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St. Petersburg is a great city filled with galleries, spectacular architecture, winter palaces, exotic gardens, and plenty of local cafes. There are numerous St.Petersburg attractions to visit from ornate palaces to lush gardens that draw millions of visitors each year. We have for you a list of the most interesting things to do in St. Petersburg that will wow you.
25+ Top Things To Do in St. Petersburg
1) Indulge in the Beauty of the Griboyedov Canals
Explore the landscapes of this stunning city, a memorable Petersburg thing to do is a canal tour. There are over 800 bridges and about 300 kilometres of artificial canals here. Go on a majestic voyage with your family and soak in the beauty of the Griboyedov Canal along the Krivusha River, one of the most memorable things to do in St. Petersburg.
Recommended for: Families, tourists
Location: Griboyedov Canal
Average Price: $5.06
Timings: 10.30 am to 8.30 pm
Pro tip: The Griboyedov Canal starts from the Moyka River near the Field of Mars
2) Visit the Neoclassical Marvel, St. Isaac Cathedral
This beautiful Russian orthodox cathedral is now a museum and among the top Petersburg tourist attractions. The interiors with granite and marble finish will amaze you. The cathedral has outstanding interiors of colorful artwork and mosaic patterns. It is a worthwhile visit and an interesting place to go in St. Petersburg.
Recommended for: History and art lovers
Location: St. Isaac’s Square
Average Price: $3.16
Timings: 10.30 am to 6.00 pm
Pro tip: Take a good view of the gold plated dome of the museum
3) Kids Day Out at the Leningradsky Zoo Park
Enjoy your day at the park with fun things to do in St Petersburg such as horse riding and kids shows. Witness more than 2000 animals and 400 species here including giraffes and polar bears. Other notable types of animals are camels, reptiles, amphibians, primates among others. You can pick up souvenirs here and take a lot of photos and videos.
Recommended for: Kids, families
Location: 1, Aleksandrovsky Park
Average Price: $6.32
Timings: 10.00 am to 5.00 pm
Pro tip: Don’t miss the exhibits such as the Riding Circle, Trail Ranger, and Primate Pavilion
4) Witness an Imperial Residence, The Pavlovsk Palace
This 18th-Century Russian imperial residence was built by Catherine the Great for her son Grand Duke Paul. The majestic palace is one of the top places to go in St. Petersburg. Enjoy being in this neoclassical architecture that became home to the Duke’s widow Maria Feodorovna. You will be delighted by this wonderful Petersburg tourist attraction.
Recommended for: Tourists
Location: Alexander Park
Average Price: $6.32
Timings: 10.00 am to 6.00 pm
Pro tip: Take a walk in Leningradskaya Park and relax in the opulent view.
5) Visit the State Hermitage Museum and Winter Palace
If you are passionate about art then this is a must-visit place in St. Petersburg. The collection is wide where you can marvel at the Baroque architecture of this lavish building. The Winter Palace was the main residence of the Russian Tsars. Located on the bank of the Neva River, this is a magnificent Petersburg tourist attraction.
Recommended for: History lovers, tourists
Location: Dvortsovaya Square, St. Petersburg
Average Price: $3.79 – $9.23 roubles
Timings: 11.00 am to 11.00 pm
Pro tip: The palace boasts of 1,786 doors,1,945 windows, and lavishly decorated halls. So, choose your sightseeing tour smartly as you cannot explore everything in one day.
6) Experience the Beauty of the Baroque Architecture of the Summer Palace
An amazing St. Petersburg attraction is the lovely summer gardens and palace of Peter the Great. It is one of the top St. Petersburg attractions with great history and some unbelievable pieces of art. This beautiful St. Petersburg thing to see is on an island formed by the Fontanka River, Moyka River, and the Swan Canal.
Recommended for: Tourists
Location: St. Petersburg
Average Price:$3.79
Timings: 11.00 am to 6.00 pm
Pro tip: This was the emperor’s mansion where you can see everything in original – clothing, art and furniture.
