sankt petersburg tourist attractions

15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in St. Petersburg, Russia

Written by Diana Bocco Updated Dec 23, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Moscow might be Russia's most modern, cosmopolitan city, but St. Petersburg is the cultural and historical heart of the country . Home to the Hermitage, one of the largest and most stunning art museums in the world, surrounded by canals, and home to beautiful white nights (when the sun never sets in summer), St. Petersburg is regal and inspiring.

First-time visitors should start at the Hermitage Museum -a museum so large, it is literally impossible to see it all in one day -and the beautiful Nevsky Avenue, flanked by opulent restaurants, churches, and palaces, and a great place for people watching. The Peterhof Palace Complex requires a day trip out of town, but it's a must-see and one of the highlights of a trip to St. Petersburg.

Whether you already know what to do when visiting or are looking for more ideas on how to spend your time, take a look at our list of top tourist attractions in St. Petersburg.

1. State Hermitage Museum

2. peter and paul fortress, 3. palace square, 4. peterhof palace, 5. eliseyev emporium, 6. vasilyevsky island, 7. nevsky avenue, 8. church of the savior on spilled blood, 9. mariinsky theater, 10. rivers and canals, 11. cruiser aurora, 12. saint isaac's cathedral, where to stay in st. petersburg, russia for sightseeing, map of tourist attractions in st. petersburg, russia.

Founded when Empress Catherine the Great started acquiring works of art in the late 1700s, the museum didn't officially open to the public until 1852. Today, the Hermitage is the second-largest art museum in the world after the Louvre, and it's home to a collection of over three million items.

The Hermitage technically occupies six buildings, although the main part of the museum (and the building most people associate with the museum) is housed in the Winter Palace, which served as the home of the Russian emperors until 1917, and it's a massive structure with 1,500 rooms.

In addition to French Neoclassical and Impressionist art, Flemish Baroque and Italian Renaissance exhibits, the museum also holds an impressive collection of Russian art from the 11th to 19th centuries, a sizable 19th-century Egyptian antiquity collection, and a hall showcasing prehistoric art. The Hermitage has the largest collection of paintings in the world, spanning many countries and centuries.

The Peter and Paul Fortress was originally a fortified area meant to protect the state from foreign attacks. It was constructed in 1703 and then extended and modified for the following four decades. While the fortress never saw any actual combat, it still has a dark story behind it, as it served as a prison and execution quarters during the Bolshevik revolution in the early 20 th century. Today, it's part of the State Museum of the History of St. Petersburg.

Within the walls of the fortress and surrounded by beautiful gardens and stone paths, there are several buildings. Perhaps the best known is the 18 th -century Peter and Paul Cathedral , the final resting place of Russian czars. Prison cells, a city museum, and the Saint Petersburg Mint building (founded in 1724 to manufacture coins and still in operation) are also located within the walls of the fortress.

St. Petersburg's main city square is a massive open public space right in front of the Winter Palace. The Alexander Column , built in the 1830s of a single piece of red granite, stands 47 meters tall at the center of the square. It was commissioned by Alexander I to commemorate the victory against Napoleon.

Many major events in Soviet/Russian history have taken place right on the square-Tsar Alexander II was shot here in 1879, and Bolshevik troops started the Revolution here in 1917 by storming the Winter Palace, where the royalty lived. Since then, the square has also been used for marches and demonstrations, from military parades to celebrate Victory Day (which marks the end of WWII) to New Year's Eve celebrations.

Located less than 30 kilometers from central St. Petersburg, the 18 th -century Peterhof Palace complex consists of a series of buildings, several formal gardens, and a total of 173 fountains fed by underground springs. Designed in the style of the Palace of Versailles , Peterhof is best known for its "Grand Cascade," which consists of 64 fountains located on a series of terraces outside the main entrance of the palace.

The opulence of the palace itself can be discovered through a guided tour. It features 30 rooms decorated with truly imposing gold colors, lots of marble, and items brought back from Asia mixing in with Baroque-style fireplaces and giant mirrors. Although it's possible to take a bus to get here, you can also catch a boat from St. Petersburg. The ride takes 45 minutes on the Neva River and offers great views of the shoreline along the way.

When the Eliseyev Emporium building was inaugurated in 1903, it was one of the most luxurious structures of its time. This might not be the case anymore, but the Art Nouveau details, stained-glass windows, crystal and metal candelabra, and hand-painted wall patterns are still quite impressive. The main attraction here, however, is the window displays, which feature moving puppets representing characters from The Nutcracker .

Today, this retail complex focuses mainly on food, with the most famous stop inside being the Eliseevy Merchants' Shop , Russia's oldest confectionery shop, which also sells high-end meats, spices, and dressings. The Eliseyev Emporium is also home to a unique homemade ice-cream shop selling flavors such as spicy basic and strawberry, green tea with jasmine, and "tender violet." Beautiful, hand-carved wooden souvenirs of traditional figures from Russian folktales are also available here.

Located just across the river from the city center and the Winter Palace and connected to the mainland by two bridges and a metro line, this small island is home to a number of landmarks and beautiful parks-including a Museum of Electrical Transport; the Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography; the Old Saint Petersburg Stock Exchange; and the Baroque Menshikov Palace, which serves as a branch of the Heritage Museum and holds mainly 17 th -century Russian art.

The Russian Academy of Sciences has several branches on the island, as well-and visitors might particularly appreciate visiting the Institute of Russian Literature , which holds original manuscripts of some of Russian's most famous writers, including beloved poet Alexander Pushkin.

Named after the Alexander Nevsky Lavra monastery that sits on this same street, the 4.5-kilometer-long Nevsky Prospect (or Avenue) is the heart of St. Petersburg. Home to the 18 th -century Great Gostiny Dvor, one of the oldest shopping arcades in the world, Nevsky Avenue also hosts lots of high-end shops, fancy restaurants, and luxury hotels.

Nevsky Prospect is all about opulent architecture -here, palaces and churches stand side by side, including the Late Baroque Stroganov Palace; the early 19 th -century Kazan Cathedral; and the Russian National Library, housed in a building dating back to the 1700s.

Even if you don't plan on doing any shopping here, the lights and atmosphere of this avenue are still worth a visit. Along the way, you'll find street artists; an original movie theater dating back to 1913; and the Anichkov Bridge, which was seriously damaged during WWII and restored without removing traces of shell damage from Nazi guns as a reminder of what happened here.

One of the most beautiful sights in St. Petersburg is this multicolored church designed in traditional medieval Russian style. Alexander III ordered its construction in 1883 on the site where his father had been assassinated two years prior.

It took over 20 years for the church to be finally completed, partly because of budget and partly because the materials needed for its interior décor (which included 7,500 square meters of mosaics to cover the walls and ceilings) weren't that easy to come by.

The church was seriously damaged during the Russian Revolution in 1917, then used as a morgue during WWII and as a potato warehouse right after. It took almost 30 years of restoration to get the building to its original splendor-but rather than reopening as a church, the structure is now a museum of mosaics .

Catherine the Great ordered the formation of the imperial opera and ballet troupe in the late 18 th century, but it wasn't until 1860, almost 80 years later, that the company got its own theater. Once it opened, Mariinsky Theater was the most preeminent music hall in Russia-the place where major masterpieces from Tchaikovsky and Mussorgsky were first premiered.

A masterpiece of Neoclassical architecture with Neo-Byzantine design elements, the Mariinsky Theater looks opulent from every angle-from the U-shaped auditorium to the ceiling mural to the massive crystal chandelier.

Today, the theater is one of the most prestigious cultural institutions in St. Petersburg. If you plan on attending a premiere or a popular performance (such as The Nutcracker in December or January), you will need to get tickets well in advance.

St. Petersburg's canals once played an important role in preventing floods-and while they still do keep waters at bay, they are now mainly used for transportation and to enjoy beautiful cruises down the Neva.

The canal system stretches for over 300 kilometers, with hundreds of bridges (both pedestrian and for traffic) crossing over them. The two most popular waterways are the Griboyedov Canal and the Winter Canal. The Griboyedov Canal flows under 21 bridges and alongside some of the city's most famous landmarks, including the Church of Our Savior on the Spilled Blood. The city's shortest canal, the Winter Canal , runs by the Winter Palace and the Hermitage Theater.

Both small and large boats are available to travel through the canals-some offering food, live music, or special English-language tours-including special rides to watch the bascule bridges opening at midnight.

The protected cruiser Aurora is a retired Russian naval ship with an armored deck. Built in the earlier 1900s, it served during the Russo-Japanese War in 1904-1905 and survived the Battle of Tsushima, where Russia suffered massive losses both in human lives and in the number of ships sunk or destroyed. It was also a shot from an Aurora cannon that marked the beginning of the Russian Revolution in 1917.

The Aurora is now anchored on the river Neva and is the most visited branch of the Central Naval Museum . Visitors can tour six different rooms onboard the ship, where they can see recreated snippets of everyday life (including how people ate and slept), photographs and paintings, and model ships.

While access to the Aurora is free, the engine room is only accessible for an extra fee. The view from the deck of the Aurora is stunning, with imperial buildings and rocking waters all around.

Technically speaking, St. Isaac is the world's largest Orthodox basilica , though the building has been converted into a museum, and religious service is rarely held here anymore. The cathedral was named after Saint Isaac the Confessor, a Christian monk who founded an important monastery in Constantinople.

The cathedral was finished in 1858, after 40 years of construction work plagued by criticism about the Neoclassical building being "plain and not too impressive."

The museum's collection features many ancient icon paintings, mosaic images, and colored stonework and marble. Perhaps the best reason to visit St. Isaac's Cathedral, however, is the 360-degree view you'll get from the platform at the 43-meter-tall colonnade - a magical mix of colorful rooflines, golden spires, and a number of city landmarks.

Luxury Hotels:

• Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg has an excellent location just two blocks from the Hermitage Museum and the Winter Palace. The hotel itself is inside a former palace belonging to a Russian princess in the 1820s. The interior is stunning, with a granite grand staircase. Rooms and suites are spacious and posh, with 5-star amenities. Also on-site are a number of different dining options, including a glass-roofed winter garden where you'll find the Tea Lounge. A spa, heated swimming pool, hot tub, and sauna are other perks of staying here.
• Hotel Helvetia is a 5-star property that is often priced lower than others in its category making it excellent value. Located within walking distance of Nevsky Prospect, it is a historic hotel dating back to the early 1800s. The design is elegant, and the rooms and suites have charming style and butler service. There is a restaurant and concierge on-site.
• Another luxury option is the Hotel Astoria next to St. Isaac's Cathedral in the center of St. Petersburg. The rooms and suites are classy, and there are options for families. Butler service is offered, and there is also valet parking. Other amenities include a restaurant and a spa with a sauna.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• Galunov Hotel is an excellent mid-range choice. The 4-star property is still quite luxurious and features cozy rooms and suites with exposed brick walls and fresh flowers in vases by the bed. The hotel is less than a 10-minute walk to Vosstaniya Square and just a few hundred meters to the Moskovskiy train station. Amenities include free parking, free breakfast, and 24-hour check-in.
• For an intimate mid-range stay check out the Alexander House . Located on the Kryukov Canal Embankment in the historic center of St. Petersburg, it has just 20 rooms and suites. These have a warm ambiance, with upholstered furniture, exposed brick walls, large windows, and area rugs. A complimentary breakfast is served in the morning.
• Old meets new at the Pushka Inn Hotel . The property boasts antique lanterns on walls, dark wood floors, and high ceilings. It also has a scenic location right on the Moyka River. Amenities include a restaurant, 24-hour front desk, and airport transportation.

Budget Hotels:

• For a solid budget hotel check out Allegro Hotel on Ligovskiy Ave . Just a few minutes' walk from the railway station with trains to Moscow and to Nevsky prospect, it features bright and spacious rooms with wood floors and furnishings and exposed brick walls painted white. A free breakfast is offered.
• Admiralteyskaya Hotel is another good budget choice. It is located on Matisov Island, which is surrounded by three rivers and connected with the rest of the city by five different bridges, offering guests a different view of St. Petersburg. The hotel is family friendly and offers guests a free breakfast.

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• Top 20 Attractions

Top 20 St. Petersburg attractions and experiences

St. Petersburg has a true wealth of attractions and experiences to offer travelers, from spectacular Imperial palaces to quirky and absorbing museums, from boat trips along the city's majestic rivers and canals to walks in the footsteps of St. Petersburg's literary and artistic greats.

In fact, there's more than enough to see and do in St. Petersburg to keep visitors entertained for weeks or even months. One of the biggest challenges for independent travelers is to work out what they will actually have time to fit in to their itinerary, particularly as St. Petersburg is one of Europe's largest cities, with the historical centre alone covering several square kilometers and some of the most famous attractions located far out in the suburbs. To help you get the most out of your time in St. Petersburg, our travel writers have drawn on their own expertise and years of feedback from travelers to compile this Top 20 list of attractions and experiences.

The Hermitage (The Winter Palace)

Undoubtedly St. Petersburg's most famous visitor attraction, and universally acknowledged as one of the world's greatest treasuries of art and antiquities, the Hermitage is a name to be conjured with, and reason enough on its own for many travelers to book a trip to St. Petersburg.

The Hermitage Museum now spans several sites, but for most visitors it is the main collection in the Winter Palace that is an essential component of any St. Petersburg itinerary. Here you'll find not only centuries of European fine art and a rich collection of Greek and Roman antiquities , but also the astonishingly opulent 18th and 19th century state rooms of Russia's imperial family.

Since the summer of 2014, much of the Hermitage's renowned collection of impressionist and post-impressionist art (in terms of artistic quality, undoubtedly the highpoint of the collection) has been transferred across Palace Square to the General Staff Building , so if your main reason for visiting the Hermitage is to see the art, then you have to consider making time for the second location, possibly with a break for refreshments between the two.

Optimal: One day for the Winter Palace and General Staff Building collections.

Minimum: Two hours

Further reading

Explore the Hermitage: An introduction to St. Petersburg's greatest museum.

The Mariinsky Theatre

St. Petersburg's other internationally renowned cultural institution, and for some visitors an even greater draw than the Hermitage, the Mariinsky Theatre has profited in recent years from the financial and creative turmoils of Moscow's Bolshoi to become the undisputed preeminent musical theatre in modern Russia.

Renowned for the impeccable discipline and devotion to tradition of its ballet company, and blessed in Valery Gergiev with one of contemporary classical music's most exciting and exacting conductors, as well as international stars of ballet and opera including Ulyana Lopatkina, Diana Vishneva and Anna Netrebko, the Mariinsky Theatre is a world-class venue for ballet, opera and orchestral music.

Recent years have seen the Mariinsky spread beyond its historic home, the wedding-cake late-19th century opera house on Teatralnaya Ploshchad ("Theatre Square"), with the addition in 2006 of the Mariinsky Concert Hall, and in 2013 the long-awaited opening of the second opera and ballet stage, Mariinsky II. While most visitors will want to enjoy the rich atmosphere and ornate interiors of the main theatre, both new venues are beautifully designed inside, with state-of-the-art acoustics and stage technology, making them well worth exploring for music enthusiasts.

Optimal: As many performances as time and your budget will allow.

Minimum: At least one evening performance at the Mariinsky should be an essential component of any Petersburg itinerary.

Rivers and canals of St. Petersburg by boat

If you're visiting St. Petersburg from May to October, there are a number of ways to explore the city by boat, from taking the hydrofoil to the suburban palace and park at Peterhof to enjoying dinner and live jazz on an evening cruise along the Neva. When the weather's good, visitors should really take any opportunity to get out on the water, but even the shortest visit to St. Petersburg in summer should include one boat trip along the city's central rivers and canals.

