13 Things to Do in Saint Petersburg

You’ll find Saint Petersburg packed with world-class museums, stunning palaces, and architectural gems that don’t require a royal budget to enjoy. Russia’s cultural capital offers everything from free cathedral climbs with breathtaking views to affordable canal cruises through its Venice-like waterways. Whether you’re drawn to the Hermitage’s masterpieces or the fortress where the Romanov dynasty met its end, this former imperial city holds surprises that’ll transform how you see Russian history and culture.

Explore the State Hermitage Museum at the Winter Palace

When you step into the State Hermitage Museum at the Winter Palace, you’re entering one of the world’s most magnificent cultural treasures without breaking the bank. Founded by Catherine the Great in 1764, this massive complex houses over 3 million artifacts across 1,500 rooms connected by 117 staircases.

You’ll find masterpieces from Old Masters, classical antiquities, and modern European art spanning six interconnected buildings.

Don’t miss the preserved rooms of Peter the Great’s original Winter Palace or the stunning Nicholas Hall. The museum opens at 10:30 AM, and you can explore state apartments, extensive galleries, and rotating exhibitions. This former Imperial residence served as the official home of Russia’s royal family until 1917, when it witnessed the dramatic end of centuries of Tsarist rule.

Plan at least half a day here – it’s the second-largest art museum globally, and there’s simply too much incredible art and history to rush through.

Marvel at the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood’s Mosaics

Step inside the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood and you’ll find yourself surrounded by over 7,000 square meters of stunning mosaics – one of the largest collections in the world. You’ll see incredible biblical scenes and religious figures created by renowned Russian artists like Viktor Vasnetsov and Mikhail Vrubel.

Don’t miss the Christ Pantokrator mosaic in the main dome – it’s absolutely breathtaking.

Look up at the five cupolas covered in jeweler’s enamel that gleam in blues, greens, and yellows. The bell tower displays 134 mosaic coats-of-arms from Russian cities. The church’s floor features 45 geometric patterns created from 10 different types of marble.

You’ll also find the exact assassination spot of Alexander II preserved under a canopy with precious stones. It’s an unforgettable experience that won’t break your budget.

Climb St. Isaac’s Cathedral for Panoramic City Views

After you’ve admired the mosaics below, make your way to St. Isaac’s Cathedral for one of Saint Petersburg’s most rewarding climbs. You’ll tackle 562 steps up a narrow spiral staircase to reach the Colonnade observation deck, 43 meters above ground.

It’s physically demanding, but the payoff is incredible – 360-degree panoramic views of the historic city center, including the Winter Palace, Admiralty building, and Neva River.

The walkway circles the golden dome, letting you photograph landmarks from every angle. Consider evening tours from May to September for sunset views.

At 101.5 meters tall, this is one of the city’s highest accessible viewpoints. The cathedral itself impresses with its massive granite columns and gold-leafed dome, making the climb a perfect blend of architectural appreciation and sightseeing. This magnificent structure took 40 years to complete under the design of Auguste de Montferrand before being consecrated in 1858.

Walk Through the Peter and Paul Fortress Where the City Began

Cross the Neva River to Zayachy Island, where you’ll find the Peter and Paul Fortress – the birthplace of Saint Petersburg itself. Founded by Peter the Great in 1703, this hexagonal fortress houses the stunning Peter and Paul Cathedral with its golden spire, serving as the final resting place for Russian tsars including Peter the Great and Nicholas II.

You’ll explore thick stone walls, imposing bastions, and the notorious Trubetskoy prison where famous figures like Dostoevsky were once held. The fortress museums showcase the city’s founding story and dark political history.

Don’t miss the ornate Petrovsky Gate and the small rabbit statue commemorating the island’s original name. The fortress also houses Russia’s oldest enterprise, the Mint, which has been producing coins, medals, and badges since 1805. It’s a fascinating walk through centuries of Russian imperial power.

Spend a Day at Peterhof Palace and Its Grand Cascade Fountains

While Saint Petersburg dazzles with its urban palaces, nothing quite prepares you for Peterhof – Russia’s answer to Versailles that actually outdoes its French inspiration.