7) Get Spiritual Vibes at the Savior On The Spilled Blood Church
A top thing to do in St. Petersburg is a tour of the beautiful church that dates back in time to the reign of Alexander III. The church is dedicated in honor of his father and is a memorial who was killed by an assassin. Be in awe of the ornate architecture where a shrine exists decorated with topaz, lazurite, and semi-precious stones, the exact site where the tsar was assassinated.
Recommended for: Tourists, History lovers
Location: Griboyedov Canal Embankment, St. Petersburg
Average Price: $3.88
Timings: 10.30 am to 6.00 pm
Pro tip: Other names that the church is called are the Temple of the Savior on Spilled Blood and the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ
8) Catch the Best Creative Talent at the Swan Lake Ballet
The Mikhailovsky Theatre is one of Russia’s oldest St Petersburg tourist attractions. The beautifully renovated theatre presents dance and ballet performances. It is a beautiful petite theatre with artists exhibiting their creative talent in this warm and authentic place. Experiencing the amazing ballet show is a greatly recommended thing to do in St. Petersburg.
Recommended for: Tourists
Location: The Mikhailovsky Theatre
Average Price: $162
Timings: 12 noon to 6.30 pm
Pro tip: The fantastic ballet is about 3-hour long performed in three acts and four scenes.
9) Explore the Oldest Botanical Garden of Peter the Great
The St. Petersburg Botanical Garden consists of the outdoor and indoor collection with a large farmhouse and tropical plant-filled greenhouses. This place to visit in Petersburg is situated on Aptekarsky Island and belongs to the Komarov Botanical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The history of the garden with unusual plants is presented in a fascinating way by expert guides and is a worthwhile Petersburg tourist attraction.
Recommended for: Tourists, plant lovers
Location: Ulitsa Professora Popova
Average Price: $0.50
Timings: 10.00 am to 5.00 pm
Pro tip: Look around for specimens of Victoria Regia and other exquisite aquatic plants.
10) The Kanal Griboedova Tour at Night
The beautiful canal flows into the Fontanka River and is of 5 kilometers in length and 32 meters in width. It is named after the Russian playwright and diplomat Alexandra Griboyedova. A wonderful thing to do in Saint Petersburg at night, this spectacular canal cruise goes past 21 bridges across the canal. The Bank bridge, the Italian Bridge, the Theatre Bridge, the Flour Bridge to name a few.
Recommended for: Tourists
Location: St. Petersburg
Average Price: From $6.32 upwards
Timings: Midnight
Pro tip: Try and be lucky to experience the cruise on a full moon night
11) Take an Enchanting Tour of St. Petersburg at Night
Spend the night taking an excursion of about 3 to 4 hours on a sightseeing tour of St. Petersburg. See the main attractions light up with a mysterious aura that seems totally different when on a day tour. This is an unmissable thing to do in St. Petersburg at night. The journey can be either on foot or by bus as a part of a group or individually. Enjoy the brilliance of the illuminated attractions in the city.
Recommended for: Tourists
Location: St. Petersburg
Average Price: $10.11 approx.
Timings: 8.00 pm to 11.00 pm
Pro tip: The night tour is particularly fascinating during the period of white nights
12) Romance Along the Neva Embankment
Walk along the Neva Embankment and enjoy the cool weather. That is one of the most romantic things to do in Saint Petersburg at night. Enjoy the illuminated views of the Winter Palace, the House of Scientists, the Russian Museum, General Staff Building, and more. Spend precious private moments with your loved one, a fun thing to do in St. Petersburg.
Recommended for: Tourists, couples
Location: St. Petersburg
Average Price: Free
Timings: Open all day
Pro tip: You could walk along the embankment of the Griboyedov Canal as well.
13) Drive Around St. Petersburg in a Retro Car
A fun thing to do in St. Petersburg is a special excursion by retro car. The Volga Gaz 21 will take you to every corner of the city, the itinerary that is customized on a daily basis. You will see some of the top Saint Petersburg attractions like the State Hermitage Museum, the Naval Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, Alexander Park, the Hermitage Pavilion, Grand Market Russia, Dubki Park of Culture and Leisure and much more.