There is a wide range of different offers available at the various quays on or near Nevsky Prospekt, with larger boats offering guided tours (some in English) and on-board refreshments, and smaller boats that you can rent by the hour, choose your own route, and bring your own food and drink. All routes through the centre take in some portion of the Fontanka and Moyka Rivers and the Griboedov and Kryukov Canals. Some also head out onto the River Neva, while around midnight most of the boats in the city offer the chance to watch the opening of the Neva's bascule bridges from the water. Whatever route you end up taking, a boat trip is a fantastic way to see St. Petersburg from a different angle, and perhaps the best possible means of getting an impression of the sheer scope of the city's architectural beauty and romance.

Optimal: If you're in the city for more than a few days, it's definitely worth taking two trips - one sightseeing tour through the centre and one to watch the bridges opening .

Minimum: A basic sightseeing tour along the rivers and canals of the centre will take just over an hour.

When it comes to visitor attractions, St. Petersburg is as famous for the Imperial palaces and parks in the suburbs as for the museums and palaces in the city centre. Among the former, Peterhof is the one we would class as absolutely unmissbale, especially in summer when the park's incredible collection of fountains is in operation.

It took Peter the Great over a decade and a few false starts before he found the right site for his summer residence. Modelled partly on Versailles, but with many features that reflected Peter's specific tastes and interests, the park was expanded under Peter's daughter, Empress Elizabeth, to greatly surpass its French antecedent in scope and grandeur. While the Grand Palace at Peterhof is less spectacular than the Catherine Palace at Tsarskoye Selo, Peterhof excels in the diversity and range of its attractions, from the charming baroque buildings of the Petrine era to the extraordinary gilded extravagance of the Grand Cascade to the catalog of gardening styles encompassed in the Upper and Lower Parks to the ever-growing number of museums housed in the various buildings on the estate.

Optimal: There is plenty at Peterhof to keep you occupied for a whole day, and the Lower Park is a great place to picnic in the summer.

Minimum: As the journey from the city centre takes at least 45 minutes, half a day is the minimum time necessary to visit Peterhof even for the briefest overview.

St. Isaac's Cathedral & Colonnade

The low-rise skyline of St. Petersburg's historic centre is dominated by the grand gold dome of St. Isaac's Cathedral, the life's work of French architect Auguste de Montferrand and the city's largest and most spectacular religious building.

Completed in 1858, St. Isaac's took over forty years to build and decorate. Its strictly European Empire-style facades and colonnades are made unique by the employment of red Karelian granite, while the interiors also meld Orthodox tradition with Catholic influence and extraordinary extravagance in the choice of materials. Different types of semiprecious stone from all over Russia form the interior walls and columns, while an abundance of original art and sculpture goes only a little way to filling the vast hall of the cathedral, designed to accommodate 14 000 standing worshipers. As well as visiting the Cathedral interiors, travelers can buy an extra ticket to climb the 300 steps up to the colonnade. From here, you can enjoy some of the best views of St. Petersburg available.

Optimal: A tour of the cathedral and colonnade should take around two hours. It's certainly worth getting an audio guide for the cathedral, and possibly for the colonnade if you are entirely unfamiliar with the lay-out of the city.

Minimum: While visiting the cathedral interiors is hardly essential if you have limited time to explore the city, the colonnade is just about the only accessible place in St. Petersburg where you can enjoy something like aerial views of the downtown, so it's well worth taking half an hour to visit.

The Peter & Paul Fortress

The place where the city of St. Petersburg began, the Peter and Paul Fortress never actually saw military action, but has fulfilled a variety of functions over its three-century history, from burial place for nearly all of the Romanov Emperors and Empresses to notorious political prison to the site of key experiments in the development of Soviet rocket technology. All of these aspects of the fortresses history are celebrated in diverse exhibitions across various buildings, and it is the ramshackle charms of these various museums and collections as much as the grandeur of the spectacular Ss. Petersburg and Paul Cathedral that make the fortress an essential visitor attraction.

Optimal: It's possible to spend the best part of a full day at the Peter and Paul Fortress, and if possible you should definitely take the time (around five hours) to visit the Peter and Paul Cathedral, explore the displays on the History of St. Petersburg in the Commandant's House and at the Museum of Cosmonautics and Rocket Techonolgy, and walk along the top of the curtain wall.

Minimum: If you're short of time, it's probably enough to pop inside the Cathedral and walk the ramparts (just over an hour).

Church of Our Saviour on Spilled Blood

While it lacks the authentic medieval charm of St. Basil's in Moscow, the Church on Spilled Blood is nonetheless one of St. Petersburg's most instantly recognizable landmarks, its riotously colorful Russian Revival architecture making a stark contrast to the elegant neoclassicism of the State Russian Museum next door. This is part of the church's charm, in that it serves to constantly remind the visitor to St. Petersburg that, despite the Italianate elegance of most of the "Golden Triangle", you are still definitely in Russia. It's extraordinary also that a monument to mark such a tragic event (the assassination of Alexander II) should be so exuberantly colorful.

Optimal: As gaudy and colorful on the inside as on the outside, the Church on Spilled Blood is worth going inside if you have time to listen through an audio guide with the story of the church's construction (just over an hour in total).

Minimum: If you're on a whistlestop tour, there's no need to set aside time for the Church on Spilled Blood, as you're bound to pass it more than once in even the shortest exploration of St. Petersburg.

Tsarskoye Selo (Pushkin)

Home to not one but two vast 18th century palaces, surrounded by beautifully landscaped parkland with a rich variety of follies and monuments, Tsarskoye Selo is a testament to the immense wealth and lavishness of the Romanov Imperial family. The rococo Catherine Palace by Bartolomeo Rastrelli, a sister building to his Winter Palace in the city centre, is the most famous attraction, particularly thanks to the extraordinary Amber Room, but there are many other highlights to see, with almost every great St. Petersburg architect of the 18th and early-19th centuries contributing something to the ensemble.

Optimal: Like Peterhof, Tsarskoye Selo is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace over a full day, with a break for a picnic in the park or lunch at one of Pushkin's restaurants.

Minimum: There's no point in visiting Tsarskoye Selo unless have a full morning or afternoon free. It's all worth considering combining Tsarskoye Selo with the palace and park at Pavlovsk a few kilometers east. This also gives you the opportunity to dine at the excellent Podvorye restaurant.

Opening bridges

The Neva River connects Lake Ladoga to the Baltic Sea, and during the summer navigation season tens of cargo ships per day follow this important route, making it necessary to open the bascule bridges across the Neva in central St. Petersburg. This is done after midnight, and during the White Nights especially it has long been a tradition for crowds to gather along the embankments to watch the raising of the bridges. The raised arches of Palace Bridge make for one of St. Petersburg's most famous views, but its as much the atmosphere of lazy revelry and contentment inspired by the eternal twilight that makes this such an unmissable St. Petersburg experience.

Optimal: If you have the opportunity, then it's worth taking a midnight boat trip out to watch each bridge rise from the water.

Minimum: It is only really Palace Bridge and Trinity Bridge that gather big crowds, and they are undoubtedly the most beautiful. To watch the two adjacent bridges rising and walk the kilometer along the river between the two is a pleasant way to spend an hour before bed.

Nevsky Prospekt

"There's nothing finer than Nevsky Prospekt, at least not in St. Petersburg." So begins Nikolay Gogol's famous tale of St. Petersburg's central avenue. While that story may end in disillusion and despair, there's little doubt that Nevsky is one of the world's greatest streets. Running 4.5 kilometers from the Admiralty in the west to the Alexander Nevsky Monastery in the east, Nevsky Prospekt has a hardly single building dating from after 1917. Highlights include the magnificent Art Nouveau Singer Building , the baroque Stroganov Palace , Kazan Cathedral with its curved neoclassical colonnade, the Horse Tamers statues on Anichkov Bridge , and the 18th century shopping arcade Gostiny Dvor .

Nowadays, St. Petersburg's most exclusive shopping area is actually the eastern end of Nevsky, beyond Ploshchad Vosstaniya. As well as landmark buildings and up-market boutiques, however, Nevsky Prospekt also offers an electric atmosphere and energy. Especially in summer, Nevsky is bustling no what the hour, and an increasing number of bars and cafes without outdoor seating give you a better opportunity to enjoy the avenue's living theatre.

Optimal: It will take at least two hours to walk the full length of Nevsky Prospekt, allowing for brief contemplation of the major sights and attractions.

Minimum: The most famous landmarks on Nevsky are nearly all in the stretch that runs through St. Petersburg's "Golden Triangle" from the Fontanka River to the Admiralty. This section of the avenue can be explored in around 30 minutes.

Bronze Horseman

St. Petersburg's most famous public monument, this equestrian statue to Peter the Great is not only one of the most instantly recognizable symbols of St. Petersburg - like the Statue of Liberty for New York or the Eiffel Tower for Paris - it is also the subject of one of the greatest poems in the Russian language, Alexander Pushkin's The Bronze Horseman: A Petersburg Tale . Completed in 1782, the statue took 12 years of work by the French sculptor Étienne Maurice Falconet, recommended to Catherine the Great by Denis Diderot himself. The pedestal of the monument, the "Thunder Stone", is purportedly the largest ever moved by man.

The Bronze Horseman is easily combined with a visit to St. Isaac's Cathedral, so does not require a specific time on your itinerary.

State Russian Museum

While the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow is undoubtedly the finest collection of Russian art in the world thanks to its beautiful premises and rich collection of 20th century work, it is matched up to the October Revolution almost painting for painting by the State Russian Museum. Occupying the magnificent Mikhailovsky Palace, the Russian Museum's main collection is a treasury of Russian visual from throughout the ages, with highlights including medieval icons, atmospheric late-19th century genre paintings, and several modernist masterpieces.

Optimal: The main collection in the Mikhailovsky Palace will take 2-3 hours to do justice to, and it's also worth visiting the collections in the Marble Palace both to see this beautiful building and for the Peter Ludwig collection of international Pop Art.

Minimum: While the Russian Museum is definitely one of St. Petersburg's top visitor attractions, if you are on a first-time trip to Russia and visiting Moscow as well, it makes sense to choose either the Russian Museum or the Tretyakov Gallery, as the two have very similar content right down to different variations of the same work in some cases.

Dostoevsky's St. Petersburg

While nearly every great figure of Russian literature spent some time in St. Petersburg, and many wrote works with St. Petersburg as their setting, none is so inextricably linked with the geography and atmosphere of the city as Fyodor Dostoevsky. For many travelers, it is reading his works that sparks an initial desire to visit St. Petersburg, even though his descriptions often make the city monstrous and forbidding. As St. Petersburg's historic centre has been comparatively untouched by change in the 20th century, much of Dostoevsky's Petersburg is still there to explore, and the areas around Sennaya Ploshchad and Vladimirskaya Ploshchad are rich in sights connected to his life and works.

Optimal: Our Dostoevsky walking tour takes 3.5 hours, including a visit to the Dostoevsky Memorial Museum .

Minimum: To get an idea of where Dostoevsky lived, you can just visit the museum and the adjacent Church of the Vladimir Icon , as well as the Monument to Fyodor Dostoevsky , in about an hour.

A small promontory of land at the eastern end of Vasilevskiy Island , the Strelka ("Spit") is right in the middle of the Neva River Delta, with magnificent views on all sides, including the Winter Palace , Palace and Trinity Bridges , the Peter and Paul Fortress and St. Isaac's Cathedral . A perennially popular site for wedding parties and bus tours to stop and take photos, the Strelka also has landmarks of its own, specifically the magnificent Rostral Columns , with their gas beacons lit for public holidays and maritime anniversaries, and the elegant classical temple of the St. Petersburg Stock Exchange , all works of the French-born architect Thomas de Thomon.

The Strelka is an integral part of any exploration of Vasilevskiy Island, and does not require separate time on your itinerary.

Pushkinskaya 10

Established in 1989 as a squat for independent artists, alternative musicians, and other "underground" types, Pushkinskaya 10 is an arts and performance centre in an old apartment building a short walk from Nevsky Prospekt. A warren of studios and exhibition space haphazardly linked together as the Museum of Non-Comformist Art , Pushkinskaya 10 can be somewhat bewildering for visitors, and much of the space is often inexplicably closed (the two bars, both of which are also concert venues, are by far the most accessible parts of the complex), but it's well worth visiting for the increasingly rare chance to get a glimpse of the old Leningrad bohemia and its once revered dissident art scene.

Optimal: The best way to visit Pushkinskaya 10 is to come in the early evening and hope that the galleries are open, before heading to one of the two music venues for a concert.

Minimum: A 15-minute visit should suffice to get an overall impression of the center's atmosphere.

Carlo Rossi's Petersburg

Practically unknown outside Russia, this Italian-born architect was the major creative force behind great swathes of central St. Petersburg, particularly the city's grand formal squares, with their Empire-style columned facades and trademark yellow-and-white plasterwork. His most famous buildings include the General Staff Building on Palace Square, the Alexandrinsky Theatre , the Senate and Synod Building , and the Mikhailovsky Palace (the State Russian Museum ). In the "Golden Triangle" of St. Petersburg's historic centre, moreover, it's hard to take more than a few steps without finding more of Rossi's work.

Optimal: Our walking tour of Rossi's most famous buildings takes around 2.5 hours.

Minimum: You'll see Rossi's work when you visit the Hermitage, the State Russian Museum, the Bronze Horseman, and just about anywhere you walk in central St. Petersburg.

Kunstkammer (Museum of Anthropology and Ethnology)

The city's oldest museum, the Kunstkammer was founded in 1718 by Peter the Great himself, and is primarily of interest as a monument to the remarkable endeavours and enthusiasms of St. Petersburg's extraordinary founder. Housed in an elegant baroque building on Vasilevskiy Island, the museum has a rather pedestrian collection of ethnographic exhibits, and most visitors are drawn rather to Peter's own fascination, the huge number of deformed fetuses preserved in jars and other freaks of nature. Slightly less sensational but also of interest are the displays devoted to the great Russian polymath Mikhail Lomonosov.

A visit to the Kunstkammer will take around 1.5 hours.

Ploshchad Pobedy and Moskovsky Prospekt

St. Petersburg's historic centre is renowned for having undergone little architectural change during the 20th century. In fact, the Soviet authorities were inclined to abandon the centre, redolent of the imperial past, and develop a new city to the south, along Moskovsky Prospekt . Most visitors only see this part of town on their way to and from Pulkovo Airport, but its worth exploring for several fantastic examples of Stalin-era architecture, including the monumental House of Soviets , as well as the memorials to the Great Patriotic War in Park Pobedy ("Victory Park") and on Ploshchad Pobedy ("Victory Square"). The latter is home to a magnificent panoramic monument to the Heroic Defenders of Leningrad , which has a museum detailing the defense of the city beneath it.

Optimal: It is worth spending a couple of hours exploring Moskovsky Prospekt southwards from Park Pobedy Metro Station, as well as taking a tour of the museum beneath the Monument to the Heroic Defenders of Leningrad.

Minimum: If you're short of time, there's not reason to make an extra trip out to Moskovsky Prospekt as you'll be able to see the highlights on the way to/from the airport.

Mikhailovsky Theatre

While there's no questioning the Mariinsky Theatre's position as St. Petersburg's leading venue for opera and ballet performances, it is worth paying attention to this second historic theatre on Ploshchad Iskusstv, not only because of the last decade's largely successful financial and artistic renaissance, which has seen the Mikhailovsky engage top foreign talent and gain an international reputation, but also because it can often be a more affordable and accessible way to see ballet in St. Petersburg. This is especially true when tickets at the Mariinsky are scarce during the White Nights Festival.

Ballet enthusiasts should definitely consider taking in a show at the Mikhailovsky as an addition to, rather than a replacement for, performances at the Mariinsky.

Yelagin Island

Accessible from the city centre in around 20 minutes by metro, Yelagin Island (also known by its Soviet-era name as the "Kirov Central Park of Culture and Leisure") rarely finds a place on tourist itineraries. It really should be more popular, however, offering not only a (comparatively) small but very elegant Imperial palace by Carlo Rossi, but also attractive parkland, a boating lake in summer and outdoor skating in winter, and the surprisingly avant-garde wonders of the Museum of Glass Art . The lack of cars on the island and the small entrance fee make it a secluded a tranquil spot, and its probably the best of the green spaces within the city if you're looking for somewhere to enjoy a relaxing walk.

