I’ve compiled a list of must-see places in St. Petersburg into one post: here you’ll find historic houses, cozy streets, cafes, palaces, and gardens. This list is not exhaustive, and I understand that the northern capital has many other places with their amazing history that I haven’t even guessed. However, these will be my favorite locations, which I am ready to visit again and again.
St. Petersburg is, without exaggeration, a stunning city. A city where Russian emperors ruled for over two hundred years. It’s a city of majestic cathedrals, museums with astonishing collections of paintings and architecture, and hundreds of beautiful bridges and canals. No other Russian city has preserved such a number of historic mansions and houses. St. Petersburg boasts 70 theaters and almost 200 museums.
St. Petersburg is not only a temple of culture but also a city of Russian rock, decadence, and ruthless snobs. It gave rise to names like Kino, Aquarium, and DDT. Their songs are still sung in taverns, and passersby know the collections of the Russian Museum inside out.
St. Petersburg is a labyrinth of intricate streets where you walk, listening to the guide’s words, and imagine that great writers, rulers, and generals once walked these same pavements. It’s a city where alleyways hide double-hung windows, dilapidated old houses, and decrepit mansions. So, here are the must-see places in St. Petersburg.
Places to see in St. Petersburg.
Nevsky Prospekt.
It’s hard to imagine St. Petersburg without its main artery – Nevsky Prospekt. Today, it’s the central street of the city, bustling with life. Artists sit here, musicians play, and ladies sip wine in the cozy restaurant windows. This avenue is the longest street in the city – 4.5 kilometers. But it’s better not to walk its entire length, rather turn aside. For example, to the Griboedov Canal.
Griboedov Canal. Must-see places in St. Petersburg.
See the griffins by the canal? It turns out, there are many superstitions surrounding these birds. If you want to get rich, hurry to this bridge. Some rub the paw, some leave a coin, each expressing their desire to prosper in their own way. Hopefully, photographing the griffin will also boost your bank account. And indeed, near the bridge stood the Assignation Bank (today it’s an economics university), and mythical birds were long ago attributed the ability to guard gold, thus the beautiful legend was born.
The Hermitage.
It’s one of the most magnificent museums in the world. Every hall is simply packed with works of art. Van Gogh, Matisse, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci – their works and many others fill the museum’s niches. If you were to stop in front of each painting for just one minute, it would take over 20 years to see everything that the Hermitage holds. It used to be the Winter Palace, stormed by the Bolsheviks, and now it’s stormed by tourists every day.
Click here for information on organized tours in St. Petersburg.
Aurora Cruiser. Must-see places in St. Petersburg.
The Aurora Cruiser – it’s precisely the cruiser whose whistle signaled the start of the storming of the Winter Palace. If it weren’t for it, we might be living in a different country by now. Today it stands in eternal berth, repainted once a year, and its decks polished to a shine.
Singer House.
Everyone knows what the Singer House is (for those who don’t know – it houses the Book House and the VKontakte office), but few know that in this amazing building there is a charming gilded staircase with numerous turns, covered with a red carpet. There’s also a mosaic floor with decorative forging, antique elevators, and an atrium made from the building’s inner courtyard. And if you climb to the very top, you can get to an observation deck with a stunning view of the entire city center.
Address: Nevsky, 28.
Fairytale Cathedral Mosque.
Incredibly photogenic Cathedral Mosque. Just look at how it’s painted. Interestingly, does it remind only me of peacock feathers? By the way, it used to be the largest in Russia.
Address: Kronverskiy Ave., 7.
Stieglitz Academy. Must-see places in St. Petersburg.
An unusual building, both outside and inside. Free exhibitions are regularly held here. It’s a place beloved by artists and photographers who constantly organize something here.
Address: Solyanoi Lane, 13.
Parks and gardens of Peterhof.
Peterhof was conceived as a luxurious summer imperial residence. Peter the Great wanted to surpass the famous French Versailles, and you know, he succeeded. 300 years ago, Versailles was considered the most beautiful, but Peter the Great built a palace here that was at least as good.
Work on the creation of the palace was conducted at a frantic pace, and now the fountain cascades are considered some of the most beautiful in the world. The sculptures here depict ancient gods covered in real gold. Read more about this place here.
Medieval Vyborg.
Vyborg is the most European city in Russia. Everything here is European: from the ancient castle on the island, old streets with cobblestone buildings, clock towers, and town halls, to the fairytale Mon Repos Park, which you fall in love with at first sight.
Once the city’s territory belonged to the Swedes. The Swedes chose a beautiful place where they founded a castle. As usual, a city began to grow around the castle. Wealthy people from Hanseatic cities gathered here and brought their traditions and customs. They survived even after the city became part of Russia. Planning to visit this city? Then get more recommendations about it here.
Monrepo – my peace!
After a stroll around Vyborg, of course, it’s worth visiting Mon Repos Park – the most picturesque corner of nature, literally just a few kilometers from the city.
