Saint Petersburg, Russia’s cultural capital, is a city renowned for its stunning architecture, vast canals, and historical significance. While exploring the city on foot or by boat offers an intimate experience, there’s no better way to appreciate the city’s grandeur and beauty than from above. Taking a helicopter tour of Saint Petersburg provides a unique perspective, giving you the chance to see the city’s iconic landmarks and stunning landscape from an entirely new angle. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, a helicopter ride is an unforgettable way to discover the charm of Russia’s most beautiful city.
Why Take a Helicopter Tour of Saint Petersburg?
Saint Petersburg is a city of striking contrasts, with its imperial architecture, modern developments, and picturesque waterways. A helicopter tour allows you to take in the city’s splendor from the sky, offering sweeping views of the major landmarks, expansive parks, and the Neva River. The ability to see the city as a whole — from its historical center to its sprawling green spaces — offers an experience unlike any other. Here’s why a helicopter tour should be on your bucket list:
- Panoramic Views: The aerial perspective allows you to see the city’s stunning skyline, the grand palaces, and the intricate layout of its canals and bridges.
- Bird’s Eye View of Iconic Landmarks: Get a unique view of famous landmarks such as the Winter Palace, Peter and Paul Fortress, Saint Isaac’s Cathedral, and the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood.
- Unforgettable Experience: Helicopter tours offer an exhilarating experience that’s perfect for thrill-seekers and photographers alike. The sheer scale and beauty of Saint Petersburg from above are sure to leave a lasting impression.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, a birthday, or simply looking for a special way to see the city, a helicopter tour offers a romantic, exciting, and memorable experience.
What to Expect on a Helicopter Tour of Saint Petersburg
Helicopter tours of Saint Petersburg typically last between 20 and 60 minutes, depending on the package you choose, and can be booked for different times of day. Most tours offer guided commentary, either in person or via headphones, to help you learn more about the landmarks and history you’re flying over. The tours generally depart from one of the city’s airports or helipads, such as the Pulkovo Airport or the Lakhta Center heliport, and provide a safe, smooth, and enjoyable ride with experienced pilots.
Tour Highlights:
- Peter and Paul Fortress and the Neva River: One of the main highlights of any helicopter tour is the view of the Peter and Paul Fortress, the oldest structure in the city. From the air, you can see how it sits majestically on the banks of the Neva River, with its golden spire piercing the sky. The Neva River itself offers a dynamic view, with its winding path through the heart of the city and the many bridges connecting Saint Petersburg’s islands.
- The Winter Palace and Palace Square: The Winter Palace, one of the most iconic landmarks in Russia, stands out with its grand green and white façade. A helicopter flight provides an incredible overhead view of the Palace Square, allowing you to appreciate the vastness of the space and its symmetrical layout, framed by the magnificent architecture of the palace and surrounding buildings.
- Saint Isaac’s Cathedral: From the air, you can see the grandeur of Saint Isaac’s Cathedral, with its golden dome shimmering in the sunlight. The cathedral’s enormous size and its stunning neoclassical design stand out against the surrounding cityscape, making it a breathtaking subject for aerial photos.
- Nevsky Prospekt: The bustling Nevsky Prospekt, the city’s main avenue, is often filled with cars, trams, and pedestrians. From above, you can appreciate the length of the avenue and the beautiful architecture that lines its streets, including famous landmarks like the Kazan Cathedral and the Singer House.
- The Spit of Vasilievsky Island and the Rostral Columns: The Spit of Vasilievsky Island, with its famous Rostral Columns, offers a stunning view from the air. The columns, illuminated at night, are a symbol of the city’s maritime history and a key feature of Saint Petersburg’s skyline.
- The Gulf of Finland and the Coastline: A helicopter tour also offers a chance to see the Gulf of Finland, with its calm waters stretching out to the horizon. Flying over the coast provides a peaceful, scenic view of Saint Petersburg’s waterfront and the nearby islands, making it a perfect escape from the city’s busy streets.
- Neva Embankments and Bridges: Saint Petersburg is famous for its many beautiful bridges, and a helicopter ride gives you an incredible view of these iconic structures. The bridges across the Neva River are especially stunning at night, with their elegant designs illuminated by streetlights.
- Krestovsky Island and Yelagin Island: These islands are home to some of the city’s most scenic parks, including Yelagin Island Park and the Krestovsky Island, where you can take in views of lush greenery and lakes from above.
Best Time for a Helicopter Tour of Saint Petersburg
Saint Petersburg offers breathtaking views throughout the year, but the best time to take a helicopter tour is during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn, when the days are longer, and the weather is more pleasant. The city comes alive with lush greenery in the parks, and the evenings are often clear, offering beautiful sunset photography opportunities.
Best Times for Photography:
- Golden Hour: The hour just before sunset or after sunrise, when the sun casts a warm glow over the city, is an ideal time for capturing the stunning beauty of Saint Petersburg from the sky.
- Night Flights: Nighttime helicopter tours offer an entirely different perspective of the city, with the lights of the bridges, buildings, and streets illuminating the night sky. This is a magical experience for photographers and anyone who wants to see the city’s landmarks lit up in their full glory.
Where to Book a Helicopter Tour
There are several companies in Saint Petersburg offering helicopter tours, and it’s essential to choose one that prioritizes safety and customer satisfaction. Most tours can be booked online in advance, and packages can vary depending on the duration and the specific route you want to take.
Some well-known tour providers include:
- Heliport Saint Petersburg: Offers a variety of flight packages over Saint Petersburg and the surrounding areas.
- Skywings Helicopter Tours: Provides custom tours over the city, offering private flights for an intimate experience.
- Russian Helicopter Tours: Specializes in helicopter sightseeing tours and private flights for those looking for a unique experience.
Tips for a Successful Helicopter Tour
- Book in Advance: Helicopter tours can be popular, especially during the peak tourist season. Make sure to book your tour in advance to secure your preferred time.
- Dress Comfortably: While helicopter rides are generally comfortable, it’s a good idea to dress warmly, especially during cooler months, as the temperature can be a bit lower at higher altitudes.
- Bring Your Camera: Don’t forget your camera or smartphone to capture the incredible views. A wide-angle lens is perfect for capturing the vastness of the city.
- Check the Weather: Helicopter tours are weather-dependent. Be sure to check the forecast before your flight, as poor weather conditions could result in cancellations or rescheduling.
- Arrive Early: Arriving at least 30 minutes before your flight allows time for check-in and safety briefing, ensuring a smooth experience.
Conclusion
A helicopter tour of Saint Petersburg offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the city’s stunning architecture, expansive waterways, and vibrant streets from an entirely new perspective. Whether you’re capturing breathtaking aerial photographs or simply soaking in the grandeur of the city, a helicopter ride gives you an unforgettable view of Russia’s cultural capital. From the iconic Winter Palace to the beautiful Gulf of Finland, Saint Petersburg’s beauty is unmatched from the sky, and a helicopter tour is the perfect way to experience it all.