Yelagin is a great place to while away a summer afternoon, and also has a fairly active calendar of cultural events in the warmer months, including a couple of music festivals.

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St. Petersburg, FL   Travel Guide

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17 Best Things To Do in St. Petersburg, FL

St. Petersburg, or "The Sunshine City," is a great place to fill up on cultural and outdoorsy attractions, ranging from the renowned Dalí Museum to Fort De Soto Park to The Mahaffey Theater. The city is infused with Spanish-American history, and full

• All Things To Do

Fort De Soto Park Fort De Soto Park free

Spanning five small islands, the 1,136-acre Fort De Soto Park lies at the mouth of Tampa Bay and attracts more than 2.7 million visitors a year. The park features 7 miles of waterfront, two fishing piers, multiple hiking and biking trails, picnic and camping grounds and a historic fort. Climb the stairs of the fort for a breathtaking view of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, one of the world's longest cable-stayed concrete bridges. Then, stop by the Quartermaster Museum to learn more about the fort through historic photographs and Spanish-American War artifacts.

The park is also one of the best places in St. Petersburg to visit the beach. The popular North Beach is recognizable by the large pirate ship playground near its entrance and the myriad of seashells and white sand dollars along its sands. At the waterfront, travelers can also rent a canoe or kayak and navigate the 2-mile paddling trail or try fishing. Recent visitors raved about everything there is to enjoy at the park, especially the lengthy dog beach .

St. Pete Beach St. Pete Beach free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Beach parking is consistently monitored and parking time limits are strictly enforced. Leaving your car parked even a few minutes past your allotted time may result in a ticket. – Jacqueline Drayer, Contributor, Travel

St. Pete Beach is a barrier island community just west of St. Petersburg and home to a large swath of award-winning beaches. Pass-a-Grille Beach is a long undeveloped stretch of public beach, perfect for a variety of water sports, including parasailing, stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing and kiteboarding. Recent visitors raved about St. Pete Beach, noting the soft, white sand, terrific maintenance and warm Gulf of Mexico waters. However, some note a difficult parking situation.  

Dalí Museum Dalí Museum

The waterfront Dalí Museum holds the largest collection of Salvador Dalí's works outside of Europe. The building is just as impressive as the masterpieces displayed inside. One of the architectural elements is called the "Glass Enigma" — it's composed of 1,062 glass triangles that are visible from the outside. On the inside, a free-standing spiral staircase dominates the entrance. Architect Yann Weymouth combined these surreal-inspired elements with some realistic touches: the walls are designed to be hurricane proof. The museum also features a labyrinth, gardens and the purported Fountain of Youth.

In the collection, visitors can admire the breadth of Dali's Surrealist works, in media spanning everything from watercolors to sculptures. Highlights include "The Disintegration of the Persistence of Memory" and "The Hallucinogenic Toreador." Recent travelers found the building as artistic and strange as Dalí himself, adding that it made the experience enjoyable for both children and those not particularly interested in art.

Popular Tours

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Sunken Gardens Sunken Gardens

This 6-acre attraction in downtown St. Petersburg features thousands of tropical plant species, as well as a variety of exotic birds and waterfalls. Paved pathways make it easy to explore the botanical garden. Enter the 100-year-old roadside gem and follow the trail to the orchids and the Growing Stone, a fossilized limestone rock. Other highlights further along the trail include the Japanese garden, canopy of live oaks, and a flock of flamingos.

Visitors raved about the beauty of the garden, but caution to bring bug spray. They particularly enjoyed viewing the birds and note there is information available that details the history of the garden.

St. Pete Pier St. Pete Pier free

Piers have dotted the St. Pete waterfront since the 19th century – sometimes more than one at a time! The latest pier opened in 2020, on the site previously occupied by a distinctive inverted pyramid design. The new pier is expansive – its 26 acres include a parklike setting (think: playgrounds and green space), restaurants, shopping, a splash pad, the beach and public art.

Recent visitors enjoyed the variety of entertainment options on the pier. Many noted that it felt like a true public space, despite the significant amount of restaurants and shopping opportunities on-site. Some locals expressed regret that the old pier was torn down, while others applauded it.

Saturday Morning Market Saturday Morning Market free

The market is held every week in downtown St. Petersburg and is the perfect place to buy fresh produce and a gift or two. Choose from different types of ready-to-eat food representing more than 15 nations, whether it's Mexican tamales or European sausage. Live music plays in the center and performers like balloon artists and magicians are scattered throughout. Recent visitors found the market the best place to be on a Saturday, and many especially enjoyed the social experience.

Located in the Al Lang Stadium parking lot, the market is open from early October to late May every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. A smaller summer market runs from June to August in Williams Park every Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It's free to explore, but you'll want to have some cash in case any goodies pique your interest. Plenty of parking is available near the market: the South Core Garage across the street has more than 1,100 spaces with a $3 entry fee and the Sundial Parking Garage two blocks north has more than 1,300 spaces and costs $1 for the first four hours. For more information on vendors and parking, visit the market's official website .

Pass-a-Grille Beach Pass-a-Grille Beach free

Located at the end of St. Pete Beach , Pass-a-Grille distinguishes itself from the many area beaches by offering 4 miles of undeveloped beach paradise. Unlike many of the northern barrier islands that make up St. Pete Beach, there are no buildings directly on the beach, except for the Paradise Grille. There is beautiful sand, relatively shallow water, and facilities are well-maintained.

Recent visitors had a wonderful time at Pass-a-Grille. They praise everything from the sunsets to the sea shells, as well as the nearby shops and restaurants off the beach. Couples especially appreciate the quiet and romantic setting. Travelers recommend arriving early to secure a parking space.

Tropicana Field Tropicana Field

Located near downtown (and less than a mile from the Chihuly Collection ), Tropicana Field is the only professional sports facility that features a tank full of cownose stingrays. Thanks to a partnership with the Florida Aquarium, visitors can touch, feed and interact with stingrays throughout a game. For many, however, the draw of the field is attending a Tampa Bay Rays baseball game. The dome-covered stadium is the only MLB park that has an artificial surface with all-dirt base paths.

Recent visitors found the air-conditioned stadium to be a nice break from the stifling Florida heat and humidity. When the weather is too hot for the beach, a Rays baseball game is a good alternative. Offseason, other performances also take place at the stadium. Ticket prices for baseball games vary depending on the time of year, the opponent and the seat location. For more information on upcoming games, visit Tropicana Field's official website .

Island Sunset and Skyway Light Show in St. Petersburg

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Morean Arts Center Morean Arts Center free

The Morean Arts Center is a collection of four venues: a general arts center, glass studio, clay studio and the Chihuly Collection . The Morean Arts Center boasts a free art gallery as well as art classes, while the glass and clay studios are used by working artists. Visitors can purchase pieces at the studios and watch glassmakers or clay artists at work. The Chihuly Collection features artwork by renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly.

Recent visitors were impressed by the eclectic and forward-thinking art on display. Many travelers recommended stopping by the glass-blowing demonstration. Whether visitors purchased art or just enjoyed the galleries, they considered this destination worth their time.

Weedon Island Preserve Weedon Island Preserve free

The Weedon Island Preserve spans 3,190 acres and comprises aquatic and upland ecosystems. Visitors can take a variety of guided hikes, walk the boardwalks through tidal flats and mangrove forests and fish on the pier. Located deep within the preserve, the Cultural and Natural History Center features an exhibit gallery called "Connecting People and Place" that encourages modern visitors to reconnect with the environment – and learn about the area's earliest Native Americans, whose descendants collaborated on the design of the center – through 6,000 square feet of interactive exhibits. The center also offers interpretive hikes, workshops and other programs. The hours are Thursday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Recent travelers raved about kayaking the mangroves and bird-watching on the boardwalk. Fishing and picnicking are also popular activities at the preserve. The fishing pier and outlying oyster bars are ideal for catching sea trout, snook and sheepshead. Four picnic areas and pavilion are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Chihuly Collection Chihuly Collection

U.S. News Insider Tip: This gallery is located in St. Pete's robust craft brewery scene. There are four popular breweries located within three blocks of the collection. – Jacqueline Drayer, Contributor, Travel

Located downtown, this permanent collection of world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly is displayed in the first building specifically designed to hold the his works. The entrance is dominated by the iconic 20-foot sculpture of cerise-colored rocks and the inside is brimming with intricate glass works. Large scale installations abound and highlights include "Persians," "Tumbleweeds" and "Macchia."

Shell Key Preserve Shell Key Preserve free

Those looking to escape development entirely will enjoy Shell Key Preserve. More than 1,800 protected acres – which include their own barrier island – is a place for humans to connect with the beauty of nature. Nesting, wintering, and migrating birds are important parts of this ecosystem, which means the area is prime for bird-watching. Trails are also on-site, should you desire a walk. There are no facilities or developments of any kind and access is only via boat. Private vessels can pull up to the island, or visitors can take the public Shell Key Shuttle.

Recent visitors called this excursion a highlight of their vacation. The waters here are shallow and clear, and some took advantage of the chance to snorkel. Some noted that the shuttle does not always make all scheduled trips – calling ahead is wise. Offseason, trips may be cancelled day-of due to weather or low attendance.

Vinoy Park Vinoy Park free

Vinoy Park is one of the most visited parks in St. Pete. Its location on the downtown waterfront offers scenic city views. The park is well-known as a festival, concert and sporting event space. On quieter days, walkers, runners, and cyclists fill its trails.

Recent visitors raved about the walking paths and opportunities for a leisurely rest in the park. Out-of-state travelers especially enjoyed the abundant palm trees. Some note that it is easy to combine a walk through the park with a museum or shopping visit nearby. The St. Pete Pier is also in walking distance.

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Florida Holocaust Museum Florida Holocaust Museum

The Florida Holocaust Museum was founded in 1992 by a Jewish businessman and philanthropist who escaped Nazi Germany in 1939. After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, he collaborated with Florida business and community leaders to create a living memorial to the millions of people who died in the Holocaust. The result is one of the largest Holocaust museums in the country.

It is dedicated to "teaching the members of all races and cultures the inherent worth and dignity of human life in order to prevent future genocides." To achieve this goal, the museum has several permanent and special exhibits. These include a railroad boxcar (the same type Nazis used to send Jews to death camps like Auschwitz and Treblinka); multimedia interactive exhibits where visitors can ask survivors questions; and a core exhibit that presents the history of the Holocaust and antisemitism through artifacts, photos, and videos. There are also frequent evening events.

Museum of Fine Arts Museum of Fine Arts

Discover nearly 5,000 years of civilization in the Museum of Fine Arts, located in the heart of downtown. Highlights include masterpieces from Monet, O’Keefe, and Renoir, a sculpture garden and a noted photography collection. The traveling exhibits and events, which include frequent musical performances and lectures, make multiple visits to the museum worthwhile.

Travelers describe the museum as an excellent survey of art history and recommend visiting on Thursday nights when admission is reduced. Many especially enjoyed the on-site cafe and live music.

Duke Center for the Arts – The Mahaffey Theater Duke Center for the Arts – The Mahaffey Theater

Located in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg, Duke Center for the Arts – The Mahaffey Theater is a cultural jewel that seats up to 2,031 visitors. Top-quality national and international artists, such as the renowned Florida Orchestra, grace the theater's stage. The chock-full calendar includes everything from performances of Rachmaninoff's piano concertos to Zach Williams to stand-up comedy shows. Recent concertgoers raved about the seats at the theater, finding them all, including the least expensive ones, to be fantastic in terms of views and acoustics.

The Mahaffey offers on-site cash-only parking for $10 and multiple cocktail bars onsite. Patrons should plan to arrive at least 45 minutes before showtime. Tickets vary in price depending on the event and seat. For more information on upcoming shows, visit the official website .

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Boyd Hill Nature Preserve

For those intrigued by Florida's preserves, but wanting to stay on land, look no further than Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. Located in St. Pete itself, this 245-acre site was once a zoo and botanical garden. Reclaimed by nature, the preserve features a Main Trail, from which multiple side trails – ranging in length from just 0.15 miles to nearly 1.5 miles – allow visitors to explore different habitats.

Recent visitors highly recommend a stop here. The area is peaceful, and despite its compact size houses a variety of flora and fauna. A lucky few visitors spotted alligators, tortoises, and crabs in the water. On a hot day, be sure to wear sunscreen, a hat, and carry water.

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Must-see attractions in St Petersburg

State Hermitage Museum

St Petersburg

The Hermitage fully lives up to its sterling reputation. You can be absorbed by its treasures for days and still come out wanting more. The enormous…

Grand Palace

Around St Petersburg

The Grand Palace is an imposing building, although with just 30-something rooms, it is not nearly as large as your typical tsarist palace. From the start…

General Staff Building

The east wing of this magnificent building, wrapping around the south of Dvortsovaya pl and designed by Carlo Rossi in the 1820s, marries restored…

One of the greatest attractions outside of St Petersburg is the jaw-dropping collection of gilded fountains, statue-lined lanes and picturesque canals…

Yusupov Palace

This spectacular palace on the Moyka River has some of the best 19th-century interiors in the city, in addition to a fascinating and gruesome history. The…

Catherine Palace

The centrepiece of Tsarskoe Selo, created under Empresses Elizabeth and Catherine the Great between 1744 and 1796, is the vast baroque Catherine Palace,…

Mariinsky Theatre

The Mariinsky Theatre has played a pivotal role in Russian ballet ever since it was built in 1859 and remains one of Russia's most loved and respected…

Catherine Park

Around the Catherine Palace extends the lovely Catherine Park. The main entrance is on Sadovaya ul, next to the Palace Chapel. The park extends around the…

Russian Museum

Focusing solely on Russian art, from ancient church icons to 20th-century paintings, the Russian Museum's collection is magnificent and can easily be…

New Holland

This triangular island was closed for the most part of the last three centuries, and has opened to the public in dazzling fashion. There's plenty going on…

Erarta Museum of Contemporary Art

Erarta's superb hoard of 2800 pieces of Russian contemporary art trumps its somewhat far-flung location. Housed in an ingeniously converted neoclassical…

Peter & Paul Fortress

Housing a cathedral where the Romanovs are buried, a former prison and various exhibitions, this large defensive fortress on Zayachy Island is the kernel…

Church of the Saviour on the Spilled Blood

This five-domed dazzler is St Petersburg’s most elaborate church, with a classic Russian Orthodox exterior and an interior decorated with some 7000 sq…

Alexander Nevsky Monastery

The Alexander Nevsky Monastery – named for the patron saint of St Petersburg – is the city's most ancient and eminent monastery. Peter the Great made a…

St Isaac's Cathedral

The golden dome of St Isaac’s Cathedral dominates the St Petersburg skyline. Its obscenely lavish interior is open as a museum, although services are held…

Grand Cascade

Peterhof's uncontested centrepiece is the Grand Cascade, a symphony of over 140 fountains and canals partly engineered by Peter himself. To see the…

Vyborg Castle

Rising stoutly from an islet in Vyborg Bay, this castle was built by the Swedes in 1293 when they first captured Karelia from Novgorod. Most of it now…

Hermitage Vyborg

Housed in a wing of a striking building designed by Finnish architect Uno Ulberg in 1930, this small museum hosts themed exhibitions that are curated from…

Hermitage Storage Facility

Guided tours of the Hermitage’s state-of-the-art restoration and storage facility are highly recommended. This is not a formal exhibition as such, but the…

Street Art Museum

It's well worth the effort making the trip out to see this magnificent collection of street art set inside a former 11-hectare industrial site. You'll…

Fabergé Museum

The magnificently restored Shuvalovsky Palace is home to the world's largest collection of pieces manufactured by the jeweller Peter Carl Fabergé …

