St. Petersburg Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(St. Petersburg, North-Western Federal District, Russia)



Photo showing the Dvortsovaya PloshchadTo fully appreciate the architecture of some of the most impressive and historical tourist attractions in St. Petersburg, consider taking a cruise along the Neva River. Make sure that you bring a camera to snap the many sights, particularly along the English Embankment (English Quay) within the area known as Central St. Petersburg.

Bordered by both the Neva River and the Fontanka River, Central St. Petersburg is unusual in that it is not dominated by towering skyscrapers or modern structures. The tourist attractions here are generally old and in keeping with the grandeur of this historic city, with many truly wonderful buildings clustered in this part of the city, particularly around both the Field of Mars and also the Summer Garden.


Further picture of the Dvortsovaya Ploshchad

Dvortsovaya Ploshchad (Palace Square)

The Dvortsovaya Ploshchad, known as the Palace Square, is amongst the most central and sumptuous of all St. Petersburg's public squares and is bordered by spectacular buildings and attractions, such as the Winter Palace. Over the years, many important historical events have taken place on the Dvortsovaya Ploshchad, such as Bloody Sunday some 100 years ago, followed over a decade later by the Russian October Revolution of 1917. Palace Square is dominated by the Alexander Column, and its adjacent Palace Bridge links the Nevsky Prospekt and ultimately the Vasilievsky Island.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

View of cruise boat on the Neva River

Neva River

Address: St. Petersburg, Leningradskaya, Russia, RU
Tourists visiting St. Petersburg will always find themselves drawn to the Neva River, which meanders through the very heart of the city, originating from the easterly Lake Ladoga. Many attractions, restaurants, bars and hotels line the banks of the Neva River, taking full advantage of the views and scenery. During the cold winter months, the river itself actually freezes over completely and many people choose to ice skate here, while during the warmer, sunny summer, boat trips are popular.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Sankt Peterburgskii Zoopark / Leningradsky Zoopark (St. Petersburg Zoo / Leningrad Zoo)

Address: Aleksandrovskii Park 1, St. Petersburg, RU-197198, Russia, RU
Something for families staying in this part of Russia, children in particular will always enjoy the countless animals and related attractions at St. Petersburg Zoo. Covering just over 17 acres / 7 hectares and often known as Leningrad Zoo, the zoological gardens are located within Alexander Park and were first opened in 1865 and then nationalised in 1918. You can expect to see approximately 2,000 different animals covering literally hundreds of species, ranging from polar bears and elephants, to big cats and monkeys.
Open hours: May to October, daily - 10:0 to 19:00; November to April, Tuesday to Sunday - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children

Smolnyi Sobor (Smolny Cathedral) picture

Smolnyi Sobor (Smolny Cathedral)

Address: Ploshchad Rastrelli, 3 / 1 Chernyshevskaya, St. Petersburg, RU-193060, Russia, RU
Tel: +7 0812 271 7632
One of the most famous and beautiful of all Rastrelli's buildings, a notable Italian architect from the 18th century, the Smolny Cathedral is centred around an elaborate convent, which was built between 1748 and 1757. Recently restored, many beautiful details and attractions remain in excellent condition, such as the detailed Baroque architecture, the onion domes and the soaring towers. St. Petersburg's Smolny Cathedral is very reminiscent of a traditional Russian monastery and visitors will be pleased to learn that it is possible to climb one of the 63-metre / 207-foot belfries, where the awaiting views are more than worth the climb.
Open hours: Tuesday to Thursday - 11:00 to 20:00
Admission: free, donations suggested

Picture of the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood / Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ

Address: 2b Naberezhnaya Kanala Gribeodova Ulitsa, St. Petersburg, Russia, RU
Tel: +7 0812 314 4053
The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood is also often referred to as the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ and is named after Tzar Alexander II of Russia, who was assassinated on this very spot in 1881. Built between 1883 and 1907, the cathedral exhibits traditional Russian architecture and is topped with a series of brightly coloured onion-shaped domes, often being compared to St. Basil's Cathedral in Moscow.
Open hours: daily - 11:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge