This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you are better prepared for what to expect, what not to expect and can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in St. Petersburg. To help you make friends with St. Petersburg before you visit, we've included a few helpful and fun things you should know about the area. Enjoy!
Situated in the Tampa Bay area, St. Petersburg, Florida is a city with approximately 250,000 people. St. Petersburg was founded in 1892 and is surrounded by the ocean. St. Pete (as the locals call their home city) is known for its great outdoor and water activities as well as for its culture, and a relaxed, artistic atmosphere.
There is an airport in St. Petersburg and the city is also well connected by buses and trains. The public transportation system inside the city works well and is the preferred and most convenient method of transport to get around the city from your St. Petersburg hostel. The city area is too large to walk easily from place to place. As usual, while traveling in the US, having a car at your disposal is a huge advantage, and highly recommended. (This is especially true if you aren't traveling alone, and other people can help split the cost of renting a car.)
There are several great things to see when you stay in a St. Petersburg hostel. The famous Salvador Dali Museum is a pearl to those of us who love art, and is highly recommended. Be sure to spare at least a few hours for the guided tour and the art. There is also the Florida Holocaust Museum and the lungs of the city, the Sunken Gardens.
The hostels in St. Petersburg are a good value and centrally located. You should expect to pay about 20 dollars or a bit more for a dorm bed. There is a big hospitality / tourism industry in St. Pete too, so it's a great place to settle down for some work if you have a working visa.
Written by local enthusiast for St. Petersburg hostels
Miika
