30 Things to See and Do in St Petersburg

When planning your trip to Russia, a stop in its former capital is a must. To help you make the most of your visit, we have curated a detailed guide on the top 30 things to see and do in Saint Petersburg.

Founded in the early 1700s by Peter the Great, who understood that looking towards Europe was essential for the development of his beloved Russia, Saint Petersburg is one of the country's crown jewels. Once known as Petrograd and later Leningrad, the city's history is relatively recent yet far from dull. Peter the Great envisioned a city that encapsulated the best of Europe, enlisting top architects and artists to create what many consider the most beautiful city in the world. The result? An open-air museum, monumental and elegant, that can leave visitors in awe.

Now, let’s dive into the highlights of what you should explore in this magnificent city.

Must-Visit Attractions in Saint Petersburg

1. The Hermitage Museum

The Hermitage Museum is not just a major highlight of the city; it ranks among the best museums globally. With countless rooms showcasing millions of artworks—from ancient Egyptian artifacts to Italian Renaissance masterpieces—exploring this museum could take hours. Located in the Winter Palace, the former residence of the Russian tsars, the museum itself is a spectacle worth visiting. Plan for at least three hours and remember, it’s closed on Mondays.

The entrance fee is around 700 rubles (approximately €10), and while you can buy tickets online to skip the line, it might be pricier. Alternatively, a guided tour in Spanish is highly recommended for a richer experience.

2. Palace Square

If Moscow is known for its Red Square, Saint Petersburg boasts the Palace Square, an expansive area adorned with the stunning green façade of the Hermitage. This square is pivotal in Russian history, marking the site where the Bolshevik Revolution began, as the people rose against the tsars' privileges.

Consider starting your exploration of Saint Petersburg with a free tour, an economical and engaging way to discover the city. Book one here.

3. Nevsky Prospekt

Leading away from Palace Square is Nevsky Prospekt, the city’s main commercial artery. Stroll up and down this bustling street multiple times, and don't miss the Singer House, which features a beautiful bookstore and café. The views of Kazan Cathedral from here are breathtaking.

4. Yeliseev's Food Hall

Also found on Nevsky Prospekt is Yeliseev's Food Hall, a gastronomic paradise where you can buy local products like caviar and vodka. It also has a charming café and a section for irresistible sweets. For more shopping, visit the nearby Passage Galleries, a piece of history, albeit not as grand as Moscow's GUM.

5. Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood is the city's religious centerpiece. Reminiscent of St. Basil's Cathedral, its colorful onion domes make it a striking sight. This church was built to honor Tsar Alexander II, who was assassinated on this very spot. While the exterior is stunning, the interior is a mosaic marvel, filled with enchanting artwork that will leave you speechless. Admission is 350 rubles.

6. Kazan Cathedral

Another architectural gem is the Kazan Cathedral, with its impressive colonnade of 96 columns resembling St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. This is the principal church in Saint Petersburg and houses a revered icon of the Virgin of Kazan.

7. St. Isaac's Cathedral

Competing in grandeur is the St. Isaac's Cathedral, known for its massive golden dome—reportedly the largest in the world. Visitors can ascend to a panoramic terrace for stunning views of the city. Entry costs 250 rubles, and an extra fee allows access to the terrace.

8. The Mosque of St. Petersburg

Saint Petersburg also surprises with its mosque, featuring an impressive façade adorned with blue and green mosaics. The mosque’s tall minaret and remarkable dome are striking, and visitors can enter the prayer area free of charge.

9. Chesme Church

<pOften referred to as the “Barbie Church” due to its pink and white exterior, the Chesme Church is an unusual sight that requires a bit of travel by public transport to reach.

10. House of the Soviets

If you’re unsure about making the trip to Chesme, consider visiting the House of the Soviets nearby. This Stalinist-style building houses administrative offices and features a giant statue of Lenin in the adjacent Moskovskaya Ploshad (Moscow Square). It's also a convenient point to catch shuttles to the Catherine Palace, allowing you to visit two sites in one trip.

11. Aurora Cruiser

Did you know you can visit a warship in Saint Petersburg? The Aurora fought in the Russo-Japanese War and is famous for firing the shot that signaled the start of the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917. Today, it serves as a naval museum.

12. Saint Petersburg Metro

Saint Petersburg’s metro system, the deepest in the world, is home to some stunning stations that rival Moscow’s. Noteworthy stops include Kirovsky Zavod, Admiralteyskaya, Avtovo, and Pushkinskaya. You can explore these impressive stations on your own or join a guided tour for deeper insights into their history and design.

13. River Neva Cruise

Known as the “Venice of the North,” Saint Petersburg features numerous canals and bridges (over 300!). A cruise on the Neva River is a fantastic way to experience the city, especially at sunset. This affordable activity offers a unique perspective of Saint Petersburg. Check out some cruise options.

14. Nighttime Bridges Tour

For something original, consider a late-night cruise to see the illuminated drawbridges in action. From April to October, several bridges open to allow larger vessels to pass. If you prefer to explore on foot, check out this link for information on which bridges raise, or join a night cruise.

15. Peterhof Palace

A trip to the Peterhof Palace is essential when visiting Saint Petersburg. Once an official residence of Russian monarchs, this grand estate is now a museum showcasing the splendor of the tsars. Its gardens, filled with fountains, flowers, and sculptures, are a must-see. Located about 35 km from the city, you can explore it independently or on a guided tour.

