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Things to do in St. Petersburg

Things to do in  St Petersburg

Welcome to St Petersburg

Since being founded by Tsar Peter the Great and built on a desolate swamp, St. Petersburg—the former capital of the Russian Empire—has become a national symbol of historical heritage, vibrant cultural life, and sheer beauty. The city’s canals and grand architecture, drawn with bright colors and white light, show why so many of Russia’s famous artists and poets have sprung from the so-called Venice of the North. Taking a city tour with a local guide is a sure way to best explore the city’s highlights and deeply understand their history. Tours explore the magnificent Baroque-style Winter Palace (formerly home to Empress Catherine the Great, and now part of the State Hermitage Museum), the Peter and Paul Fortress on the Neva River, St. Isaac’s Cathedral, the Peterhof Palace, the Fabergé Museum, and more. You could spend years admiring the State Hermitage Museum’s astounding collection of fine art, comprised of works by everyone from Raphael to Rembrandt to Renoir—tackle its 2.7 million pieces on a guided tour. For even more culture, enjoy a Russian folk show at Nikolayevsky Palace. And you can’t miss the Church of the Saviour on the Spilled Blood, which—with its dramatic name and many towers—has become an emblem of this majestic Russian city.

Top 15 attractions in St Petersburg

#1
Pavlovsk Palace (Pavlovskiy Dvorets)

Pavlovsk Palace (Pavlovskiy Dvorets)

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Built by Catherine the Great in the 18th century for her son, Emperor Paul I, Pavlovsk Palace is a notable example of the era’s neo-classical architecture. Set amid 1,500 acres (607 hectares of landscaped parks and woodlands, a visit to the estate provides insight into the life of one of Russia’s most enigmatic rulers.More
#2
Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

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St. Petersburg’s most iconic site after the Hermitage Museum, the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood is known for its elaborate façade and brightly colored onion domes. Officially the Church of the Resurrection of Christ, the magnificent church was built on the site where Tsar Alexander II was assassinated in 1881.More
#3
Winter Palace of Peter the Great at the Hermitage

Winter Palace of Peter the Great at the Hermitage

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While the magnificent Winter Palace is now home to the immense State Hermitage Museum, part of the original royal residence—known as the Winter Palace of Peter the Great (Peter I)—has been preserved, allowing visitors a glimpse of the emperor’s grand living quarters and personal items.More
#4
Catherine Palace and Park

Catherine Palace and Park

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Once the summer residence of the Russian tsars and now a museum, Catherine Palace was named after Catherine I, who had it built in 1717. The structure was later rebuilt into an elaborately decorated Rococo-style palace in 1756 by Bartolomeo Rastrelli under the direction of Empress Elizabeth, meant to rival the Palace of Versailles in France. Today, the palace is famous for its baroque style and neoclassical interior that exemplifies Russian wealth and extravagance. Its main attractions are the Grand Hall, the opulent Amber Room, which is lined with gilded amber wall panels and ornate furniture, and the 1,400-acre (566-hectare) Catherine Park with its masterful landscaping.More
#5
The Anna Akhmatova Museum

The Anna Akhmatova Museum

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Opened in 1989 to mark the centennial of her birth, the Anna Akhmatova Museum in the Fountain House of Sheremetev Palace celebrates the life and works of one of Russia’s most renowned poets. The twice Nobel Prize–nominated writer lived here for over 20 years and now, enthusiasts can get a sense of where she worked and view her personal effects.More
#6
Peter and Paul Cathedral (Petropavlovskiy Sobor)

Peter and Paul Cathedral (Petropavlovskiy Sobor)

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The oldest cathedral in St. Petersburg and among the tallest orthodox cathedrals on the planet, the baroque Peter and Paul Cathedral sits on the grounds of Peter and Paul Fortress. The building is home to the St. Petersburg Men’s Choir and serves as the final resting place for many of Russia’s pre-revolutionary rulers.More
#7
Leningrad Zoo St. Petersburg

Leningrad Zoo St. Petersburg

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With a history dating back to 1865, the Leningrad (St. Petersburg) Zoo is Russia’s oldest zoo and remains a popular family attraction. The zoo, located in the heart of the city, is home to around 2,000 animals, including over 410 species, the most famous of which are its resident polar bears.More
#8
Constantine Palace