Recommended for: Tourists, families
Location: St. Petersburg
Average Price: $1.52
Timings: 11.00 am to 9.00 pm
Pro tip: The tour is of a 2-hour duration which includes four passengers.
14) Learn About the Original Cathedral Founded by Peter the Great
Explore the Peter and Paul Fortress, a popular place to go in St Petersburg that contains a museum about the city’s history. The fortress was originally a Citadel and is a burial ground of the Russian imperial family. It was also used as a jail that held some of Russia’s most prominent political prisoners. In the summer, the beach in front of the fortress is a popular picnic site and is used to host a variety of events and festivals.
Recommended for: Tourists, families
Location: Petropavlovskaya Fortress, St. Petersburg
Average Price: $8.54
Timings: 10.00 am to 4.00 pm (Wednesday closed)
Pro tip: The fortress dates back to the 18th century and was used as a prison until the 20th century.
15) Have an Amazing Meal at the Glitzy Stillwaters Tavern
A gastronomical thing to do in downtown St. Petersburg is to order a meatloaf sandwich and a burger at the American bar and seafood restaurant. The food is delicious and totally worth the premium price. Highly recommended is the lobster enchiladas and the red sangria dishes. The ambience here is amazing. Toast your evening with Margarita on the rocks.
Recommended for: Youngsters, couples
Location: 224, Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg
Average Price: Based on the menu
Timings: 11.00 am to 10.00 pm
Pro tip: Salmon chopped, vegan thai curry, falafels are a few dishes on the menu
16) Discover the Happening Dumskaya Street
Feel the excitement of the city at night by taking a walk around this area. Choose from among the various bars and pubs and pick the one that suits your mood. Discovering the area is a great thing to do in St. Petersburg at night. The best bars are the Poison, Fidel, and Q- Bar. Usually, the best parties happen on Fridays and Saturdays that start at 10.00 pm and last until 6.00 pm.
Recommended for: Couples, youngsters
Location: Dumskaya ulitsa, St.Petersburg
Average Price: Based on the bar menu
Timings: 6.00 pm to 8.00 am (bar timings)
Pro tip: It’s a good idea to visit past midnight if you want to party hard and drink merry.
17) Be Amazed at the Bridge Opening Ceremony
A top thing to do in St. Petersburg at night is to witness the famous bridge opening ceremony. The Dvortsovaya Bridge is one of the famous bridges in the city. Witness the grand opening on one of St Petersburg’s famous white nights. Interact with people and feel the magic in the air, another fun thing to do in Petersburg.
Recommended for: Couples, youngsters
Location: Dumskaya Ulitsa, St. Petersburg
Average Price: Free to view
Timings: 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm (may vary depending on the bridge)
Pro tip: Please check the timetable of the bridge opening time.
18) Feel the Mystic At the Palace Square
A majestic St.Petersburg attraction is the sprawling Palace Square. You can witness important monuments and landmarks in the city here. Be a part of the lively crowd that gathers in the evening. Capture the essence of the city’s culture and heritage here and be surrounded by numerous buildings such as the Winter Palace. This is one of the most striking Petersburg tourist attractions as you walk in the huge expanse of imperial grandness.
Recommended for: Tourists
Location: Dvortsovaya Ploshchad, St. Petersburg
Average Price: $62 (one day entry)
Timings: All day
Pro tip: The Palace Square was laid out in 1819 – 1829 by Carlo Rossi of Italian descent.
19) View the Famous Faberge Museum
Get to see the collections of Faberge Museum. There are also ornate jewelry and icons on display. A truly informative thing to do in St. Petersburg. Witness the world’s largest collection of Carl Faberge masterpieces especially the nine Easter eggs that are of the greatest value. The Faberge Museum displays over 4000 collections of jewelry, silverware, home decor, and religious objects. The visit is a special St.Petersburg thing to see.
Recommended for: Tourists
Location: 21, Fontanka River Emb, St. Petersburg
Average Price: $12.30
Timings: 10.00 am to 8.45 pm (Saturday to Thursday)
Pro tip: The entrance fee includes an excursion tour and a tour guide. Do join the morning tour.