You’ll spend most of your time marveling at the Grand Cascade’s 150 fountains, especially the spectacular Samson Fountain shooting water 20 meters high. The gravity-fed system works without pumps, making it an engineering marvel from Peter the Great’s era.

Start with the Lower Park’s formal French gardens, then explore Monplaisir Palace where Peter designed his personal retreat. The Throne Room serves as the palace’s largest space at 300 square meters, showcasing portraits of the Romanovs beneath crystal chandeliers.

The Sea Channel offers stunning views connecting the palace to the Gulf of Finland.

Budget tip: visit during weekdays for smaller crowds and better photo opportunities.

Allow a full day to properly explore the fountains, gardens, and multiple palace buildings without rushing.

Visit Catherine Palace and the Famous Amber Room

Located just 15 miles south of Saint Petersburg in the town of Pushkin, Catherine Palace will leave you speechless with its 325-meter-long blue and gold Baroque façade that required over 100 kilograms of gold leaf to create. You’ll want to book tickets in advance since this former summer residence of Russian tsars draws massive crowds.

Inside, you can’t miss the legendary Amber Room—dubbed the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” While the original was lost during WWII, the 2003 reconstruction using historical photographs is absolutely stunning. The golden panels and intricate mosaics showcase incredible craftsmanship.

Don’t rush through the Golden Enfilade staterooms either. These lavishly decorated Rococo interiors perfectly complement the palace’s opulent atmosphere and give you insight into imperial Russian grandeur. The palace also features the elegant Cameron Gallery, which served as the Empress’s private apartments and showcases neoclassical architectural elements.

Catch a Ballet or Opera Performance at the Mariinsky Theatre

When you’re looking for an unforgettable cultural experience that won’t break the bank, the legendary Mariinsky Theatre should top your list. This historic venue has hosted world premieres of The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, and Sleeping Beauty, shaping classical ballet as we recognize it today.

You’ll sit in the same horseshoe-shaped auditorium where legends like Anna Pavlova and Fyodor Chaliapin performed, surrounded by neoclassical décor and crystal chandeliers that’ve remained unchanged since the 1800s. The theatre was named after Empress Maria Alexandrovna, wife of Tsar Alexander II, and designed by Alberto Cavos with a focus on acoustic and visual grandeur.

Book tickets for either the original theatre or the modern Mariinsky II, which offers state-of-the-art acoustics. Both venues deliver world-class performances that rival anything you’d find in Paris or London, but at a fraction of the cost.

Stroll Along the Admiralty Embankment and Neva River

After exploring the grandeur of the Mariinsky, take your cultural journey outdoors with a leisurely walk along the Admiralty Embankment. This 414-meter stretch offers stunning Neva River views without costing a ruble.

You’ll stroll past the iconic Admiralty building, where Peter the Great once launched 262 warships, and enjoy panoramic vistas of the city’s baroque and neoclassical architecture. Look up to spot the distinctive gilded ship weather vane crowning the 72.5-meter spire, a rotating symbol that has become one of St. Petersburg’s most beloved landmarks.

The embankment connects major landmarks like Palace Bridge and St. Isaac’s Cathedral, making it perfect for efficient sightseeing. You can catch affordable boat tours departing from here, or simply enjoy free photography opportunities with the Peter and Paul Fortress across the water.

The pedestrian-friendly promenade provides direct access to Nevsky Prospect and other key attractions, maximizing your exploration time while keeping transportation costs minimal.

See the Bronze Horseman Statue of Peter the Great

Just steps away from the Admiralty Embankment stands one of Saint Petersburg’s most iconic monuments—the Bronze Horseman statue of Peter the Great. You’ll find this masterpiece on Senate Square, where Empress Catherine II commissioned French sculptor Étienne Maurice Falconet to honor the city’s founder.

The dramatic sculpture shows Peter on a rearing horse, crushing a serpent that symbolizes his enemies and obstacles.

