last edited Jan 22, 2020
What to See in Saint Petersburg
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Location Map of Saint Petersburg
Saint Petersburg
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Overview
Districts and Tourist Areas
Vasilievsky Island
One of the main islands in the city area. Alongside the beautiful buildings typical of the city, the island is home to several museums (including the Kunstkamera) and the university embankments, which are popular for the views they offer over the rest of the city.
One of the main islands in the city area. Alongside the beautiful buildings typical of the city, the island is home to several museums (including the Kunstkamera) and the university embankments, which are popular for the views they offer over the rest of the city.
Petrogradsky Island
This lively district, built on the island of the same name, is a bustling part of the city with its cafés, restaurants, and shops. You can also discover some beautiful buildings and, in particular, the Peter and Paul Fortress, which is located here.
This lively district, built on the island of the same name, is a bustling part of the city with its cafés, restaurants, and shops. You can also discover some beautiful buildings and, in particular, the Peter and Paul Fortress, which is located here.
Hermitage District
Beyond the famous eponymous museum, the Winter Palace, and the Admiralty, this historic district (the "Golden Triangle") is packed with stunning buildings, squares (including Palace Square), and monuments that bear witness to the city's grandeur.
Beyond the famous eponymous museum, the Winter Palace, and the Admiralty, this historic district (the "Golden Triangle") is packed with stunning buildings, squares (including Palace Square), and monuments that bear witness to the city's grandeur.
Monuments and Architectural Ensembles
Canals of Saint Petersburg
With its canals (including the three main ones in the historic centre), its forty islands, and its 400 bridges, the city offers beautiful opportunities for river cruises. These allow you to discover Saint Petersburg’s remarkable architecture.
With its canals (including the three main ones in the historic centre), its forty islands, and its 400 bridges, the city offers beautiful opportunities for river cruises. These allow you to discover Saint Petersburg’s remarkable architecture.
Peter and Paul Fortress
This is the site where the city was founded in 1703, though it primarily served as a prison for decades. It houses several museums, the Mint building, and the Peter and Paul Cathedral with its imperial necropolis. At the foot of its ramparts, a small beach popular with swimmers.
This is the site where the city was founded in 1703, though it primarily served as a prison for decades. It houses several museums, the Mint building, and the Peter and Paul Cathedral with its imperial necropolis. At the foot of its ramparts, a small beach popular with swimmers.
Summer Palace
More a large, somewhat austere residence than a palace, this was once the summer home of Tsar Peter the Great and his wife. Today, the site is a museum dedicated to them.
More a large, somewhat austere residence than a palace, this was once the summer home of Tsar Peter the Great and his wife. Today, the site is a museum dedicated to them.
Yusupov Palace
This is one of the most beautiful palaces in St. Petersburg and even in Russia, built in 1770 by the (very) wealthy Yusupov family. It is particularly known as the place where Rasputin was assassinated in 1916.
This is one of the most beautiful palaces in St. Petersburg and even in Russia, built in 1770 by the (very) wealthy Yusupov family. It is particularly known as the place where Rasputin was assassinated in 1916.
Nevsky Prospect
Stretching 4.5 kilometres, it’s Saint Petersburg’s answer to the Champs-Élysées, with stunning façades showcasing a variety of architectural styles. The avenue is also a bustling commercial hub, equally loved by locals and tourists alike.
Stretching 4.5 kilometres, it’s Saint Petersburg’s answer to the Champs-Élysées, with stunning façades showcasing a variety of architectural styles. The avenue is also a bustling commercial hub, equally loved by locals and tourists alike.
Place des Arts
One of the beautiful squares in Saint Petersburg, with the statue of the writer Pushkin at its centre. With two museums, two theatres, and the Philharmonic bordering it (along with other similar venues nearby), it lives up to its name.
One of the beautiful squares in Saint Petersburg, with the statue of the writer Pushkin at its centre. With two museums, two theatres, and the Philharmonic bordering it (along with other similar venues nearby), it lives up to its name.
Victory Square
In the purest Soviet style, this square commemorates the (long) siege of Leningrad during the Second World War.
In the purest Soviet style, this square commemorates the (long) siege of Leningrad during the Second World War.
Ostrovsky Square
Dominated by the statue of Catherine II of Russia, this square, like many others in the city, is surrounded by beautiful buildings including the National Library and the Alexandrinsky Theatre.
Dominated by the statue of Catherine II of Russia, this square, like many others in the city, is surrounded by beautiful buildings including the National Library and the Alexandrinsky Theatre.
Palace Square
This is one of the main squares in Saint Petersburg, at the end of Nevsky Prospect. At its centre stands the Alexander Column, surrounded by magnificent Baroque buildings, including the Winter Palace and the General Staff Building, recognisable by its triumphal arch honouring the Russian armies that defeated Napoleon.
