nevsky Prospect is all about opulent architecture -here, palaces and churches stand side by side, including the Late Baroque Stroganov Palace; the early 19 th -century Kazan Cathedral; and the Russian National Library, housed in a building dating back to the 1700s.

Even if you don't plan on doing any shopping here, the lights and atmosphere of this avenue are still worth a visit. Along the way, you'll find street artists; an original movie theater dating back to 1913; and the Anichkov Bridge, which was seriously damaged during WWII and restored without removing traces of shell damage from Nazi guns as a reminder of what happened here.

One of the most beautiful sights in St. Petersburg is this multicolored church designed in traditional medieval Russian style. Alexander III ordered its construction in 1883 on the site where his father had been assassinated two years prior.

It took over 20 years for the church to be finally completed, partly because of budget and partly because the materials needed for its interior décor (which included 7,500 square meters of mosaics to cover the walls and ceilings) weren't that easy to come by.

The church was seriously damaged during the Russian Revolution in 1917, then used as a morgue during WWII and as a potato warehouse right after. It took almost 30 years of restoration to get the building to its original splendor-but rather than reopening as a church, the structure is now a museum of mosaics .

Catherine the Great ordered the formation of the imperial opera and ballet troupe in the late 18 th century, but it wasn't until 1860, almost 80 years later, that the company got its own theater. Once it opened, Mariinsky Theater was the most preeminent music hall in Russia-the place where major masterpieces from Tchaikovsky and Mussorgsky were first premiered.

A masterpiece of Neoclassical architecture with Neo-Byzantine design elements, the Mariinsky Theater looks opulent from every angle-from the U-shaped auditorium to the ceiling mural to the massive crystal chandelier.

Today, the theater is one of the most prestigious cultural institutions in St. Petersburg. If you plan on attending a premiere or a popular performance (such as The Nutcracker in December or January), you will need to get tickets well in advance.

St. Petersburg's canals once played an important role in preventing floods-and while they still do keep waters at bay, they are now mainly used for transportation and to enjoy beautiful cruises down the Neva.

The canal system stretches for over 300 kilometers, with hundreds of bridges (both pedestrian and for traffic) crossing over them. The two most popular waterways are the Griboyedov Canal and the Winter Canal. The Griboyedov Canal flows under 21 bridges and alongside some of the city's most famous landmarks, including the Church of Our Savior on the Spilled Blood. The city's shortest canal, the Winter Canal , runs by the Winter Palace and the Hermitage Theater.

Both small and large boats are available to travel through the canals-some offering food, live music, or special English-language tours-including special rides to watch the bascule bridges opening at midnight.

The protected cruiser Aurora is a retired Russian naval ship with an armored deck. Built in the earlier 1900s, it served during the Russo-Japanese War in 1904-1905 and survived the Battle of Tsushima, where Russia suffered massive losses both in human lives and in the number of ships sunk or destroyed. It was also a shot from an Aurora cannon that marked the beginning of the Russian Revolution in 1917.

The Aurora is now anchored on the river Neva and is the most visited branch of the Central Naval Museum . Visitors can tour six different rooms onboard the ship, where they can see recreated snippets of everyday life (including how people ate and slept), photographs and paintings, and model ships.

While access to the Aurora is free, the engine room is only accessible for an extra fee. The view from the deck of the Aurora is stunning, with imperial buildings and rocking waters all around.

Technically speaking, St. Isaac is the world's largest Orthodox basilica , though the building has been converted into a museum, and religious service is rarely held here anymore. The cathedral was named after Saint Isaac the Confessor, a Christian monk who founded an important monastery in Constantinople.

The cathedral was finished in 1858, after 40 years of construction work plagued by criticism about the Neoclassical building being "plain and not too impressive."

The museum's collection features many ancient icon paintings, mosaic images, and colored stonework and marble. Perhaps the best reason to visit St. Isaac's Cathedral, however, is the 360-degree view you'll get from the platform at the 43-meter-tall colonnade - a magical mix of colorful rooflines, golden spires, and a number of city landmarks.

Luxury Hotels:

• Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg has an excellent location just two blocks from the Hermitage Museum and the Winter Palace. The hotel itself is inside a former palace belonging to a Russian princess in the 1820s. The interior is stunning, with a granite grand staircase. Rooms and suites are spacious and posh, with 5-star amenities. Also on-site are a number of different dining options, including a glass-roofed winter garden where you'll find the Tea Lounge. A spa, heated swimming pool, hot tub, and sauna are other perks of staying here.
• Hotel Helvetia is a 5-star property that is often priced lower than others in its category making it excellent value. Located within walking distance of Nevsky Prospect, it is a historic hotel dating back to the early 1800s. The design is elegant, and the rooms and suites have charming style and butler service. There is a restaurant and concierge on-site.
• Another luxury option is the Hotel Astoria next to St. Isaac's Cathedral in the center of St. Petersburg. The rooms and suites are classy, and there are options for families. Butler service is offered, and there is also valet parking. Other amenities include a restaurant and a spa with a sauna.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• Galunov Hotel is an excellent mid-range choice. The 4-star property is still quite luxurious and features cozy rooms and suites with exposed brick walls and fresh flowers in vases by the bed. The hotel is less than a 10-minute walk to Vosstaniya Square and just a few hundred meters to the Moskovskiy train station. Amenities include free parking, free breakfast, and 24-hour check-in.
• For an intimate mid-range stay check out the Alexander House . Located on the Kryukov Canal Embankment in the historic center of St. Petersburg, it has just 20 rooms and suites. These have a warm ambiance, with upholstered furniture, exposed brick walls, large windows, and area rugs. A complimentary breakfast is served in the morning.
• Old meets new at the Pushka Inn Hotel . The property boasts antique lanterns on walls, dark wood floors, and high ceilings. It also has a scenic location right on the Moyka River. Amenities include a restaurant, 24-hour front desk, and airport transportation.

Budget Hotels:

• For a solid budget hotel check out Allegro Hotel on Ligovskiy Ave . Just a few minutes' walk from the railway station with trains to Moscow and to Nevsky prospect, it features bright and spacious rooms with wood floors and furnishings and exposed brick walls painted white. A free breakfast is offered.
• Admiralteyskaya Hotel is another good budget choice. It is located on Matisov Island, which is surrounded by three rivers and connected with the rest of the city by five different bridges, offering guests a different view of St. Petersburg. The hotel is family friendly and offers guests a free breakfast.

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