14 reasons to lure you to St Petersburg, Russia
Palaces, cathedrals and canals
So, you’re considering visiting the beautiful and intriguing city of Saint Petersburg for a mini break? Well you’re in for a treat.
The River Neva in St Petersburg
This was a city that I had been drawn to for years; I think it was the Russian dolls I was given as a child that first sowed the seed of curiosity.
Quick Links
Though, for some reason or another, it would always shuffle its way down our list of places to visit.
However, we made it, and I’m so pleased we did, the architecture is incredible. Don’t just take our word for it, go and visit for yourself.
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1 - Palace Square
The magnificent Palace Square in Saint Petersburg will be where you are instantly drawn to. There’s a very good reason why, it’s beautiful.
Palace Square with the Hermitage Museum, or Winter Palace, in the background
You’ll be surrounded by the striking blue and white ornate Winter Palace (home to the Hermitage Museum).
The gold and white General Staff Building and its magnificent Triumphal Arch.
Then the centrepiece of the square being the Alexander Column.
The Triumphal arch in Palace Square
The Hermitage Lecture Centre,
A useful guide
If you've yet to discover the incredible history and architecture in St. Petersburg, you're in for a treat. I found this DK Top 10 Pocket Travel Guide invaluable, they're extremely informative, easy to follow and the pictures and maps tempt you into discovering more.
We used a previous version of this book to plan our St. Petersburg adventure, now you can grab the revised copy.
2 - Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood
This church was one of my favourite sights in St Petersburg, with its incredibly intricate façade and the wonderful onion domes upon it. It sits on the edge of Griboyedov Canal, one of the many waterways in St Petersburg.
The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, Saint Petersburg, Russia
Don't just take our word for it!
If you're tempted by the intriguing city of Saint Petersburg and its beautiful architecture and waterways, take a look at the 'Visit Saint Petersburg' official website.
3 - The Neva River
Take a stroll along the wide embankments of the Neva River; there are so many historical and notable buildings that line this waterway. Museums, palaces, churches, monuments & gardens.
The Kunstkammer or Kunstkamera Museum
4 - Peter and Paul Fortress
Crossing the Neva River head to Peter & Paul fortress built on Zayachy Island in the shape of a star.
Saint Peter's and Saint Paul's Fortress
Prior to heading into the fortress, take a stroll along St Petersburg’s beach, yes, St Petersburg has a beach.
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5 - Peter and Paul Cathedral
On Zayachy Island you can also visit beautiful Peter and Paul Cathedral, which is the burial place to many Russian Tsars.
Prior to heading into the fortress, take a stroll along St Petersburg’s beach, yes, St Petersburg has a beach.
Saints Peter's and Paul's Cathedral
Another side of Saints Peter's and Paul's Cathedral
6 - St Isaac’s Cathedral & Square
Very prominent in St Petersburg’s skyline is the Russian Orthodox St Isaac’s Cathedral. Built by order of Tsar Alexander I, the incredible pure gold-plated dome stands over 100 meters high.
St Issac's Cathedral
Helpful hint
If you are anything like us you will be walking a lot, make sure you take comfy shoes.
7 - Canals, canals & canals
St Petersburg is sometimes referred to ‘Venice of the North’ (along with other cities), and it’s easy to see why. Take a stroll along its many canals, and you’ll discover some quieter spots of the city.
The Winter canal
{Why not check out our post 'Bridges and Waterways of St Petersburg, Russia'?}
8 - Field of Mars
St Petersburg has quite a few parks where you rest those weary feet.
However, the Field of Mars park is particularly special, as it has Russia’s first Eternal Flame flickering inside.
The Eternal Flame in the Field of Mars
9 - So many bridges
As St Petersburg has its fair share of canals and rivers, it also means there are plenty of bridges too.
Trinity Bridge over the Neva River
The ten arched Trinity Bridge which spans the Neva is very impressive. Then there’s the Anichkov Bridge across the Fontanka River with its four Horse Tamers. There are just so many, you’ll be criss-crossing the rivers all day.
However, it’s the smaller ones I like along the Griboyedov Canal, along this canal there are 21 to choose from. Take a look at ‘Bank Bridge’ & the ‘Bridge of four Lions’.
The Lions Bridge
The Bank Bridge over the Moyka River
10 - Boat tour
Not quite finished with the waterways yet, I would urge you to take a boat tour. This is a fantastic way to see the magnificent palaces that line the embankments, it puts a different perspective on the city and also give your feet a rest for a while.
The Old Stock Exchange & both Rostrum Pillars
Point to Note
Ensure you check the language of your boat tour, depending on your language of choice will dictate the time of the tour.
11 - Nevsky Prospect
Nevsky Prospect is the main avenue that runs through St Petersburg and has plenty of impressive buildings to distract you along the way.
Kazan Cathedral, (Cathedral of Our Lady of Kazan)
Not only will you be able to pick up your souvenirs along here. You’ll also spot the Neoclassical Kazan Cathedral and the eye-catching Art Nouveau Singer House (also known as House of Books).
The House of Books (Singer House)
12 - Churches
I thought there were a lot of bridges in St Petersburg; however, the number of churches and cathedrals is incredible. One church that we thought was really worth seeking out. was the St Nicholas Naval Cathedral. It was startling and so immaculately kept.
The St. Nicholas Naval Cathedral
{For more check out ' Cathedrals & Churches of St Petersburg, Russia'}
13 - Mariinsky Theatre
The Mariinsky Theatre is home to the world famous Mariinsky Ballet company which was founded around 1740. Performances can still be watched today.
The Mariinsky Theatre
14 - The Rostral Columns
Last but certainly by no means least are the Rostral Columns built in 1811 and sit proudly in front of the Stock Exchange. They were originally designed as lighthouses and the figures at the bottom represent Russia’s four biggest rivers (Volga, Dnieper, Neva and Volkhov).
The two Rostrum Pillars as seen from the River Neva
There really is so much to see and do in St Petersburg, you won’t get bored.
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