This is one of the main squares in Saint Petersburg, at the end of Nevsky Prospect. At its centre stands the Alexander Column, surrounded by magnificent Baroque buildings, including the Winter Palace and the General Staff Building, recognisable by its triumphal arch honouring the Russian armies that defeated Napoleon.
University Embankment
Stretching 1,200 metres along the Neva, this embankment offers a lovely urban stroll. It is lined with magnificent Baroque buildings and provides a fine view of the opposite bank of the river and its monuments.
Stretching 1,200 metres along the Neva, this embankment offers a lovely urban stroll. It is lined with magnificent Baroque buildings and provides a fine view of the opposite bank of the river and its monuments.
Mariinsky Theatre
This renowned theatre dates back to 1860 and features a stunning "historic" performance hall (it also has two more modern ones) richly decorated.
This renowned theatre dates back to 1860 and features a stunning "historic" performance hall (it also has two more modern ones) richly decorated.
Religious Buildings
Kazan Cathedral
With its columns and towering 76-metre dome, it is directly inspired by St. Peter's in Rome. As it also stands on Nevsky Prospect, it forms a stunning architectural ensemble.
With its columns and towering 76-metre dome, it is directly inspired by St. Peter's in Rome. As it also stands on Nevsky Prospect, it forms a stunning architectural ensemble.
St. Isaac's Cathedral
Built by a Frenchman in the mid-19th century after the model of St. Paul’s in London, this is a vast neo-classical building lavishly decorated inside. Thanks to its size (its dome is over 100 metres high), it can be seen from a distance.
Built by a Frenchman in the mid-19th century after the model of St. Paul’s in London, this is a vast neo-classical building lavishly decorated inside. Thanks to its size (its dome is over 100 metres high), it can be seen from a distance.
St. Nicholas Maritime Cathedral
A beautiful Baroque cathedral built between 1753 and 1762 in honor of sailors. It features a striking façade, five domes, and a richly decorated interior.
A beautiful Baroque cathedral built between 1753 and 1762 in honor of sailors. It features a striking façade, five domes, and a richly decorated interior.
Saint Peter and Saint Paul Cathedral
Inside the Peter and Paul Fortress itself, the cathedral stands out with its 122-metre spire. It has served as the imperial necropolis since Peter the Great.
Inside the Peter and Paul Fortress itself, the cathedral stands out with its 122-metre spire. It has served as the imperial necropolis since Peter the Great.
Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood
Dedicated to Tsar Alexander II, who was assassinated at this very spot in 1881, the church built afterward is a prime example of the classic Russian architectural style of the era, with its distinctive onion domes. It is also notable for its richly decorated interior.
Dedicated to Tsar Alexander II, who was assassinated at this very spot in 1881, the church built afterward is a prime example of the classic Russian architectural style of the era, with its distinctive onion domes. It is also notable for its richly decorated interior.
Alexander Nevsky Monastery
A remarkable complex of two cathedrals, half a dozen churches, and several cemeteries. It was founded by Peter the Great in 1710 to house the relics of Saint Alexander Nevsky, protector of Russia’s new capital.
A remarkable complex of two cathedrals, half a dozen churches, and several cemeteries. It was founded by Peter the Great in 1710 to house the relics of Saint Alexander Nevsky, protector of Russia’s new capital.
Smolny Monastery
The site consists of the Resurrection Cathedral and a complex of buildings originally intended to house a convent. Together, they form a beautiful Baroque ensemble.
The site consists of the Resurrection Cathedral and a complex of buildings originally intended to house a convent. Together, they form a beautiful Baroque ensemble.
Museums
Cruiser Aurora
This museum ship is a witness and symbol of the 1917 Revolution, in which it took part by firing the shot that launched the assault on the Winter Palace.
This museum ship is a witness and symbol of the 1917 Revolution, in which it took part by firing the shot that launched the assault on the Winter Palace.
Kschessinska Mansion
Built in the Art Nouveau style at the beginning of the 20th century for the dancer Kschessinska, this building was later occupied by various Bolshevik institutions before becoming today’s Museum of Political History of Russia.
Built in the Art Nouveau style at the beginning of the 20th century for the dancer Kschessinska, this building was later occupied by various Bolshevik institutions before becoming today’s Museum of Political History of Russia.
Kunstkamera
The Kunstkamera is a museum of ethnography and anthropology. It was the first museum built in Russia in 1727. You can see collections of objects from different continents, as well as... "monsters and rarities" brought back by Tsar Peter the Great.
The Kunstkamera is a museum of ethnography and anthropology. It was the first museum built in Russia in 1727. You can see collections of objects from different continents, as well as... "monsters and rarities" brought back by Tsar Peter the Great.