20) Explore the Grand Palace at Peterhof Museum
Another top thing to do in St. Petersburg is a visit to the famous UNESCO World Heritage site. Roam around the magnificent gardens and make it a definite thing to do in St. Petersburg. It consists of a series of palaces and gardens also called the Russian Versailles. Up until 1917, it was known as the residence of the czars.
Recommended for: Tourists
Location: 2 Razvodnaya Street, St. Petersburg
Average Price: $7.58
Timings: 9.00 am to 8.00 pm
Pro tip: Also visit the Church Wing, Marly Palace, Cottage Palace and The Museum of Playing Cards.
21) Swing to the Music in Money Honey Bar
Listen to rock n roll music and lighten up with the energy of the night. Mingle in with the crowd and feel energetic and friendly, a great thing to do in St. Petersburg at night. Make new friends and share life stories with the local crowd. Swing away to the sound of rock n roll music on two floors with a room for discos and a concert hall.
Recommended for: Tourists,couples
Location: Ulitsa Sadovaya,St.Petersburg
Average Price: $6.32
Timings: Noon onwards until the last customer leaves
Pro tip: Cosy, live music playing into late night.
22) Cozy up at the Fish Fabrique
Meet local artists and musicians here and enjoy a friendly atmosphere with live music. Feel the intimacy of the moment and catch up with some fun things to do in St. Petersburg. Try a game of table soccer and feel challenged.
Recommended for: Tourists,couples
Location: Ligovsky Prospeky, St.Petersburg
Average Price: $0.60 to $12.66
Timings: 12.00 pm to 5.00 am
Pro tip: You get European and Russian cuisines.
23) Relax on a Boat Across the Neva River
Enjoy your time in the serene environs of St.Petersburg as the boat cruises down the Neva River. Explore the city afloat the spectacular boat ride and take in the amazing views of nature, a soothing thing to do in St. Petersburg.
Recommended for: Families with kids
Location: St. Petersburg
Average Price: $120 for private boat tours
Timings: All day
Pro tip: It is an amazing place to shoot nature, bring your camera along.
24) Witness the Spectacles of the Smolny Convent
It is a popular cathedral and one of the most famous St. Petersburg attractions. Be amazed at the neoclassical interiors and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding. The cathedral is on the bank of the Neva River. You get escorted with an audio tour here. The Belfry observation platform gives you spectacular views of the city.
Recommended for: Families with kids
Location: St. Petersburg
Average Price: $3.10
Timings: 7.00 am to 8.00 pm
Pro tip: Explore the beauty of the garden landscape around the convent.
25) Study Neoclassical Architecture at Mariinsky Palace
A top thing to do in St. Petersburg is a visit to this exemplary palace. Its serves as the Legislative Assembly of the city. It was built in the early 19th century and is a beautiful imperial residence. It is also known as the Marie Palace. This was the last neoclassical imperial residence to be constructed in St. Petersburg.
Recommended for: Tourists
Location: St. Isaac’s Square, St. Petersburg
Average Price: $ 250
Timings: 10.00 am to 6.00 pm
Pro tip: You need to have prior notice for entry. Do take along a certified guide.
26) Click a Selfie at the Widest Bridge, The Blue Bridge
The Blue Bridge is a top attraction in St. Petersburg. The bridge is 41 meters long with a width of 97.3 meters. It spans across the Moika River and is located in front of Mariinsky Palace. A beautiful cast bridge designed in 1805, the bridge is blue in color on the sides that face the river.
Recommended for: Tourists
Location: Pereulok Antonenko
Average Price: Free
Timings: Open all day
Pro tip: There are four colored bridges, others being Red, Green, and Yellow Bridges.
27) Admire the Admiralty Building
It is the headquarters of the Russian Navy. One of the oldest structures, the building was created by Peter the Great. It was originally a dockyard. Now, an important architectural monument, the place boasts of an impressive 72-meter tower with a 23-meter gold-gilded spire. It is a must St. Petersburg thing to see.
Recommended for: Tourists
Location: Edifice in St. Petersburg
Average Price: $12
Timings: 10 am to 5.00 pm ( to the Central Naval Museum)
Pro tip: It houses the largest naval college that is closed to public.