Be wary of long lines in August; consider visiting on a Monday when the palace is closed to the public, focusing on the gardens instead.

16. Peter and Paul Cathedral

Near Peterhof is the charming Peter and Paul Cathedral, known for its colorful domes that epitomize Russian architectural style. Although often overlooked, it is worth a visit, especially since it was undergoing renovations during our trip in August 2019.

17. Catherine Palace

As if Peterhof wasn’t enough, the Catherine Palace was constructed as another summer retreat for the tsars. It is just as opulent, having suffered looting during the Nazi occupation in WWII, with many treasures—including the famous Amber Room—still missing. This palace has been meticulously reconstructed and can be visited independently or through a tour.

18. Try Pyshechnaya Donuts

Craving something sweet? You must grab one (or more) of the legendary Pyshechnaya donuts (pyshki), which are incredibly affordable at around €0.20 each. Located at 25 Bolshaya Konyushennaya Street, it’s a local favorite. For further dining recommendations, check out our list of restaurants in Saint Petersburg.

19. Mariinsky Theatre

The Mariinsky Theatre is Saint Petersburg's answer to Moscow’s Bolshoi Theatre. If time and budget allow, snag tickets for a performance to enjoy a truly Russian experience. There are also smaller theaters, like the 'Mini Bolshoi,' across the city.

20. Peter and Paul Fortress

One of the city's most iconic sites, the Peter and Paul Fortress, marks the exact location where the city was founded in 1703. This walled citadel features several attractions, including the Peter and Paul Cathedral where many tsars are buried, the State Museum of History, and the old political prison that housed notable inmates like Dostoevsky and Gorky.

A combined ticket for 750 rubles allows access to all attractions, though walking within is free. Interestingly, this fortress is the second most visited site in Saint Petersburg after the Hermitage.

21. Exchange Square

For stunning views of the fortress, the Hermitage, and the Neva River, head to Exchange Square. Here, you'll find the old stock exchange building and two striking red rostral columns. Located on Vasilievsky Island, the area also offers several museums to explore.

22. Yusupov Palace

You've probably heard of Rasputin, the mystic who ingratiated himself with the tsars and had significant influence over them. The Yusupov Palace, where he was famously assassinated, is a fascinating visit. Tales of his death are steeped in mystery: poisoned, shot, and finally thrown into the icy river, each account adds to the enigma surrounding this controversial figure.

23. Summer Garden

If the weather permits and you wish to immerse yourself in greenery and blooms without leaving the city, the Summer Garden is enchanting. This was Peter the Great's first summer residence, and he personally designed its gardens. Nearby, you can visit the Field of Mars, which features the Eternal Flame burning since 1957.

24. Saint Michael's Castle

To the south of these parks lies the Saint Michael's Castle (or Mikhailovsky), built under Tsar Paul I’s order after he felt insecure in the Winter Palace. Unfortunately for him, he was assassinated just 40 days after moving in. Surrounded on all sides by water, the castle features impressive architecture. Visitors can enter the courtyard for free, where some exhibitions are held.

25. Trinity Cathedral

From our apartment, we spotted the enormous blue domes adorned with golden stars of the Trinity Cathedral. This grand structure stands opposite the Glory Column, which is made from cannons used in the Russo-Turkish War. It’s worth noting that a devastating fire in 2006 destroyed parts of the cathedral, but it quickly reopened after restoration in 2010.

26. Smolny Cathedral and Convent

If you have time, don’t miss the Smolny Cathedral and Convent. This stunning ensemble, built in the Elizabethan Baroque style, is sure to captivate visitors. The cathedral, during Stalin's era, was looted and repurposed as a warehouse, adding to its storied past.

27. Vodka Museum

No visit to Russia is complete without trying vodka at least once. To learn more about its history, production, and curiosities, check out the Vodka Museum. Admission with tasting is around 500 rubles. Having visited similar museums in other cities, we found this one to be quite entertaining, and a fun fact: vodka was actually invented in Poland!

28. Fabergé Museum

Another intriguing museum to visit is the Fabergé Museum, home to the largest collection of Fabergé eggs in the world. These luxurious, egg-shaped treasures, crafted from gold and precious stones, were created during the reign of the tsars and often held unique gifts inside. The museum is located within the Shuvalov Palace.

29. Triumphal Arch of Moscow

Did you know that the Triumphal Arch of Moscow is in Saint Petersburg? It marks the beginning of the road leading to the capital and was built to celebrate Russia's victory over the Turks in 1834. Interestingly, there’s another triumphal arch in the city, the Narva Arch, commemorating a celebrated victory during the Patriotic War against Napoleon.

30. Intercession Church

Lastly, around 20 km from the city lies a nearly identical replica of the famous Kizhi church, one of Russia's most spectacular sites. We stumbled upon the Intercession Church (Покровская церковь), made entirely of wood and featuring its characteristic bulbous domes. It proved to be one of the most beautiful churches we encountered, and we enjoyed our visit almost entirely alone, making it one of the highlights of our trip.

Interactive Map of Saint Petersburg

We’ve included an interactive map highlighting all the must-see attractions in Saint Petersburg:

These are the top recommendations for things to see and do in Saint Petersburg. While this list covers 30 of the most significant sites, there are countless more to explore! What’s your favorite? Did we miss any? Feel free to drop us a comment! 😉

Last updated in 2021

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