Monrepo is my sanctuary! It’s a mysterious place, permeated with transparent air and mists. Here, in the morning haze and the silence of wooded cliffs, gloomy and grayish caves are hidden. Arriving here, you forget about everything in the world, and peace and grace reign in the soul. Here, dense trees with secluded paths, gray precipitous rocks over the water surface and waves crashing against them, gorges and capes, backwaters and lakes, and the few pavilions only complement nature. If there ever was a Lukomorye, it would be here.
Where to eat in St. Petersburg? Must-see places in St. Petersburg.
While wandering around St. Petersburg, at every step, you encounter tempting pictures of food – in the subway on the go, someone is munching on a burger; someone is slowly nibbling on ice cream while sitting on a bench in the park; in a restaurant, someone is twirling pasta on a fork; someone is crossing the road with a cup of hot tea, and someone leisurely eats an eclair, washing it down with foamy cappuccino. Thoughts arise spontaneously – it’s time for me to try something too. When visiting St. Petersburg, you want something unusual, something you’ve never tried before. Let it be a café with an unusual interior or a dish with a beautiful presentation. In general, you want to be surprised.
But first, you should definitely stop by Pyshechnaya! All St. Petersburgers love pyshki so much that they constantly open new and new establishments. But there is one most popular place where they sell only pyshki. Pyshechnaya on Bolshaya Konyushennaya, house 25, has been operating since 1958. For the best pyshki, the establishment has been included in the Red Book of memorable addresses of the city, which the authorities promise not to touch. Pyshki are served with coffee, milk, and the supervising gaze of a cat.
Ryumochnaya No. 1. Drink vodka, snack on beef cold soup with horseradish and mustard, and homemade lightly salted cucumber. The menu consists of dishes straight from the 19th century: braised veal tongue with horseradish, salted lard with Borodinsky bread, smoked sturgeon on alder. Any moment now, Griboyedov will sit at the neighboring table and continue writing “Woe from Wit”.
Address: Konnogvardeyskiy Boulevard, house 4.
How to come to St. Petersburg.
Whether you’re drawn to its imperial palaces, world-class museums, or vibrant arts scene, St. Petersburg promises an unforgettable experience like no other. In this guide, we’ll navigate the intricacies of planning your journey to this magnificent destination.
Getting There:
By Air: St. Petersburg is served by the Pulkovo International Airport (LED), which offers numerous domestic and international flights. Major airlines operate direct flights from key cities worldwide, making it easily accessible for travelers from all corners of the globe. Upon arrival, you can reach the city center via taxis, buses, or the Aeroexpress train, which provides a convenient and efficient connection.
Check Aviasales to find the cheapest flights to St. Petersburg if you’re traveling from another country.
By Train: For those arriving from within Russia or neighboring countries, traveling by train presents an opportunity to witness the picturesque landscapes en route to St. Petersburg. The city boasts several train stations, including the historic Moskovsky Station, providing seamless connections to Moscow, Helsinki, and other major destinations.
By Sea: St. Petersburg, famously known as the “Venice of the North,” is also accessible by sea. Cruise ships frequently dock at the Passenger Port of St. Petersburg, offering passengers a unique perspective as they approach the city’s majestic skyline from the Baltic Sea.
I highly recommend traveling by car as it is the most convenient and direct option. If you don’t have a car, you can rent one at very reasonable prices here.
The most charming hotels in St. Petersburg.
St. Petersburg, the cultural gem of Russia, is a city that effortlessly blends history, art, and grandeur. And what better way to immerse yourself in the city’s charm than by staying at one of its enchanting hotels? Here, we explore some of the most captivating accommodations that St. Petersburg has to offer.
Belmond Grand Hotel Europe. Nestled in the heart of St. Petersburg, the Belmond Grand Hotel Europe is a timeless masterpiece. With its opulent interiors adorned with exquisite antiques and chandeliers, this iconic hotel exudes old-world charm. Guests can indulge in luxurious amenities, including fine dining at its renowned restaurants, pampering spa treatments, and impeccable service that epitomizes Russian hospitality.
The State Hermitage Museum Official Hotel. Situated just steps away from the legendary Hermitage Museum, this hotel offers a unique blend of history and luxury. Housed in a 19th-century building overlooking the Palace Square, the State Hermitage Museum Official Hotel boasts elegantly appointed rooms and suites adorned with classical decor. Guests can enjoy exclusive access to the museum outside of regular hours, allowing for a truly immersive cultural experience.
Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg. Set within a beautifully restored 19th-century palace, the Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace is a beacon of sophistication in St. Petersburg. Its lavish accommodations feature a harmonious fusion of historic architecture and contemporary design, offering guests a luxurious retreat in the heart of the city. With its Michelin-starred dining options, tranquil spa, and unparalleled service, this hotel promises an unforgettable stay.
In conclusion, St. Petersburg stands as a testament to Russia’s rich cultural heritage and enduring legacy. Whether you’re drawn to its imperial palaces, world-class museums, or vibrant arts scene, the city promises an unforgettable journey filled with discovery and wonder. By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to embark on your own adventure to the Venice of the North and create memories to last a lifetime.
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