St Petersburg Russia
St Petersburg Russia Travel Guide
Welcome to St Petersburg, Russia’s cultural capital and one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Built by Peter the Great as a “Window to Europe,” this imperial city is famous for its grand palaces, ornate bridges, and countless canals.
Often called the “Venice of the North,” St Petersburg dazzles with its pastel-colored buildings, world-class museums like the Hermitage, stunning cathedrals, and the magical White Nights in summer. From the opulent Winter Palace to the colorful Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, this UNESCO-listed city is a living masterpiece of art and history.
Best Russia Itineraries
St Petersburg Itineraries
Choose the perfect itinerary based on how much time you have
3 Days in St Petersburg
City BreakBest for: First-time visitors wanting the essential highlights.
- Red Square equivalent: Palace Square & Hermitage Museum
- Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood
- Peter and Paul Fortress
- Walk along Nevsky Prospekt
- Evening boat cruise on the canals
Tip: Stay near Nevsky Prospekt or near the Hermitage for the best location. Buy Hermitage tickets online in advance.
5–7 Days in St Petersburg
RecommendedBest for: Most visitors who want a deeper experience.
- Full day at the State Hermitage Museum
- Peterhof Palace & Gardens (Russian Versailles)
- Catherine Palace in Tsarskoye Selo
- Mariinsky Theatre ballet/opera
- St. Isaac’s Cathedral colonnade for views
Tip: Use the metro and Yandex Go. Best visited in summer during White Nights for magical long evenings.
10–14 Days St Petersburg & Surroundings
Best of St Petersburg RegionBest for: Travelers who want to fully experience the imperial capital region.
- 6–7 days exploring St Petersburg city highlights
- Multi-day trip to the Golden Ring or Karelia
- Pushkin (Tsarskoye Selo) & Pavlovsk palaces
- Boat trips to Valaam or Kizhi Island
- Optional: High-speed train to Moscow
Tip: St Petersburg is very walkable in the center. Consider a river/canal boat pass. Best time: May–early July for White Nights.
Transport
How to Get to & Around St Petersburg
Best ways to arrive and travel within St Petersburg
By Air
St Petersburg has two main airports:
• Pulkovo Airport (LED) – modern & well-connected
Direct flights from most major European cities, Moscow, and Asia.
Aeroexpress or bus to city center (~30–45 min).
Local Transport
St Petersburg Metro is fast and efficient.
Yandex Go is the best for taxis.
Trams and buses for scenic routes.
Walking is excellent in the historic center.
Trains
High-speed Sapsan trains to Moscow (4 hours).
Major stations: Moskovsky, Vitebsky, Finlyandsky.
Excellent connections across Russia.
Car Rental & Taxi
Yandex Go is the most popular and reliable.
Car rental: €40–80 / day
Not recommended for daily city use due to traffic.
Best for day trips to Peterhof or Tsarskoye Selo.
Top Things to See & Experiences in Russia
Top Attractions in St Petersburg
6 must-visit places that define Russia’s cultural capital
State Hermitage Museum
One of the world’s greatest art museums.
Must-See:
• Winter Palace interiors
• Leonardo, Rembrandt & Picasso masterpieces
• Vast collection of over 3 million items
Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood
Iconic landmark with colorful onion domes.
Must-See:
• Stunning mosaic interiors
• Dramatic exterior architecture
• Site of Tsar Alexander II’s assassination
Peterhof Palace & Gardens
The “Russian Versailles” by the sea.
Must-See:
• Grand Cascade fountains
• Lavish palace interiors
• Beautiful Lower Park
Peter and Paul Fortress
The birthplace of St Petersburg.
Must-See:
• Peter & Paul Cathedral (Romanov tombs)
• Historic prison bastions
• Panoramic Neva River views
