Saint Petersburg Travel Guide 2022 - Best Places to Visit in Saint Petersburg Russia in 2022

Summary

St. Petersburg, Russia's cultural capital, is celebrated for its elegant architecture, including stately palaces and cathedrals. Founded by Peter the Great in 1703, it boasts the Peter and Paul Fortress, the Winter Palace, and the opulent Catherine Palace. The city's canals and rivers offer scenic cruises, while its museums house world-class art and historical artifacts. Landmarks like the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood and St. Isaac's Cathedral showcase the city's rich history and architectural prowess.

Takeaways

• 🏰 Saint Petersburg is celebrated for its elegant architecture, including stately palaces and cathedrals, which are interspersed with the city's many canals and waterways.
• 🌍 As Russia's second largest city, Saint Petersburg is strategically located at the mouth of the Neva River on the banks of the Gulf of Finland.
• 🏛 Founded in 1703 by Peter the Great, Saint Petersburg served as the capital of the Russian Empire for two centuries.
• 🎭 The city has been a magnet for artists, composers, scientists, and writers, transforming it into a cultural powerhouse known for ballet, classical music, and theater.
• 🌆 Due to its extended summer days, Saint Petersburg is nicknamed the 'City of White Nights', making it a magical destination year-round.
• 🏰 The Peter and Paul Fortress, built in 1703, originally served as a defensive structure and later functioned as a prison and site of executions.
• 🏟️ Palace Square, the main city plaza, is marked by the Alexander Column and has been a site of significant historical events, including the 1917 Russian Revolution.
• 🏞️ The Peterhof Palace, often referred to as the 'Russian Versailles', is renowned for its opulent design, fountains, and statues, including the Grand Cascade.
• 🏝️ Vasilevskiy Island, just across the river from the city center, is home to several landmarks and museums, including the Russian Academy of Sciences.
• 🛍️ Nevsky Avenue, the main thoroughfare of Saint Petersburg, is lined with historic buildings, shopping arcades, and cultural institutions.
• 🏰 The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood is a notable landmark, built on the site of Alexander II's assassination, known for its colorful and intricate interior.

Q & A

What is Saint Petersburg known for?

Saint Petersburg is known for its elegance, grandeur, and gorgeous architecture, including stately palaces and cathedrals. The city is renowned for its numerous canals and waterways, cultural heritage, and world-class ballet, classical music, and theater performances.

Where is Saint Petersburg located?

Saint Petersburg is located at the mouth of the Neva River on the banks of the Gulf of Finland in Russia. It is Russia's second-largest city after Moscow.

Who founded Saint Petersburg, and when?

Saint Petersburg was founded by Peter the Great in 1703 and served as the capital of the Russian Empire for centuries.

What was the original purpose of the Peter and Paul Fortress?

The original purpose of the Peter and Paul Fortress was to protect the state from outside invasions. Although it was never used in actual warfare, it later served as a prison and execution site during the Bolshevik Revolution.

What is significant about Palace Square in Saint Petersburg?

Palace Square is the main city plaza in Saint Petersburg, located in front of the Winter Palace. It is significant for its historical events, including the assassination of Tsar Alexander II and the start of the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917.

Why is Peterhof Palace often referred to as the 'Russian Versailles'?

Peterhof Palace is often called the 'Russian Versailles' due to its opulent architecture, extensive gardens, and numerous fountains, reminiscent of the grandeur of the Palace of Versailles in France.

What can visitors find on Vasilevskiy Island?

Vasilevskiy Island is home to several landmarks, including the Museum of Electrical Transport, the Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography, the old Saint Petersburg Stock Exchange, and the Baroque Menshikov Palace.

What is notable about Nevsky Avenue in Saint Petersburg?

Nevsky Avenue is a 4.5-kilometer-long main thoroughfare in Saint Petersburg, known for its opulent architecture, high-end stores, fine restaurants, luxury hotels, and significant historical landmarks such as the Stroganoff Palace and the Russian National Library.

Why is the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood named so?

The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood is named after the assassination of Tsar Alexander II, which took place at the site. It is renowned for its ornate and colorful architecture, similar to that of Saint Basil's Cathedral in Moscow.

What makes the canals of Saint Petersburg unique?

The canals of Saint Petersburg, initially built to prevent flooding, now serve as transit routes and popular sightseeing locations. The canal system stretches over 300 kilometers with numerous bridges, and visitors can enjoy boat tours to see the city’s landmarks from the water.

What is special about Saint Isaac's Cathedral in Saint Petersburg?

