St Petersburg Travelers Recommend

One of the best times to visit St. Petersburg is during White Nights, when the sun never really sets and the city comes alive with festivals and concerts. A boat cruise is a great way to experience this magical time—here's what you need to know.

What are the White Nights?

For about 80 days from May to July, St. Petersburg experiences the White Nights, enjoying late sunsets and early sunrises, with twilight lasting throughout the night. It’s one of the most popular times of the year to visit Russia, allowing travelers to take advantage of extra daylight.

Ways to Experience the White Nights

• Take a midnight cruise to see the Palace Bridge and more than a dozen other illuminated drawbridges get raised over the Neva River.

• Visit the Russian Vodka Museum for a vodka tasting, followed by an evening canal cruise through the city.

• Take a boat trip down the Neva River to Peterhof Palace, famous for its hundreds of ornate fountains.

• Enjoy views of the Yusupov Palace, Anichkov Palace, St. Isaac’s Cathedral, and the famous Winter Palace, home to the Hermitage Museum, as you cruise along the Neva, Moyka, and Fontanka rivers.

• Join a St. Petersburg cruise with an art historian tour guide to learn about the city’s history and architecture, or pair your experience with a city tour.

Things to Know

• Tours may depart from and return to your hotel or a central location in St. Petersburg, such as the Nevsky Prospect area.

• Most boat tours last two to three hours.

• On-board guides provide commentary about the landmarks passed during night cruises.

St. Petersburg is full of magnificent palaces, historic landmarks, and famous museums—in fact, there are so many that you need a good few days just to cover the highlights.  

To save hours of waiting, secure skip-the-line tickets to the most popular sights, which include the Peterhof Grand Palace, the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, and the Catherine Palace; book guided tours of the Hermitage Museum and Faberge Museum for deeper insight in Russian history; or set sail on a boat cruise along the Neva River. For an unforgettable evening, attend a Russian ballet or folk show at one of the city’s most prestigious venues, or immerse yourself in Russian culture with a traditional dinner or a guided vodka tasting.

See below for our top picks and experiences that you can't miss in St. Petersburg.

Russian poet Alexander Pushkin proclaimed St. Petersburg’s autumn—known as Golden Autumn for its golden-hued fall colors—the most beautiful time of year. With fewer crowds and lower prices, fall is a great time to travel to St. Petersburg. Here are some ideas for things to do in St. Petersburg this fall.

• Admire the colorful fall foliage on a walk around the Mikhailovsky Garden, Summer Garden, or Aleksandrovsky Garden.
• Explore the city sights at your own pace on a hop-on hop-off bus tour.
• Escape the cold weather on a metro tour of St. Petersburg and discover the grand architecture and magnificent mosaics of the city’s metro stations.
• Celebrate the start of St. Petersburg’s cultural season by attending a ballet at the Hermitage Theater or Mariinsky Theater.
• Set sail on a night cruise along the Neva River and see the city’s famous drawbridges in operation.
• As the weather gets cooler, warm up by visiting a traditional Russian bath.
• Learn to make Russian specialties such as borscht soup and beef stroganoff at a cooking class with a professional chef.

Winter temperatures in St. Petersburg can drop below freezing, but it’s worth braving the cold to see the city at its most enchanting—blanketed in snow. Here are some ideas for things to do in St. Petersburg this winter.

• Enjoy a winter sightseeing tour of St. Petersburg’s frozen canals, snow-coated palaces, and historic landmarks.
• Admire the city’s festive illuminations and shop for traditional gifts at the Christmas market on a holiday tour of St. Petersburg.
• Zip along snowy plains on a dog-pulled sled excursion.
• Escape the cold and head indoors for a tour of the Hermitage Museum or the Fabergé Museum.
• Warm yourself up with a guided vodka tasting at the Russian Vodka Museum.
• Attend a ballet performance of Swan Lake at the Hermitage Theater.
• See Pavlovsk Palace lit up with holiday lights and walk through the snow-covered Pavlovsk Park.
• Tuck into Russian blini (pancakes) over Maslenitsa (pancake week) in February, and then learn how to make them at a cooking class with a professional chef.
• Enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride around the royal parks of Yelagin Island.

Summer is St. Petersburg’s high season. It's also when the sun shines nonstop for the city’s White Nights (late May to mid-July), allowing you to sightsee long into the night. Whether you want to explore the city sights, cruise the canals, or take a day trip—here are some ideas for things to do in St. Petersburg this summer.

