10 amazing things to do in St. Petersburg, Russia

St. Petersburg in Russia is among the most remarkable cities on the planet. Culture, art, shopping, architecture, and the outstanding Russian food-- it's quite easy to spend an entire week in Russia's former capital. There are simply so many things to do in St. Petersburg!

Yet, Russia isn't really incredibly popular among western traveler. Old and new bias are most likely the factor. However I inform you, they are wrong. The Russian individuals are among the friendliest I have actually ever fulfilled and the ancient Russian culture will sweep you away. And if you are fretted about your safety, then you need to know that Russia has a really, very low rate of minor criminal activities. So actually, throw these prejudices away and do go to St. Petersburg. Here are 20 reasons:

1. Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

St. Petersburg's most renowned sight is most likely the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood. However looks can be tricking. Unlike the legendary St. Basil's Cathedral in Moscow, the Church of the Savior is barely 100 years old. It marks, however, the extremely area where Tsar Alexander II was assassinated in 1881.

Alexander III started the building and construction as a memorial to his late daddy. As numerous churches in Russia, the Church of the Savior is now a museum and was never ever reconsecrated after the Soviets federal government closed it. Still, you absolutely have to go within. The colorful mosaics are amazingly stunning!

2. Hermitage Museum

The Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg is not only one of the oldest (if not THE oldest) museums in the world, it is likewise one of the finest. It is situated inside the Winter Palace of Empress Catherine the terrific and spans more than 1,500 spaces. Leonardo da Vinci, Monet, Van Gogh, but also ancient Scythian Gold and artwork from the dawn of time-- this museum will rather actually take your breath away.

Plan a minimum of one complete day and do not forget to read my comprehensive overview of plan your stay ahead, as you will not have the ability to see everything in one day (yes, I understand it sounds crazy!). In reality, the Russian Tsars handled to develop such a big collection of valuable artwork that it won't even suit the substantial Winter Palace There are lots of, numerous outbuildings as well as an archive you can check out.

3. Peterhof Palace

Peterhof Palace was developed by Tsar Peter to beat Versailles. He may not have managed to develop a bigger palace, but the opulent water gardens his architects produced beggar comprehension. Especially the grand cascade draws millions of travelers to Peterhof each year.

Peterhof Palace is, strictly speaking, not located in St. Petersburg anymore, however a number of miles away to the west. You will need to take one of the crazy hydrofoil speedboats to get there (which is an adventure in itself). Oh, and as soon as you are there, always remember to check out the unbelievable Bath House Palace of the tsars!

4. Saint Isaac's Cathedral

Saint Isaac's Cathedral is an architectonic marvel. It is not only the biggest orthodox basilica worldwide however likewise the fourth biggest cathedral on the planet. Strictly speaking, it is not an appropriate church anymore either. Like the Cathedral of the Savior on Spilled Blood, it is now a museum. Just on the greatest feast day’s service is held here. A little portion of the huge Cathedral is devoted to regular praise activity these days, though.

5. Peter and Paul Fortress

Peter and Paul Fortress marks the very spot St. Petersburg was established. It was here, Tsar Peter put up a little wood hut in 1703 ADVERTISEMENT and supervise the construction of the mighty fortress. The bell tower of the Peter and Paul Cathedral (122.5 meters) is still the greatest building in St. Petersburg. Below lie the many sarcophagi of the Russian Tsars.

Peter and Paul Fortress likewise played the most important function during the Russian revolution and was later utilized as a prison. Ensure to visit the walls (you will have to pay a little additional cost) and delight in the gorgeous view of the river Newa and the Winter Palace on the other side.

6. Mariinsky Theater

Russian opera and ballet production are world renowned. And of all the grand operas in Russia, the Mariinsky Theater is the finest. Absolutely make certain to book tickets for a performance during your stay. The ancient interiors are beyond splendid as is the amazing skill of the Russian ballet dancers!

7. Fabergé Museum

The Fabergé Museum opened in 2013. But despite that brief history, the independently owned museum is already among the highlights. Here you will see 9 (!!) of the legendary Imperial Easter Eggs and some 4.000 other exhibitions from Farbergé and the golden era of jewelry! You will have to get tickets beforehand.

8. Canal tour

St. Petersburg is a city of numerous water canals. In reality, there are over 800 bridges crossing a total length of 300 kilometers of artificial canals. They served as important transportation methods and kept the city built on marshland dry. Nowadays, most traffic sticks to the roads. However as a traveler, you definitely need to go on a canal tour and see St. Petersburg from a various side.

9. Catherine Palace

Even a fast taxi flight through St. Petersburg will impress the sheer quantity of palaces in the city onto you. There are quite literally thousands! Maybe the grandest of them all depend on Pushkin, some 25 kilometers outside. Catherine the Great developed it to get away the numerous commitments at court.

The palace and the wide gardens are more than worth a go to (even in winter season!). The highlight, nevertheless, will be the world popular amber room. The original was lost during World War II, but Russian artisans created an ideal reproduction you can now see the Catherine Palace.

10. Nevsky Prospect

The Nevsky Prospect is a 4.5-kilometer-long royal opportunity at the very heart of St. Petersburg. Uncounted shops, palaces, churches, and luxury hotels line the wonderful street and there actually is no way around going to the Nevsky Prospect.

Even if you don't plan to do any shopping, you really need to walk along the street to take in the atmosphere. And fact is told, some of the most beautiful structures in St. Petersburg can be found on Nevsky Prospect. You don't want to miss it.

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