St. Petersburg is a city that fascinates with its architecture, history and culture. There are many attractions here, each of which tells its own unique story. In this article, we will look at the most significant places worth visiting in this magnificent city.
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Hermitage
The Hermitage is one of the largest and most famous museums in the world, located in the center of St. Petersburg. Founded in 1764 by Catherine II, today it has more than three million exhibits, including works of art, archaeological finds and objects of decorative and applied art.
The museum occupies several buildings, among which the Winter Palace, the former residence of the Russian tsars, stands out. Visitors can enjoy not only the works of art themselves, but also the splendor of the interiors, which are real masterpieces of architecture. The Hermitage features works by such masters as Rembrandt, Michelangelo, Picasso and many others.
The Russian Museum
Russian Russian Museum is the largest collection of Russian art, located in the Mikhailovsky Palace. Founded in 1895, the museum houses more than 400,000 works covering all periods of Russian history — from icon painting to modern art.
Here you can see the works of such masters as Ilya Repin, Vasily Surikov and Kazimir Malevich. The Russian Museum also actively organizes exhibitions dedicated to contemporary artists, which makes it an important center of the cultural life of the city.
Nevsky Prospekt
Nevsky Prospekt is the main street of St. Petersburg, stretching for 4.5 kilometers. It is not only a transport artery, but also a cultural center of the city. Nevsky Prospekt is home to many shops, cafes, restaurants, and historic buildings such as the Kazan Cathedral and the House of Books.
A walk along Nevsky Prospekt is an opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere of the city, see its architectural masterpieces and feel the pulse of life. It’s always crowded here, and everyone will find something interesting for themselves.
Boat trip along rivers and canals
Saint Petersburg is famous for its rivers and canals, and a boat trip is one of the best ways to see the city from the water. During the tour, you can enjoy views of the famous bridges, palaces and churches, which are only accessible from the river.
Ships cruise along the Neva, Moika, Fontanka and other waterways, offering various routes and excursions. This is a unique opportunity to see the city from the other side and take unforgettable photos.
Drawbridges
The bridges of St. Petersburg that are being raised are a sight that attracts tourists from all over the world. Every evening, when night falls, bridges are raised to let ships pass under them. The most famous of them are the Palace, Troitsky and Blagoveshchensky bridges.
Building bridges is not only a practical event, but also a real cultural tradition. Many people gather on the embankments to see this spectacle, which has become a symbol of the city.
Peter and Paul Fortress
Peter and Paul Fortress is the historical center of St. Petersburg, founded in 1703. The fortress was built to protect the city from the Swedes, but over time it became a symbol of St. Petersburg.
The Peter and Paul Cathedral, where many Russian emperors are buried, is located on the territory of the fortress. The fortress is surrounded by picturesque embankments and parks, which makes it a popular place for walks and excursions.
Yusupov Palace
The Yusupov Palace is one of the most beautiful palaces in St. Petersburg, located on the Moika River embankment. The palace was built in the 18th century and became famous for its luxury and rich history associated with the Yusupov family.
Here you can see the magnificent interiors, including a reception hall and a theater, as well as learn about the mysterious history.
Faberge Museum
The museum, located in the Shuvalov mansion, is the first private museum in Russia dedicated to the work of the famous jeweler Carl Faberge.
It houses a unique collection that includes not only the famous Faberge eggs, but also other works of art created by the master and his students.
The famous egg with a steam locomotive and a railway inside, or an egg covered with wonderful lilies of the valley with a unique surface finish.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the world of luxury and sophistication, as well as learn about Faberge’s life and work, his influence on jewelry and the significance of his work in history. Guided tours of the museum allow you to see not only the exhibits, but also to learn interesting facts about the customers and the history of the creation of each product, for example, about the collection made for the Romanov family.
Stone Island
Kamenny Island is a picturesque place in the center of St. Petersburg, famous for its parks and historical buildings.
The island has become a popular place for walking due to its green areas where you can enjoy nature and relax from the hustle and bustle of the city.
There are beautiful mansions and palaces on Kamenny Island, which are examples of architecture from different eras.
Alexander I’s palace and the quiet park around it.
The mansion of the famous doctor Sechenov.
A wonderful example of wooden architecture is the Kugusheva mansion, which now houses a children’s art school.
And other interesting buildings.
(In the photo: original paintings by the artist Nadezhda Tsvetkova with views of St. Petersburg and the Stone Island of St. Petersburg. You can purchase the paintings on our website, they will be a wonderful reminder of the trip and the beauty of the city).
On Kamenny Island, you can find cozy alleys for walking, as well as places for picnics and outdoor recreation, which makes it an ideal place for family outings and romantic get-togethers.
Yelagin Island
Yelagin Island is a popular park and cultural center located on the island of the same name in the Neva River.
The island is famous for its picturesque alleys, along which squirrels sometimes run, ponds and historical buildings.
Including the Elagin Palace, which is a striking example of 18th century architecture.
There is also a very interesting glass museum on the island, where you can buy handmade glass souvenirs.
Yelagin Island offers excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation, where you can walk, ride a bike or have a picnic. In addition, cultural events, exhibitions and concerts are held here, which makes it an important center of the cultural life of the city.
Modern museums and galleries
Arts Gallery collectible toys in St. Petersburg
This is a unique place on an Italian street, where an extensive collection of modern toys from different countries is collected.
Here you can see both traditional Russian toys and modern exhibits.
Including mini collections with unique items.
The museum will be interesting for both children and adults.
There is also a cafe on the 2nd floor of the museum and you can access the balcony, which offers a wonderful view of the city.
Adjacent to the gallery is the museum apartment of ballerina Anna Pavlova.
Erarta Gallery on Vasilyevsky Island
The Erarta Gallery is the largest private museum of contemporary art in Russia. It offers a variety of exhibitions dedicated to current trends in art, and actively supports young artists. Visitors can enjoy unique installations and art projects.
Third Place Gallery
An art space in an old count’s mansion, barely touched by restoration and preserving the atmosphere of an abandoned house.
The Third Place is an authentic place for creativity and cultural events.
Exhibitions, workshops and lectures are held here, which creates an atmosphere of interaction between artists and the audience.
On the 1st floor, there are tables with armchairs in the lobby, where you can sit by the fire in the evening.
The gallery actively contributes to the development of the cultural life of the city.
Sevkabel port
Sevkabel Port is a cultural and business center located on the banks of the Neva River.
View of the ships of the port from the embankment. There are food courts, cafes and shops in the exhibition buildings. All kinds of entertainment, such as karaoke or a book vending machine with a random selection of books.
Sevkabel Port has become a popular place for recreation and socializing, combining elements of art and business.
White nights
The best time to visit St. Petersburg to see the white nights is from the end of May to the middle of July. The brightest period falls on June 11 to July 2, culminating on the night of June 21-22, when the summer solstice is celebrated.