Backpacking in Saint Petersburg: My Winter Stay at the Kino Hostel, Vyborgsky District

“A world in white is underway” – Paul Hewson.

First of all thanks to the Russian government’s decision to give all World Cup ticket holders (and therefore FAN ID holders) visa free entry until 31st December 2018. It meant we could all go back for unlimited entries into Russia (any city, by land, by air…) for over 6 months. Having already visited only Moscow and Kaliningrad, in 2018, I finally made it to Saint Petersburg and Krasnodar. Having previously stayed in the Kino Hostel on Pushkinskaya Street, this time I chose one of the other Kino Hostels – located in Vyborgsky District, opposite the Bolshaya Nevka River.

This was my second trip to Saint Petersburg in as many months and had the added sparkle of the snow. I simply loved the magical winter wonderland that greeted me…

I checked into the Kino Hostel and loved my time here, yet again. Kino Hostels have built a network of three superb hostels in the city, here are my reasons to choose this one, here in Vyborgsky District.

1.It’s in a Different Part of the City
Most tourists (myself included) base themselves on the side of the city where the famous Nevsky Prospekt and Winter Palace sit. I also did that on my first trip to Saint Petersburg, that time I stayed in the Kino Hostel on Pushkinskaya Street. I had seen the most touristic parts of the city and loved them. But now, I was staying across the river, about 4 or 5 metro stops from the first hostel and I was staying in a different neighbourhood. This made for a pleasant change.

2.Wonderful Staff
I was checked in by Valerie on the first night, then I met Oksana. On the final day, I was checked out by the lovely Masha, who was dressed in a Santa Suit. All staff are not just friendly, they are more than friendly and go out of their way to chat and help you.

3.Fast, Free Wi-Fi
Again, I was able to work from the comfort of my room. It was towards the end of December 2018 and the hostel was quite quiet so I loved the fact the Wi-Fi was fast, free and had a good signal in my room.

4.It has a Bar
The first Kino Hostel I stayed in on Pushkinskaya Street didn’t have a bar. This one in Vyborgsky District has a bar, which is a great social place to get to meet your fellow tourists.

5.Clean, safe, comfortable, cosy
All of the above – the rooms are clean, they are safe (everyone has their own locker), they are cosy and comfy for a good night’s sleep here!

Here are the details for booking a bed at the Kino Hostel in Vyborgsky District, Saint Petersburg:

Vyborgskaya Naberezhnaya 27, Vyborgsky District, St Petersburg, Russia
Выборская наб., 27, Sankt-Peterburg, Russia, 194044
+7 812 291-54-52
VK: Kino Hostel on VK
Facebook: Kino Hostel on Facebook

Here are some videos from my time backpacking in Saint Petersburg: