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Equestrian & Horse Riding in St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg equestrian horse riding facilities are among the most appreciated forms of natural entertainment in the city. Allowing customers the opportunity to spend time with one of man’s most noble animal companions, equestrian centers demonstrate what it means to engage a horse with its rider. These centers take special precautions to protect both horse and rider from common and unforeseen injuries, enabling a memorable experience for all.

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Horse Camps in St Petersburg, Florida (Pinellas County)

Amber glen equestrian.

Amber Glen Equestrian Center offers a fantastic horse camp for grades 3rd - 8th grade. The camp includes care and responsibility of horses, mounted lessons, crafts and all tyes of horse related activity. Our instructors are professional and give each camper individual attention. This enables each student to progress and learn from beginning to more advanced. Our hours are from 8:30 to 12:30 and cost is $250 per week. ... See More

Fun all levels summer camp

Come join our horse camp. We have horses for every level of rider. Every child will have there own horse all week. We play horseback riding games,horse painting,gardening, horse back lessons in every style of riding. We also do horse themed crafts. L unch will be fed on Fridays. Camp is Monday thru Friday 9-3. Early drop off and late pick available. The price is $250. Please call aor come visit us. Deanne Barnett ... See More

Joyeux Show Jumpers LLC

Students will learn all aspects of Showjumping, along with horsemanship, compassion and teamwork. We are family oriented and welcome any age of riders to join our team! Not only will students grasp the basic concepts of everyday care but will also ha ve a full understanding of the Care, commitment and responsibility this sport takes! Schedule a trial lesson, or try a package. We hope you join out Joyeux family! Feel free to contact me with any questions or inquiries via text, call, email @ or visit us on our Facebook page Joyeux Show Jumpers. ... See More

Sunrise Horse Farms Summer Horse Camp

Interim/ Advanced Horse Camp July 18th-22nd..... Western and Hunter/Jumpers All ages welcome! Only have 3 spots left... call today

Magic Meadows - "Horse Basics" Private Sessions

Do you have an interest in horses, but not a lot of experience handling or being around them? Or maybe you want to build a closer bond with your horse? Magic Meadows is a small, private horse boarding farm located East of I-75 in beautiful Sarasota. We offer private lessons for adults or kids who are looking for a safe introduction to the wonderful world of horses. Our approach is unique - this is not a typical horse camp - we teach the basics in an in-depth, practical way in order to give you the best foundation for working with horses. Too often, the basics are glossed over or discarded once riding lessons begin, but we believe the basics (communication, intention, grooming, groundwork, etc.) should be a daily practice and is how the bond deepens. If you already have horse experience, this can help refine your everyday skills or achieve results like never before. Most horse camps offer riding lessons - we do not - we focus on the basics from the ground that lead to success in the saddle (and we have referrals for great trainers in the area). Some of the topics covered include: horse/human psychology, safely grooming and maneuvering horses on the ground, techniques for handling fear, how to teach a horse something new (or change a habit), and how to prepare for horse ownership, etc. Each 1 hour session builds into the next, with the final goal of building calm confidence in the company of a horse. If there is something specific you want to do (or not do), work on, or experience - we can tailor the session to your needs and desires if possible. Just ask! Current Session Offerings: Private Adult - $150 Private Adult Duo (bring a friend or your partner) - $250 Private Child - $150 Group Ages 6-15 (siblings or up to 4 friends) - $300 We love to share our love for horses, as well as the peaceful environment here at Magic Meadows. The horses, goats, chickens, and cats we care for are able to enjoy their lives as they should - so when you interact with them, you'll feel the noticeable difference that a happy animal brings to your life. Our focus is education - but you'll most likely leave the session feeling a therapeutic afterglow. Please call or text Rita at to ask any questions and book your session today! ... See More

Hidden Meadow Farms

Hidden Meadow Farms is pleased to announce 2018 tentative Summer Camp dates! June 4th-8th ! We will be open to all riders ages 8 and up and all experience levels including never ridden! . Our full day is 9-2pm $350/week, we do offer daily rates of $ 85. All campers MUST pre-register. Full day camp days will include a daily group lesson, a daily private lesson, daily horsemanship lesson as well as an art/craft/science project.Early drop off and late pick up available for an additional $50 ... See More

