Built along the Neva River, this historical canal city is home to a number of 19th century Russian Orthodox cathedrals as well as the State Hermitage Museum.
If your budget allows it, you can take a ferry up the river to explore the canals that surround St. Petersburg.
Rome is so big that it can overwhelm, so even the most devoted sightseer should take some time to kick back and enjoy la dolce vita in a sidewalk cafe.