Saint Isaac's Cathedral is one of the largest churches in the world, featuring a massive gold-plated dome visible across the city. It has stunning interiors with elaborate reliefs, mosaics, and iconostasis, and functions as a museum while still hosting some religious services.

Outlines

00:00

🌍 St. Petersburg: A Cultural Gem

Saint Petersburg is renowned for its architectural beauty and rich cultural heritage. As Russia's second-largest city, it is home to numerous palaces, cathedrals, and canals. Founded in 1703 by Peter the Great, the city was the capital of the Russian Empire for centuries, drawing in artists, composers, and writers. Famous for its long summer days, known as 'White Nights,' St. Petersburg offers world-class ballet, music, and theater performances. Visitors can explore historical sites and cultural activities year-round.

05:01

🏰 Peter and Paul Fortress: A Historic Landmark

The Peter and Paul Fortress, built in 1703, was originally constructed to defend against invasions but later served as a prison during the Bolshevik Revolution. Today, it is part of the State Museum of Saint Petersburg’s History. Within the fortress, visitors can explore the Peter and Paul Cathedral, the final resting place of Russian tsars, as well as prison cells, a city museum, and the Saint Petersburg Mint, still operational since 1724.

🏞️ Palace Square: A Hub of Historical Events

Palace Square is the main public space in St. Petersburg, located in front of the Winter Palace. The iconic Alexander Column, built to celebrate Alexander I’s victory over Napoleon, dominates the square. The area has witnessed many significant events, including the assassination of Alexander II in 1879 and the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917. Today, the square hosts a range of parades and celebrations, including Victory Day and New Year's Eve events.

🎠 Peterhof Palace: Russia's Versailles

Located 45 minutes from St. Petersburg, Peterhof Palace is often called the 'Russian Versailles' due to its opulent architecture and sprawling gardens. The palace, with its golden domes and fountains, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Grand Cascade fountain is the highlight, while the palace’s interiors include ceremonial rooms and a grand ballroom. The surrounding gardens, with over 60 fountains and 200 statues, offer a perfect spot for a picnic along the Gulf of Finland.

🏝️ Vasilevskiy Island: A Cultural Haven

Vasilevskiy Island is home to a variety of cultural landmarks and institutions. Connected to mainland St. Petersburg by bridges, it houses the Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology and the Old Saint Petersburg Stock Exchange. The island also features the Menchikov Palace, part of the Hermitage Museum, as well as branches of the Russian Academy of Sciences. It’s a must-visit for those interested in Russian art, literature, and science.

🚶 Nevsky Avenue: St. Petersburg's Bustling Hub

Nevsky Avenue, a 4.5-kilometer-long street, is the heart of St. Petersburg. Named after the Alexander Nevsky Lavra, the avenue is lined with historical buildings, including Stroganoff Palace and Kazan Cathedral, as well as luxury stores, restaurants, and hotels. Even without shopping, the street is worth visiting for its vibrant atmosphere, with street artists and historic landmarks like the Anichkov Bridge, which bears marks of World War II.

⛪ Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood: A Sacred Landmark

The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood was built on the site where Alexander II was assassinated, earning its name from the spilled blood. Its colorful exterior resembles St. Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow. Inside, it houses one of the world’s largest collections of mosaics. The church is a must-visit for tourists and is located near other landmarks like the State Russian Museum. An audio tour of the church provides a deeper understanding of its history and significance.

🏛️ Catherine Palace: The Tsars' Summer Escape

Catherine Palace, located 30 kilometers south of St. Petersburg, was a summer residence for Russian tsars. The palace's rococo design, with its vivid bluish-green facade and golden statues, is stunning. Inside, visitors can tour opulent ballrooms, the Amber Room, and the Grand Hall. The palace is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, offering a peaceful retreat after taking in its grandeur.

🚤 Rivers and Canals: A Unique Way to Explore the City

St. Petersburg's canal system, initially built to prevent flooding, now offers scenic boat tours. The city has over 300 kilometers of canals, with popular routes along the Griboedov Canal and Winter Canal. Many tours include live music, food, and guides in English. A highlight is the nighttime rides to see the city’s bridges open for ships, a spectacular sight along the Neva River.

🛳️ Cruiser Aurora: A Symbol of Russian Revolution

The Cruiser Aurora is a historic Russian naval ship that played a key role in the Russo-Japanese War and the 1917 Russian Revolution. Moored on the Neva River, the Aurora is now a museum where visitors can explore six rooms, including recreations of life aboard the ship. The Aurora’s deck offers stunning views of the Neva River and surrounding imperial buildings.