Serenity Stables LLC

Featuring Spring Break,Winter Break and Summer Break Kids Camps. Each day is 9AM to 3PM. Each child has a private riding lesson each day. Also horsey arts and crafts and many other activities. Lunch and drinks are not included except Fridays is p izza day with a horse show for parents and friends at 2PM; ribbons awarded! Cost is $65/day, $300/week. 10% discount for kids from the same family. ... See More

Windsong Farm Venice Horsemanship Camp

We are a Full care facility in venice FL and we also off horseback riding camps for kids 7-16. 2017 Registration OPEN now and limited so please see www.windsongfarm1.webs.com and register now! Now offering Trail rides October-April and Beach r ides ! please pre register now for our spring and summer Venice camps! We also have a show team and compete at local Hunter Jumper shows and 4h shows. Certified Instruction and Natural Horsemanship based training for all breeds and styles available. We also offer Adult riding lessons in groups or private instruction. ... See More

Windsong Farm Venice Horseback riding CAMP in VENICE, FL 34292

SIGN UP NOW>>>2017 HORSEMANSHIP SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION IS OPEN and limited space available. Our focus is on horse management, riding skills, and safety around horses. The campers will begin their day with feeding, brushing, saddling and riding group lessons : English huntseat style training with individual attention. They will then have the an opportunity to bathe and care for their camp horse (our horse or yours!). After a lunch in the shade and some fun activities, campers will learn a variety of horse management skills including first aid, health care, hoof care, feeding, illness management and prevention. Then the horses will be prepared for another riding lesson. In the Horsemanship I, II and Advanced camps, the day will be finished up with demonstrations, educational games, equine themed coture crafts and riding skills practice. Field trips to beach and local feed dealers or vet offices a possibility SUMMER CAMP is a 5 day camp or 3 days from JUNE 13th - JULY 29th 9AM-3pm for $220 part time/wk or $295 full Time/wk also we welcome students with their own horses if riders want to bring their own horse it is an additional $15 for a day stall or $25 overnight. All campers will ride primarily English and possibly Western and will learn different skills of both styles proper Equitation and some even learn how to jump (low level of course for beginners ) , basic dressage, for advanced kids -how to plan and set up courses for a purpose and how to judge shows and even train ponies and horses using natural horsemanship skills and show ring fundamentals to be a sucessful rider. we have a year round HUNTER JUMPER RIDING CLUB , SHOW TEAM as well as lesson programs, pony parties and trailrides for kids and adults. Girlscouts welcome to earn their horse badges! call ( EMAIL ) Register at www.windsongfarm1.webs.com/campregistration.htm/ or call /horse Also have a 1 week overnight camp in Blue Ridge Mountains starts Jult 31-August 5th 2017!!! Www.overnighthorsecamp.weebly.com ... See More

Mann Ranch Horse Camp

We offer summer camps for $250 a week ($200 a week for multiple weeks) from 8-5. We accept students 4 and up from beginner to experienced. We have a great group of SAFE horses. We teach safety, general riding, cutting, team penning, sorting, roping, ranch riding, obstacles, trail riding and much more! We also have draft horses so students can go for rides and learn to drive. Each student get to choose what they want to learn about. We also have lots of indoor activities for when it is too hot or raining, we have a game room with a pool table, air hockey, foosball, and a skee ball machine, we also have lots of crafted and games. On the ranch we have horses, cows, goats, sheep, rabbits, fish, chickens, cats and dogs. Call/text or visit our website for for more info. https://buildinglegaciesfl.weebly.com/ ... See More

Carriage Gate Morgans Summer & Winter Horse Camps

Horse crazy campers will learn about horses including grooming, care, safety, breeds, different riding disciplines,and more. Campers will ride every day, games on and off horses , the favorite "Painted Pony" day, carriage rides, plus art and crafts i ncluding a camp scrapbook, air conditioned room for crafts and lunch. Your horse crazy one will have tons of fun! We offer several weeks of Summer Camp and Winter Break Camp over the Holiday weeks. Contact Cheryl at for additional information including dates and times. ... See More

