Saint Petersburg is Russia's second-largest city and its cultural capital, built on 42 islands at the mouth of the Neva River. Founded by Tsar Peter the Great in 1703, it served as the imperial capital for over two centuries and is home to some of the world's greatest museums, palaces, and architectural masterpieces.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Saint Petersburg.
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1
State Hermitage Museum
One of the world's largest and most prestigious art museums, housed in the magnificent Winter Palace and five connected buildings. The collection spans three million items including works by Rembrandt, Rubens, Monet, and Picasso, along with priceless ancient artifacts from Egypt, Greece, and Rome.
Tip: Book tickets online to skip the queue · Download the Hermitage app for audio guides · The Gold Rooms require a separate guided tour
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2
Church on Spilled Blood
One of Saint Petersburg's most iconic landmarks, this stunning Russian Revival church was built on the site where Tsar Alexander II was assassinated in 1881. The interior is covered with over 7,500 square meters of mosaics, making it the most mosaic-decorated church in the world.
Tip: The exterior is equally stunning — spend time outside · The canal-side view is the most photographed angle · Combined tickets with the Russian Museum offer savings
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3
Peter and Paul Fortress
The original citadel of Saint Petersburg, founded by Peter the Great in 1703 on Zayachy Island in the Neva River. The fortress contains the Peter and Paul Cathedral, where nearly all Russian emperors from Peter the Great onwards are buried, along with several museums and stunning riverside promenades.
Tip: The cathedral requires a separate ticket · Locals sunbathe on the fortress beach in summer · The daily cannon fire at noon is a city tradition
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4
Mariinsky Theatre
One of the world's premier opera and ballet venues, the Mariinsky has been home to legendary performances since 1860. The theatre has launched the careers of Nijinsky, Pavlova, and Nureyev, and continues to stage world-class productions of opera and ballet throughout the year.
Tip: Book tickets well in advance, especially for Swan Lake · Smart dress is expected · The Mariinsky II next door has a modern stage
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5
Saint Isaac's Cathedral
The largest Russian Orthodox cathedral in Saint Petersburg, this massive neoclassical building took 40 years to build and was completed in 1858. The gilded dome dominates the city skyline, and visitors can climb 300 steps to the colonnade for panoramic views over Saint Petersburg.
Tip: The colonnade climb is worth it for the views · Night tours are available in summer · The interior mosaics and paintings are extraordinary
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6
Russian Museum
The world's largest collection of Russian fine art, spanning from medieval icons to avant-garde masterpieces. Housed in the magnificent Mikhailovsky Palace and three adjacent buildings, the museum holds over 400,000 works including pieces by Repin, Aivazovsky, and Kandinsky.
Tip: The Mikhailovsky Gardens behind the museum are perfect for a picnic · The Benois Wing has excellent temporary exhibitions · Combined ticket covers all museum buildings
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7
Nevsky Prospekt
Saint Petersburg's main boulevard and the heart of the city, stretching 4.5 kilometers from the Admiralty to the Alexander Nevsky Monastery. Lined with grand architecture, luxury hotels, churches, bookshops, cafes, and shops, it is the perfect place to soak up the city's atmosphere.
Tip: Walk the entire length for the full experience · Visit Kazan Cathedral and the Fabergé Museum along the way · Beware of pickpockets in crowded sections
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8
Palace Square (Dvortsovaya Ploshchad)
The grand ceremonial square at the heart of Saint Petersburg, flanked by the Hermitage Winter Palace and the General Staff Building. At the center stands the 47.5-meter Alexander Column, the world's tallest freestanding column, erected to commemorate Russia's victory over Napoleon.
Tip: The square hosts major concerts and events in summer · Morning is quietest for photography · Great starting point for exploring the Hermitage
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9
Peterhof Palace and Gardens
Often called the Russian Versailles, Peterhof is a magnificent complex of palaces, parks, and over 150 fountains located on the Gulf of Finland. The Grand Cascade, the world's largest fountain ensemble, is one of the most spectacular sights in all of Russia.
Tip: Take the hydrofoil from Palace Embankment for a scenic journey · The Lower Park and Upper Garden have different tickets · Visit in summer when all fountains are running
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10
Catherine Palace and Amber Room
Located in Tsarskoye Selo (now called Pushkin), the Catherine Palace is a stunning baroque masterpiece with a dazzling blue-and-gold facade. Its most famous feature is the reconstructed Amber Room, once called the Eighth Wonder of the World, a chamber decorated entirely with amber panels.
Tip: Tickets for the Amber Room sell out fast — book online · The Catherine Park surrounding the palace is free to enter · Combine with the Alexander Palace nearby
Attractions by category
Explore by your interests.
Landmarks
Church on Spilled Blood
Iconic mosaic-covered Russian Revival church on the Griboedov Canal
Peter and Paul Fortress
The original citadel of Saint Petersburg founded by Peter the Great in 1703
Saint Isaac's Cathedral
Massive neoclassical cathedral with panoramic city views from the colonnade
Nevsky Prospekt
Saint Petersburg's magnificent main boulevard, 4.5km of grand architecture
Palace Square
Grand ceremonial heart of the city flanked by the Hermitage and General Staff Building
Museums
State Hermitage Museum
One of the world's greatest art museums, housed in the Winter Palace
Russian Museum
World's largest collection of Russian fine art in the Mikhailovsky Palace
Fabergé Museum
Nine Imperial Easter Eggs and the world's largest Fabergé collection
Erarta Museum of Contemporary Art
Russia's largest private contemporary art museum on Vasilievsky Island
Kunstkamera
Russia's oldest museum, founded by Peter the Great in 1714
Nature
Summer Garden
Russia's oldest public garden with baroque layout and marble statues
Vasilievsky Island Embankment
Scenic riverside walks with views of the Hermitage and Neva
Krestovsky Island Parks
Large green space with sports facilities and the Primorsky Victory Park
Cultural
Mariinsky Theatre
World-premier opera and ballet venue, home of the Mariinsky Ballet
New Holland Island
Trendy arts and leisure island with summer events and restaurants
Mikhailovsky Theatre
Second opera and ballet venue with its own world-class company
Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
- Hours
- Most attractions open 10AM–6PM, many closed Monday or Tuesday
- Fees
- Average museum entry $5–$12; Hermitage $10, Russian Museum $8
- Best Times
- Weekday mornings to avoid crowds; some museums have extended Thursday evening hours
- Booking
- Book Hermitage and Peterhof tickets online well in advance, especially in summer
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
The first Thursday of each month many museums offer free or reduced admission
A combined Hermitage ticket covers all five museum buildings
Download the Hermitage and Russian Museum apps for self-guided tours
Metro cards (Podorozhnik) offer discounted rates for multiple rides
White Nights season (late May–mid July) keeps the city busy until well past midnight
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season to visit attractions in Saint Petersburg?
May–September for best weather; June–July for White Nights; December for festive atmosphere
Are guided tours available for Saint Petersburg's attractions?
Available at all major sites; free walking tours depart from Gostiny Dvor metro station
Can I take photos at attractions in Saint Petersburg?
Allowed in most museums for a small fee; no photography of military or government buildings
How much time do I need for Saint Petersburg's main attractions?
Plan at least 4–5 days to see the major highlights; 7+ days to explore more thoroughly