RUSSIA
The Top 12 Places To See In St Petersburg
THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE
The Top 12 Places To See In St Petersburg
St Petersburg captivates with imperial grandeur, world-class art, ornate cathedrals, scenic canals, and the magic of White Nights (late May–early July). From the vast Hermitage collection and colorful Savior on Spilled Blood to suburban palaces like Peterhof and Catherine's, these 12 attractions showcase Russia's cultural capital at its finest. This guide covers why each is essential, expanded highlights, best uses, and practical tips for 2026—perfect for first-time visitors discovering this UNESCO-listed gem.
The 12 Must-See Places in St Petersburg
1. State Hermitage Museum – World-Class Art Treasury
Housed in the stunning Winter Palace and adjacent buildings, the Hermitage is one of the largest museums in the world with over 3 million exhibits, including vast collections from ancient civilizations to modern art, all set in opulent imperial interiors.
Highlights: Leonardo da Vinci’s “Madonna Litta” and “Benois Madonna”, Rembrandt masterpieces, Gold Room jewels, ornate throne room and Jordan Gallery, Peacock Clock that performs hourly, Impressionist/Post-Impressionist works in the General Staff Building.
Best for: Art lovers, history enthusiasts, palace grandeur, full-day (or multi-day) cultural immersion as a top global museum.
2. Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood – Mosaic Masterpiece
This iconic onion-domed cathedral, built on the assassination site of Tsar Alexander II, features breathtaking mosaic interiors covering nearly every surface—often called one of the most elaborate churches in Russia.
Highlights: Over 7,000 m² of intricate mosaics depicting biblical scenes, upper-level gallery for close-up views, memorial plaque on the exact spot of the assassination, colorful exterior domes visible from afar.
Best for: Photography (especially exteriors at golden hour), Orthodox art appreciation, quick but memorable landmark stop.
3. Peterhof Palace & Gardens – Russian Versailles
Commissioned by Peter the Great as a grand summer residence, this UNESCO site features lavish palaces, expansive parks, and over 150 fountains—famous for their engineering and dramatic displays.
Highlights: Grand Cascade with 64 fountains and golden statues, Samson fountain centerpiece, gilded palace interiors (Monplaisir, Marly), Lower Park promenades, sea canal views, trick fountains in the gardens.
Best for: Outdoor spectacle, fountain shows (seasonal), scenic day trips with hydrofoil arrival.
4. St. Isaac's Cathedral – Massive Neoclassical Wonder
One of the largest domed structures in the world (now a museum), with stunning interiors and a colonnade offering 360° panoramic views of the city skyline.
Highlights: Colonnade viewpoint (300+ steps), massive malachite and lazurite columns, gilded dome, detailed frescoes and mosaics, pendulum demonstrating Earth's rotation.
Best for: City panoramas, architectural scale, clear-weather photography from the top.
5. Peter and Paul Fortress – City's Birthplace
The original fortified site founded by Peter the Great in 1703, now housing the cathedral with imperial tombs, museums, and scenic Neva River views.
Highlights: Peter & Paul Cathedral (burial place of most Romanovs including Nicholas II), bastion viewpoints, Trubetskoy Bastion prison exhibits, sandy beach in summer, cannon noon salute.
Best for: Russian imperial and revolutionary history, Romanov legacy, relaxed island walks.
6. Palace Square – Grand Central Square
The heart of imperial St Petersburg, framed by the Winter Palace, Alexander Column (tallest monolithic column in world), and General Staff Building arch.
Highlights: 47.5m Alexander Column, triumphal arch with chariot sculpture, palace facade illuminations, frequent concerts/events, photo ops with Hermitage backdrop.
Best for: Orientation, people-watching, starting point for city tours, evening lights.
7. Nevsky Prospekt – Vibrant Main Avenue
The 4.5 km main artery of the city, lined with historic buildings, shops, cafes, churches, and constant energy from locals and visitors.
Highlights: Kazan Cathedral, Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood nearby, Gostiny Dvor mall, street performers, cafes/terraces, bridges over canals.
Best for: Urban vibe, shopping, dining, people-watching, evening/nightlife strolls.
8. Catherine Palace – Opulent Baroque Gem
Summer residence of Catherine the Great, renowned for the reconstructed Amber Room and lavish golden halls set in a beautiful landscaped park.
Highlights: Amber Room (world-famous amber panels), Golden Enfilade of state rooms, Great Hall with mirrors, vast park with lakes, grottoes, Cameron Gallery.
Best for: Extravagant interiors, park exploration/picnics, suburban royal history day trip.
9. Mariinsky Theatre – Premier Opera & Ballet
One of the world's leading venues for ballet and opera, with historic 1860 theater and modern Mariinsky II hall offering top-tier performances.
Highlights: Classic ballets (Swan Lake, Nutcracker), operas, ornate historic auditorium, high-quality productions by Mariinsky Ballet company.
Best for: Cultural evenings, ballet/opera enthusiasts, sophisticated night out.
10. Kazan Cathedral – Neoclassical Landmark
Impressive colonnaded cathedral on Nevsky Prospekt, modeled after St. Peter's Basilica, with active Orthodox services and military memorials.
Highlights: Colonnade facade, revered Kazan Icon of Our Lady, interior frescoes/icons, Kutuzov tomb (hero of 1812 war).
Best for: Quick spiritual/architectural stop, choir services, easy Nevsky combo.
11. Fabergé Museum – Jeweled Imperial Treasures
Housed in restored Shuvalov Palace, this museum displays the world's largest collection of imperial Fabergé eggs and decorative arts.
Highlights: 9 surviving imperial Easter eggs (including Coronation and Lilies-of-the-Valley), jeweled masterpieces, ornate palace interiors/rooms.
Best for: Luxury Russian craftsmanship, compact/high-end visit, unique jewelry/art.
12. Summer Garden – Historic Formal Park
St Petersburg's oldest park (laid out 1704 by Peter the Great), featuring formal French-style gardens, marble statues, fountains, and the modest Summer Palace.
Highlights: 18th–19th century marble sculptures, central alley promenades, Summer Palace museum, summer concerts/events.
Best for: Relaxation, picnics, peaceful escape after museums, White Nights ambiance.
Disclaimer: Prices, opening hours, accessibility, and conditions can change. Always check official websites, local tourism boards, and transport apps before your trip. Enjoy discovering St Petersburg’s incredible imperial heritage!