Ranch camp - Students welcome to come for a day to all summer! Ages 4 and up! We have horses, cows (lots of show cows), goats, sheep, chickens, rabbits, fish, donkeys, mules, draft horses, mini horses, ponies, dogs, cats, and usually a few bottle ani mals! We have a play ground and a game room with a pool table, air-hockey, foosball, and a skee ball machine. We have lots of games, crafts and indoor activities for when it rains. We don’t have scheduled days whatever the kids want to do, we do! Feel free to contact me with any questions or to set up a tour! We also give riding lessons! ... See More

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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:)

St. Petersburg Horse Drawn Carriages

St. Petersburg Carriages has proudly been serving the Tampa Bay area for seven years, providing horse drawn carriage services for all occasions. We offer a variety of elegant carriages and beautiful horses that help create lasting memories for your special event. We also offer nightly carriage rides in downtown St. Pete along the beautiful waterfront. Look for one of our drivers along Beach Drive or call ahead to reserve your time. Or we can bring one of our carriages directly to your door – wherever you are. Whether it’s one of our vintage-style carriages, our 12-passenger trolley, or our fairytale Cinderella coach, we’re here to make your dreams come true.

Valentine's Day Sweetheart Tour Carriage Ride

Downtown Tours

Hindu weddings, special occasions, beach weddings.

Enjoy the stunning scenic waterfront views of Tampa Bay, while riding in one of our Victorian Vis-a-Via Carriages. We also offer rides from hotels and restaurants along Beach Drive. Our Downtown Tours can accommodate up to 9 passengers with your choice of either 1/2 or 1 hour.

Cinderella Carriage Tours

Our horse drawn Cinderella Carriage Tours of Downtown St. Pete create memories that last a lifetime! Visiting downtown? We can arrange to pick you up at most hotels and restaurants along Beach Drive. Our Cinderella Carriages can accommodate up to 6 passengers.

Trolley Tours

Our Trolley Tours are perfect for larger groups to enjoy a scenic journey through the Downtown St. Petersburg historic waterfront district. Trolley Tours accommodate up to 12 passengers and can be booked by seat, or reserved for a private group excursion. Kids under 5 ride free.

Cypress Breeze Farm

Experience the joy of horseback riding

Experience the joy of horseback riding on one of our amazing tours!

Sit back, relax and enjoy your time, while getting an opportunity to learn about, horses, ecology and the Tampa Bay area. Our horseback trail rides are the perfect opportunity to spend time with your family or friends in nature, on horseback, having an amazing time!

Educational Horse Experience

Horseback trail riding, birthdays & parties, pony rides experience at the farm, horseback riding: st. petersburg, tampa & clearwater.

At Cypress Breeze Farm, we offer horseback riding adventures for your family and friends! We offer horseback riding through shaded trail through Florida’s farms and nature, our tours are perfect for riders of all levels of experience — beginners to advanced equestrians. With experienced guides and calm, well-trained horses, we strive to make every horse-human interaction a positive one. So don’t be shy — our horseback riding tours serve as a great introduction to horses for first-time riders.

Horseback Riding Tours & Other Services

• Cypress Breeze Farm horseback rides last 60-90 minutes.
• Photos our included in the ride.
• We offer horseback trails rides 7 days/week BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.
• Our horseback riding tours are great for any level of experience from beginner to advanced riders.
• Options for the horse enthusiasts who want to further their knowledge of horses and spend some time in the saddle are available.
• We offer pony rides, horse educational experience   and photoshoots with our horses as well.

Cypress Breeze Farm- Horseback Riding Adventures

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WaterHorses

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I-275 N Skyway Fishing Pier

Saint Petersburg, FL 33711

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Horseback riding in Tampa Bay. Clear water and endless views. Near the iconic Sunshine Skyway Bridge. We have the largest stable of horses on the west coast of FL, from pony to Clydesdale. Our rides are 10-15 minutes longer than our competitors. …

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SO. MUCH.FUN. Stephanie was a great guide. We got a ton of pics. We did this for my birthday and had great weather. The horses and their stories are AMAZING. These folks are doing such a great service for these majestic animals.