🏛️ Saint Isaac's Cathedral: A Marvel of Architecture

Saint Isaac's Cathedral is one of the largest churches in the world, renowned for its massive gold-plated dome, which is visible throughout St. Petersburg. Built over 40 years, the cathedral features 100 massive columns and ornate interior decorations, including reliefs and icons. Although it still hosts services, the cathedral operates primarily as a museum, showcasing its architectural and historical significance.

Keywords

💡Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is Russia's second-largest city, known for its rich cultural heritage and magnificent architecture. Located at the mouth of the Neva River, it was founded in 1703 by Peter the Great and served as the Russian Empire's capital for centuries. The city is renowned for its palaces, cathedrals, and waterways, as well as its significant role in Russian history and culture.

💡Peter and Paul Fortress

The Peter and Paul Fortress is one of the main landmarks in Saint Petersburg, built in 1703 to protect the city from invasion. Although it never saw warfare, it was used as a prison and execution site during the Bolshevik Revolution. The fortress is now part of the State Museum of Saint Petersburg's history, and its grounds include a cathedral, prison cells, and the Saint Petersburg Mint.

💡Palace Square

Palace Square is the main public square in Saint Petersburg, located in front of the Winter Palace. It has been the site of many key events in Russian history, including the assassination of Tsar Alexander II and the Bolshevik Revolution. Dominated by the Alexander Column, the square hosts celebrations and parades, reflecting the city's rich political and cultural past.

💡Peterhof Palace

Often called the 'Russian Versailles,' Peterhof Palace is a lavish estate located outside of Saint Petersburg, known for its grand architecture and expansive gardens filled with fountains and statues. Built by Peter the Great, it is a symbol of the opulence of Russian royalty. The palace's Grand Cascade and sprawling gardens make it a must-see for visitors to the city.

💡Nevsky Avenue

Nevsky Avenue, or Nevsky Prospect, is the main thoroughfare of Saint Petersburg. It is famous for its high-end stores, luxury hotels, and historical landmarks, including the Stroganoff Palace and Kazan Cathedral. The street is known for its vibrant atmosphere and beautiful architecture, making it a central part of the city’s cultural and social life.

💡Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

This iconic church was built on the site where Tsar Alexander II was assassinated, giving it its dramatic name. The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood is known for its vibrant, onion-domed exterior, reminiscent of St. Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow, and its intricate mosaics inside. It is one of the most visually striking religious buildings in Saint Petersburg.

💡Catherine Palace

Catherine Palace, located 30 kilometers south of Saint Petersburg, is a rococo-style palace that was the summer residence of the Russian tsars. Commissioned by Catherine I, it was later renovated by architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli in 1752. Known for its vivid blue-and-gold facade, the palace features opulent ballrooms, including the famous Amber Room.

💡Rivers and Canals

Saint Petersburg is crisscrossed by over 300 kilometers of canals, which were originally built to control flooding but are now a central feature of the city's charm. Popular canals like the Griboedov Canal and the Winter Canal offer picturesque boat tours. These waterways are lined with stunning buildings and allow visitors to see the city from a unique perspective.

💡Cruiser Aurora

The Cruiser Aurora is a historic Russian naval ship that played a key role in the Russo-Japanese War and the Russian Revolution. A shot fired from the Aurora's cannon marked the beginning of the October Revolution in 1917. Today, it is moored on the Neva River and serves as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into Russia’s naval and revolutionary history.

💡Saint Isaac’s Cathedral

Saint Isaac’s Cathedral is one of the largest domed churches in the world, and its gold-plated dome is visible throughout Saint Petersburg. Originally a Russian Orthodox church, it was converted into a museum during the Soviet era. The cathedral is known for its impressive reliefs and iconography, and it continues to be a major tourist attraction in the city.

Highlights

Saint Petersburg is Russia's second-largest city, known for its elegance, grandeur, and architecture featuring stately palaces and cathedrals.

Located at the mouth of the Neva River on the Gulf of Finland, Saint Petersburg was founded in 1703 by Peter the Great and served as the capital of the Russian Empire.

Saint Petersburg is renowned as a cultural powerhouse, offering world-class ballet, classical music, and theater performances.

The city is known as the 'City of White Nights' due to its long summer days, making it a magical destination throughout the year.

Peter and Paul Fortress, built in 1703, was designed to protect the city but later became a prison and execution site during the Bolshevik Revolution.

