The most Europeanized of Russian cities awaits you, stamping impatiently. It has so much to offer you and to make you discover! At the gates of Baltic sea, this astonishing city nourishes all the fantasies and remains enigmatic on many aspects. Try to unravel its few secrets and dare to venture there to better understand its reality, tinged with nostalgia and yet resolutely turned towards the future! We will guide you on some essential activities to do in Saint Petersburg to make the most of this amazing getaway.
Walk the famous Nevsky thoroughfare
This artery is known worldwide as the Perspective Nevsky. It represents an almost obligatory passage for a traveler who visits Saint Petersburg. This lively avenue owes its particular atmosphere to monuments with stunning architecture which follow one another. Explore it on foot, taking your time and letting yourself be tempted by its various invitations. Trendy boutique, street musicians or typical little restaurant, everything is done to make sure you have a good time!
Nevsky avenue
Rest on Elagin Island
Saint Petersburg is made up of several small islands delimited mainly by its river, but also by other small canals. The Neva delta is now made up of around forty islands to the very specific reception. If you need a little rest and get away from the hectic city life, don't hesitate to visit theîle d’Elagin which will delight you thanks to its many quite soothing green spaces.
Elagin Island, top view
Enjoy a river trip on beautiful canals
St. Petersburg, also called the Venice of the North, does not usurp its flattering nickname. Discovering it through its waterways is a very interesting option. Sail on its countless rivers and pass under its hundreds of picturesque bridges, allows you to discover this city from a new perspective. This very unique moment of discovery is to be had in Saint Petersburg, outside the winter period!
The canals of St. Petersburg
Soak up the artistic prowess present at the Hermitage Museum
A visit to this museum, which is among the most famous in the world, is one of the unmissable activities to do in Saint Petersburg. You cannot risk yourself in this city without planning a prank at the Hermitage, culturally symbolic place. Its facade which majestically faces the Neva is already an architectural attraction in itself. The interior is full of historical and artistic beauties, each more remarkable than the next.
Interior of the Hermitage Museum
Taste Russian vodka in moderation
Vodka is often spontaneously associated with Russia, and with good reason. Who hasn't heard of those Russians taking lots of shots of vodka without staggering? The image is of course reductive and yet this traditional drink is an integral part of Russian daily life. Why not take advantage of your getaway to combine tasting and learning? Meet at vodka museum to learn more about this beverage and taste different flavors.
Discover Vodka ... in all moderation
Admire the unique domes of the Cathedral of Saint-Sauveur-sur-le-Sang-Versé
This high place of the Orthodox religion stands in front of you, at the bend of a promenade, without warning. He amazes first of all by its unique "neo-Russian" style architecture, which takes it away from the austerity often associated with this type of monument. The interior now serves as a museum in which you can contemplate beautiful stained glass, religious frescoes and unusual biblical objects.
The Cathedral of Saint-Sauveur-sur-le-Sang-Versé
Let yourself be invaded by the Soviet atmosphere in the old Brodsky building
Ce XNUMXth century legendary poet, holder of the Nobel Prize for Literature, was forced to leave Russia in the 70s. His creative power was indeed becoming disturbing for those in power. Entering this place of life, preserved identically, is to feel intensely this soviet atmosphere ! If you want to experience this special atmosphere for a fraction of a second, this is the essential stopover in Saint Petersburg.
Brodsky's apartment-museum
Be amazed at the museum of eroticism
Installed in a urology clinic, this surprising gallery, at first glance dedicated to patients, is also of interest to the curious. This phallus collection, including that supposed of the unforgettable Rasputin, and naughty images, would intervene in the treatment against the impotence of the sick. This place is best visited for its quirky side and its whimsical welcome only for the quality of its museum. It is, however, an absurd visit that we remember and that is to be done in Saint Petersburg!
St. Petersburg Erotic Museum
Stroll along the quays of the Neva
Why not take a break and walk around with ease on the banks of the Neva? You will have the opportunity to observe the contrast between the impressive monuments of the city and its hectic daily life. If you are visiting Saint Petersburg during the winter period; and this, until the end of March, you will even have the opportunity to cross this frozen river on foot, a great feeling!
The Winter Palace along the quay of the Neva
Drink a sensational hot chocolate in a stunning bookstore
This bookstore is housed in the old Art Nouveau building of the Singer company. The Book house is dedicated, on several levels, to structures of all kinds and to welcome snacks. Why don't you sit down for a moment in his elegant tea room ? You will have, among other things, the opportunity to order a striking hot chocolate while enjoying the amazing views on Nevsky Prospekt and the Cathedral of Our Lady of Kazan.
The Book House in the Singer building
Learn Cyrillic in Good Company
Many workshops are offered, by some passionate Saint Petersburgers, to passing travelers to quickly learn the basics of this particular writing. Its usefulness is indisputable! How many have tried, without success, to visualize the dish indicated on their restaurant menu, without a photo and without an English translation? This friendly lesson is to be done in Saint Petersburg if you are staying there for a few days.
Understanding Cyrillic to move around is better
Meditate in Saint Isaac's Cathedral
It is one of the most popular and visited places in the city. Some prefer to contemplate the majestic stature of the building from the outside, while others are impatient to enter to explore all its hidden splendor. This nugget is, without hesitation, a visit to Saint Petersburg. Once there, do not miss to go to its summit to enjoyan incredible panorama of the city.
Saint Isaac's Church
Escape to the garden of Mikhailovsky Castle
Also nicknamed the Castle of Engineers, this romantic place testifies to the stormy and intense past of the city. Learn more about the tragic fate of its occupants and you will understand why this particular place fuels many fantasies and legends. The exterior of the palace is to be explored without delay: this wooded park is sure to seduce you!
Mikhailovsky castle
Getting lost in the sumptuous galleries of the metro
In Saint Petersburg, everything seems disproportionate and this also applies to the stations of its metro, the deepest in the world. If its construction was laborious because of the marshy lands on which the city was built, the result dazzles with its ostentatious side. Plan a few hours of underground walks to visit at your ease the vestiges of soviet power and soak up the surprising splendor of the place.
A subway train
The must-sees in Saint Petersburg and beyond?
This unique city charmed you with its atypical atmosphere and vestiges of its history agitated? Have you been won over by the things to do in Saint Petersburg? Why not extend your discovery of Russia by visiting the competitor and prestigious city of Moscow? You will be amazed by his frenzy and its many contrastes !