Kunstkamera

Also known as the Museum of Ethnology and Anthropology, this is the city’s first museum, founded in 1714 by Peter himself. It is famous largely for its…

Alexander Palace

The classical Alexander Palace, built by Quarenghi between 1792 and 1796 for the future Alexander I, is surrounded by the charming Alexander Park…

New Hermitage

Facing Millionnaya ul, the New Hermitage was built for Nicholas II in 1852, to hold the growing art collection and as a museum for the public. Designed by…

Winter Palace

This stunning mint-green, white and gold profusion of columns, windows and recesses, with its roof topped by rows of classical statues, was commissioned…

Small Hermitage

The classical Small Hermitage, which evolved from a series of buildings constructed between Palace Sq and the Neva between 1764 and 1769, was used by…

Great (Old) Hermitage

Facing the Neva, this section of the museum (also known as the Large Hermitage) dates from the time of Catherine the Great. It mainly houses Italian…

Anna Akhmatova Museum at the Fountain House

Housed in the south wing of the Sheremetyev Palace, this touching and fascinating literary museum celebrates the life and work of Anna Akhmatova, St…

Palace Square

This vast expanse is simply one of the most striking squares in the world, still redolent of imperial grandeur almost a century after the end of the…

Gatchina Great Palace

Shaped in a graceful curve around a central turret, the Gatchina Great Palace certainly lives up to its name – its enormous (if surprisingly plain) facade…

Museum of Political History

The elegant Style Moderne Kshesinskaya Palace (1904) is a highly appropriate location for this excellent museum – one of the city's best – covering…

Loft Project ETAGI

This fantastic conversion of the former Smolninsky Bread Factory has plenty to keep you interested, including many of the original factory fittings…

Central Naval Museum

Following a move to this beautifully repurposed building opposite the former shipyard of New Holland, the Central Naval Museum has moved into the 21st…

Grand Menshikov Palace

Menshikov’s impressive palace underwent a full restoration and reopened its state rooms in 2014. Most of the interiors are restorations of the 19th…

Grand Maket Rossiya

Russia in all its grit and glory – from the industrial sprawl of Magnitogorsk to the glittering domes of Moscow – is on full display at this vast…

This eastern tip of Vasilyevsky Island is where Peter the Great wanted his new city’s administrative and intellectual centre to be. In fact, it became the…

Lumiere Hall

In a once-industrial part of the city, Lumiere Hall hosts large-format multimedia exhibitions – basically massive 3D projections in a 360-degree space,…

Alvar Aalto Library

A must-see for architecture fans is the beautifully designed public library, one of Finnish architect Alvar Aalto's iconic designs. After years of…

Russian Museum (Benois Wing)

The Russian Museum's exhibitions of 20th-century works are held in this building's 1st floor, which is connected by stairs to the main collection in the…

SS Peter & Paul Cathedral

All of Russia's prerevolutionary rulers from Peter the Great onwards (except Peter II and Ivan VI) are buried inside this cathedral. The magnificent…

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Things to Do in St. Petersburg, Russia - St. Petersburg Attractions

Things to do in st. petersburg, explore popular experiences, top attractions in st. petersburg.

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20 main attractions of St. Petersburg (PHOTOS)

1. Winter Palace (The State Hermitage Museum)

Over more than a century and a half, the Winter Palace was the main imperial palace of Russia. It became the fifth monarchic residence built on that site since 1712. Empress Catherine the Great became the first owner of the building.

To contain her collection of paintings and sculptures, an outbuilding was built, attached to the imperial residence, which received the name ‘Hermitage’. Today, the main museum complex of the State Hermitage Museum – one of the largest museums in the world – integrates six buildings, including the Winter Palace itself.

We spoke here about the treasures of the Hermitage; we also explained how not to plan a visit to this museum here !

Additionally, find out why this palace is called the Winter Palace and about other curious facts about the former imperial residence here .

2. Mikhailovsky Palace (The Russian Museum)

This palace is, first of all, famous as the largest collection of Russian art in the world. The private collection of Emperor Alexander III, the main patron of national culture of his era, became the foundation of the museum.

3. The Palace of Yusupovs on the Moika

This mansion’s luxurious decorations could compete with the imperial family members’ residences. This was one of the 57 palaces of one of the wealthiest noble families of Russia, the Princes Yusupovs. The building itself is also famous for the fact that Grigori Rasputin – a starets and a confidant of Emperor Nicholas II’s family – was assassinated in it.

Read more about the Palace of Yusupovs here . 

4.  Palace Bridge

This is a famous bridge of St. Petersburg that became a symbol of the city. Its central two-wing span, drawn during the ‘White Nights’ season (you can catch it a week before June 21 and a week after) is probably the most photographed structure of the city.

5. Bolsheokhtinsky Bridge (formerly Emperor Peter the Great Bridge)

This most unusual St. Petersburg bridge over the Neva River was opened in 1911. It has two central towers and two arches. The bridge connects two prominent locations in the city – the Smolny Cathedral and Okhtinsky Cape, where the Swedish fortress Nyenschantz once stood, torn down before the middle of the 18th century. 

6. Anichkov Bridge  

This three-span bridge over the Fontanka River, which can’t be drawn, is decorated with The Horse Tamers composition, comprised of four bronze sculptures designed by Peter Klodt. For many, the Anichkov Bridge is one of the favorite photo locations on Nevsky Prospekt.

Read more about this and other bridges of St. Petersburg here .

7. Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

This church was built on the site of assassination of Emperor Alexander II: in 1881, one of the members of the terrorist organization ‘People’s Will’ threw a bomb under the monarch’s feet. This sixth attempt on the life of the emperor turned out to be fatal. 

The construction of the church began in 1883; it was only consecrated in 1907. On the outside, the building is reminiscent of St. Basil’s Cathedral on the Red Square in Moscow. From the inside, its walls and vaults are entirely covered by mosaics.

Read more about the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood here .

8. Saint Isaac’s Cathedral

Built in 1858, Saint Isaac’s Cathedral was an “heir” of three previous cathedrals that had been located on the same site since 1710 (St. Petersburg was founded in 1703). The construction of the cathedral took 40 years. The building is 101.5 meters tall; at the level of 43 meters above ground, there’s a colonnade from which a panoramic view of the city opens.

Read more about St. Isaac’s Cathedral here .

The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood and St. Isaac’s Cathedral operate as museums. On weekends and during Church holidays, divine services are conducted in them, which you can attend free of charge. 

9. Kazan Cathedral

This cathedral, located in the middle of Nevsky Prospekt, is revered as a memorial of Russian military glory. It was consecrated in 1811, a year before the victory in the Patriotic War of 1812 . Later, military trophies were delivered to it; in 1813, Commander in Chief of this war, Mikhail Kutuzov, was buried in the left chapel of the cathedral. One of the most venerated sacred objects of the Russian Orthodox Church is kept here – the Our Lady of Kazan icon.

Read more about Kazan Cathedral here .

Embankments

10. palace embankment.

The grandest embankment of St. Petersburg stretches for less than two kilometers. Along it stand the Winter Palace and the buildings of the State Hermitage Museum, the Summer Garden, the Marble Palace (a branch of the Russian Museum), as well as other prominent palaces and mansions. From the embankment, a view of the Peter and Paul Fortress and the Spit of Vasilievsky Island also opens.

11. Spit of Vasilievsky Island

The central part of the architecture ensemble of the spit is formed by the buildings of the Stock Exchange, the Zoological Museum, the Museum of Soil and by a park featuring the famous red ‘Rostral Columns’: they served as lighthouses for the port that stood here until 1885. The sides of the spit feature the Palace Bridge and the Exchange Bridge.

Read about the Rostral Columns here .

12. Sevkabel Port

The most trendy embankment of the city is located on the territory of a public space opened on the site of the first Russian cable factory. From it, a view of the Vantovy bridge over the Korabelny fairway, of the Marine Station, as well as the port and cranes of the Kanonersky Ship Repairing Yard, opens. 

Cafes, restaurants and designer stores are the “residents” of Sevkabel Port. It also holds exhibitions, excursions, concerts, festivals and markets.

Find out how to look at St. Petersburg from the water here .

13. Palace Square

This is the main square of the city: there’s the Winter Palace, the General Staff Building (“split” between the State Hermitage Museum and military headquarters), as well as other buildings belonging to the Hermitage. In the middle of the square stands the Alexander Column, crowned with an angel.

Read more about the angel and other fantastic creatures of St. Petersburg here . 

In 1924, the country’s authorities contemplated changing the sculpture of the angel for the statue of Lenin, who died that year, but, in the end, they didn’t dare do it. Today, the city’s main mass events are organized on the Palace Square.

14. Senate Square

The square received its name after the building of the Senate – the highest body of state authority of the Russian Empire (today, the Constitutional Court of Russia occupies the building). There’s also the Bronze Horseman – a monument opened in 1782 in honor of Peter the Great. 

Check out 10 facts about the Bronze Horseman – the famous symbol of the city – here .

In 1925, Senate Square was renamed as Decembrists’ Square – in honor of the members of secret society noblemen, who organized a revolt at this place in December 1825. The hundred-year anniversary of the coup attempt to abolish absolute monarchy and liquidate serfdom was celebrated in the USSR on quite a grand scale. The original name was returned to the square only in 2008.

15. Field of Mars

Since the time of Peter the Great, this place, essentially a large meadow, has seen parades and reviews of troops; later, sports festivals were also held there. The name the ‘Field of Mars’, dedicated to the ancient Greek god of war, became associated with it only in 1805.

In April 1917, mass graves of those killed during the February Revolution (February 23-27, 1917) appeared there.

Find out what Petrograd looked like in 1917 here .

In November 1918, the ‘Field of Mars’, turned into a Bolshevik necropolis, was renamed to ‘Victims of the Revolution Square’: it hosted burials until 1933. In 1942, during the Siege of Leningrad, the square was given to the people to make vegetable gardens. In 1944, its historic name was returned; in 1957, the first official “eternal flame” on the territory of the USSR appeared there, from which, 10 years later, the flame of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow was lit.

Gardens and public spaces

16. summer garden.

This park, founded by Peter the Great in 1704, occupies a small island. Initially, there was a summer residence of the monarch, closed from strangers, designed after the Park of Versailles. By the order of the founder, the park was adorned with marble sculptures authored by Italian craftsmen (today, you can see their copies in the Summer Garden), as well as fountains, lost due to the 1777 flood and restored only in the 21st century. The Summer Garden was first opened to the public by Peter’s daughter, Empress Elizabeth, in 1752.

Discover five secrets of the Summer Garden here .

17. New Holland Island

Along with Sevkabel Port, there’s another trendy public space, opened on the site of a former industrial zone. In Peter the Great’s time, timber was dried there, intended for ship building. Later, a prison appeared – Navy Department buildings. 

Today, boutiques and restaurants operate in the building of the navy prison, a children’s center occupies the commandant’s house, while the lawn in the middle of the island hosts festivals in summer and a skating rink in winter.

Read more about New Holland here .

18. Mikhailovsky Garden

This garden appeared on St. Petersburg’s maps by the order of Peter the Great at the same time as the Summer Garden, which is located nearby. It is also adjacent to the Mikhailovsky Palace (the Russian Museum) and the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood; it’s a small park with wide alleys and a little pond.

19. Botanical Garden

This is one of the oldest botanical gardens in Russia. Its collection began to be assembled in the 18th century, after Peter the Great had moved the capital to St. Petersburg and ordered the creation of the Apothecary Garden. The complex includes orangeries, a park with a Japanese garden, a museum and a plant nursery.

20. Peter and Paul Fortress

The history of St. Petersburg started on Zayachy Island with the construction of this fortress that hasn’t participated in a single battle. The date of its founding – May 27, 1703 – is considered the day of the founding of the city.

A system of fortifications was built around the perimeter of the island. Inside are located: the Peter and Paul Cathedral – the tomb of Russian emperors; the Mint, operational from 1724; a former prison for political criminals; officers’ and engineers’ houses, as well as other buildings. To this day, according to tradition from 1873, a signal artillery shot is fired from the Naryshkin Bastion of the fortress every noon. 

Read more:  The most important things about the most unusual fortress of Russia

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32 Best & Fun Things To Do In St. Petersburg (Florida)

By: Author Jerric Chong

Posted on Published: August 25, 2022  - Last updated: October 16, 2023

St. Petersburg, also known as The Sunshine City, is a beautiful city in the Tampa Bay Area.

Known as a retirement destination for wealthy seniors, a funky site of vibrant modern art and culture, and a haven of white beaches and blue waters, there’s little that this populous city can’t do.

The city has even won a Guinness World Record after experiencing 768 consecutive sunshine-filled days from 1967 to 1969!

Visitors to St. Petersburg will be wowed first and foremost by its impressive arts scene.

Trendy art museums and showcases make up many of the local attractions, but so do gorgeous natural attractions, hands-on educational museums, and live entertainment destinations.

All in all, you’re rather spoiled for choice, and there are even more things to enjoy in the city’s immediate vicinity for day trips and short getaways.

Here are the 32 best and fun things to do in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Table of Contents

1. Salvador Dalí Museum

Sean Pavone / Shutterstock

The Salvador Dalí Museum is home to the world’s biggest collection of the late, great artist’s works outside of the man’s own hometown.

Situated close to the waterfront, the building that houses the museum is a sight to behold.

Huge skylights and wall lights cover the structure’s exterior in bubble-like constructions, which welcome sunlight in through a whopping 1,062 windows of odd geometric shapes.

Throughout the Salvador Dalí Museum, you’ll see more than 2,000 different works.

Each room is uniquely decorated to match the essence of Dali’s works, with waxed mustaches, horses on thin legs, swirling stairs, large lips and noses, and melting clocks enlivening each space with fun surreal energy.

The Salvador Dalí Museum is also the home of seven of the great masterworks of Dali, including The Discovery of America, Eggs on a Plate without the Plate, The Hallucinogenic Toreador, and more.

There are a total of 96 oil paintings, as well as several books, original drawings, sculptures, and prints to peruse.

Other iconoclasts also have works on display here alongside Dali’s, such as M.C. Escher, Andy Warhol, and Pablo Picasso.

If you’re seeking free things to do in St. Petersburg, FL, the Salvador Dalí Museum offers hour-long tours of the many works on display, led by knowledgeable guides.

Address: 1 Dali Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, United States

2. Sunken Gardens

Sunshower Shots / Shutterstock

The Sunken Gardens span four acres across St. Pete.

Though it is somewhat small in size, it feels larger than life thanks to its dense verdancy, twisty routes of vegetation, and wide open courtyards.

Over 50,000 tropical plants call the gardens their home, some of which are the oldest of their kind in the country.

The Sunken Gardens are over a century old, and its history is very interesting.

In 1903, a Florida plumber named Mr. George Turner, Sr. purchased a plot of land in old St. Pete, which only had 1,500 residents at the time.

As an avid gardener, Turner knew that the four-acre lake on the plot of land would likely have very fertile soil at its base.

He decided to use his plumbing knowledge to completely drain the lake – something which would likely never be done now due to the potential environmental harm.

Once the 15-foot-deep lake was empty, Turner began planting citrus trees and vegetables, adding more plants and a few walkways over time until the garden became incredibly popular and became one of the earliest St. Petersburg attractions.

Though it almost fell abandoned by the 1970s, the city declared it a local historic landmark in 1998, saving it.

Today, the Sunken Gardens are among the best romantic things to do in St. Pete and draw in numerous tourists each year.

Specialized gardens, such as the tortoise-filled Cactus Garden, the beautiful butterfly courtyard, a Japanese Garden, and an orchid arbor give you plenty to see as you explore.

You’ll even get to spot a pink flamingo flock, pools filled with koi, and lots of exotic birds.

Address: 1825 4th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33704, United States

3. Morean Arts Center

Alex Cimbal / Shutterstock

The Morean Arts Center is a unique, community-oriented institution dedicated to art education and appreciation.

It offers numerous fun and informative programs for people of all ages.

