Check the events calendar

Moscow and St Petersburg are deserted during big holidays, such as the first week of January (between New Year's Day and Orthodox Christmas) and the first week or two of May (around Labour Day, or May Day, and Victory Day). Regardless, both cities are celebratory during these seasons, with parades, concerts, and other activities, but museums and other institutions may have shorter hours or be closed entirely.

The greatest time to visit St Petersburg is from May to September, but the White Nights celebrations are at their pinnacle in mid-June. You can apply at the last minute, but it will likely be quite expensive. Begin the application process at least a month before your trip, and use a specialized travel agency to obtain visas and make important transportation arrangements. Within seven days of arriving in Russia, all visitors should have their visas recorded, excepting weekends and public holidays.

If you're staying in a private property, you must register with your hotel or hostel, or with your landlord, friend, or family. Keep in mind that your visa entry and exit dates will be written in European calendar convention (day/month/year) rather than American calendar convention (day/month/year), so don't get confused or overstay your visa.