Top attractions in St. Petersburg
Top sights in St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg's 7 best things to see and do
While Moscow has the bulk of Russia's history, St. Petersburg is its most exciting destination. With a young population and ever-growing cultural landscape, the city is bathed in a unique light and laid-back vibe. See our sightseeing highlights.
1. Saint Isaac's Cathedral
Visit the largest Russian Orthodox cathedral in the city, where you can learn about the religion and history of this important landmark. Entry plus audio guide is 350RUB.
2. State Russian Museum
With the biggest collection of fine art in St. Petersburg, this attraction is a hit with art lovers, though is often quite quiet. Enjoy the work of Russian artists of the past.
3. Nevsky Prospect
The main street in the city, this bustling thoroughfare offers beautiful buildings, bridges and squares. Best enjoyed as a walking tour, with opportunities to shop along the way.
4. Winter Palace
This opulent building is perhaps the sight the city is most proud of. With more than 100 rooms, highlights include the gilded Armorial Hall. Visit at night for a pretty picture.
5. Mariinsky Theatre
Ballet and opera are the cornerstones of St. Petersburg's classical culture, and the best on offer takes place here. The season ends in early August and begins in late September.
6. Peterhof Palace
The garden fountains (check dates) and golden statues are the real stars of the show at this extravagant palace, although some of the lavish interiors must be seen to be believed.
7. Hermitage
A vast museum housed in the Winter Palace, the Hermitage is perhaps the jewel in the city's tourism crown. The stately rooms bear many artistic treasures; leave hours to explore.
Planning Your Visit
Getting around
The St. Petersburg Metro is a good way to get around the city, particularly in winter, when it can be bitingly cold. Tickets are available at the stations from the toll booths, and a smart card that you can top up is the easiest option if you're staying more than a couple of days.
Do I need a visa?
Most international visitors to Russia will need a visa, so check well before you travel and apply early to avoid disappointment.
What is the weather like?
It's said the weather in this city has character - in others words, be prepared. By Russian standards, it doesn't get too cold - never really below minus 10 degrees - and in the summer highs can reach 30 degrees. However, a jacket and umbrella are always handy to have in your luggage!
Good to know
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- Language
- Russian
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- Currency
- RUB (руб)
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- Time Zone
- UTC (+02:00)
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- Country Code
- +7
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- Best time to visit
- It's more expensive to visit in the summer months, but this is by far the best time. The temperatures are warm and the days are the longest, so you may get to attend the White Nights celebrations!
Top Attractions in St. Petersburg
- 6 Palma
- 13 Amber Room
Things to Do in St. Petersburg
Cities in Russia
Other Sightseeing Options in St. Petersburg
Want to discover all there is to do in St. Petersburg? Click here for a full list.
What people are saying about St. Petersburg
I would highly recommend using Get a Guide when visiting the Hermitage museum, particularly now with the covid protocols in place & numbers of tourists being allowed access into the Hermitage controlled & the routes to choose from. Our guide Tim was very knowledgable & an expert in his field. Before starting out tour he gave us some interesting background & history of the Winter Palace, Alexander Column & the General Staff Building. During our tour of the Hermitage Tim’s talked us through each room, highlighting important details & pointing interesting things to see, which if we were not on a guided tour would be missed, for example how the ceilings & inlaid floors mirror each other in the Throne Room. His art knowledge is vey good & he shared insights into the artists techniques, styles & what to look for in the paintings, which was very interesting.
There are so many options of ways to get to Peterhof & tours to choose from, that I glad I chose a guided tour & travel by road to Peterhof; as there is so much more too see & be shown on the journey out through St Petersburg! Petershof,the palace & gardens are magnificent. The origin & history of Petershof is fascinating & then one needs to appreciate the restoration that has gone (been ongoing) after the Second World War, its a sobering but beautiful experience to be there “today”! My appreciation & thanks to all who have made this possible! My guide Valeria made the whole tour come to life with her insights, knowledge & passion of Petershof & St Petersburg. What a memorable & highly recommended tour & guide!
A truly fantastic tour for history and art lovers. One can enjoy lavishly decorated staircase and rooms, precious artefacts and get immersed into a great period of Russian history while walking along the rooms with portraits. Our knowledgeable guide Lida offered us a detailed explanation both for the facts and objects including but for literally any question we posed.
My gude Oxana was brilliant. She explained the symbols in the paintings and unusual stories and made the whole tour very enjoyable and memorable.
Amazing Tour. Must have in your St Petersburg iteniary, specially night boat ride. Smooth check in by boat operator.
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