• Escape the crowds and long queues at the Hermitage Museum with skip-the-line entrance and summer early access.
• See attractions such as the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, St. Isaac’s Cathedral, and the Peter and Paul Fortress on a walking or Segway tour of the city.
• Set sail on a midnight cruise and experience the White Nights of St. Petersburg from the water.
• Ride the hydrofoil ferry across the Gulf of Finland to visit the magnificent Peterhof Palace and park.
• Make your own itinerary and visit the sights at your own pace with a hop-on hop-off bus tour.
• Float over the Pushkin and Pavlovsk palaces and enjoy aerial views on a hot air balloon flight.
• Attend a Russian folk show at the Nikolaevsky Palace.
• See the city from a whole new perspective on a rooftop tour of St. Petersburg.

The majesty of the former Russian empire is on full display in the city of St. Petersburg, where canals, rivers, and splendid architecture set the scene for romance. If you’re visiting the city with your special someone, here are a few ways to dial up the romance.

Dine on Imperial Cuisine

St. Petersburg’s fine dining restaurants are undeniably romantic, so eat like a tsar as you treat yourselves to an evening of imperial cuisine.

Spend a Night at the Ballet

Russia is famous the world over for its ballet, and you shouldn’t leave St. Petersburg without seeing a performance. Catch a production of Swan Lake at a palatial imperial theater, or spend your evening in the magnificent Mariinsky Theater for a show.

Cruise the Neva River

St. Petersburg is nicknamed the Venice of the North for good reason. Find out by cruising along the Neva River. Take a midnight excursion to watch the drawbridges open and close during a White Night, or opt for a jazz dinner cruise in the evening hours.

Fly High Over Pushkin

Kick off a day of romance in St. Petersburg with a sunrise hot-air-balloon ride above the palaces, gardens, and lakes of Pushkin. Soak up the expansive bird’s-eye views before landing for a Champagne breakfast.

After the long winter months, St. Petersburg wastes no time in celebrating the warmer temperatures. Whether you want to stroll through the royal parks, attend a spring festival, or take a day trip—here are some ideas for things to do in St. Petersburg this spring.

• Admire landmarks such as the Winter Palace and the Peter and Paul Fortress from the water as you cruise along the Neva River.
• Join the citywide celebrations and watch the fireworks displays and parades for Labor Day (May 1) and Victory Day (May 9).
• Attend a ballet performance at the famous Mariinsky Theatre during the annual International Ballet Festival.
• Make the most of the smaller spring crowds at attractions such as St. Isaac’s Cathedral, the Hermitage, and the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood.
• Take a day trip to Peterhof Grand Palace and gardens, and watch the fountain show, which starts up in May.
• Discover Russian cuisine in a cooking class with a professional chef.
• Visit the Catherine Palace and Pushkin Palace on a day tour and enjoy a guided walk around the palace gardens.

You’re never far from nature in St. Petersburg, one of Russia’s greenest cities. From the landscaped gardens of Peterhof to the urban greenery of Maritime Victory Park, here are our top picks of parks and gardens around Russia’s second city, including options for out-of-town trips.

Catherine Park

Once the summer residence of Catherine the Great, this 18th-century estate just outside St. Petersburg is a must-see for any first-time visitor. As well as a peek inside the ornate palace, tours typically include access to the wider park’s paths, ponds, and landscaped gardens—keep an eye out for the elaborate outdoor sculptures, pavilions, and monuments commissioned by the former empress herself.

Pavlovsk Park

If you like a spot of hiking with your history, don’t miss this 1,500-acre (607-hectare) park, encompassing deep forest, boating ponds, and the imperial residence of Paul I. Located on the outskirts of Pushkin, less than an hour from St. Petersburg, this 18th-century oasis is worth a full day’s attention—though if you’re tight on time, consider booking a combo tour to check it off along with neighboring Catherine Park.

Peterhof Park and Gardens

As Russia’s answer to the Palace of Versailles, the Peterhof boasts fanciful fountains, spectacular structures, and bountiful blooms over 500 acres (200 hectares) of outdoor space. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site between May and October to see the gardens in all their glory, taking advantage of early access packages to avoid the major crowds.

St. Petersburg Botanical Garden

No need to travel outside the city to be immersed in nature—you can discover flora from across the world in the St. Petersburg Botanical Garden, just north of the modern center. Join a greenhouse tour for an intimate glimpse of tropical and subtropical species, including giant water lilies, or take a relaxing stroll through the outdoor grounds to see perennial herb gardens and regional flora. 

Maritime Victory Park

Situated on Krestovsky Island, Maritime Victory Park offers a slice of seclusion in the city, making it a favorite among locals. The 600-acre (243-hectare) haven boasts bike-friendly paths, plus plenty of rest stops, play areas, and wildlife-laden lakes, making it a top choice for families—especially in winter, when the on-site amusement park opens its annual ice rink.

