1. The Hermitage
In 1764, Catherine the Great founded the Hermitage Museum, one of the oldest museums in the world. Since that time the museum has garnered over three million works of art and artifacts, which make it one of the best examples of world art and culture on earth. Five of the six buildings that comprise the Hermitage complex are open to the public, and if you visit on the first Thursday of the month, you can enter free of charge!
Website: www.hermitagemuseum.org
2: Peterhof Palace
This attraction is often referred to as the “Russian Versaille” for its grand and majestic qualities. Reserve an afternoon for walking through the series of palaces and gardens of Peterhof Palace. Some of the popular areas here include the Grand Cascade and the Samson Fountain. Other must-sees include the lower gardens and the Grand Palace. This is a big undertaking but the beauty of the palaces and gardens is well worth the walk!
Website: www.saint-petersburg.com
3: St. Isaac’s Cathedral
When admiring the St. Petersburg skyline, the dome and outline of St. Isaac’s are impossible to miss. This is the biggest Russian orthodox cathedral in the city, and arguably one of the most stunning. When studying the intricate and impressive designs of the exterior, one is not surprised to learn that the construction of this building took 40 years. The interior is just as magnificent as the exterior, so be sure to set aside enough time to see both!
Website: www.saint-petersburg.com
4: Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood
The Russian style church’s name is derived from the decision to build the church on the very spot where Tsar Alexander II was assassinated. Starting in 1883 construction began and what stands today is a colorful and unique architectural dedication to the Tsar whose reforms and policies were as life changing in Russia as a visit to this church has the potential to be for all who visit.
Website: www.saint-petersburg.com
5: Peter and Paul Fortress
The fortress can be at first overlooked by tourists who don’t know about its varied and interesting history. Peter and Paul Fortress has served as a prison holding some of Russia’s biggest political prisoners, the burial ground for the Russian imperial family, a military base, the site of government departments, and the place where innovative scientific experiments have taken place. Nowadays this venue is used for many permanent and temporary exhibitions conducted by the St. Petersburg Museum of History.
Website: www.spbmuseum.ru
6: Palace Square
In the city center sits Palace Square, a large, rectangular area surrounded by many large buildings that vary greatly in their architectural style. On one end you’ll see the Baroque style Winter Palace, and on another the classical style former Imperial Army General Staff building. Rising over everything in the square is the Alexander Column, a nice centerpiece for this stunning architectural area.
Website: www.insider-tour.com
7: Nevsky Prospect
Most of the premiere shopping and nightlife are located either on or directly off of this main avenue of St. Petersburg. In addition to lively social opportunities, Nevsky Prospect also offers some excellent sight-seeing. The Kazan Cathedral, a Catherine the Great monument, an 18th Stroganov Palace and the Russian National Library can all be found here!
Website: www.nevsky-prospekt.com
8: Russian Museum
This stunning collection of Russian fine art is rivaled only by Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow. The museum’s history began when the incredibly nationalist Tsar Alexander III wanted to create a collection of Russian art by Russian artists. The main building is a piece of artwork in itself, the Mikhailovsky Palace.
Website: www.rusmuseum.ru
9: Peter and Paul Cathedral
The Peter and Paul Cathedral is located inside the Peter and Paul Fortress. It has the world’s tallest orthodox bell tower and is the first and oldest landmark in St. Petersburg. From Peter the Great to Nicholas II, all the Russian emperors’ and empresses’ remains can be found here. The golden spire and angel at its top are one of the most important symbols for the city.
Website: www.spbmuseum.ru
10: Mariinsky Theatre
Mariinsky Theatre is the home of the Mariinsky Ballet, Opera and Orchestra. It is arguably the most historic theatre in St. Petersburg for ballet and opera. Today it still hosts a number of performances throughout the year and is a great example of Russian art and culture.
Website: www.mariinsky.ru