The 18th-century Peter and Paul Cathedral, located within the fortress, is the final resting place of Russian tsars.

Palace Square, located in front of the Winter Palace, is a historic site that witnessed significant events, including the assassination of Tsar Alexander II and the start of the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917.

Peterhof Palace, known as the 'Russian Versailles,' features over 60 fountains and 200 statues in its sprawling gardens and is one of the most opulent palaces in Russia.

Vasilevskiy Island is home to several landmarks, including the Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology and the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Nevsky Avenue, a 4.5-kilometer-long street, is the hub of Saint Petersburg with high-end stores, restaurants, and luxury hotels, offering a mix of shopping and architectural beauty.

The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, built on the site of Alexander II's assassination, is one of the most iconic and beautiful churches in Russia.

Catherine Palace, located 30 kilometers from Saint Petersburg, is a Rococo-style summer retreat for Russian tsars, famous for its lavish ballrooms and stunning gardens.

The canals of Saint Petersburg, once used to prevent flooding, are now a popular tourist attraction with boat cruises offering scenic views of the city.

The Cruiser Aurora, a historic Russian naval ship, played a role in the 1917 Russian Revolution and now serves as a museum on the Neva River.

Saint Isaac's Cathedral, one of the largest churches in the world, is known for its massive gold-plated dome and impressive reliefs and iconostasis.

Transcripts

saint petersburg known for its elegance

and grandeur is swamped in gorgeous

architecture with stately palaces and

cathedrals jostling for space amid the

city's numerous canals and waterways it

is russia's second largest city after

moscow located at the mouth of the never

river on the banks of the gulf of

finland it was founded in 1703 by peter

the great and served as the russian

empire's capital for centuries artists

and builders as well as composers

scientists and writers were all drawn to

a chores this transformed the city into

a cultural powerhouse with world-class

ballet classical music and theater

performances taking place alongside

opulent opera houses with its museums

historical tourist attractions and

palaces st petersburg offers a diverse

range of activities due to its endless

summer days the city is known as the

city of white knights it is a magical

place to visit at any time of year let's

look at some of the top things to do in

saint petersburg

[Music]