It’s home to places like the Glass Studio and Hot Shop and the Bank of America Children’s Learning Center.

The 10,000-square-foot site displays a variety of works from artists from Florida, America, and the world beyond.

One of the most loved things to see at the Morean Arts Center is the Chihuly Collection.

It, of course, features a permanent collection of works by the renowned studio glass pioneer Dale Chihuly.

This collection is what the museum was designed around, which is why you’re greeted by a 20-foot cerise rock sculpture upon entrance!

The Chihuly Collection features numerous glass works of intricate detail.

Some pieces include Ruby Red Icicle Chandelier, Ikebana, Persians, Mille Fiori, Tumbleweeds, and Macchia.

There are also a few paper works by Chihuly on display, such as those part of his Venetian and Sea Form series.

You’ll also get the chance to watch an informative video on the creative methods and life of the eponymous artist himself.

Address: 719 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, United States

4. Museum of Fine Arts

Felix Mizioznikov / Shutterstock

If you’re seeking things to do in downtown St. Pete, Florida, one of the top places to visit for art aficionados is the local Museum of Fine Arts .

Situated in the heart of the downtown area, it showcases a stunning 4,500 years of artistic creation.

It was founded in 1896 and has focused on inspiring and educating artists and showcasing excellence in the art community since its creation.

The Museum of Fine Arts is home to many notable pieces.

There are works by Renoir and Monet, a gallery featuring Stueben glass, an interior sculpture garden, many pre-Columbian artifacts, several French impressionist paintings, and a 10,000-image photograph and paper display.

All in all, more than 14,000 objects are at the museum, not including the works featured in occasional traveling exhibits.

Address: 255 Beach Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, United States

5. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve

Marrowroot / Shutterstock

If you’re looking for some of the best places to go for vacation , you can’t go wrong with Boyd Hill Nature Preserve .

The award-winning Boyd Hill Nature Preserve of St. Pete spans 245 acres and is chock full of stuff to do.

Six miles of trails and boardwalks take you across gorgeous natural landscapes that will take your breath away.

Right on Lake Maggiore’s shores, this retreat boasts greenery in the form of broad-leaved forests, sand pines, turkey oaks, and wiregrass, harkening back to millennia-old landscapes.

There are plenty of unique ecosystems to explore at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, such as swamp woodlands, scrub sand trails, and pine flatwoods.

There are even willow marshes that are home to flocks of stunning orange dancing viceroy butterflies!

Guided tours ensure that you see all that the preserve has to offer.

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is also a part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, making it a great spot for enthusiastic wildlife watchers.

There are also facilities for picnics, outdoor activities, camping, and shelter, and kids can have fun at onsite playgrounds.

Address: 1101 Country Club Way S, St. Petersburg, FL 33705, United States

6. Saturday Morning Market

fitzcrittle / Shutterstock

Looking for the best things to do in St. Pete this weekend.

Head to the downtown area to visit the Saturday Morning Market !

This is the ideal location to purchase gifts, fresh produce, and great food while you’re serenaded and entertained by live musicians, balloon art performers, and magicians.

The Saturday Morning Market runs each Saturday from October to May and features close to 200 registered vendors at the Al Lang Field parking lot.

You’ll find meats, spices, cheeses, pastries, pickles, seafood, salsas, ice cream, breads, pastries, and much more.

Eclectic artwork is also often for sale.

The Saturday Morning Market doesn’t just feature goods from local makers and Florida farms.

Delicious cuisine from an impressive 15 countries allows you to sample scrumptious ready-to-eat hot meals, like Irish pies and Jamaican patties.

Address: Williams Park, 350 2nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, United States

7. Great Explorations Children’s Museum

Great Explorations Children’s Museum

Great Explorations Children’s Museum is one of the most fun family things and tourist attractions to enjoy in St. Petersburg.

It’s a prime learning center in the state, offering a welcoming environment for kids to enjoy hands-on displays and interactive experiences where they’ll think, learn, and discover through myriad activities and exhibits.

Among the fascinating ways children can play at the Great Explorations Children’s Museum are the Pet Vet, where they can learn about caring for animals, and the mini supermarket, where they go “shopping”.

The BellaBrava Pizza Kitchen lets kids learn about how kitchens work while using sculpture materials to make their own toy pizzas.

Build It allows children to build various structures while the Critter Cave brings them up close and personal to amphibians and reptiles.

But that’s not all!

Longo’s Cove is an ocean-themed structure designed for play that has its own beach-themed additional play area.

A firehouse lets kids learn about fire safety.

Art studios, theaters, jungle gyms, climbing spots, and traveling exhibits provide many additional ways for kids to have a good time while learning.

This is an ideal location for children aged 10 and below!

Address: 1925 4th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33704, United States

8. Florida Holocaust Museum

EQRoy / Shutterstock

The Florida Holocaust Museum is one of the best things to do in Florida , and the country’s biggest museum of its kind, with 27,000 square feet to its name.

It’s also one of the best sites for history buffs who are wondering what to do in St. Petersburg, FL.

The sobering site houses one of the only Nazi boxcars remaining, which you can view in context.

The central exhibit of the Florida Holocaust Museum is the History, Heritage, and Hope exhibit.

Spanning all of the museum’s first floor, it provides explanations and insight into the events of the Holocaust in an easy-to-understand but moving manner.

You’ll see videos, photographs, and artifacts that discuss life prior to World War II, the rise of Hitler, and the hopeful aftermath of the horrors of the Holocaust.

The museum also puts a lot of emphasis on educating people about modern-day human rights issues.

It can be overwhelming to take in all this information at once, but exhibits are very well-presented to allow for easy flow as you navigate rooms.

You’ll also find the American southeast’s biggest library pertaining to the Holocaust and genocide onsite.

Address: 55 5th St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, United States

9. St. Pete Pier

St. Pete Pier is one of the newer attractions in the area, but it’s already become one of the top places to go.

It covers an impressive 26 acres and stretches 3,000 feet, providing a nice walking space, numerous activities, sources of entertainment, food, and a good evening!

Getting from one end to the other is easy thanks to a tram that can transport you where you need to go.

St. Pete Pier is filled with public artwork that makes the scenery much more vibrant, such as the Bending Arc by Janet Echlement, the Benoist Airboat sculpture, and Olnetopia by Nick Ervinck.

You can head to the end of the pier to go fishing, visit the Splash Pad outdoor waterpark, and relax in the many green spaces available.

Six restaurants are situated on the pier, so you can eat on the waterfront in bliss.

There’s Fresco’s Waterfront Bistro for relaxing, casual dining, Spa Beach Bistro for snacks, and Teak for a fine dining experience.

Address: 600 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, United States

10. St. Petersburg Museum of History

The St. Petersburg Museum of History may sound like a typical museum with standard historical information and artifacts, but it’s a little more fun and unique.

It’s one of the only places to visit in the city with this many odd exhibits on display, among its 30,000 total artifacts.

Situated beside St. Pete Pier, the St. Petersburg Museum of History teaches you about the city and its surrounding state.

There’s a section dedicated to the Tampa Bay Rays, a mummy that’s about 3,000 years old, a full-sized Benoist plane replica, and even a two-headed calf!

Fans of nature will love the information on bay ecology, and history buffs will appreciate the many rare photographs, original documents, and papers lovingly displayed in the building.

Address: 335 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, United States

Looking for more fun? Why not check out Cocoa Beach, FT. Lauderdale and Fort Myers? If you plan the trip, here is our fun list of what to do in Cocoa Beach , some top things to do in Ft. Lauderdale , and some fun things to do in Fort Myers !

11. The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art

The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art opened in 2018, a brand new addition to the cultural hubbub of downtown St. Pete.

It’s one of the best things to do in St. Petersburg, FL, for art aficionados and those interested in unique showcases.

It is named after Mary and Tom James, who own the private collection of 400 works on display.

The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art is more than just your typical museum.

It’s a complete experience designed to completely evoke the themes and concepts of the works on display.

The entire first floor is designed to look just like a canyon, with sharp angles that wind around corners, a stunning artificial waterfall, and walls made of sandstone.

Up on the second floor, the museum continues to impress architecturally.

Colors commonly used in Western artwork are used to thematically separate each gallery.

It’s truly a unique, one-of-a-kind experience.

But what sort of exhibits does The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art hold?

To start, the introductory gallery is sand-themed and is filled with sculptures of various historical figures and paintings of landscapes, and it even has an orientation theater.

Then, you’ll move on to the rust-themed Early West gallery that has works of Remington and Russell, among others.

From there, head to the blue-gray-themed Native Life gallery, which discusses the lives of Native American peoples during the 1800s.

Beyond there, you’ll be able to visit the deep gold-themed Native Artists gallery, which has an array of indigenous works that move away from the traditional ceremonial, bead, and mask creations.

Here, you’ll find paintings by Earl Biss and a collection of Native American jewelry in the Jewel Box.

There’s even more beyond that, with the burst sienna-themed Frontier, the moss green-themed Wildlife Gallery, and the final sand-themed New West Gallery with creations by Warhol.

There are even hard-hitting pop, modern, and cubist creations that unabashedly confront the relationship between the nation’s government and indigenous communities.

Address: 150 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, United States

12. Skyway Fishing Pier State Park

DanTD , CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Skyway Fishing Pier State Park is named after the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

This bridge is the longest fishing pier in the world and links St. Petersburg with neighboring Sarasota .

As you can probably imagine, this is one of the top St. Petersburg attractions for anglers who flock to Florida to enjoy the relaxing fishing opportunities at the pier.

Regardless of the time of day, you can purchase bait or bring your own and haul in a wide variety of catches, such as red snapper, grouper, spotted sea trout, tarpon, king mackerel, pompano, redfish, Spanish mackerel, cobia, sheepshead, snook, and more.

Of course, fish availability depends on the time of year and season, so plan accordingly!

At night, lights at the pier attract even more fish, so you can enjoy reeling in many nocturnal fish species.

Address: I-275, St. Petersburg, FL 33711, United States

13. Imagine Museum

Imagine Museum

The Imagine Museum is a fun, 36,000-square-foot space dedicated to showcasing contemporary glass art.

With a collection that encompasses works dating back to the 1960s up to the more modern creations of today, the museum displays over 500 studio glass works at a time from its 1,500-piece collection and is filled with things to see.

You’ll find no other museum quite as extensive when it comes to the studio glass movement in Florida.

This is where the Trish Joy Collection is showcased in all its glory on a rotational basis.

There are also other collections, like the 1,000 Buddha installation and the pioneering works of Labino and Littleton, to peruse.

There are three free tours offered by Imagine Museum.

The first, titled Journey of the Imagination, is a unique augmented reality experience that uses multimedia to provide information and education.

The second, titled Introduction to Studio Glass, is a comprehensive look at the studio glass movement’s history.

The third, titled Introduction to International Studio Glass, covers the development of European glass art.

Each tour lasts about half an hour, and they’re all among the great free things to do in St. Pete!

Address: 1901 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33713, United States

Planning a trip to Key West, Kissimmee, or Marco Island? Why not take this opportunity to create some memories? If you plan the trip, here’s our curated list of what to do in Key West , what to do in Kissimmee, FL , and what to do on Marco Island !

14. Fort de Soto Park

Brian Lasenby / Shutterstock

Fort de Soto Park is a whopping 1,136 acres in size, consisting of five different keys.

Situated near St. Petersburg, it’s among the best places to visit in Florida for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

It welcomes an impressive 2.7 million or so annual visitors sitting at the mouth of Tampa Bay.

If you need a little getaway this weekend, look no further!

Fort de Soto Park boasts a four-mile skating and hiking trail and seven miles of gorgeous waterfront.

It offers numerous activities, such as fishing at the two fishing piers, exploring a historic fort, and camping at the many camp and picnic grounds.

There’s even a paddling trail that stretches for two miles, and you can rent kayaks or canoes to boat across its length.

Fort de Soto Park also has a fair few unique sites, such as the Quartermaster Museum, which is filled with information on the Spanish-American War.

The park is also home to a notable 328 or so bird species, so bird-watchers enjoy bringing out their binoculars to spot as many of them as they can!

Lastly, you can bring your furry friends along, as an extremely popular dog beach is onsite.

Address: 3500 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde, FL 33715, United States

15. Historic Kenwood

CityofStPete / flickr

Are you trying to figure out what to see in St. Petersburg, Florida, that will scratch your itch for historic sightseeing?

Historic Kenwood is the place to be!

It has delightful small-town charm and whimsy that is both welcoming and elegant, with idyllic brick roads lined with trees to encourage further exploration.

The homes in the neighborhood of Historic Kenwood were largely built between the years of 1912 and 1945, which means they cover a range of interesting and beautiful architectural styles.

You’ll spot buildings boasting Mission, Tudor Revival, Dutch Colonial Revival, Ranch, Prairie, and Minimal Traditional designs, among others.

Whether you’re a fan of Mediterranian Revival, American Foursquare, or craftsman bungalow architecture, you’ll find what you seek here!

Though it’s a relatively small area at just 375 acres, Historic Kenwood is a sight for sore eyes that’s well worth a visit.

There are 2,238 historic buildings to explore.

The neighborhood community is friendly and welcoming, so tourists love the locale!

Address: 9th Ave N to Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33733, United States

16. Fairgrounds St. Pete

Fairgrounds St. Pete

Fairgrounds St. Pete is a relatively new site in St. Petersburg.

It’s a modern art museum that serves as an impressive interactive space in the local Warehouse Arts District.

This is one of the most fun things to do in St. Pete, so don’t miss it!

Spanning 15,000 square feet, it’s lit up by a huge neon sign that greets you as you approach: “Mermaid Star Motel”, it reads.

But this isn’t a motel at all, but the heart of the museum’s theme for its exhibitions.

The Mermaid Star Motel is a fictional location that allows for a fascinating artistic experience.

The space of Fairgrounds St. Pete is split into numerous hotel rooms, each one specially designed by one of over 60 local artists to represent various aspects of the state of Florida.

The lobby of the “motel” is equipped with brochures of many fictional tourist spots.

From here, you can visit different spaces, like the seashell-covered Mermaid Dressing Room filled with shell-based jewelry and the Lampscape Room filled with mirrors and vibrant lights.

You can even visit a “pool” with no water, a mirage created by a projector, and a convincing set dressing.

Address: 800 28th St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33712, United States

17. Weedon Island Preserve

Christopher P / Shutterstock

The Weedon Island Preserve is situated near St. Petersburg and is one of the best tourist attractions for outdoor enthusiasts visiting Florida.

It covers 3,190 acres and is made up of various upland and aquatic ecosystems.

There are tidal flats, mangrove forests, and more in this natural reserve and coastal system in Pinellas County, Tampa Bay.

The Weedon Island Preserve offers plenty of things to spend your time on.

Boardwalks allow for long hikes, piers offer great fishing for snook, sea trout, and sheepshead, and bird-watching is always rewarding.

You can also stop for picnics, go kayaking, and go wildlife spotting to seek stingrays, oysters, and other wildlife.

Guided walks are great options for exploring the Weedon Island Preserve, but you can also make your way around on your own.

If you get deep enough into the preserve, you’ll find the Cultural and Natural History Center, where you can view interactive exhibits relating to the environment over a 6,000-square-foot space.

Address: 1800 Weedon Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33702, United States

Looking for more excitement? Why not check out Miami, Naples, and Orlando? If you plan the trip, here are some of the best things to do in Miami , some top things to do in Naples, FL , and some fun Orlando attractions you shouldn’t miss!

18. Mazzaro’s Italian Market

Mazzaro’s Italian Market

Those wondering what to do for good, delicious food in St. Petersburg, Florida will love Mazzaro’s Italian Market .

This bustling site is filled with vibrant energy and the scrumptious scent of fresh food and produce, made every day for guests to purchase and devour.

Mazzaro’s Italian Market sells homemade pasta, delicious sauces, self-roasted coffee, fresh-baked pastries and bread, and delicious cannolis and sandwiches made before your eyes.

