What to see in St. Petersburg: the main attractions and routes
St. Petersburg is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, the cultural capital of Russia with a rich historical heritage. Founded by Peter I in 1703, the city on the Neva is striking with the splendor of its architecture, the number of museums, palaces and temples. Once here for the first time, it’s easy to get confused – how do you get to see the most important thing?
Our guide will help you to make the best route and not miss the key sights of the Northern capital.
The main attractions of St. Petersburg
More than 4000 objects of cultural heritage are concentrated in St. Petersburg, of which about 40% are of federal importance. The historic center of the city and associated groups of monuments are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. We have compiled a list of must-see places worth seeing first.
1. State Hermitage and Palace Square
The Hermitage is one of the largest and most significant art, cultural and historical museums in the world. Its collection includes about three million exhibits – from ancient Egyptian artifacts to works of modern art. The museum complex includes six buildings, the main of which is the Winter Palace, the former residence of Russian emperors.
To explore all the halls of the Hermitage, it will take several days - the total length of the route is about 20 kilometers. If time is limited, focus on the main masterpieces: the works of Leonardo da Vinci (Madonna Benois, Madonna Litta), Rembrandt, Titian, Michelangelo sculptures, as well as the luxurious state halls of the palace.
Expert advice: "Come to the Hermitage for the opening or in the evening to avoid the biggest queues. Buy tickets online in advance – it will save time. Do not try to embrace the immense - choose 2-3 departments that are most interesting.
In front of the Winter Palace stretches Palace Square - the main square of St. Petersburg. Its architectural ensemble includes the General Staff building with a triumphal arch and the Alexander Column with a height of 47.5 meters, installed in honor of the victory over Napoleon.
2. Nevsky prospect
The main highway of the city stretches for 4.5 kilometers from the Admiralty to the Alexander Nevsky Lavra. Nevsky Prospekt is the heart of St. Petersburg, where famous sights, shops, restaurants and cafes are concentrated.
Walking along Nevsky, you will see:
- Kazan Cathedral with a majestic colonnade
- Singer House (now House of Books)
- Gostiny Dvor - the oldest shopping center of the city
- Anichkov Bridge with famous sculptures "Horse Tamers"
- Eliseevsky store with luxurious interiors
Nevsky Prospekt is especially beautiful in the evening, when the lighting is turned on and the lights of numerous windows are lit.
3. Isaac's Cathedral
The largest Orthodox church in St. Petersburg and one of the highest dome buildings in the world. The cathedral was built for 40 years by the architect Auguste Montferrand and was consecrated in 1858.
The interior of the cathedral amazes with the richness of decoration: marble, malachite, lapis lazuli, mosaic, gilding. Particularly noteworthy are stained glass windows and paintings made by famous artists of that time.
Be sure to climb the colonnade of the cathedral - from a height of 43 meters one of the best panoramic views of the historical center of St. Petersburg opens. To do this, you will need to overcome 262 steps on the spiral staircase.
4. Temple of the Savior on Blood
One of the most beautiful and recognizable churches in Russia, built on the site of the mortal wound of Emperor Alexander II. The architecture of the temple is made in the "Russian style" and resembles the Moscow Cathedral of Basil the Blessed.
The interior amazes even more exterior - more than 7000 square meters of mosaics cover the walls, vaults and domes of the temple. These mosaic panels were created according to the sketches of famous Russian artists - Vasnetsov, Nesterov, Ryabushkin.
5. Peter and Paul Fortress
The historical core of St. Petersburg, from the foundation of which the history of the city began. The fortress was founded by Peter I in 1703 on the Hare Island. Although it never took part in military operations, it has long served as a political prison.
On the territory of the fortress are:
- Peter and Paul Cathedral with the Shrine of Russian Emperors
- Grand Ducal Shrine
- Bottle house with a copy of the boot of Peter I
- Mint where coins are still minted
Every day at 12:00 from the Naryshkin bastion is a blank shot from a cannon - this tradition has existed since the XVIII century.