number one peter and paul fortress the

original purpose of the peter and paul

fortress was to protect the state from

outside invasions it was built in 1703

and throughout the next four decades it

was extended and remodeled while the

castle was never used in actual warfare

it did serve as a prison and execution

quarters during the bolshevik revolution

in the early 20th century it is now part

of the state museum of saint

petersburg's history there are various

buildings within the fortresses walls

which are flanked by magnificent gardens

in stone walks the 18th century peter

and paul cathedral the final resting

place of russian stars is perhaps the

most well-known within the fortresses

walls are additionally prison cells a

city museum and the saint petersburg

mint building established in 1724 to

make coins and still in operation

number two palace square the main city

plaza in st petersburg is a vast open

public space directly in front of the

winter palace the alexander column made

of a single piece of red granite and

standing 47 meters tall in the center of

the square was built in the 1830s

alexander the first commissioned it to

celebrate his triumph over napoleon many

significant events in soviet and russian

history have occurred on the square

sarah alexander ii was assassinated here

in 1879 and bolshevik troops began the

revolution here in 1917 by storming the

winter palace where the royalty resided

since then area has seen a variety of

marches and demonstrations ranging from

military parades commemorating world war

ii's victory day to new year's eve

celebrations

number three peterhof palace because

peterhof palace is 45 minutes from the

city you should plan on spending at

least half a day there it is however

well worth it this sumptuous palace

located on the gulf of finland is often

known as the russian versailles it's

easy to understand why whether it's

because of the gilded domes or the found

and strewn around the sprawling gardens

surprisingly the gardens at peterhof

contain more than 60 fountains and 200

statues the grand cascade the most

famous is a must-see site in st

petersburg don't miss a visit to the

magnificent peter off palace the inside

features classic stage rooms the

elaborate ceremonial staircase and the

grand ballroom to name a few there's

more to the gardens outside than just

the amazing collection of fountains a

canal in lower park flows directly into

the gulf of finland making it a perfect

site for a picnic

number 4 vasilevskiy island this small

island which is just across the river

from the city center and the winter

palace and is connected to the mainland

by two bridges and a metro line is home

to a number of landmarks and beautiful

parks including a museum of electrical

transport the peter the great museum of

anthropology and ethnography the old

saint petersburg stock exchange and the

baroque menchikov palace which serves as

a branch of the heritage museum and

houses mostly 17th century russian art

the russian academy of sciences

maintains numerous branches on the

island including the institute of

russian literature which houses genuine

manuscripts of some of russia's most

famous riders including adored poet

alexander pushkin

number 5 nevsky avenue the 4.5 kilometer

long nevsky prospect or avenue is the

hub of saint petersburg named after the

alexander nevsky lavrov monastery that

is on the same street netsky avenue is

home to the 18th century great gastony

d'vore one of the world's oldest

shopping arcades as well as a plethora

of high-end stores fine restaurants and

luxury hotels the late baroque

stroganoff palace the early 19th century

chasm cathedral and the russian national

library housed in a building dating back

to the 1700s are all located on nevsky

prospect which is known for its opulent

architecture even if you have no

intention of shopping the lights and

ambience of this road are worth seeing

along the route you'll come across

street artists a 1913 movie theater and

the anishka bridge which was severely

damaged during world war ii and was

repaired with shell damage from nazi

weapons as a reminder of what happened

here

number six church of the savior on

spilled blood savior unspilled blood was

built on the spot where alexander ii was

murdered in an attack hence the horrific

and graphic name spilled blood despite

the fact that saint petersburg is full

of churches this one is perhaps the most

beautiful which is why it made our list

on the inside the colorful church is

just as bright and extravagant with one

of the world's largest collections of

mistakes most people compare it to

russia's in basil's cathedral which is

also one of the country's most

well-known landmarks any tour of the

city will take you by the cathedral of

the savior of the spilled blood probably

several times it's close to the state

russian museum and there were plenty of

other attractions around furthermore

alexander ii was a pivotal character in

russian history if you have the time a

one hour audio tour of the church is

highly recommended it will tell you

about the history and building of the

church sin isaac's cathedral and

colonnade is another religious structure

worth visiting when in saint petersburg

it's easy to spa thanks to its golden

dome

[Music]

number seven catherine palace the

beautiful catherine palace located 30

kilometers south of the city is where

the russian tsars came to relax and

unwind during the summer months the

palace is large and showy style stems

from 1752 when architect bartolomeo rosh

trelly renovated and redecorated the

existing structure coating it with

beautiful stuccos the rococo castle is

painted a vivid bluish green with white

columns and gold statues and ornaments

standing out beautifully it truly is a

wonderful sight you can visit a variety

of opulent ballrooms on the premises the

golden infillite of state rooms is

without a doubt the most impressive

although the amber room and grand hall

are also worth seeing the palace is

nestled amid some brilliantly put out

and planted gardens which are excellent

for taking a peaceful stroll and after

all the overwhelming splendor you've

just taken in it is named after

catherine the first who commissioned it

number eight rivers and canals the

canals of saint petersburg were

previously utilized to avoid floods and

while they still do they are now mostly

used for transit and to enjoy lovely

cruises along the neva the canal system

runs for more than 300 kilometers with

hundreds of pedestrian and vehicular

bridges spanning it the gribo yet off

canal and the winter canal are the two

most popular canals the grebo yedov

canal runs alongside the church of our

savior on the spilled blood and under 21

bridges the winter waterway the city's

shortest canal connects the winter

palace and the hermitage theater small

and big boats move across the canals

with some providing food live music or

unique english language tourists such as

special rides to see the best school

bridges open at midnight

number 9 cruiser aurora the former

russian naval ship aurora is a fortified

cruiser with an armored deck built in

the early 1900s it saw action in the

russo-japanese war from 1904 to 1905 and

it survived the battle of tsushima in

which russia suffered significant

casualties in both human life and ship

sunk or destroyed a discharge from it

aurora cannon also signaled the start of

the russian revolution in 1917. the

aurora is now moored on the never river

and is the central naval museum's most

popular branch visitors can tour the

ship's six separate rooms which include

recreations of ordinary living such as

how passengers ate and slept photographs

and paintings and model ships while

access to the aurora is free the engine

room is only accessible for an extra fee

the view from the deck of the aurora is

stunning with imperial buildings and

rocking waters all around

[Music]

number 10 saint isaac's cathedral saint

isaac's cathedral is one of the largest

churches in the world regardless of

denomination its massive gold-plated

dome can be seen from practically

anywhere in saint petersburg throughout

100 huge columns together with many

smaller domes were erected over the

course of the 40-year construction

process the interior is even more

stunning with stunning reliefs and

mistakes and iconostasis covering every

available surface although it still

hosts services the soviet government

converted its an isix cathedral into a

museum in 1931 and it remains so too