The market also imports condiments, oils, salami, and ham straight from Italy, so you know you’re getting authentic Italian fair.

Whether you’re buying hot meals to eat straight away or some artisanal cheeses to bring home, the Mazzaro’s Italian Market is a feast for the eyes, mouth, and nose.

Address: 2909 22nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33713, United States

19. Mahaffey Theater

Mahaffey Theater is a cultural gem situated in the downtown area of St. Petersburg.

It opened in the 1960s and has been hosting a wide range of national and international entertainers ever since.

It has 2,031 seats, making for lively showings that aren’t entirely devoid of intimacy, and each seat offers good views and acoustics, even farther back in the theater.

Mahaffey Theater has provided a stage for many different acts, ranging from the Florida Orchestra to the Clifford the Big Red Dog musical.

Whether you want to watch comedy shows, classical music performances, dance shows, pop concerts, or Broadway events, Mahaffey Theater’s packed schedule is sure to have something for you.

Mahaffey Theater uses European-style private box seating for an elegant and enchanting evening.

It also offers lovely waterfront views and a stunning ballroom.

If you’re wondering where to go tonight for a great show and a fun time in St. Pete, definitely check out the Mahaffey Theater’s calendar!

Address: 400 1st St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, United States

20. St. Pete Beach

St. Pete Beach is situated near St. Petersburg, just to the west of the city.

It is a barrier island community home to a significant number of award-winning beaches that have become among the top points of interest in Florida.

If it’s lovely white sand, water sports opportunities, and seafood you’re after, St. Pete Beach will satisfy those cravings.

Stand-up paddleboarding, kiteboarding, windsurfing, and parasailing are just a few ways to spend your time here.

You can also explore Pass-a-Grille Beach, an undeveloped public beach with soft sand and azure warm waters.

If you want a longer getaway this weekend, St. Pete Beach has plenty of accommodation options and loads of eateries that make your Gulf of Mexico experience that much more magical.

It’s no wonder this beach town is a popular tourist destination!

Address: Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, FL 33706, United States

21. St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club

PlainJane33 / Shutterstock

Did you know that St. Pete is home to the world’s largest shuffleboard club?

The St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club opened in 1924, a new site in the state as it grew into a popular destination for tourists.

Among the things to do in St. Petersburg, FL, most involved leisure and relaxation, and shuffle boarding was certainly a leisurely sport.

Shuffleboard is played by sliding disks along long, flat courts with a cue.

The goal is to land discs on the opposite end’s triangle. For the most part, it’s a relaxing game, and it’s one of the activities that allows open-air recreation in a sporting event that is more social than exertion-heavy.

Better yet, the St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club was a great sight, with a roof fitted with Spanish tiles and relaxing, mood-setting hanging lamplights.

Unfortunately, the rise of the Great Depression caused St. Pete’s popularity to dwindle, which sapped the fun out of the shuffleboard club.

It was soon known as an old person’s game instead of as a game for the generations of tomorrow, and the city soon became a retirement village.

But times changed again, and today, shuffle boarding is regaining popularity, and the club is in full swing.

Though not as popular as it was in its heyday, the club welcomes players for free on Friday nights and offers membership to those interested.

Address: 559 Mirror Lake Dr N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, United States

22. Jungle Prada de Narvaez Park

Lori Collins / flickr

Jungle Prada de Narvaez Park is among the best hidden gem St. Petersburg attractions in Florida.

It centers on the tale of Panfil de Narvaez, who sailed with five ships, hundreds of men, and more with the goal of exploring the new world.

He sailed from Cuba, but unfortunately, his greed would be the downfall of his goals.

When a hurricane damaged his ship, Narvaez landed on Boca Ciega Bay.

He and his crew traveled ashore and found the empty homes of a Tocobaga village whose residents had recently fled.

After finding gold, he decided to travel further inland.

He met a few native tribes and was offended by each one, so he insulted and committed violence against them until he and his crew were driven away and forced to make rafts to attempt to get home.

They failed.

Only four members of Narvaez’s exploring party ended up surviving to tell the tale of their failures.

The site where Narvaez first landed is now commemorated with a memorial sign, and the surrounding area is known as Jungle Prada de Narvaez Park.

Address: 8322 Elbow Ln N, St. Petersburg, FL 33710, United States

23. Sunshine Skyway Bridge

We’ve already mentioned the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park, but the Sunshine Skyway Bridge deserves its own spot on this list!

Situated on I 275, the bridge connects St. Petersburg across the Florida waters to Tampa Bay.

It stretches an impressive 12 miles, four of which rise enough above the water for large boats to sail beneath.

It can be pretty fun to watch vessels make their way through!

Sunshine Skyway Bridge is simple, but also filled with things to see.

Two main towers above the primary road provide eye-catching magnificence to the already gorgeous site.

In fact, Sunshine Skyway Bridge is considered one of the most stunning bridges in the world.

Address: 7508-7534 Sunshine Skyway Ln S, St. Petersburg, FL 33711, United States

Planning a road trip to Tampa, Pensacola, and Sarasota? Don’t forget to print out our list of some of the best things to do in Tampa , some cool things to do in Pensacola, FL , and a curated list of what to do in Sarasota ! 

24. Gizella Kopsick Arboretum

The Gizella Kopsick Arboretum is one of the free things to do in St. Pete, Florida, with no admission fee.

The two-acre park was once a miniature golf course, but the eponymous Kopsick turned it into a beautiful arboretum in 1976.

It quickly became one of the finest places to visit in St. Petersburg, first among botanists and soon among tourists from across the planet!

The Gizella Kopsick Arboretum hosts lush tropical verdancy, including over 500 palms and cycads of both native and exotic nature.

There are cozy corners to relax on wooden benches, shaded gazebos for contemplation, paved walkways for exploration, and drinking fountains for convenience.

The entire expanse is also wheelchair accessible.

Address: 605 11th Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, United States

25. Clearwater Marine Aquarium

alisafarov / Shutterstock

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is situated close to St. Petersburg and is a well-known, fun attraction in Florida.

The institution focuses on rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing marine mammals and educates visitors on the importance of marine conservation.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium offers visitors daily presentations and provides behind-the-scenes tours of its facility.

You can visit the in-house theater to watch educational movies, get up-close and personal with all sorts of animals, and even embark on hosted kayak excursions.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is also home to Winter the dolphin, the famed star of the Dolphin Tale movies.

After meeting Winter, you can also say hello to otters, sea turtles, stingrays, sharks, pelicans, and plenty of marine fish.

Address: 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767, United States

26. Tropicana Field

Many of the things to do in St. Pete related to sports and entertainment are hosted at Tropicana Field .

Situated very close to downtown St. Pete, this is a professional facility for sports.

Specifically, it’s the only one in the world that has a Florida Aquarium-provided tank filled with cownose rays.

You can actually feed and touch these stingrays as you please during games!

Of course, the primary attraction of Tropicana Field is that it’s a baseball stadium.

This is the home of the Tampa Bay Rays of Major League Baseball, and it’s the only indoor venue in the league that can host events throughout the year.

Even when there’s not a game playing, there’s stuff to enjoy at Tropicana Field.

You can go on behind-the-scenes tours of the facility or visit the Ted Williams Museum and Hitters Hall of Fame to learn more about the biggest stars of the local baseball scene.

Address: 1 Tropicana Dr., St. Petersburg, FL 33705, United States

27. Sand Key Park

Norm Lane / Shutterstock

If you’re willing to travel outside of St. Petersburg, one of the fun tourist attractions to go to so you can catch the Florida sun is Sand Key Park .

Situated on Sand Key, this is a 95-acre beach park perfect for recreation.

A playground lets kids enjoy themselves while a dog park allows furry friends to take part in the excursion.

Sand Key Park also has a salt marsh that has become popular with birders.

While here, you can keep an eye out for great horned owls, herons, roseate spoonbills, and more.

But Sand Key Park’s most notable feature is its artificial reef, an ongoing development for the health of the Gulf of Mexico.

Address: 1060 Gulf Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33767, United States

Going on a road trip around Florida? Why not check out some of the things to do in Siesta Key  & some of the things to do in Ocala, FL ?

28. Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge

If you’re seeking even more options for what to do just outside of St. Petersburg, Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge is a great choice.

Right on the mouth of Tampa Bay, this ecological preserve has been an important nesting site for tortoises, sea turtles, and sea birds since 1974.

In its earlier years, Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge’s location meant it was often a crucial part of numerous domestic conflicts and wars.

This is why you can find interesting historic sites here, such as a century-old lighthouse and the remnants of Fort Dade.

Address: St. Petersburg, FL 33715, United States

29. Clearwater Beach

David Y Hyun / Shutterstock

Yet another one of the fun places to go just outside of St. Petersburg, Clearwater Beach is one of America’s most popular beaches.

It’s famous for its gorgeous clear waters, wealth of water sports opportunities, soft white sand, fabulous nightclubs, and luxurious dinner cruises.

The stretch of Clearwater Beach and its promenade is a popular recreation destination.

The waterfront is lined with many restaurants, shops, and attractions, with plenty of amenities for a comfortable experience.

Address: 1 Causeway Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33767, United States

30. Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail

glenrichardphoto / Shutterstock

Speaking of points of interest that go beyond St. Petersburg, the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail is a unique site in Florida for exploration and recreation.

This is essentially a park that spans 37 miles in length, serving as a hiking trail.

It was built to follow a railroad corridor that is now abandoned, and it goes all the way from downtown St. Pete to Tarpon Springs.

The Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail is a multi-use trail.

Skaters, runners, cyclists, and walkers travel its path, stopping at the many cafes, eateries, and shops along the way.

The trail passes by several communities, each one marked by unique sculptures.

One of the most popular stops on the trail is Dunedin, a whimsical town with small village charm.

Address: St. Petersburg, FL, United States

31. ARTpool Gallery and Vintage Boutique

ARTpool Gallery

Shopaholics seeking things to do in St. Petersburg, FL will love ARTpool Gallery and Vintage Boutique .

This is one of St. Pete’s trendiest stores, a boutique opened by a local artist in 2008.

The shop can be found in the Grand Central District, and it’s grown from a simple art gallery to a vintage jewelry and clothing shop.

It also hosts a beverage bar and vinyl record store, which really sells the retro vibe.

ARTpool Gallery and Vintage Boutique sells clothing for all genders and all ages.

It also sells antique and retro gifts and home decor and plays host to a number of fashion shows, artisan markets, and art shows on regular rotation.

Anyone who loves kitsch and vintage items will love what ARTpool offers, whether you seek prints, paintings, or attire.

Address: 2030 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33712, United States

Planning to visit St. Augustine and Tallahassee? If you plan the trip, here are some of the top things to do in St. Augustine and some of the best things to do in Tallahassee ! 

32. Floridian Social Club

Floridian Social Club

The Floridian Social Club is one of the most unique St. Petersburg attractions.

Housed in a gorgeous Beaux-Arts building, this club has gone through many lives in just the past hundred or so years.

It’s been a serious office, a fun theater, a bank, a concert venue, and a site for live performances.

Each iteration of the Floridian Social Club hasn’t been particularly long-lived.

It began its life as one of the city’s biggest banks, the only one able to legally print currency, but it lost that function in the 1929 stock market crash.

It served as little more than an office building for a while until it reopened as a theater in 1950.

But just three decades later, it went out of business, and then soon after, it began to wear down from age while serving as a live music venue.

In 2021, the building reopened as the Floridian Social Club with a new Art Deco style.

It now plays live music almost every night and serves a wide range of cocktails inspired by the Roaring 20s.

Address: 687 Central Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, United States

Looking for more adventures? Why not check out some of the best things to do in Boca Raton ?

Start Planning Your Trip To St. Petersburg, FL

St. Petersburg is a lively, cheerful place, with sunshine galore, vibrant culture, and relaxing natural areas that include preserves, gardens, parks, and beaches.

No matter what you love to do, you’ll find many things to do in St. Pete that meet your preferences!

Happy travels!

13 Things To Do In Saint Petersburg | Russia’s Most Beautiful City

By Author Christian L.

Posted on Published: January 17, 2021  - Last updated: September 11, 2021

Categories Europe , Destinations , Russia

Once known as Leningrad and before that Petrograd, Saint Petersburg, Russia, is the country’s second-largest city. Set next to the Neva River, close to the Baltic Sea, this city is home to over 5 million people.

It’s the world’s northernmost city, founded by Peter the Great and named after Saint Peter the apostle. Once home to the Tsars of Russia, it is today known as the country’s cultural capital.

With iconic sights such as Hermitage Museum, Nevsky Prospect, Peterhof Palace, and so much more, it has a fascinating heritage ripe for exploration. Without further ado, let’s dive into the 13 best things to do in St. Petersburg. 

Top Things to do in St. Petersburg, Russia

St. Petersburg, Europe, has grown into one of the top tourist destinations on the continent. Although it might get very cold in winter, there are still plenty of things to do – and the summers are absolutely perfect! Saint Petersburg is one of the prettiest cities in all of Europe .

Keep reading for some of my favorite choices. 

1. Visit The World Famous Hermitage Museum

One of the city’s most popular attractions (with over 3 million items in its esteemed collection), State Hermitage Museum showcases everything from fine art to ancient artifacts. 

Even if you don’t plan on entering inside, the exterior is an architectural gem in itself. The columns are all in white with green/gold facades that can be viewed from the river or Palace Square.

If you’re visiting St. Petersburg, Russia, your trip would not be complete without stopping past this world-famous landmark. It’s also a great activity to do no matter what time of year you are visiting – and a perfect way to escape those cold Russian winter days. 

There are six buildings in the museum complex in total. Five of which – Winter Palace, Small Hermitage, Old Hermitage, New Hermitage, and Hermitage Theatre – can be accessed by the public.

Within, you’ll be treated to Egyptian collections, artifacts dating from ancient Mesopotamia, and classical Greek jewelry, pottery, and sculptures. This is any historical culture lover’s dream. 

Keep exploring, and you will find collections of prehistoric relics from the Palaeolithic era to the Iron Ages, European fine arts, Impressionist works, Catherine the Great’s personal collections, and so much more.

In fact, you’ll need an entire day or possibly longer to explore this incredible museum complex. If you only have limited time in St. Petersburg, be sure to add this museum to your itinerary! There are also guided tours available if you want a more educational experience. 

Did you know? The Hermitage Museum is the world’s second-largest art museum.

2. Take in a Performance at Mariinsky Theatre

The Neoclassical Mariinsky Theatre is home to Russia’s revered opera and ballet companies.

The theatre – named after the wife of Tsar Alexandra II, Empress Maria Alexandrovna – has been here since 1860 when it was known as the Kirov Theatre.

This magnificent building, since it opened, has hosted stage performances and premieres from Tchaikovsky and Mussorgsky and famous ballets such as Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake and The Nutcracker. 

Today, in addition to hosting live performances, the theatre has its own record label, which focuses on releasing music by Russian composers Stravinsky, Tchaikovsky, and Rachmaninov.

If you enjoy the arts and are going to be in St. Petersburg for several days, book tickets to see a world-class performance – you won’t be disappointed.

3. See Jewelled Eggs at the Faberge Museum

The House of Faberge was founded in St. Petersburg in 1842 by Gustav Faberge. Originally a jeweler, he became famous for designing jewel-encrusted eggs for the Tsars of Russia and is arguably the most famous goldsmith of the modern era. 

Today, you can view these iconic collection pieces in the Faberge Museum. It showcases 4,000 items in total, including Faberge Easter eggs, jewelry, silverware, home decor, and fantasy-themed objects.

The incredible jeweled eggs are famous all over the world, and there are several museums dedicated to them. But if you want to learn about Gustav Faberge, his family, and how it all began, this is the museum to visit. You can purchase a ticket in person or online. 

4. Spend an Hour Canal Cruising

St. Petersburg is built on 42 islands, and once upon a time (before bridges were constructed), cruising was the only way to navigate the city.