Constantine Palace

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Located in the seaside town of Strelna, the Constantine Palace today forms part of the National Congress Palace complex of St. Petersburg. Strelna was originally chosen by Peter the Great to be the site of his summer residence in 1714, but the palace stood unfinished until the early 19th century. It served as a residence for the Romanov grand dukes until falling into decay after the Russian Revolution. Later, all interior decorations were stripped during the German occupation of St. Petersburg.In 2001, Vladimir Putin ordered the palace to be renovated and converted into a presidential residence. It hosted more than 50 heads of state during St. Petersburg’s tercentenary celebration in 2003 and recently held the qualifying draw for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.Visitors to the palace today can see exhibitions of Russian painting, decorative and applied arts and the history of Russian glass production from the 1700s. The palace also boasts a thousand masterpieces of Russian art from the 17th to 20th centuries, based on collection of Russian musicians Rostropovich and Vishnevskaya.More
#9
The Republic of Cats Museum and Café

The Republic of Cats Museum and Café

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Cats have long played a part in St Petersburg’s history, beloved by Peter the Great and credited with keeping rats (and disease) at bay during the long siege of WWII. The State Hermitage Museum famously has its own resident cats, but the ultimate destinations for cat lovers visiting the city are the Republic of Cats Museum and Cafés.More
#10
Summer Palace of Peter the Great (Letniy Dvorets)

Summer Palace of Peter the Great (Letniy Dvorets)

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Standing where the Fontanka River meets the Neva River in the center of St Petersburg, the Summer Palace of Peter the Great (Letniy Dvorets) offer a nice escape from the busy city. Founded by Peter the Great himself at the start of the 18th century, the garden is modeled after Versailles. Laid out by geometric principles, the romantic garden may be best known for the 79 sculptures lining its avenues, all by 17th and 18th century Italian sculptors.The Summer Palace sits on the banks of the Neva River and is modest compared to other palaces of the same era. A two-story, Dutch-style building with a yellow exterior, the palace was one of the first stone palaces in St. Petersburg. The interior, with just seven rooms on each floor, has been restored to its original state and now displays a collection of 18th century artifacts, including paintings, furniture, tapestries and glassware belonging to Peter and his wife, Catherine.More
#11
The Menshikov Palace

The Menshikov Palace

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With an elegant Baroque façade that stretches along the Neva riverfront, the 18th-century Menshikov Palace is a striking sight. The building—which is one of the oldest in St. Petersburg and was once home to Prince Menshikov—houses part of the world-renowned State Hermitage Museum art collection.More
#12
Museum of Soviet Arcade Machines

Museum of Soviet Arcade Machines

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Whether you’re a gaming enthusiast or just nostalgic for arcades of old, this quirky museum is the place to travel back in time and indulge your inner child. Filled with more than 40 restored arcade machines from the 1970's and 80's, the museum is fully interactive with many working games to play on.More
#13
The General Staff Building

The General Staff Building

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With an imposing Neoclassical façade over 1,900 feet (580 meters) long, the Carlo Rossi–designed General Staff Building is one of St. Petersburg’s architectural highlights. The grand building, which is part of the enormous State Hermitage Museum complex, houses a large collection of impressionist and post-impressionist art works.More
#14
State Memorial Museum of Leningrad Defense and Siege

State Memorial Museum of Leningrad Defense and Siege

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The Siege of Leningrad was one of the most significant events of WWII to take place on Russian soil. This museum tells the story of the epic battle from the perspective of both the military and the civilians who lived and died in the besieged city, giving visitors a fascinating—and harrowing—look at the tragic events that unfolded here.More
#15
Ekzoopark

Ekzoopark

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To see tropical animals in St. Petersburg, a city better known for its subzero winters, visit Ekzoopark. A family-friendly destination regardless of the weather, the indoor park is home to more than 400 species (some endangered) from habitats such as deserts, rain forests, and savannas.More

Trip ideas

Top Parks and Gardens in St. Petersburg

Top Parks and Gardens in St. Petersburg


All about St Petersburg

When to visit

St. Petersburg fires on all cylinders winter and spring, when its weather hits the sweet spot of comfortably hot and dry. Outdoor events come thick and fast December through June, from holiday-season boat parades and the Firestone Grand Prix in March, to April’s Mainsail Art Festival, and Pride in June. Crowds thin when late summer brings muggy heat and a hurricane risk.

St Petersburg information

Number of Attractions

59

Number of Tours

0

Currency

RUB
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