About Things to do in St. Petersburg
Things To Do In St. Petersburg
One of the best things to do in St Petersburg is to explore the Grand Peterhof Palace and Grand Cascade. Built in the 18th century, the palace is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and boasts of verdant gardens, majestic fountains as well as age-old ornate decorations and tapestries. The palace has a design that is similar to the Palace of Versailles, and is therefore, often known as Russian Versailles. The Grand Cascade, on the other hand, is one of the most grandiose fountain cascades that you will ever come across, and is located inside the Peterhof Palace.
Another one of the top things that you can do in St Petersburg is visiting the Hermitage Museum, which was commissioned by Catherine the Great, and is home to around 3 million exhibits, items, artefacts and other displays. Spread across 6 large buildings, the museum is also one of the oldest and largest art and culture museums in the whole world, with rooms filled with all types of historical items and specimens which date back to many centuries in time.
Ranked amongst the most fun things to do in St Petersburg is exploring St. Isaac's Cathedral. Known mostly for its grand dome that is made of more than 100 kilograms of gold, the Cathedral was built all the way back in the year 1858. The cathedral also used to be the largest in all of Russia, with its dome ruling the city’s skyline. You can find a plethora of sculptures in the facades of the cathedral, in addition to mosaics and paintings in its interiors, making it a great structure to marvel at.
Also known as the Church of the Resurrection, the Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood is one of the most famous places to see in the city. It stands on the site where Alexander II was assassinated. Built in his memory, the church was also quite destroyed for many years, until the 1990s, when it underwent a lot of restoration work. The church reopened in 1997 after it was restored to its former glory, and is one of the first landmarks that you will learn about during your visit to St Petersburg.
Ranked as one of the most popular things to do in St Petersburg is to discover the St Nicholas Naval Cathedral. This church, which dates back to the mid-18th century, is also locally known as the Sailors’ Cathedral, and is predominantly known for its golden spires and domes, which are a masterpiece of the baroque style of architecture. Upon exploring the cathedral, you can gain deep insights into the naval history of Russia, whilst also marvelling at its beautiful bell tower.
Dating back to 1872, the statue of the Bronze Horseman is one of the national symbols of St Petersburg, and is a monument dedicated to Peter the Great, who was the founder of this beautiful city. Located in the Senatskaia Ploshchad, the statue faces the Neva River and is surrounded by major political and religious buildings of the city. It is believed that the statue symbolises the city’s strength, along with the strength of its residents.
Wandering through the cathedral at the Peter and Paul Fortress is one of the most popular Things To Do in St Petersburg. The cathedral is the final resting place of many rulers of Romanov, and boasts of an intricately carved and designed sarcophagi, which line the walls of this monument. The cathedral is located inside the Peter and Paul Fortress, which has, in history, served as a prison. The city's earliest and oldest feature is the cathedral, which was built between 1712 and 1733.
The old Rostral Columns are some of the most famous landmarks of St Petersburg, and are studded the prows of a ship as well as four seated sculptures, which represent four of the greatest rivers of Russia, namely the Neva, the Volga, the Dnieper and the Volkhov. The column was once a lighthouse that used to shoo away ships, and now overlooks the city. It boasts of a roman style, and also has carvings of ancient gods on it, if you look closely enough.
When looking for fun things to do in st Petersburg, a boat ride on the canals and the Neva River is a must. The city of St Petersburg is home to numerous canals which are bisected by River Neva, which is amongst the four great rivers of Russia. Therefore, exploring the city by a boat ride is sure to be fun-filled and exciting, as you soak in the views of your surrounding landscapes, whilst also catching sights of major attractions and monuments of the city from a unique vantage point.
FAQ's
What should I not miss in St. Petersburg?
When in St Petersburg, some of the attractions that you must not miss visiting out on include the Grand Peterhof Palace, the Church of the Saviour on the Spilled Blood, the State Hermitage Museum and the Mariinsky Theatre. Other attractions that you must explore are the Museum of Soviet Arcade Machines, the Rostral Column, the Nevsky Prospekt and the Kunstkamera Museum of Ethnology and Anthropology, among others.
Is St. Petersburg worth visiting?
Yes, St Petersburg is definitely worth visiting. In addition to being the second largest city in Russia, it is also one of the most historical attractions and the Tsarist capital of the country as well. It is here where you can catch glimpses of the rich heritage of the Tsarist dynasty, whilst also learning a lot about Russian history. The city is also home to some of the most important monuments of Russia, including the Hermitage Museum, the Winter Palace, the Palace Square, the Peterhof Palace and more.
How many days do I need for St Petersburg?
You need at least 4 to 5 days for St Petersburg, so that you can visit all the major landmarks of the city without having to hurry, whilst also indulging in other local experiences.
What are the best activities to do in St Petersburg with family?
When visiting with family, some of the best things to do in St Petersburg to do include visiting the State Hermitage Museum and the Peterhof Grand Palace, spending some time at the Shadow Museum, learning about marine animals at Planet Neptune Oceanarium, and going on a cruise of the rivers and canals in the city.
What are the best things to do in St Petersburg at night?
To get a taste of the spectacular nightlife during your visit, some of the best things to do in St Petersburg after sundown are enjoying an opera or ballet at the Mariinsky Theatre, or listening to live Russian jazz at the Jazz Philharmonic Hall. One can also go on a pub crawl at Dumskaya ulitsa, sip on wine and whiskey at Dead Poets Bar and see the Hermitage all illuminated with twinkling lights, among other things.
How do you travel around St Petersburg?
The best way to travel around St Petersburg is by availing rides on the metro, which are not only efficient, but also quite comfortable and the quickest way to get around the city. You can also use the vast system of trams, jolly trolleybuses, communal taxis or marshrutki as well as buses to get around St Petersburg.