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

Written by Diana Bocco Updated Dec 23, 2023

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.

State Hermitage Museum

Peter and paul fortress, palace square, peterhof palace, eliseyev emporium, vasilyevsky island, nevsky avenue, church of the savior on spilled blood, mariinsky theater, rivers and canals, cruiser aurora, 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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The Top Saint Petersburg Sites To Visit

The first places tourists think of visiting in Saint Petersburg are often the Hermitage or St.Isaac’s Cathedral, but these may not show you all the city has to offer. Since every person has different interests, we made a list of unconventional must-visit places in the area to accommodate all tastes.

Explore the rich history of the Anichkov Bridge

Sip whiskey in the dead poets bar.

Bar, Russian

Picture yourself with a bas-relief of Salvador Dali

Building, Memorial

Visit Freud Museum

Feed ducks in the yusupovovskiy garden.

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The Bronze Horseman

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The Bronze Horseman in St. Petersburg is the most famous monument to Peter I and one of the symbols of St. Petersburg. It is located on Senate Square and is a unique work of Russian and world culture. The Bronze Horseman is surrounded by famous attractions such as the buildings of the Senate and Synod, the Admiralty, and St. Isaac's Cathedral.

The monument represents a wild rock, onto which the rider rose up, trampling a snake. The snake under the foot of the horse was by Russian sculptor F. Gordeev. It was the initiative of Empress Ekaterina II to create a monument to Peter I. Under her decree, Duke Alexander Golitsyn appealed to professors of the Paris Academy of Painting and Sculpture, Diderot and Voltaire, who Catherine II fully trusted. The famous masters recommended for the job Etienne-Maurice Falconet, who was at that time the chief sculptor at the porcelain factory. Falconet depicted the figure of Peter I in the dynamics on a rearing horse, thus he wanted to show not only a military leader and a conqueror but first and foremost a creator and a legislator. The location of the monument on top of the rock shows of surmounted difficulties by Peter I, and the snake is a symbol of evil forces. 

The monument is unique in that it has only three points of support. There is an inscription on the pedestal: “To Peter I from Catherine II, Summer 1782". Falconet created the sculpture in the former temporary Winter Palace of Empress Elizabeth from 1768 to 1770. Two horses of Orlov breed were taken from the imperial stables. Falconet was making sketches, watching the guards officer rising up on a horse to the platform and rearing it. Falconet remade the model of the head of Peter I several times, but he never got the approval of Catherine II. As a result, Marie-Anne Collot, a student of sculptor, successfully molded the head of the Bronze Horseman. The face of Peter I came out courageous and strong-willed. For this work, a girl was accepted to the Russian Academy of Arts. The grand opening of the monument took place on August 7 (Julian calendar), 1782.

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The ultimate guide to historic St Petersburg

Sep 10, 2019 • 7 min read

Sailing ship anchored by the Peter and Paul Fortress © Boris Stroujko / Shutterstock

St Petersburg was founded by Peter the Great just over 300 years ago. Although the capital moved to Moscow after the 1917 February Revolution, St Petersburg is still known as the ‘northern’ or ‘cultural’ capital of Russia. Explore the art, architecture, and history of Russia's grand and second largest city. 

On the map, St Petersburg fits into a triangle, its lines drawn along the Gulf of Finland, the Obvodny Canal and the Neva River; the river divides the city into two approximately equal parts. To the south of the Neva is the center of contemporary St Petersburg, to the north – Vasilievsky Island and Petrogradka. 

City of Squares

St Petersburg is a city of squares. At the very heart of the city is Palace Square lined by the Winter Palace on one side and the former General Staff Headquarters on the other. Today they’re both part of the Hermitage Museum , with one of the best art collections in the world. The center of the square is occupied by the fifty meter-high Alexander Column , topped by an angel, symbolizing Russian victory over Napoleon in 1812. 