6. Vasilievsky Island and Strelka
The arrow of Vasilievsky Island is one of the most recognizable species of St. Petersburg. Here the Neva is divided into two sleeves - the Large and the Small Neva. The architectural ensemble Arrow was created in the first half of the XIX century by the project of Tom de Thomon.
The dominants of the ensemble are the Exchange building, Rostral columns, which in the past served as lighthouses, and are now lit on holidays. From Strelka there is a beautiful view of the Peter and Paul Fortress, the Winter Palace and the Palace Embankment.
7. Russian Museum
The largest museum of Russian art in the world, founded by Emperor Nicholas II in 1895. The collection of the museum has about 400 thousand exhibits and covers all the main directions and periods of Russian art from ancient Russian icons to the avant-garde.
The museum is located in several buildings, the main of which is the Mikhailovsky Palace. Here you will see the famous paintings: “The Last Day of Pompeii” by Karl Bryullov, “The Ninth Shaft” by Ivan Aivazovsky, “Burlaki on the Volga” by Ilya Repin and many other masterpieces.
8. Kunstkamera
The first museum of Russia, founded by Peter I in 1714. The full name is the Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography named after Peter the Great. The Kunstkamera is known primarily for its collection of "freaks" - anatomical rarities and anomalies.
But in addition, the museum presents the richest ethnographic collections telling about the culture and life of the peoples of different parts of the world: North America, Japan, China, Africa, Indonesia and other regions.
Suburbs of St. Petersburg
The surroundings of St. Petersburg are famous for their imperial residences with magnificent palaces and parks. If you have time, be sure to visit at least one of them.
Peterhof
The world-famous palace and park ensemble, founded by Peter I as a sea residence. The main attraction of Peterhof is the fountain complex, one of the largest in the world. The central element is the Grand Cascade with the Samson Fountain, symbolizing Russia’s victory in the Northern War.
In addition to the Lower Park with fountains, it is worth visiting the Grand Palace, the Monplaisir Palace, the Hermitage Pavilion and other buildings. Peterhof is especially beautiful during the work of the fountains (from late April to mid-October).
Tsarskoye Selo (Pushkin)
Another magnificent imperial residence located in the city of Pushkin. The center of the ensemble is the Catherine Palace in the Baroque style, built according to the project of F. B. Rastrelli. The interiors of the palace are striking in luxury, especially the famous Amber Room.
Around the palace there is a vast park with numerous pavilions, sculptures and reservoirs. Also in Tsarskoye Selo is the Alexander Palace - the favorite residence of the last Russian Emperor Nicholas II.
Unusual sights of Petersburg
In addition to the well-known places, in St. Petersburg there are many less popular, but no less interesting attractions.
Wellyards
One of the hallmarks of "non-parade" St. Petersburg - courtyards-wells, best convey the atmosphere of the city. These are narrow enclosed spaces surrounded by walls of houses. Some of them have interesting architectural features or art objects.
The most famous yards-wells:
- The courtyard of the Bak house (24 Kirochnoy St.) with galleries that seem to soar in the air
- Well inside the well on the Fontanka embankment, 92
- The courtyard of the apartment house Eliseev (Lomonosov str., 14) with "Romashkova" ceremonial
Grand Model Russia
A unique private museum, which presents a collective figurative model of Russia from Kaliningrad to Kamchatka. The layout covers an area of 800 square meters and is one of the largest in the world.
Here you can see miniature copies of famous sights, scenes from the life of different regions of Russia, moving trains and cars, changing lighting (day-night). This is a great place to visit with children, but adults will spend a few hours with great interest.
Observation platforms
To see the panorama of St. Petersburg from a height, climb to one of the observation decks:
- Colonnade of St. Isaac's Cathedral (43 meters, 262 steps)
- The bell tower of the Smolny Cathedral (50 meters, 278 steps)
If you are looking for a convenient way to get to St. Petersburg, consider long-distance bus services. For example, comfortable buses depart regularly from Moscow to St. Petersburg.fly.
