Saint Petersburg walking tour & city guide
Imperial palaces, canals and white nights.
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Saint Petersburg, founded by Peter the Great in 1703 as Russia's 'window to Europe', was the imperial capital for two centuries. Its canals, bridges and baroque palaces make it one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
Palaces and museums
The State Hermitage Museum, in the green and white Winter Palace, holds one of the largest art collections in the world. The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood is covered inside and out with mosaics. St Isaac's Cathedral has a golden dome with a viewing gallery.
Nevsky Prospekt and the canals
Nevsky Prospekt is the city's main avenue. Boat tours glide along the canals and the Neva River, and in summer the drawbridges open at night to let ships pass. During the white nights in June, the sky barely gets dark. Peterhof, with its golden fountains, is a short boat ride away.
Top sights in Saint Petersburg
- 1
State Hermitage Museum
A world-famous art museum in the Winter Palace.
- 2
Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood
A church covered in mosaics.
- 3
St Isaac's Cathedral
A golden dome with views.
- 4
Nevsky Prospekt
The grand main avenue.
- 5
Peter and Paul Fortress
The city's founding fortress.
- 6
Peterhof
A palace with golden fountains.
Food markets & where to eat in Saint Petersburg
Kuznechny Market
A traditional market of local produce.
Rubinstein Street
A street packed with restaurants and bars.
New Holland Island
A former shipyard island with food stalls.
Nevsky Prospekt cafés
Historic cafés and bakeries.
Food to try in Saint Petersburg
Pyshki
Ring doughnuts dusted with sugar, a city tradition.
Shchi
A cabbage soup.
Smoked fish
From the Baltic.
Medovik
A layered honey cake.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Saint Petersburg
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in Saint PetersburgCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Saint Petersburg.
- eSIM for RussiaStay online from the moment you land.
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