Summer Garden and Field of Mars

As symbols of St. Petersburg, these two parks feature on most city tours, with their close proximity making them a convenient sightseeing combo. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a romantic stroll along the statue-lined avenues of the Summer Garden toward the Neva River, nor the chance to visit the Field of Mars memorial—guided experiences are particularly useful here, as information in English is limited.

With three days in St. Petersburg, you have enough time to visit all the must-see sights, and tailor your itinerary to suit your interests. Take advantage of money-saving passes and combo tours, explore the city’s many museums, and experience Russian culture. Here are some ideas.

Day 1: Sightseeing in the city

St. Petersburg’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed city center is full of historic monuments and architectural marvels. To make the most of your time, opt to explore with a guide, or take a hop-on hop-off bus tour that lets you pick and choose the attractions that interest you most.

Spend the morning admiring the gigantic art collection of the State Hermitage Museum, including masterpieces by artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Picasso, and Rembrandt. Queues are notoriously long, so be sure to book skip-the-line tickets and don’t miss the gardens, where you’ll find the beautiful Winter Palace.

Next, visit Palace Square and perhaps do some shopping along Nevsky Prospekt, before visiting the magnificent Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood. The St. Nicholas Naval Cathedral, Kazan Cathedral, and Peter and Paul’s Cathedral are all popular photo stops, as is the Yusupov Palace, known as the spot where Rasputin was assassinated.

Day 2: Pushkin and Peterhof

Two of Russia’s most extravagant imperial palaces lie just outside St. Petersburg, and you can visit both on a full-day tour. Start with a guided tour of the 18th-century Catherine Palace in Pushkin, the former summer residence of Catherine I. Inside, the star attraction is the opulent Amber Room, a visual feast of amber panels, gold leaf, and mirrors, while the vast parklands are dotted with pretty pavilions and grottoes.

In the afternoon, visit Peterhof Palace, which was designed by Peter the Great in the 18th century and is nicknamed the Russian Versailles. A tour of the Grand Palace includes a look at the Throne Room, the Ballroom, and the Crown Room, while the idyllic gardens run right down to the seafront. The most impressive view is from the Fountain of Neptune, gazing down along the Grand Cascade.

Day 3: Experience Russian Culture

The Hermitage isn’t the only world-renowned museum in St. Petersburg; the Russian Museum is a must for fans of Russian art, while the Fabergé Museum is home to the legendary Fabergé Eggs. Or you could explore another mainstay of Russian culture with a visit to the Museum of Russian Vodka.

Spend the afternoon enjoying a quintessentially Russian experience: Visit the Yamskiye Baths to enjoy a traditional Russian sauna, learn to cook classic Russian dishes with a private cooking class, or have fun painting your own Matryoshka (nesting) dolls.

For your final evening in St. Petersburg, enjoy an unforgettable night at the ballet. The Mariinsky Theatre and Hermitage Theatre are among Russia’s most prestigious venues and hold regular performances of favorites like The Nutcracker and Swan Lake.

Russia's second-largest city and former imperial capital, St. Petersburg is full of lavish palaces, architectural marvels, and UNESCO-listed monuments. With just one day in St. Petersburg, it’s best to stick to the top attractions, which can easily fill up your itinerary. Here’s how to spend the perfect day in St. Petersburg.

Morning: Visit the Hermitage

Whether you choose to join a guided tour, explore independently on a hop-on hop-off bus tour, or hire a private guide, your sightseeing tour of St. Petersburg has to begin at the State Hermitage Museum. This is one of the world’s largest art museums, and you could spend the entire day admiring masterpieces by the likes of Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, and Renoir. With limited time, opt for an early access tour with skip-the-line admission and head inside before the crowds arrive.

After admiring the artworks, be sure to stroll around the beautiful gardens and take a peek at the Winter Palace. Walk all the way down to the waterfront for a stunning view across the Neva River toward the gleaming spires of Peter and Paul’s Cathedral on neighboring Zayachy Island.

Afternoon: Cathedrals and Monuments

Leaving the Hermitage, take a moment to explore Palace Square, the site of some of Russia’s most significant historic events, before visiting the Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood, famous for its elaborate architecture and colorful onion-shaped domes.

Admire the grand buildings along St. Petersburg’s main boulevard, Nevsky Prospekt, on the way to the Kazan Cathedral. Nearby, the 19th-century St. Isaac's Cathedral is another architectural delight; if time permits, climb the dome for a spectacular view over the city. Complete your tour of St. Petersburg’s most impressive cathedrals with a photo stop at the St. Nicholas Naval Cathedral with its striking powder-blue facade and gold domes.

Night: Watch a Ballet

Watching a ballet like The Nutcracker or Swan Lake in one of St. Petersburg’s magnificent theaters is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and it’s the perfect way to end your trip. Top theaters include the famous Mariinsky Theatre, the Hermitage Theatre, and Alexandrinsky Theatre, and an advance booking is highly recommended. For the best value, choose a tour that includes dinner and sample traditional Russian dishes such as shchi (cabbage soup) and pozharskaya (breaded) chicken.

