How Siberia Meets St. Petersburg: Roadshow and the “Guide Speaks!” Project

St. Petersburg on a Siberian Route

At the end of summer the cultural capital of Russia set off on a modest tour of Siberia. As part of the roadshow, representatives of St. Petersburg tourism visited three major cities – Tomsk, Novosibirsk and Barnaul. The aim was simple: show what St. Petersburg can offer travelers and inspire Siberians to start planning trips to the northern capital.

What the presentations offered

Each stop featured short talks, visual material and lively interaction with the audience. Speakers covered the main sights, cultural events, how easy it is to get around the city and where to find authentic food. They also highlighted aspects that usually stay in the shadows – for example, free entry to certain museums on specific days, night‑time excursions and budget‑friendly accommodation options.

Why it matters for Siberian travelers

Siberia and the North‑West are often seen as remote corners of Russia, yet the roadshow proved they share common interests: a love of history, a desire to discover new places and a readiness for active recreation. For residents of Tomsk, Novosibirsk and Barnaul it is a chance to get up‑to‑date information without first hopping on a train to St. Petersburg.

Project “Guide Speaks!”: New routes and dialogue

While Siberia was discussing St. Petersburg’s possibilities, the city itself launched the “Guide Speaks!” project. This initiative lets travelers pick author‑crafted routes, talk directly with guides and enjoy free entry to selected attractions.

How the project works

• Author‑crafted routes – each guide designs a personal itinerary based on their interests and expertise. It could be a walk through little‑known neighborhoods, a themed architectural tour or a culinary trail.
• Live interaction – instead of standard audio guides, participants can ask questions, share impressions and get answers on the spot. The format makes the excursion feel more interactive and personal.
• Free entry – under the project some museums and exhibitions are open without charge, making cultural leisure more affordable.

Finding the “right” guide

Choosing a guide often decides the quality of the trip. Organisers suggest looking at a few criteria:

1. Experience and specialization – a guide who focuses on your chosen theme will know the details a generic tour might miss.
2. Reviews – feedback from previous participants helps gauge how lively and informative the tour was.
3. Communication style – some prefer a scholarly tone, others a relaxed chat peppered with anecdotes. It’s a matter of personal taste.

What participants gain

People say that being able to ask a question the moment it pops up makes the tour richer. Free entry to certain sites also saves money, and author‑crafted routes let you see the city from a fresh angle, bypassing the usual tourist trails.

Combining the two events

If you live in Siberia and are planning a trip to St. Petersburg, the roadshow gives you a snapshot of what to put on your itinerary. Once you’re in the city, the “Guide Speaks!” project can turn a standard visit into a series of unique encounters with local experts.

Practical tips

• Plan ahead – August is festival season in St. Petersburg, so accommodation demand can be high.
• Subscribe to project updates – official channels announce free‑entry dates and new author‑crafted tours.
• Make a list of interests – decide whether history, art or gastronomy appeals most to you. That will narrow down the guide who fits your needs.
• Don’t shy away from questions – real‑time dialogue often reveals details that guidebooks leave out.

Bottom line

The Siberian roadshow and the “Guide Speaks!” project are two different, yet complementary ways to get to know St. Petersburg. The former opens the door to planning a trip; the latter makes the trip itself flexible and packed with experiences. If you want to see the northern capital not as a typical tourist but as a researcher, use these initiatives – they’ll help you craft a personal route, save money and squeeze the most out of your visit.

Based on materials from: atorus.ru.