Meet the Local Program in St. Petersburg
Discover a unique and authentic way to experience Russia with a Jewish heritage tour in St. Petersburg led by a local Jewish resident. After exploring the museums and famous landmarks of St. Petersburg, enhance your visit by spending time with Lena Prudovskaya, an English-speaking Jewish host who offers genuine insight into Jewish life in the Soviet era and today. Although not a licensed guide, Lena is highly educated, deeply knowledgeable about art, culture, and history, and eager to share personal stories and local perspectives that no traditional tour can provide.
Born and raised in St. Petersburg in an intellectual Jewish family, Lena graduated as an engineer from the St. Petersburg Polytechnic Institute.
After 1991, when Russia opened its doors to the world, she worked with an adoption agency, hosting American families as they navigated adoptions, handling everything from translation and shopping to sightseeing and daily assistance. These guests often became “accidental tourists,” forging lifelong friendships with Lena and her family. From creative solutions—like finding makeshift sports facilities due to the absence of golf clubs—to heartwarming moments with guests who helped mend clothing or bonded with her children, Lena’s home became a cultural exchange hub full of unforgettable stories.
Lena is also known for helping travelers experience St. Petersburg like locals—avoiding tourist traps, finding hidden gems, saving money at museums and theaters by blending into local crowds, and discovering authentic food, culture, and neighborhoods. She knows the city’s Metro stations, famous for their Soviet-era artwork, and can guide visitors to the best shops, clean restrooms, cozy cafés, artisan studios, and porcelain workshops. With excellent connections in the city’s cultural scene, Lena can help secure tickets to concerts, theaters, and exhibitions that are often difficult for tourists to obtain.
Her customized experiences for visitors include:
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Dinner with a local Jewish or Russian Orthodox family
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Shabbat in St. Petersburg with the Jewish community
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Traditional Russian tea ceremony
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Architecture and Metro art tours
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Guided shopping trips
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Visits to lesser-known museums and galleries
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Hard-to-get theater and exhibition tickets
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Day trips to Pskov, Novgorod, or even Helsinki with a private driver
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Boat tours on the Neva River
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Renting a countryside dacha (summer house)
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Fishing, visiting a traditional Russian banya, and cooking freshly caught fish
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Personalized concierge services tailored to your interests (within ethical and legal limits)
Warm, insightful, and resourceful, Lena offers an extraordinary Jewish cultural experience in St. Petersburg that blends history, humor, and heartfelt hospitality—creating a connection to the city that travelers remember for a lifetime.
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