Right next to Palace Square is the Admiralty , a former wharf-turned-naval headquarters. Admire the Admiralty’s famous spire topped with a golden ship – one of the city’s symbols. Stop at nearby coffee shop  Bonch for a quick bite. Apart from excellent coffee, Bonch offers European-style food, and its floor-to-ceiling windows are great for people watching.

Head down Bolshaya Morskaya Street to St Isaac's Square and stand in the shadow of St Isaac’s Cathedral (the largest in the city), view the statue of Emperor Nicholas I, and spot luxury hotels Astoria and Angleterre and the huge Mariinsky Palace . The palace is located across the Blue Bridge – the widest in the city (almost 100 metres). Check out the impressive neoclassical interior and climb to the top of its enormous dome for panoramic views of the city. 

There are plenty of options to eat on the square, including Schastye (Happiness), which offers a mix of Russian and European classics and Obshchestvo Chistikh Tarelok ( Clean Plates Society ) with lots of vegetarian dishes and great cocktails.  

Between the cathedral and the Neva river embankment is the Senate Square , where the Decembrist Uprising took place in 1825. Today the main attraction is the Bronze Horseman , depicting Peter the Great himself, a monument immortalized in the eponymous poem by Russia’s best known poet, Alexander Pushkin. The square is named after the former Senate building, which faces the Horseman. Right next to it is the Most Holy Synod and the Manege Central Exhibition Hall , which hosts regular contemporary art exhibitions. 

Nevsky Prospekt

19th century writer Nikolai Gogol described Nevsky Prospekt as 'Petersburg's universal channel of communication' in a story named after the city’s main thoroughfare. This definition is still true; Nevsky is the city’s busiest promenade, a showcase of the best that the former capital has to offer. 

The buildings on Nevsky have been rebuilt many times – the most recent rebuild was during the reign of the last three tsars, from the 1860s to 1910s. The buildings, however, adhere to the same architectural principles developed by Carlo Rossi in the first half of the 19th century: monotonous lines of buildings of the same height occasionally broken up by waterways, squares or churches.

One such church is the Kazan Cathedral , surrounded by an imposing colonnade, designed to resemble St Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Built as a home for the especially revered icon, 'The Mother of God of Kazan', the Kazan Cathedral ironically became the Museum of Atheism during the Soviet times.

Across the street, on the corner of Nevsky Prospekt and Griboyedov Canal, you can see the Singer Building , built in the Russian art nouveau style and topped with a glass globe. Today it houses the largest bookstore in the city and cafe ' Singer ' on the second floor. Stop there for a cappuccino and incredible views of the Kazan Cathedral. 

Further down the street is Bolshoy Gostiny Dvor , meaning ‘a large merchant’s court’. It’s the oldest shopping arcade in St Petersburg, which covers a whole block. Admire its architecture, but it's best to shop elsewhere. For example, stop at the Kupetz Eliseevs , located halfway between Griboyedov Canal and Fontanka River. Designed in Moderne style, this opulent food hall offers all kinds of delicacies. Alternatively, you can sip a glass of wine under a giant palm tree. 

Another Nevsky highlight is the Anichkov Bridge over Fontanka River, designed by Peter Clodt. The four rearing horses symbolize the struggle between humanity and nature, but according to urban legend, if you look under one of the horse's tails you can see an image of a person that offended Clodt. 

Nevsky Prospekt is not famous for good dining and drinking options, so after Anichkov Bridge, turn right to Ulitsa Rubinshteina, the main restaurant street of St Petersburg (or possibly the whole of Russia). Try Fartuk for burgers, falafel and various home-made food, as well as craft beer and cocktails; go to Bekitzer for Israeli street food and their famous vodka infusions and to the relatively new Iskra for pizza. 

Vasilyevsky Island

Vasilyevsky Island, locally known simply as ‘Vaska’ is the largest island in St Petersburg. It’s here that Peter I actually intended to build his new capital. Dozens of canals were already dug when he changed his mind. The canals turned into linii (lines) and prospects – the major streets on the island. 

