Saint Petersburg, a city steeped in history and culture, offers an abundance of historical landmarks, grand architecture, and beautiful parks in its city center. Navigating the historical center efficiently is made easy with the city’s well-organized public transport system, which includes the metro, buses, trams, and even ferries. Using public transport is an excellent way to explore the heart of the city without the hassle of traffic or parking. Here’s a guide on how to use public transport to explore the historical center of Saint Petersburg and visit its most iconic attractions.
1. Metro: The Fastest Way to Reach Historical Sites
The Saint Petersburg metro is undoubtedly the quickest and most efficient way to get around the city’s historical center. With five metro lines, you can reach almost any landmark in the city, including palaces, museums, cathedrals, and parks.
Key Metro Stops for Historical Landmarks
- Nevsky Prospekt (Line 1, Blue Line)
- Attractions Nearby: Nevsky Prospekt, Kazansky Cathedral, Dostoevsky Museum, and Shopping Areas
- Why Use It: This station is at the heart of the city and gives you direct access to Saint Petersburg’s iconic main street, Nevsky Prospekt, lined with shops, cultural spots, and restaurants.
- Admiralteyskaya (Line 5, Green Line)
- Attractions Nearby: St. Isaac’s Cathedral, Palace Square, The Hermitage Museum, and Winter Palace
- Why Use It: One of the main metro stations in the center, it connects you to several must-visit attractions, including the iconic Winter Palace, Palace Square, and St. Isaac’s Cathedral. It’s an ideal station for tourists wanting to explore the heart of the city.
- Gostiny Dvor (Line 1, Blue Line)
- Attractions Nearby: Gostiny Dvor (Shopping Center), The Russian Museum
- Why Use It: The metro stop is located near one of the oldest shopping arcades in Russia, Gostiny Dvor, as well as the Russian Museum, which houses the largest collection of Russian art in the world.
- Vasileostrovskaya (Line 3, Green Line)
- Attractions Nearby: Rostral Columns, Vasilievsky Island, and the University Embankment
- Why Use It: This station connects you to Vasilievsky Island, where you can find several historic landmarks such as the Rostral Columns and The Russian Academy of Sciences. You’ll also be able to explore scenic spots along the Neva River.
Tips for Using the Metro:
- Ticketing: Use a Troika Card or single-ride ticket for a quick, affordable metro ride. The Troika Card is especially useful for multiple trips and offers discounted fares.
- Route Planning: If you’re unsure about which station to use for a particular landmark, use the Saint Petersburg Metro App or maps at the stations to plan your route in advance.
2. Buses and Trams: Ideal for Scenic Routes
Saint Petersburg’s buses and trams offer a slower, more scenic way to explore the historical center. While they might take a bit longer than the metro, they provide a chance to see the city from the streets, making them a great option for sightseeing.
Key Bus and Tram Routes for Tourists
- Tram Line 5: Travels along Nevsky Prospekt and Vasilievsky Island, passing by several key attractions like Kazansky Cathedral, Palace Square, and The Hermitage Museum.
- Bus Line 7: Connects the Winter Palace, Admiralty, and St. Isaac’s Cathedral.
- Tram Line 10: Runs along the Fontanka River Embankment, giving you scenic views of the river and several key historical buildings and bridges, including the Anichkov Bridge and Mikhailovsky Palace.
Why Use Buses and Trams:
- Scenic Experience: Buses and trams offer a slower, more relaxed ride, allowing you to see the city’s architecture, bridges, and other landmarks from the street level.
- Convenience: Many routes pass directly through the heart of the historical center, so you can hop on and off at various points of interest.
Tips for Using Buses and Trams:
- Ticketing: You can buy single-ride tickets from the driver or use a Troika Card for discounted fares.
- Route Information: Make sure to check the route map and know your stop in advance, as the buses and trams often make several stops along the way.
3. Ferries: A Scenic Way to Cross the Neva River
Saint Petersburg is a city built on water, and ferries are an essential part of the public transport system, especially for traveling across the Neva River. Ferries connect several islands and both sides of the river, offering scenic views of the city.
Key Ferry Routes for Tourists
- Hermitage Island to Vasilievsky Island: Ferries run across the Neva River between Hermitage Island (near Palace Square) and Vasilievsky Island, offering stunning views of Peter and Paul Fortress, Rostral Columns, and the historic cityscape.
- Yelagin Island: Ferries also connect Yelagin Island (famous for Yelagin Palace) to the mainland, making it easy to visit this green oasis in the city.
Why Use Ferries:
- Breathtaking Views: Ferries provide a unique and scenic perspective of the city’s riverside landmarks, including the Winter Palace, Peter and Paul Fortress, and Admiralty Building.
- Connection to Islands: Ferries are essential for reaching several islands and are the most convenient way to cross the Neva River between key locations in the city center.
Tips for Using Ferries:
- Ticketing: Tickets are usually available onboard or at ferry terminals. You can also use your Troika Card for ferry rides.
- Plan Ahead: Ferry schedules can vary, so check times in advance, especially if you have a tight itinerary or need to catch another form of transport.
4. Walking: The Best Way to Experience the Historical Center
While public transport is an excellent way to get around quickly, walking is often the best way to truly experience the historical center of Saint Petersburg. Many of the city’s most famous landmarks are located close to each other, and the historical center is a compact and walkable area.
Why Walk:
- Close Proximity of Attractions: The Hermitage Museum, Palace Square, Nevsky Prospekt, Kazan Cathedral, and St. Isaac’s Cathedral are all within walking distance of each other, making it easy to explore on foot.
- Architectural Beauty: Walking through the historical center allows you to admire the city’s stunning architecture, bridges, and waterways up close.
- Hidden Gems: As you walk, you’ll stumble upon hidden cafés, boutique shops, art galleries, and small streets that you might miss if you only used public transport.
Tips for Walking:
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: Saint Petersburg’s streets are often cobbled and uneven, so make sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes.
- Use Maps: You can use a map or navigation app to help you plan your walking route between major landmarks and avoid getting lost.
Conclusion
Exploring the historical center of Saint Petersburg using public transport is an efficient and enjoyable way to see the city’s best sights. The metro offers a fast way to travel between major attractions, while buses, trams, and ferries provide a scenic and more leisurely way to explore. Combine these options with walking, and you’ll be able to discover the charm and beauty of Saint Petersburg’s rich history. Whether you’re marveling at the stunning architecture along Nevsky Prospekt, visiting the Hermitage Museum, or crossing the Neva River by ferry, public transport makes it easy to experience all the city has to offer.