Kirov Museum-Apartment
A journey back to the Soviet Union of the 1930s with this house that once belonged to Sergei Kirov, a Party dignitary, first an ally and later an opponent of Stalin, who had him assassinated in 1934.
A journey back to the Soviet Union of the 1930s with this house that once belonged to Sergei Kirov, a Party dignitary, first an ally and later an opponent of Stalin, who had him assassinated in 1934.
Pushkin Apartment Museum
This is the townhouse where the famous poet died in 1837. The place is now dedicated to him.
This is the townhouse where the famous poet died in 1837. The place is now dedicated to him.
Arctic and Antarctic Museum
This is one of the world’s most important museums dedicated to the polar regions and the Far North.
This is one of the world’s most important museums dedicated to the polar regions and the Far North.
Hermitage Museum
Russia's most famous museum and a must-see for any visit to the city. With 60,000 pieces across a thousand rooms, it is also one of the world's largest museums. Set within the remarkable Winter Palace, it houses, among other things, the art collections assembled by Empress Catherine II.
Russia's most famous museum and a must-see for any visit to the city. With 60,000 pieces across a thousand rooms, it is also one of the world's largest museums. Set within the remarkable Winter Palace, it houses, among other things, the art collections assembled by Empress Catherine II.
Russian Ethnographic Museum
Founded in 1902, it is one of the largest museums of its kind in Europe. It features various art and craft objects as well as reconstructions of traditional dwellings from the different ethnic groups that shaped Russia.
Founded in 1902, it is one of the largest museums of its kind in Europe. It features various art and craft objects as well as reconstructions of traditional dwellings from the different ethnic groups that shaped Russia.
Fabergé Museum
Housed in a former palace, the museum displays 4,000 works of decorative and fine arts, most notably the nine Easter eggs created by Fabergé for the last two Russian tsars.
Housed in a former palace, the museum displays 4,000 works of decorative and fine arts, most notably the nine Easter eggs created by Fabergé for the last two Russian tsars.
Russian Museum in Saint Petersburg
Housed in a magnificent palace, this museum is dedicated to Russian art across eras and movements. It features remarkable collections of paintings, icons, and examples of Russian folk art through the centuries.
Housed in a magnificent palace, this museum is dedicated to Russian art across eras and movements. It features remarkable collections of paintings, icons, and examples of Russian folk art through the centuries.
Stieglitz Museum
This stunning building, renowned for its interior, houses the Museum of Decorative and Applied Arts, established from the collections of Baron Stieglitz, a late 19th-century industrialist and patron of the arts.
This stunning building, renowned for its interior, houses the Museum of Decorative and Applied Arts, established from the collections of Baron Stieglitz, a late 19th-century industrialist and patron of the arts.
Zoology Museum
One of the world’s most significant in its category, featuring rich natural history collections.
One of the world’s most significant in its category, featuring rich natural history collections.
Parks and Gardens
Summer Garden
This is a beautiful public garden originally designed in the French style, located in the heart of the city and highly popular with its residents.
This is a beautiful public garden originally designed in the French style, located in the heart of the city and highly popular with its residents.
Additional Information
Must-see & highly recommended
Peter and Paul Fortress
★★★★ This is the site where the city was founded in 1703, though it primarily served as a prison for decades. It houses several museums, the…
Hermitage Museum
★★★★ Russia's most famous museum and a must-see for any visit to the city. With 60,000 pieces across a thousand rooms, it is also one of the…
Palace Square (Saint Petersburg)
★★★★ This is one of the main squares in Saint Petersburg, at the end of Nevsky Prospect. At its centre stands the Alexander Column, surrounded…
Hermitage District
★★★★ Beyond the famous eponymous museum, the Winter Palace, and the Admiralty, this historic district (the "Golden Triangle") is packed with…
Recommended
Russian Museum in Saint Petersburg
★★★ Housed in a magnificent palace, this museum is dedicated to Russian art across eras and movements. It features remarkable collections of…
Yusupov Palace
★★★ This is one of the most beautiful palaces in St. Petersburg and even in Russia, built in 1770 by the (very) wealthy Yusupov family. It is…
Nevsky Prospect
★★★ Stretching 4.5 kilometres, it’s Saint Petersburg’s answer to the Champs-Élysées, with stunning façades showcasing a variety of…
Worth a look / Other
Canals of Saint Petersburg
★★ With its canals (including the three main ones in the historic centre), its forty islands, and its 400 bridges, the city offers beautiful…
Kazan Cathedral
