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Saint Petersburg, Russia

Destination Guide

Saint Petersburg

Russia

Best things to do in Saint Petersburg

26 curated attractions in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

June - August

Average temp

6°C/43°F

Budget

Expensive

Safety

Generally safe

About Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg, built on a swamp and originally a grand project of Peter the Great, is known for its network of canals and baroque architecture. The city served as the capital of Russia for over two hundred years and its layout features wide streets that allow for grand parades and gatherings, with the Neva River serving as a central spine. Visitors flock to the Hermitage Museum, one of the largest art museums in the world, housed in the Winter Palace, which showcases the imperial opulence that defined the city. The Mariinsky Theatre adds a touch of performing arts glamour, while the numerous cathedrals, including Kazan Cathedral and St. Nicholas Naval Cathedral, punctuate the skyline with their distinct domes. Beyond the historic center, you will find Peterhof Palace and Gardens, often referred to as the 'Russian Versailles', drawing crowds for its extravagant fountains and manicured landscapes.

Who it's for

Culture enthusiasts and art lovers are likely to find plenty to enjoy here. Expect crowds in the summer, and if you prefer a quiet escape or a straightforward trip, this may not be your ideal destination. The distances between sites can be another source of frustration, so be prepared for some walking.

Getting around

Public transport: Very Good

  • The city center can be explored on foot in about an hour, but plan for more if you stop frequently
  • The metro is efficient and very reliable, but not all stations have elevators
  • Buses and trams cover the wider areas and run regularly
  • High-speed trains connect to Moscow, taking about four hours
Fort De Soto Park

Fort De Soto Park

Nature
Sunken Gardens

Sunken Gardens

Nature
Amfibius Water Park

Amfibius Water Park

Landmarks and Monuments
The Dalí Museum

The Dalí Museum

Cultural
Pass-a-Grille Beach

Pass-a-Grille Beach

Beach
Nevsky Prospect

Nevsky Prospect

Streets & neighbourhoods
St. Isaac's Cathedral

St. Isaac's Cathedral

Churches & cathedrals
Kazan Cathedral

Kazan Cathedral

Churches & cathedrals
Summer Garden

Summer Garden

Formal & Japanese gardens
Mikhailovsky Theatre

Mikhailovsky Theatre

Theatres & opera houses
The Hermitage Museum

The Hermitage Museum

Art museums & galleries
Russian Museum

Russian Museum

Art museums & galleries
St. Nicholas Naval Cathedral

St. Nicholas Naval Cathedral

Churches & cathedrals
Winter Palace

Winter Palace

Castles & palaces
Peter and Paul Fortress

Peter and Paul Fortress

Forts & citadels
Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

Churches & cathedrals
Fabergé Museum

Fabergé Museum

Art museums & galleries
Alexander Nevsky Lavra

Alexander Nevsky Lavra

Monasteries
Yusupov Palace

Yusupov Palace

Historic houses & mansions
Mariinsky Theatre

Mariinsky Theatre

Theatres & opera houses
Catherine Palace and Park (Pushkin / Tsarskoye Selo)

Catherine Palace and Park (Pushkin / Tsarskoye Selo)

Castles & palaces
Peterhof Palace and Gardens

Peterhof Palace and Gardens

Castles & palaces
Vasilyevsky Island

Vasilyevsky Island

Islands
Cruiser Aurora

Cruiser Aurora

Specialty & quirky museums
The Neva River

The Neva River

Rivers, canyons & gorges
Kunstkamera

Kunstkamera

Specialty & quirky museums

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