Best things to do in St. Petersburg: 12 Top rated & Must-see attractions
You could spend a lifetime in St. Petersburg and see something different each day. But how can you find the best things to do if it has plenty of must-see attractions? Of course, it is impossible to see everything in a few days! So we created a list of 12 Best things to do in St. Petersburg.
1. Nevsky Prospekt
What is it? The main avenue
Why should I see it? Nevsky Prospect became the main street of St. Petersburg in the 1760s and still, it’s the city’s main artery full of shops, restaurants, monuments, churches, and historical buildings.
2. Peterhof
What is it? Set of palaces and gardens
Why should I visit it? It was not only declared UNESCO World Heritage site but also bears the proud title of one of the ‘Russia’s Seven Wonders’.
3. River cruise
What is it? Boat trip
Why should I do it? You will see St. Petersburg from a different perspective and enjoy every single moment of that unforgettable experience.
4. Paul’s Palace, Catherine Palace, Grand Palace, etc.
What is it? Former imperial residences
Why should I visit it? Each palace has its own charm and reflects the taste and character of their owners. During the visit, you will see paintings, porcelains, furniture, and decorative art objects.
5. Opera or ballet performance
What is it? Life-enriching experience
Why do you have to attend? St. Petersburg is the birthplace of Russian ballet. You can enjoy classical ballet or opera in one of the St. Petersburg Opera and Ballet Theaters.
6. Hermitage
What is it? One of the largest museums in the world
Why should I visit it? You will see the richest collections of European and ancient art, beautiful gala rooms in the Hermitage Museum, the former residence of the Russian Tsars.
7. Saint Petersburg Metro
What is it? The cheapest and most incredible museum
Why should I see it? Each one of the stations in the St. Petersburg Metro is a unique and stunning work of art – decorated with marble, granite, high reliefs, huge lamps and each one has its own style.
Stations are worth visiting:
Red line – Avtovo, Narvskaya, Pushkinskaya, Dostoievskaya, Ploshad Fosstaniya;
Purple line – Admiralteyskaya, Zvenigorodskaya;
Orange line – Ploshad Aleksandra Nevskogo.
8. Church on the Spilled Blood
What is it? Orthodox church converted into a museum
Why should I visit it? Impressive mosaics with a total area of 7 thousand square meters, iconostasis, marble floors, and jeweler’s enamel decoration.
9. Neva Bridge opening
What is it? Night drawbridges opening (May-November)
Why should I see it? The drawbridges are one of the symbols of St. Petersburg, raising every day to let the large freight ships pass by.
10. Rubinstein street
What is it? One of the liveliest streets.
Why should I go there? As well as other great cities in the world, St. Petersburg never sleeps. Rubinstein street is full of bars and restaurants. Perfect place to hang out, grab a drink, and have a great time.
11. Сhizhik-pizhik
What is it? Small bird statue
Why should I see it? The smallest monument in St. Petersburg. According to locals, you have to throw a coin on that bird without letting it fall into the water to attract good luck and money.
12. St. Isaac’s Cathedral Dome
What is it? One of the largest domes in the world
Why should I climb it? Climb 562-step spiral staircase and enjoy the breathtaking view of the center of St. Petersburg from the 43-meter height.
Read Museums in St. Petersburg