★★ With its columns and towering 76-metre dome, it is directly inspired by St. Peter's in Rome. As it also stands on Nevsky Prospect, it forms…
St. Isaac's Cathedral
★★ Built by a Frenchman in the mid-19th century after the model of St. Paul’s in London, this is a vast neo-classical building lavishly…
St. Nicholas Maritime Cathedral
★★ A beautiful Baroque cathedral built between 1753 and 1762 in honor of sailors. It features a striking façade, five domes, and a richly…
Saint Peter and Saint Paul Cathedral
★★ Inside the Peter and Paul Fortress itself, the cathedral stands out with its 122-metre spire. It has served as the imperial necropolis…
Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood
★★ Dedicated to Tsar Alexander II, who was assassinated at this very spot in 1881, the church built afterward is a prime example of the…
Summer Garden (Saint Petersburg)
★★ This is a beautiful public garden originally designed in the French style, located in the heart of the city and highly popular with its…
Kunstkamera
★★ The Kunstkamera is a museum of ethnography and anthropology. It was the first museum built in Russia in 1727. You can see collections of…
Alexander Nevsky Monastery
★★ A remarkable complex of two cathedrals, half a dozen churches, and several cemeteries. It was founded by Peter the Great in 1710 to house…
Russian Ethnographic Museum (Saint Petersburg)
★★ Founded in 1902, it is one of the largest museums of its kind in Europe. It features various art and craft objects as well as…
Petrogradsky Island
★★ This lively district, built on the island of the same name, is a bustling part of the city with its cafés, restaurants, and shops. You can…
Arts Square (Saint Petersburg)
★★ One of the beautiful squares in Saint Petersburg, with the statue of the writer Pushkin at its centre. With two museums, two theatres, and…
University Embankment
★★ Stretching 1,200 metres along the Neva, this embankment offers a lovely urban stroll. It is lined with magnificent Baroque buildings and…
Mariinsky Theatre
★★ This renowned theatre dates back to 1860 and features a stunning "historic" performance hall (it also has two more modern ones) richly…
Saint Samson Cathedral
★ One of the oldest religious buildings in Saint Petersburg, dating from 1740.
Cruiser Aurora
★ This museum ship is a witness and symbol of the 1917 Revolution, in which it took part by firing the shot that launched the assault on the…
Kschessinska Mansion
★ Built in the Art Nouveau style at the beginning of the 20th century for the dancer Kschessinska, this building was later occupied by…
Vasilievsky Island
★ One of the main islands in the city area. Alongside the beautiful buildings typical of the city, the island is home to several museums…
Smolny Monastery
★ The site consists of the Resurrection Cathedral and a complex of buildings originally intended to house a convent. Together, they form a…
Arctic and Antarctic Museum
★ This is one of the world’s most important museums dedicated to the polar regions and the Far North.
Zoological Museum (Saint Petersburg)
★ One of the world’s most significant in its category, featuring rich natural history collections.
Fabergé Museum (Saint Petersburg)
★ Housed in a former palace, the museum displays 4,000 works of decorative and fine arts, most notably the nine Easter eggs created by…
Stieglitz Museum
★ This stunning building, renowned for its interior, houses the Museum of Decorative and Applied Arts, established from the collections of…
Kirov Museum-Apartment
★ A journey back to the Soviet Union of the 1930s with this house that once belonged to Sergei Kirov, a Party dignitary, first an ally and…
Pushkin Apartment Museum
★ This is the townhouse where the famous poet died in 1837. The place is now dedicated to him.
Summer Palace
★ More a large, somewhat austere residence than a palace, this was once the summer home of Tsar Peter the Great and his wife. Today, the site…
Victory Square (Saint Petersburg)
★ In the purest Soviet style, this square commemorates the (long) siege of Leningrad during the Second World War.
Ostrovsky Square
★ Dominated by the statue of Catherine II of Russia, this square, like many others in the city, is surrounded by beautiful buildings…
- Peter and Paul Fortress
- Hermitage District
- Nevsky Prospect
- Russian Museum in Saint Petersburg
- Hermitage Museum
- Palace Square (Saint Petersburg)
- Arts Square (Saint Petersburg)
- Saint Peter and Saint Paul Cathedral
- Ostrovsky Square
- Kirov Museum-Apartment
- Mariinsky Theatre
- Stieglitz Museum
- Kschessinska Mansion
- St. Nicholas Maritime Cathedral
- Smolny Monastery
- Kazan Cathedral
- Petrogradsky Island
- St. Isaac's Cathedral
- University Embankment
- Kunstkamera
- Yusupov Palace
- Alexander Nevsky Monastery
- Vasilievsky Island
- Russian Ethnographic Museum (Saint Petersburg)
- Summer Palace
- Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood
- Victory Square (Saint Petersburg)
- Summer Garden (Saint Petersburg)
- Saint Samson Cathedral
- Canals of Saint Petersburg
- Pushkin Apartment Museum
- Arctic and Antarctic Museum
- Cruiser Aurora
- Zoological Museum (Saint Petersburg)
- Fabergé Museum (Saint Petersburg)