If you’re sick of having your vodka cold and straight, this stylish cocktail bar certainly shakes things up a little. It’s all about imaginative and inventive drinks devised in all manner of scientific ways. If you’re not sure what to plump for, just ask the bartender to go wild, and then sip back and enjoy.

Cold beers, DJs, beautiful people and… laundry? Welcome to Stirka 40°, part bar, part art-café and part laundrette. It's a pleasingly bohemian hangout, and the atmosphere is refreshingly uncontrived, despite the hipster setting. As well as DJ sets, there are occasional live acts, from rock bands to poetry. You can get your clothes washed while you bop.

St Petersburg hipsters groom carefully before putting their facial hair on display at this popular beer hall and cocktail bar. Serious cocktail mixology and craft beers keep the punters happy, and crowds mob the long wooden bar at weekends. Be warned though: this place gets super busy at the end of the week.

An exponent of everything electronic, the Efir Club is home to St Petersburg’s best cutting edge DJs. It welcomes a host of international tastemakers too, spreading the love across two rooms. With innovative visuals and a throbbing dancefloor, expect to drag yourself out around 6am – if you’re cool enough to get past face control.

The focal point for the Petersburg underground scene, Griboedov is renowned for its cheap drinks, loud music and spirit crowd. The stage hosts everything from rock and ska bands to hardcore techno and house nights, and energetic locals gather at weekends to rock out Russian style.

It's house and techno all the way at this throbbing nightclub, which attracts big name DJs from across Russia and Europe. There are two dancefloors and plenty of beautiful people, but the dress code is strict, so you'll need to look at your very best to get past face control.

A bohemian crowd gathers at Fish Fabrique to listen to the latest up-and-coming St Petersburg rock bands, play table football, and enjoy loud nights out with friends, fuelled by plenty of beer and vodka. It's small and friendly, and a great place to plug into the alternative scene in St Petersburg.

Founded by the legendary jazz violinist David Goloshchokin, this is Petersburg's leading venue for jazz and blues, hosting everything from Dixieland to ragtime and big band blues. Jazz-dancing nights fill the dancefloor and there are also special morning shows for children. Book a table near the front for the best views.

Bringing a taste of the 1950s and a hint of the Wild West to St Petersburg, Money Honey is the top spot to hear Russian rockabilly – perhaps Russia's most surreal music scene. To experience Money Honey at its best, come when the double-bass rhythms are pumping on Friday or Saturday.