On a Golden Ring boat tour, you’ll see some of St. Petersburg’s iconic sights along the Kryukov Canal, including St. Nicholas Cathedral, Saint Isaac’s Cathedral, and the Mariinsky theatre.

You’ll dip beneath the famous colored bridges on Neva River whilst enjoying views of Peter and Paul Fortress, Vasilyevsky Island, and the Summer Garden. This is truly one of the most breathtaking ways to take in all the beauty that St. Petersburg has to offer. 

This tour also only takes around an hour, so you’ll have plenty of time to revisit your favorite spots throughout the day!

5. Discover Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

One of St. Petersburg’s architectural masterpieces is the Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood.

This former Russian Orthodox Church was completed in 1907 and is built in Baroque, Neoclassical, and Russian Revival design. It is one of the city’s main attractions, with ornate domes, intricate frescoes, and 7,500 square meters of mosaics inside. 

If you don’t wish to enter, you can gain incredible views from Griboedov Canal. But if you do venture inside, you’ll be rewarded with interior frescoes and mosaic works depicting biblical scenes and figures created by celebrated Russian artists of the time.

The Church of the Saviour of Blood is built on the spot where Emperor Alexander 2 was assassinated in 1881 – hence the name. So, not only will you be able to appreciate the fine architectural designs, but also explore an important part of Russian history. 

6. Take a Rooftop Walk-in St. Petersburg

If you have viewed the city from canals and rivers, try it from the rooftops! You can take a guided rooftop walk in the city, seeing streets and skylines from an elevated perspective.

One particular tour to highlight is the Official Rooftops Excursion of St. Petersburg. Just a few minutes from Nevsky Prospect, these sites offer vistas of Fontanka River and Trinity Cathedral – and that’s just the first roof.

The second roof boasts views of St. Petersburg’s old center, St. Isaac’s Cathedral, Kazan Cathedral, and the Church on Spilled Blood.

This is a truly incredible way to see the city in all its glory, plus the tour provides you with binoculars so you can see everything in great detail.

7. Admire Nevsky Prospect’s Magnificent Architecture

The main street of St. Petersburg is Nevsky Prospect. Begin at the intersection at Stroganov Palace before venturing to Kazan Cathedral. While you walk, take in the monuments dedicated to Catherine the Great and browse goods at The Passage – Nevsky Avenue’s premier department store.

This store was quite the trailblazer. It opened its doors in the late 1840s and was one of the first buildings in Russia to use gas for lighting. Then, in 1900, an electric station was installed on an underground floor.

Once you’ve finished shopping and enjoyed a fresh cup of coffee, continue to the Russian National Library – the oldest public library in Russia – and Alexandrinsky Theatre (which was built for the Imperial troupe of Petersburg).

8. Visit the Island of Peter and Paul Fortress

Set on an island connected by bridges, Peter and Paul Fortress is instantly recognizable from its needle spire, which dominates the skyline. The fortress was originally built to defend the maritime city from Swedish invaders.

However, Peter the Great defeated the opposition before it was even completed! It has since served as a military center and prison for political dissenters and, latterly, as a museum.

Inside the vast complex, you can see Peter and Paul Cathedral, visit the resting place of the Romanovs, and watch military processions or the firing of the noon-day gun.

It’s a great day trip for anyone interested in Russian, maritime or military history. There are also plenty of group walking tours available. 

9. Sample Russian Vodka in a Ryumochnye

A visit to Russia wouldn’t be complete without sampling the local drink – vodka, and the best place to do this is in a Ryumochnye. This is a specific style of 19th-century Russian drinking house that not only offers some of Russia’s best vodka but also a short history lesson.

You could call it a bar, but it’s more than that – most mainstream Ryumochnye have a definite Soviet vibe and are places for working men to kick back and enjoy vodka with their buddies.

Beverages come in bottles or shot form, and some places offer self-service and snacks.

If that sounds too hardcore for your taste, there are updated versions of Ryumochnye in the city, like Mayak in St. Petersburg, where you can gain a similar experience. 

10. Enjoy local Saint Petersburg Craft Beer

Although most people think of vodka when visiting Russia, you can also enjoy some of the best craft beer in Saint Petersburg . Russia’s second-largest city has an exciting, rapidly growing craft beer scene, in part due to its history and geography.

Historically, the Russian empire was influenced by Northern Europe, and the Dutch & English beer-drinking culture eventually made its way here. Today, Saint Petersburg is home to a growing number of modern microbreweries, cool taprooms, and stylish bars.

Saint Petersburg is also home to Stepan Razin Brewery, the oldest brewery in Russia (now, of course, owned by Heiniken). It opened in 1795, but today the building is known as the Saint Petersburg Beer Museum, showcasing the history of beer in Russia and the Soviet Union.

Russia’s largest and most popular brewery, Baltika, is also located in Saint Petersburg, and it’s possible to take a tour of their huge brewery.

11. See the Majestic Catherine Palace

A stately palace of blue and gold, Catherine’s Palace is located 26 kilometers south of St. Petersburg. Named after the wife of Peter the Great, this place was originally a two-story modest building commissioned in 1717.

The exterior, which stretches for one kilometer in circumference, is surrounded by woodlands, lawns, gilded balconies, and reliefs. However, the interiors are even more impressive.

With great halls, a white dining room, an amber room, and more. It’s the perfect place to step back into history and discover what life was like as a Russian aristocracy.

12. Explore Peterhof Palace

If you’re going to visit Catherine Palace, you should tour Peterhof too. It’s a 40-minute drive away, but you can even take a hydrofoil speed boat from right behind the Hermitage in Saint Petersburg center.

Sitting close to the Baltic Sea, Peterhof Palace was constructed by Peter the Great to be Russia’s version of Versailles. The opulent residence surrounded by sculptures, fountains, and tiered staircases leading to the grand entrance evokes mystery and the history of a bygone era.

Inside it is lavishly decorated with dazzling chandeliers, one-of-a-kind artworks and beautiful ceiling frescoes.

On a guided tour, you can learn more about the palace’s history. Discover the Throne Room, Portrait Hall and Peter the Great’s Oak Study. You’ll see dining rooms set for dinner, grand ballrooms where dancing and gatherings would take place, and décor which defies time.

The palace offers great insight into his life and legacy, and if you are interested in history, art and interior design, you’ll love it.

Want to know more about Peterhof?

13. Spend a Day by the Finnish Border at Vyborg

Just over an hour from central Saint Petersburg by train is the city of Vyborg. It sits on the Gulf of Finland and was first settled back in the 12th century. The city has been occupied by Finnish and German forces and suffered extensive damage during the Second World War. However, it has since been rebuilt. 

It’s a charming center to wander around, with narrow cobbled streets, a medieval castle, and Finnish art nouveau structures sprinkled throughout. An easy day trip from St. Petersburg, it can also serve as a stop-off point if you’re crossing into Finland to continue your adventure.

Want to know more about Saint Petersburg?

Where is St. Petersburg | Is St. Petersburg in Europe?

If you want to know “Where is Saint Petersburg?”, you’ve come to the right place. Beautiful St. Petersburg is located in northern Russia. Russia is a massive country, so it is no surprise that many people want to know “Is Saint Petersburg in Europe?”. The answer is yes. 

How to Get to Saint Petersburg

The maritime city is well linked to Europe by air, sea, rail and road. Depending on where you’re traveling from and the rest of your itinerary, you can use one of the following ways to arrive at St. Petersburg.

You can fly into Saint Petersburg through Pulkovo International Airport. There are around 1,100 international flights a week and 1,200 domestic flights operating in and out of the local airport.

Although many flights from European cities to Saint Petersburg are direct, you may have to change flights if flying from further afield.

It’s also possible to travel to St. Petersburg by train. The most popular (and most frequent) routes operate from Moscow, Helsinki, and Tallinn. However, there are options to travel from other areas in central Europe, central Asia, and eastern Europe by rail.

There is a central bus station in Saint Petersburg, with services to and from Moscow, Pskov, Novgorod, Vilnius, Riga , Tallinn and Helsinki. Some of these journeys can be long and arduous.

Therefore, thorough research and choosing the right bus company is important.

Baltic Sea Cruises also operate to St. Petersburg as part of a larger itinerary, and St. Peter Line Ferry sails from Helsinki in Finland and Tallinn in Estonia.

Exploring Saint Petersburg, Russia

Saint Petersburg is the 5th most populous city in Europe and also a leading tourist destination. Although people sometimes forget about Russia, this city is breathtakingly beautiful and provides plenty of cultural and historical attractions.

Now that you know where to go, I hope you have an amazing time in Russia’s most beautiful city.

Friday 19th of January 2018

Thank you! So great review about our St. Petersburg!

What to do in St. Petersburg in 1 day - Probe around the Globe

Thursday 11th of May 2017

[…] more about the beauty of St. Petersburg from the Unusual […]

Friday 17th of June 2016

Which hostel did you stay at? I am potentially thinking of going to Russia for World Cup 2018 after my World Cup trip to Brazil two years ago. Saint Petersburg is one of the host cities, and so I am very interested in learning more about this city and recommendations from fellow travellers who have been.

Christian L.

I stayed at Soul Kitchen Junior, and I will go so far and say its by far the best hostel I have ever stayed at!! Anywhere in the world, no other hostels even get close to it:)

Touropia Travel

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15 Top Tourist Attractions in Saint Petersburg, Russia

By Alex Schultz · Last updated on May 4, 2024

Renowned for its elegance and grandeur, Saint Petersburg is awash with stunning architecture, as majestic palaces and cathedrals jostle for space alongside its many canals and waterways. Located at the mouth of the Neva River on the banks of the Gulf of Finland, it is the second-largest city in Russia after Moscow. Founded by Peter the Great in 1703, for centuries, it was the capital of the Russian Empire.

Everyone from artists and architects to composers, scientists, and writers were attracted to its shores. This turned the city into a cultural powerhouse, with fantastic art collections to be found alongside opulent opera houses hosting world-class ballet, classical music, and theater performances.

There are plenty of things to do in Saint Petersburg with it museums, historical tourist attractions, and palaces. Nicknamed ‘the City of White Nights’ due its endless summer days, this is a magical place to visit at any time of year.

15. Faberge Museum

Located in the stunning Shuvalov Palace, this wonderful museum hosts the most extensive collection of works by the famous Russian jeweler Peter Carl Faberge, after whom it is named.

Containing over 4,000 artworks, its refined rooms and sophisticated galleries showcase everything from porcelains and paintings to intricately carved and ornately designed bronze, silver, and gold objects.

The undoubted highlights are the museum’s nine Imperial Easter eggs that Faberge himself created for Alexander III and Nicolas II – the two last Russian Tsars. Bedecked in jewels, they shimmer and shine in the light and exhibit some exquisite and elaborate craftsmanship.

14. Alexander Nevsky Monastery

Sprawling over a vast site, the Alexander Nevsky Monastery is one of the most important spiritual centers of the Russian Orthodox Church and is still in use to this day. Founded by Peter the Great in 1710, it is located on the spot where Alexander Nevsky – a former prince and now patron saint of the city – is said to have defeated the Swedes in battle in 1240.

Encompassing two fine Baroque churches, the Neoclassical Holy Trinity Cathedral, and a host of ornate tombs of famous Russian figures, the monastery and its leafy grounds are certainly fascinating to explore.

13. State Russian Museum

Occupying one entire side of Arts Square in the center of Saint Petersburg, the State Russian Museum is a fabulous place to head to if you want to learn more about Russian art. Established in 1895, the museum is located in the enormous Mikhailovsky Palace, which itself is a work of art: the Neoclassical building is home to lots of exquisite rooms and galleries.

Beginning with artworks and Byzantine-inspired icons from the 12th century, the comprehensive collection takes you on an incredible journey through the ages, with socialist-realist works on show alongside portraits of princes and epic landscape paintings. Often overlooked in favor of the Hermitage, the State Russian Museum is well worth checking out if you are at all interested in art.

12. New Holland Island

Built in 1719, the artificial New Holland Island is so named because the waterways and canals all around it make it look as if it has just popped up out of Amsterdam. The triangular island came into being when Admiralty Canal and Kryukov Canal were dug to connect the Moika River to the Neva River – and by extension, the Gulf of Finland.

Once a shipyard and naval base, New Holland Island has been renovated in recent years and now boasts numerous art galleries, coffee shops, and restaurants.

11. Erarta Museum of Contemporary Art

If you’re interested in contemporary Russian art, then the Erarta Museum is the place to go; its extensive collection is set over five floors within a massive building on Vasilyevsky Island. Encompassing some 2,800 artworks, its sprawling galleries are home to graphics, installations, and sculptures, with a plethora of paintings also on display.

In addition to its fabulous permanent collection, the museum also regularly hosts temporary exhibitions, as well as shows and performances. Beautifully laid out and presented, its brilliant artworks and sleek design usher in a new ‘Era’ of ‘Art,’ and this is what lends the museum its name.

10. Mariinsky Theater

One of the most prestigious cultural institutions in the country, the Mariinsky Theater, has been dazzling opera and ballet goers since it was founded in 1859.

A fitting setting for all the world-class dancers, singers, and musicians that have performed on its stage over the decades, the lavishly decorated concert hall really is a delight to gaze upon.

Named after the wife of Tsar Alexander II, the Mariinsky Theater is one of the best places in Saint Petersburg to watch a show, along with the Mikhailovsky Theater.

9. Yusupov Palace

Also known as Moika Palace, due to its location on the banks of the river of the same name, Yusupov is one of the best places to visit if you want to see how aristocrats lived in Imperial Russia. While its exterior is quite plain, besides its pastel-yellow color, the interior is simply staggering to explore: its many halls are decorated with only the finest furniture, artworks, frescoes, and tapestries that money can buy.

Built in the 1770s and named after the wealthy Russian noble family that owned it, the colossal palace remarkably even boasts its own private theater. In addition to all its many riches, Yusupov Palace is famously where Grigori Rasputin, the Russian mystic who was believed to have influence over Tsar Nicolas II, was murdered in 1916.

8. General Staff Building

Gently curving its way around the south of Palace Square, the General Staff Building is one of the most famous architectural monuments in the city and faces both the State Hermitage Museum and the Winter Palace. Designed by Carlo Rossi, the elegant Neoclassical building was built between 1819 and 1829, and its two wings are separated by a majestic triumphal arch.

This was erected to commemorate Russia’s victory over Napoleonic France in 1812 and has some marvelous statues perched atop of it. Once the headquarters of the general staff of the Russian armed forces, the eastern wing of the beautiful building is now part of the State Hermitage Museum and houses a stunning array of awe-inspiring art pieces.

7. Peter & Paul Fortress

Set in the exact spot where Saint Petersburg was first founded, the Peter & Paul Fortress was built all the way back in 1703. It is from its star-shaped defensive fortifications that the city slowly spread out around it.

Occupying a prominent position on the banks of the Neva River, the fortress has lots of fabulous buildings for you to explore, such as the Trubetskoy Bastion and the magnificent Peter and Paul Cathedral.

Besides its fascinating historical sights and interesting exhibitions that relate to the Russian revolution and Imperial Russia, the fortress also hosts a number of festivals, events, and concerts during the year. In addition to this, the sandy beach that lies at the foot of its wall makes for a popular sunbathing spot when the sun is shining.

6. St Isaac’s Cathedral

One of the largest cathedrals in the world of any denomination, St Isaac’s gargantuan size is certainly staggering to behold; its enormous gold-plated dome is visible from almost anywhere in Saint Petersburg. As it took 40 years to build, grander and more elaborate designs kept getting added to the original plans: over 100 massive columns were erected alongside several other smaller domes.

Inside is even more impressive as beautiful reliefs, mosaics, and iconostasis cover every imaginable surface. Although it still holds services, St Isaac’s Cathedral was turned into a museum in 1931 by the Soviet government and remains so to this day.

5. Kronstadt Naval Cathedral

Built between 1903 and 1913, the Kronstadt Naval Cathedral is quite unique and unusual in terms of its design: it combines Neo-Byzantine and Romanesque architecture with various Russian features.