What to see with children in St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg offers many interesting things for young travelers:
Galileo Wonder Park
Interactive scientific and entertainment center, where children can get acquainted with the laws of physics and the phenomena of the surrounding world in a playful way. Here you can conduct experiments, solve puzzles, participate in shows and master classes.
Zoological Museum
One of the largest zoological museums in the world, which presents about 30,000 exhibits of animals from all continents. The main exhibit is a stuffed mammoth found in the permafrost of Siberia.
Leningrad Zoo
One of the oldest zoos in Russia, founded in 1865. It contains about 2,000 animals of more than 400 species. The zoo regularly hosts interesting events and excursions.
Practical information for visiting
If you plan to visit several museums, consider buying a Guest of St. Petersburg card or a city museum map - this will help to save money. Most state museums offer free admission for children under 16 and student benefits.
Routes in St. Petersburg
Route for 1 day
If you have very little time, focus on the most important thing:
- Start with Palace Square and Winter Palace
- Walk along Nevsky Prospect to Kazan Cathedral
- Visit St. Isaac’s Cathedral and climb the colonnade
- Examine the Savior on Blood
- End the day with a walk along the rivers and canal n
Route for 3 days
In three days you can see much more:
Day 1: Historic Center - Palace Square, Hermitage, St. Isaac's Cathedral, Savior on Blood, Field of Mars
Day 2: Peter and Paul Fortress, Arrow of Vasilievsky Island, Kunstkamera, Russian Museum
Day 3: Suburb - Peterhof or Tsarskoye Selo
Seasonal features of visiting
Petersburg is beautiful at any time of the year. In spring, the city blossoms, and in autumn it is painted in golden colors - this is a great time for photos and quiet walks without crowds of tourists.
Expert advice: Don’t limit yourself to the center – go to the suburbs, take a walk in less touristy areas, such as the Petrograd side or Kolomna. This is where the true spirit of St. Petersburg is often felt. And don’t forget to take comfortable shoes – the city is better to explore on foot!
Conclusion
St. Petersburg is a city with an incredible cultural and historical heritage that can be explored endlessly. Even in a few days you can see the main attractions and feel the unique atmosphere of the Northern capital. Plan your itinerary in advance, but leave room for spontaneous discoveries – these are often the most vivid travel experiences.
Remember that many museums require advance bookings, especially during high season. You can find out up-to-date information about the mode of operation and prices on the official sites of attractions. For the convenience of planning a trip, you can use Unitiki to search for transfers and excursions.
Enjoy your trip to one of the most beautiful cities in the world!
Frequently asked questions
How many days does it take to see the main sights of St. Petersburg?
To explore the main attractions of the center of St. Petersburg is enough 2-3 days. If you also want to visit the suburbs (Peterhof, Tsarskoye Selo, Pavlovsk) and lesser-known places, plan a trip for 5-7 days.
When is the best time to go to St. Petersburg?
Petersburg is beautiful at any time of the year. In summer (June-July) you can catch white nights and working fountains in Peterhof, but at this time most tourists. Spring and autumn are good for walking without crowds, and in winter the city gets a special atmosphere, but be prepared for the cold.
How to save money on visiting museums in St. Petersburg?
Many museums offer benefits for students, pensioners and children. Some museums have free visit days (for example, the Hermitage is the first Thursday of the month). You can also purchase a museum card or a Guest of St. Petersburg card, which provides access to several museums with a single ticket.
What do you need to do in St. Petersburg?
Be sure to visit the Hermitage and Palace Square, climb the colonnade of St. Isaac’s Cathedral, take a boat trip along rivers and canals, watch the bridges divorce (during the navigation season), try local delicacies in one of the historical cafes and just walk along the evening Nevsky Prospect.
What is the most convenient way to move around the city?
The historical center of St. Petersburg is quite compact, and many sights can be seen on foot. For longer trips, it is convenient to use the metro – it is fast and has stations near the main tourist places. A network of ground public transport is also developed - buses, trolleybuses, trams.