Russia’s second largest city, Saint Petersburg, is without a doubt the country’s cultural capital along with Moscow (by the way, here’s a complete post with things to do in Moscow). At 300 years old, it’s still a young city by European standards. Despite that, many important historical events took place there. Just remember that the city was very important during the Communist Revolution in the beginning of the 20th Century.
Having said that, “‘Soviet” is a word few people would dare using to describe the city. As it was the capital of the Russian Empire for 200 years, the city is dotted by grand buildings and palaces, making it one of the most majestic European cities.
After a few visits to the city, I couldn’t help but fall for it, and in this post I’ll share with you what I consider to be the top places to visit in Saint Petersburg – in no particular order.
1- The Hermitage Museum
In my opinion, the Hermitage Museum is the greatest attraction in Saint Petersburg – so it’s no wonder I’ve put it in first place. The Hermitage is home to one of the largest paintings collections in the world, therefore seeing even half of it in one day is absolutely impossible. The Hermitage occupies six different buildings, out of which the Winter Palace is the most famous one. My recommendation is checking on the (free) maps available at the entrance which sections interest you most and go on a mission. The museum is located in one of the city’s most photogenic areas, by the river Neva and near the Admiralty building, a few minutes’ walk from St Isaac’s Cathedral – also on this post.
2- Peterhof Palace
The idea of creating a country residence, which by its luxury would not be inferior to the French Versailles, there was Peter I in 1714. Peterhof seaside residence disputes splendor with the famous royal and princely park ensembles of France, Germany and Italy astonished Europe no less than the new Russian capital of St. Petersburg. And now, the pearl of Russian Art, a city of parks, palaces and fountains, one of the world-famous residence of Russian emperors continues to delight visitors. Also called “the Russian Versailles”, Peterhof was the first imperial palace to be built outside St Petersburg. The palace complex overlooks the Gulf of Finland and has several different sections, including the enormous Alexandra Park. The Grand Palace used to be the main summer residence of Russian Tsars. The interiors are grand, as the name suggests, in classic architecture and richly decorated. But the main draw is the palace’s exterior, with many gilded domes and dozens of fountains, making Peterhof one of the most photogenic places in Saint Petersburg.
3- Spas-on-the-Blood
There is no doubt that this is the most “Russian” church in the whole of Saint Petersburg. It reminds us of the famous St Basil Cathedral in Moscow. The many domes – some gilded, some colourful and others in spiral – make the Church of the Spilt Blood the city’s most unique place of worship.
Located by the Griboyedov canal, it is also known as the Church of the Resurrection. It was built exactly where Tsar Alexander II, was killed in an attack. The church has one of the world’s biggest collections of mosaics and is one of the city’s most beloved attractions.
4 – See the City From the Collonades at St Isaac Cathedral.
The main cathedral of the Imperial Russia and the 4th largest cathedral in the world.