What makes this monument remarkable isn’t just its artistic brilliance—it’s the engineering feat behind it. The granite pedestal, called the “Thunder Stone,” is the largest stone ever moved by humans, weighing over 1,200 tons. The monument stands 45 feet tall, with Peter’s figure reaching approximately 20 feet above a 25-foot granite pedestal.

Take time to walk around the statue and appreciate the intricate details. It’s free to view and perfectly positioned near other major attractions, making it an essential stop on your Saint Petersburg walking tour.

Discover Russian Art at the State Russian Museum

At just 500 rubles for adults (250 for students, free for children), it’s an incredible value.

Unlike Moscow’s segmented Tretyakov Gallery, you’ll experience Russian art’s complete evolution in one integrated space.

Don’t miss works by Aivazovsky, Venetsianov, and Vrubel that capture Russia’s unique artistic identity across centuries.

The museum’s collection spans from 11th century icons to contemporary video art, offering over 400,000 artworks that showcase the full breadth of Russian artistic heritage.

Take a Canal Cruise Through the City’s Waterways

While Saint Petersburg earned its nickname “Northern Venice” through centuries of canal construction, you’ll discover the city’s true magic unfolds from the water. Canal cruises typically last 1-2 hours and cost around €15 per person, making them budget-friendly ways to see major landmarks like the Hermitage, Peter and Paul Fortress, and historic palaces lining the waterways.

You’ll cruise along the Neva River, Fontanka River, and Moyka River while guides provide commentary in multiple languages. Book evening tours to witness drawbridge openings and illuminated architecture—these 3-hour experiences showcase the city’s dramatic nighttime beauty. For an extended experience, luxury cruise options aboard vessels like the MS Mustai Karim offer multi-day journeys that include canal exploration as part of comprehensive Russian cultural tours.

Small group sizes of 6-20 passengers ensure intimate sightseeing without crowds. Children under five travel free, and combo tickets with bus tours offer additional savings.

Experience the Fabergé Museum’s Imperial Treasures

Since Viktor Vekselberg brought the world’s largest Fabergé collection back to Russia in 2004, you’ll find nine priceless Imperial Easter eggs and over 4,000 decorative masterpieces housed in the elegant Shuvalov Palace along the Fontanka River.

You’ll discover eggs crafted for the last two Russian emperors, each containing intricate surprises and miniature portraits of the Romanov family. Don’t miss the Steel Military Egg from 1916 or the stunning Lilies of the Valley piece featuring Nicholas II’s daughters.

The museum’s thematic rooms guide you through Russia’s imperial history efficiently. Head straight to the Blue Room for the main egg collection, then explore the Red Room’s silver pieces. The palace underwent its first full-scale restoration in over 200 years before opening as the museum in 2013.

Book tickets online to avoid crowds at this top-10 Russian attraction.

Get an Overview of Russia at Grand Maket Russia Miniature Museum

After exploring Russia’s imperial past through Fabergé’s exquisite craftsmanship, you can witness the country’s entire landscape and modern life at Grand Maket Russia, the world’s second-largest miniature museum.

This 800-square-meter exhibition showcases Russia’s cities, villages, and natural landscapes through 100,000 tiny figurines engaged in daily activities.

You’ll spend 1-3 hours discovering interactive elements—press buttons to activate moving trains, cars, and even volcanic eruptions.

The museum’s highlight is its 13-minute day-to-night cycle using 500,000 LED lights, creating realistic lighting effects across the miniature world.

Built over five years by 400 specialists, this HO-scale model tells Russia’s story through humorous vignettes and detailed scenes.

The museum is open daily 10 AM to 8 PM, with last tickets sold at 7 PM, so plan to arrive before the cutoff time.

It’s particularly engaging for families with children and offers excellent value for understanding Russia’s diversity beyond famous landmarks.

The Sum Up

You’ll find Saint Petersburg offers incredible value for cultural exploration. Many museums have discounted days, and walking tours cost nothing while revealing stunning architecture. Pack comfortable shoes since you’ll cover lots of ground between palaces and cathedrals. Book Hermitage tickets online to skip lines and save time. Don’t miss free events at parks and along the embankments. With smart planning, you’ll experience Russia’s cultural crown jewel without breaking your budget.