The night doesn’t have to end there. You could also cram in some last-minute sightseeing on a midnight cruise of St. Petersburg and experience the illuminated city at its most magical.

Having two days to spend in St. Petersburg gives you time to explore the UNESCO-listed city center and tour the magnificent imperial palaces. Planning ahead and prebooking skip-the-line tickets will help you maximize your time, while super-saver tours and combo deals can help you see more for your travel budget. Here are a few ideas.

Day 1: Art and Architecture

Morning: The State Hermitage Museum is one of the world’s largest art museums, with works by artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Picasso, and Rembrandt. Opting for a skip-the-line tour could save hours of waiting in line, and your guide can point out all the highlights. Don’t miss the beautiful gardens.

Afternoon: A guided city tour or hop-on hop-off bus tour will ensure you see all of St. Petersburg’s architectural marvels. Jump off to admire the Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood, St. Nicholas Naval Cathedral, and the Kazan Cathedral; stroll around Palace Square and the main boulevard of Nevsky Prospekt; and cross over to Zayachy Island to see Peter and Paul’s Cathedral.

Evening: Attend a ballet at one of the city’s prestigious venues—the Mariinsky Theatre and Hermitage Theatre are among the most renowned—and enjoy a spectacular performance of The Nutcracker or Swan Lake. For the best value, book a package that includes a preshow dinner and sample some typical Russian cuisine.

Day 2: Experience Imperial Russia

Morning: The 18th-century Catherine Palace in the nearby town of Pushkin is the former summer residence of Catherine I and was originally built to rival Versailles. A guided tour is the best way to explore, taking in highlights like the Grand Hall, the Amber Hall, and the stunning Catherine's Park.

Afternoon: Continue your second day with a visit to the magnificent Peterhof Palace. The enormous palace and gardens stretch all the way down to the seafront, and a walking tour of the Upper Garden and Lower Park affords fantastic views. Inside the Grand Palace, take a peek at the Throne Room, the Ballroom, and the Crown Room.

Night: Spend your final night in St. Petersburg hopping between the bars and clubs around Nevsky Prospect. After sampling the city’s nightlife, hop aboard a midnight sightseeing cruise and see the illuminated skyline at its most mesmerizing.

As Russia’s former capital, St. Petersburg is an ideal jumping-off point for visiting some of the country’s must-see imperial sights and historical towns. From the lavish Peterhof to Pushkin’s baroque Catherine Palace and even mighty Moscow, here are our top picks for day trips from St. Petersburg.

Pushkin (Tsarskoe Selo) and the Catherine Palace – about 19 miles (30 kilometers) away

Just south of St. Petersburg, Pushkin, also known as Tsar’s Village (Tsarskoe Selo), was a summer base for Russia’s rulers. Its star turn is Catherine Palace, an 18th-century blue-and-white baroque residence built for Catherine I, distinctive for its lavish interiors and dazzling Amber Room. The palace is a popular road or rail day trip from St. Petersburg, often combined with a visit to nearby Pavlovsk Palace.

Peterhof Palace – about 24 miles (39 kilometers) away

Commissioned by Peter the Great and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this series of palaces and parks is sometimes dubbed the “Russian Versailles” for its beauty. Just west of St. Petersburg, the complex centers on the Grand Palace—a onetime summer royal residence—and its fountain-studded gardens. The complex’s proximity to St. Petersburg makes it easy to visit on day trips by hydrofoil, boat, or road; some tours also include a visit to Pushkin.

Pavlovsk Palace – about 22 miles (35 kilometers) away

Fringing Pushkin, the 18th-century Pavlovsk Palace and Park was built by Catherine the Great for her son, Paul I. Tours focus on the palace’s opulent interiors—in striking contrast to the plain, neoclassical exterior—and the landscaped gardens, with their streams, copses, and follies. Some day trips also incorporate a visit to Pushkin.

Veliky Novgorod – about 149 miles (240 kilometers) away

Russia’s oldest city, Veliky Novgorod straddles the River Volkhov and boasts many medieval sites, making it ideal for history buffs. In and around the historical center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stand Russia’s earliest Kremlin—housing the 11th-century Cathedral of St. Sophia—and gems such as the riverside St. George’s Monastery.

Moscow – about 440 miles (708 kilometers) away

With sights ranging from Red Square to the Kremlin, Moscow is a must for those wanting to cover another of Russia’s great cities while in St. Petersburg. With just a day to spare, it’s best to explore with a tour guide on a high-speed rail trip—the most convenient way to visit in a day—to ensure you see the highlights with ease.