Located on the small island of Kotlin that lies in the Gulf of Finland, the glimmering white cathedral was financed by the Russian navy and is dedicated to fallen seamen everywhere.

While its beautiful cupola and facade are delightful to gaze upon, its cavernous interior is no less impressive, as grand chandeliers and mosaics look down upon its marble floors and columns. As it is located just a short ferry ride away from Saint Petersburg, it is well worth spending half a day or so in Kronstadt to see the town and its gorgeous cathedral.

4. Catherine Palace & Park

Located some 30 kilometers to the south of the city, the breathtaking Catherine Palace is where the Russian tsars came to relax and unwind during the summer months. The grand and flamboyant style of the palace dates to 1752, when the architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli redesigned and redecorated the original building, plastering elaborate stuccoes all over it.

It is painted a bright bluish-green, with the white columns and gold statues and embellishments standing out delightfully; the Rococo palace really does make for a spectacular sight.

Inside are a number of lavish ballrooms for you to explore. The Golden Enfilade of staterooms are the undoubted highlight, while the Amber Room and Grand Hall are also must-sees. Named after Catherine I who commissioned it, the palace is set in some fantastically laid out and landscaped gardens; these are perfect for taking a relaxing stroll in after all the overwhelming splendor you’ve just taken in.

3. Peterhof Grand Palace

Commissioned by Peter the Great to outshine the Palace of Versailles with its opulence and grandeur, the Peterhof Grand Palace certainly makes a good go of it. Covering a considerable area, its series of palaces and gardens are simply spellbinding to wander around, with beauty, art, and nature on show wherever you look.

Built between 1709 and 1756, each new addition, palace, or building was grander than the last. Each architect added their own features, with the Throne Room and Chesme Hall being two of the most finely decorated of the lot. Located all around the palaces are a dazzling array of landscaped gardens complete with fountains, cascades, flowerbeds, and statues.

Not to be missed when in Saint Petersburg, the Peterhof Grand Palace fully earns its nickname of ‘the Russian Versailles’ and is equally splendid in terms of what it offers up.

2. Church of the Savior on Blood

Appearing as if out of a fairytale, Saint Petersburg’s Church of the Savior on Blood looks very much like the world-famous Saint Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow. This similar design sees five richly decorated onion domes tower above the main body of the church below.

Built between 1883 and 1907 at a colossal price, the gorgeous church was erected in the memory of Tsar Alexander II, who was fatally wounded by anarchists at the same site.

Inside is just as majestic as its fantastic exterior; every conceivable surface is coated in astonishing mosaics of saints and icons. After having been ransacked in the Russian revolution, used as a morgue in WWII and as a vegetable warehouse in Soviet times, the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ – to give it its official title – has thankfully been restored to its former glory.

1. State Hermitage Museum

The second-largest art museum in the world after the Louvre in Paris, the State Hermitage Museum’s vast collection is remarkably spread across five buildings and 360 rooms in the center of Saint Petersburg. Founded by Catherine the Great, an avid art collector, the huge number of paintings, sculptures, and antiquities were added to by various tsars, and it was Nicolas I who opened them to the public in 1852.

Following the Russian revolution, many extensive private collections were seized, which only further bolstered its numbers. Today, the State Hermitage Museum has around three million artworks in its collection. With such renowned names as Da Vinci, Rembrandt, Picasso, and van Gogh on show, wandering around its galleries really is a treat. One could spend days, if not weeks trying to see everything.

Whether it is prehistoric art, the Italian Renaissance, the Dutch Golden Age, or 19th-century Russian art that you are interested in, the State Hermitage Museum is simply a must when in Saint Petersburg.

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Top Things to Do in St. Petersburg, Russia

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The 10 Best Things to Do in St Petersburg

St Petersburg is a very diverse city, and a typical tourist guidebook will provide comprehensive lists of museums and palaces that must be visited on a trip to the cultural capital of Russia. While they are all worth exploring, there’s also the option to go off the beaten track to discover a different, more authentic side of town. With that in mind, here’s a list of things to do in St Petersburg to help you make the most of your time in the beautiful city.

Take a cruise down the canals.

A river cruise is an ideal way to spend a beautiful summer’s day and one of the best ways to discover the city’s landmarks and architecture . St Petersburg has rightfully earned its name of ‘Venice of the North’. In fact, it was originally intended that boats would be the only way to move between the islands; the city’s bridges were built much later. Cruises don’t run during the winter time, as the river is completely covered in ice, so it’s definitely worth a visit during the warmer months of the year.

Watch the drawbridges at night

When St Petersburg was first built, it was designed to be a port city and naval base, which it was for many years. The Neva River remains the city’s main artery, with a multitude of ships sailing down it every day. To allow larger ships to dock, all the bridges over the river are lit up and drawn at night, making for a beautiful view. You can find the schedule for all bridges here .

Eat pyshkas, sugar-coated Russian doughnuts

This sugary snack remains an all-time favourite in St Petersburg. Establishments serving cheap pastries and coffee started appearing after the revolution in 1917. As these old school eateries continue to be replaced by fashionable coffee joints , some do still exist and have attracted quite an audience. One shop in particular, Pyshechnaya, has a good reputation, and is worth a visit if you are strolling through the centre of town.

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1. Climb to the top of St. Isaac’s Cathedral's colonnade

When constructed in the 19th century, St. Isaac’s Cathedral was one of the tallest buildings in St Petersburg . Even today it remains one of the largest orthodox basilicas in the world. Make use of its majestic height and climb straight to the top of the colonnade. Tackling the 262-step climb is well worth it for the panoramic views of the city. In the summer (May 1 – October 31) the colonnade is open until 10.30pm, so avoid the morning crowds and take in the evening view instead.

Visit a local banya (bathing house)

Long before showers became commonplace in every household, banya (a type of public bathing house) were frequented by families on a weekly basis. Now it’s more of a pastime rather than a necessity, but St Petersburg still aims to preserve the long-standing tradition. For an authentic experience, try a birch tree or eucalyptus leaves massage in a steam room. This treatment is great for improving blood circulation and for cleansing the body. Try out a session at the Degtyarnye bani , where a variety of treatments are offered.

Take a shot of vodka at a ryumochnaya

The word ryumochnaya has no direct translation in the English language. Perhaps the closest concept would be a bar , but it refers to a specific type of establishment with very Soviet characteristics. Drinks come in either shots (for strong liquors) or bottles (for beer). There are some snacks available, but usually nothing fancy; just focus on blending in with the local crowd and enjoy a drink together.

Explore the city by subway

Taking the subway is one of the most convenient ways to get around; the trains are regular, go everywhere and are easy to navigate. However, the subway stations alone are worth a visit, just to admire their designs. No two stations are alike and are decorated in different coloured tiles, with large installations inside and sometimes even statues. A few of the best stations to check out are Avtovo, Zvenigorodskaya, Pushkinskaya, Bucharestskaya and Sportivnaya.

Spend the night on Dumskaya

You’d never think so during the day, but Dumskaya is a notorious street come nighttime, renowned for wild parties and cheap drinks. The street is filled with a vast array of bars; try and catch them all if you dare! A must-try while you are bar-hopping is the ‘Boyarsky’ shot, a spicy mixture of vodka, grenadine and Tabasco.

Have your portrait drawn by a local street artist

Walking down Nevsky Avenue you will see many street artists, some at work drawing famous landmarks and views of the river and others waiting for a passer-by to sit down for a portrait. They are scattered around the city, but many tend to congregate around Ekaterininsky Garden, right on Nevsky Avenue. For a reasonable price you can support the local artists and also have a souvenir to take home.

Take a tour of St Petersburg’s rooftops

The city center has no skyscrapers or high-rise modern buildings. The local community and the government have made a joint effort to preserve the old buildings and carefully renovate them, so many of the residential buildings still have access to their roofs and, since they are built so close to each other, you can literally walk along the rooftops. It’s a unique and adventurous way to see St Petersburg, although not recommended during wet weather as the roofs can get slippery. Locals are clued in to which roofs are accessible, and have started mini-businesses running tours. Take the opportunity to admire the city from a totally different perspective.

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23 Civil War Battlefields That Have Become Profitable Tourist Attractions

Posted: May 28, 2024 | Last updated: May 28, 2024

The American Civil War, a defining period in United States history, left behind numerous battlefields that now serve as poignant reminders of the past. These historic sites have been transformed into must-visit tourist attractions, where visitors can walk the same ground where pivotal battles were fought. Each site offers a unique window into the strategies, heroics, and tragedies of the war, enhanced by museums, reenactments, and guided tours. As stewards of history, these battlefields keep the stories of the Civil War alive, attracting history buffs and tourists alike to learn and reflect.

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Gettysburg is the site of the Civil War’s most famous battle, which turned the tide in favor of the Union. Today, it attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually who come to explore its vast museum, witness reenactments, and walk the historic grounds. The battlefield also offers guided tours that delve deep into the strategies and human stories behind the conflict.

Antietam, Maryland

Antietam was the backdrop for the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, with over 23,000 soldiers killed, wounded, or missing. Now a national park, the site offers a reflective experience with well-preserved landscapes and informative visitor centers. Each year, the park commemorates the battle with ceremonies and historical talks that attract history enthusiasts from around the globe.

Manassas, Virginia

Known for two significant battles, First and Second Manassas (Bull Run), this site marks the first major land battle of the Civil War. The National Battlefield Park now serves as a poignant educational resource with trails, exhibits, and live demonstrations. Tourists can explore the ground where generals first tested their mettle and tactics in the early stages of the war.

Vicksburg, Mississippi

The Siege of Vicksburg was crucial for the Union’s control over the Mississippi River and is now a celebrated part of the Vicksburg National Military Park. Visitors can tour the restored ironclad USS Cairo and the sprawling national cemetery. The park’s extensive network of trenches and artillery placements still tells the harrowing tale of the siege.

Chickamauga, Georgia

The Battle of Chickamauga marked one of the major Confederate victories and was known for its staggering loss of life. Today, the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park educate visitors on the complex maneuvers and strategies deployed during this fierce battle. The site includes a visitor center with extensive exhibits and a 7-mile driving tour that guides tourists through key battle sites.

Shiloh, Tennessee

This battlefield in southwestern Tennessee was the scene of a surprise attack by Confederate forces on Union troops. Shiloh National Military Park now preserves the site, offering tours that explain the bloody two-day battle that ensued. The park’s serene setting contrasts sharply with its violent past, offering a stark reminder of the cost of war.

Fredericksburg, Virginia

Fredericksburg is known for its December 1862 battle, where repeated Union charges were devastatingly repelled. The battlefield has been preserved as part of the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, which also covers other nearby battle sites. It offers a comprehensive look at the urban and plantation fighting tactics with walking tours and a historic trail along the Rappahannock.

Fort Sumter, South Carolina

Fort Sumter is where the first shots of the Civil War were fired, igniting the conflict between North and South. Now accessible by ferry, the fort offers guided tours that detail its historic significance and the initial battle that took place. Visitors can explore the ruins and museum, which showcases artifacts and a detailed chronology of the fort’s role in the war.

Appomattox Court House, Virginia

This is where General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant, effectively ending the Civil War. The Appomattox Court House National Historical Park is now a symbol of national reconciliation and offers educational exhibits, restored buildings, and live historical demonstrations. Tourists can walk the same ground where the final chapters of the Civil War were written.

Petersburg, Virginia

The Siege of Petersburg was one of the longest of the Civil War, lasting nine months and leading to the fall of Richmond. Petersburg National Battlefield today offers visitors insights into the siege’s tactics and hardships through trails, guided tours, and reenactments. The site’s preserved earthworks and trenches provide a visceral sense of the prolonged conflict.

Chancellorsville, Virginia

Known for General Robert E. Lee’s audacious and risky tactics, Chancellorsville is often studied for its brilliant military strategies. The battlefield is part of the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, offering a detailed exploration of the battle via driving tours and interpretive trails. Visitors can learn about the daring maneuvers and the high cost of Confederate victory, including the mortal wounding of Stonewall Jackson.

Stone River, Tennessee

The Battle of Stones River was a hard-fought and strategic Union victory that boosted Northern morale. Stones River National Battlefield now features a visitor center with engaging exhibits and a memorial dedicated to soldiers on both sides. The park conducts annual reenactments and guided tours, making it a vital educational destination for Civil War enthusiasts.

Pea Ridge, Arkansas

Pea Ridge was the site of one of the most pivotal battles west of the Mississippi River, securing Missouri for the Union. The Pea Ridge National Military Park allows visitors to explore the tactics that led to this crucial victory through guided tours and interpretive signs. The battlefield is especially noted for its well-preserved terrain and panoramic views.

Franklin, Tennessee

The Battle of Franklin was among the bloodiest hours of the Civil War, known for its intense hand-to-hand combat. Today, the city of Franklin offers numerous historical sites related to the battle, including the Carter House and Carnton, both of which serve as museums detailing the tragic events. Visitors can also walk the five-mile battlefield loop, which connects key areas of the conflict.

Spotsylvania Court House, Virginia

This 1864 battle is famous for its brutal hand-to-hand fighting and significant casualties. Part of the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, the Spotsylvania battlefield features trails and tours that recount the fierce engagements that occurred. Visitors can explore the infamous “Bloody Angle,” where some of the war’s most intense fighting took place.

Wilderness, Virginia

The Battle of the Wilderness marked the beginning of the Overland Campaign, known for its chaotic combat due to the dense woods. The site is now maintained as part of the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, offering tours that highlight the challenges faced by both armies. The battlefield also includes exhibits that explore the environmental impact of the battle and its effect on subsequent strategies.

Wilson’s Creek, Missouri

Wilson’s Creek was the site of the first major Civil War battle fought west of the Mississippi River, marking a Confederate victory. Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield preserves this significant site and offers a museum, a driving tour, and walking trails. The battlefield is particularly noted for its reenactments and educational programs, which vividly illustrate the tactics and challenges of the war.

Cedar Creek, Virginia

Cedar Creek witnessed a dramatic turn of events with a surprise Confederate attack followed by a crushing Union counterattack. Today, Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park host detailed historical tours and reenactments that recreate the battlefield drama. This site is celebrated not just for its strategic significance but also for its educational programs that bring Civil War history to life.

Monocacy, Maryland

Often called “The Battle That Saved Washington,” the Battle of Monocacy delayed Confederate forces long enough to fortify Washington, D.C. The Monocacy National Battlefield offers a visitor center with exhibits and walking trails that guide tourists through key parts of the battlefield. It’s an excellent spot for those interested in understanding strategic defensive battles.

Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia

The Battle of Kennesaw Mountain was a significant part of the Atlanta Campaign, known for its strong defensive positions. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park now offers hiking trails that follow the original battle lines and a visitor center with detailed exhibits of the campaign. The park’s programs provide great insights into the strategic decisions made during the battle.

Resaca, Georgia

The Battle of Resaca was one of the first battles of the Atlanta Campaign, featuring intense fighting over two days. Today, the Resaca Battlefield Historic Site offers a preserved landscape with interpretive panels and walking trails that tell the story of this critical engagement. Visitors are drawn to the annual reenactment, which vividly brings to life the tactics and turmoil of the battle.

Fort Donelson, Tennessee

The capture of Fort Donelson was a significant early victory for the Union, opening the Cumberland River as an avenue into the South. Fort Donelson National Battlefield features a visitor center with educational exhibits, a walking tour of the fort’s remains, and views of the strategic river. The site is particularly poignant for its role in shaping the early stages of the river campaigns.

Sailor’s Creek, Virginia

Sailor’s Creek saw one of the last major battles of the Civil War, resulting in a decisive Union victory just days before Lee’s surrender at Appomattox. Today, Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historical State Park offers detailed interpretive trails and live historical demonstrations. This site’s preservation helps visitors understand the final desperate days of the Confederacy and the war’s closing movements.

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