Start your island exploration at Strelka (the Spit) – the easternmost tip of the island with the most landmarks. Check out the old Stock Exchange building behind the famous Rostral Columns that used to serve as navigational lamps in the 19th century. 

Vasilyevsky Island is the neighborhood of ‘firsts’: first museum – Kunstkamera , where Peter the Great gathered various curiosities, the first university – Twelve Colleges complex, and the first stone building in the city – Menshikov Palace . 

Further down the embankment is the Academy of Fine Arts with a small museum and two Egyptian sphinxes in front. Just around the corner is the walking street 6 i 7 Linii with wonderful baroque St Andrew’s Cathedral and plenty of places to eat, including an outpost of Na Parakh health food chain, where all the dishes are steam-cooked. 

Take a taxi or a bus to the western side of Vaska to see Erarta Museum of Contemporary Art , which has a permanent collection of St Petersburg 20th- and 21st-century art, as well as regular exhibitions. The museum’s restaurant is also worth a visit. 

Even further west is the newly opened Sevkabel Port , an abandoned ship-cable factory, which now hosts techno parties, flea markets and several restaurants. Stop in to check out Kuta Bar & Kitchen , with authentic Balinese cuisine and bar Machty , with a retro look and disco parties. 

Petrogradka

The Petrograd Side, aka Petrogradka, is the oldest part of the city. Here, on Zayachy (Hare) Island Peter the Great founded Peter and Paul Fortress in 1703. Today the fortress is home to several museums, including a former prison and the beautiful baroque St Peter and Paul Cathedral , the site of the crypts of most of the Romanovs, a family of aristocrats that ruled Russia from 1613 to 1917, when the reigning Tsar Nicholas II abdicated the throne.

A small bridge leads from the fortress to the Petrograd Side proper, dominated by a beautiful sky blue mosque and Kshesinskaya Palace, which used to belong to a ballet dancer that was at one time Nicholas II's lover. It now houses the Museum of Political History . For lunch, go to Chekhov restaurant, the interior of which looks like a stage set for Anton Chekhov’s play. Try some traditional Russian dishes like borscht and pelmeni and don’t skip on the house-made beer and infusions. 

Check out more moderne buildings on the neighbourhood's main avenue – Kamennoostrovsky Prospekt on your way to the Museum of Petersburg Avant-garde . This wooden cottage used to belong to Mikhail Matyushin, a painter, composer and one of the leading figures in the turn of the century avant-garde movement. 

Spend a perfect Petrogradka evening at the rooftop bar Hi-Hat , overlooking the Botanical Garden. Down a pint of beer or a cocktail while watching the sunset and listening to some live music or a DJ set.  

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"The Bronze Horseman"

The Bronze Horseman, an impressive monument to the founder of St Petersburg, Peter the Great , stands on Senatskaia Ploschad' (Square), facing the Neva River and surrounded by the Admiralty , St Isaac's Cathedral and the buildings of the former Senate and Synod - the civil and religious governing bodies of pre-revolutionary Russia.

The monument was built by order of the Empress Catherine the Great as a tribute to her famous predecessor on the Russian throne, Peter the Great. Being a German princess by birth, she was eager to establish a line of continuity with the earlier Russian monarchs. For that reason an inscription on the monument reads in Latin and Russian: Petro Primo Catarina Secunda - To Peter the First from Catherine the Second.

This equestrian statue of Peter the Great, created by the famous French sculptor Etienne Maurice Falconet, depicts the most prominent reformer of the Russia state as a Roman hero. The pedestal is made of a single piece of red granite molded into the shape of a cliff. From the top of this "cliff" Peter gallantly leads Russia forward, while his horse steps on a snake, which represents the enemies of Peter and his reforms.

According to a 19 th century legend, enemy forces will never take St. Petersburg while the "Bronze Horseman" stands in the middle of the city. During the Second World War the statue was not taken down, but was protected with sand bags and a wooden shelter. In that way, the monument survived the 900-day Siege of Leningrad virtually untouched.

Location: Ploschad Dekabristov.

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