Saint Petersburg, with its stunning architecture, canals, and rivers, offers some of the most breathtaking views in the world. From panoramic vistas of the Neva River to stunning architectural landmarks like the Winter Palace and St. Isaac’s Cathedral, there are numerous spots around the city to capture incredible views. The good news is that Saint Petersburg’s public transport system, including the metro, buses, trams, and ferries, makes it easy to reach these picturesque locations. This guide will help you navigate public transport to enjoy the best views in the city.
1. Best View from St. Isaac’s Cathedral Dome
St. Isaac’s Cathedral is not only one of the most iconic landmarks in Saint Petersburg but also offers one of the best panoramic views of the city from its observation deck. The dome of the cathedral is one of the tallest in the city, and the views from the top stretch across the Neva River, the Winter Palace, and Nevsky Prospekt.
How to Get There:
- Metro: The nearest metro station is Admiralteyskaya (Blue Line, Line 2), which is just a short 5-minute walk to the cathedral.
- Walking Directions: After exiting Admiralteyskaya Station, walk towards Palace Square. From there, follow the signs to St. Isaac’s Cathedral.
Insider Tip:
Climb up to the observation deck to enjoy sweeping views of Nevsky Prospekt, the Peter and Paul Fortress, and the entire historic center. It’s best to visit on a clear day for the best visibility.
2. Best View from the Peter and Paul Fortress
The Peter and Paul Fortress offers an excellent vantage point for viewing the Neva River and the city’s skyline. From the ramparts of the fortress, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city, including landmarks such as St. Isaac’s Cathedral, the Hermitage Museum, and the Spit of Vasilievsky Island.
How to Get There:
- Metro: Take the Green Line (Line 3) to Gorkovskaya Station. From there, it’s a short 10-minute walk to the Peter and Paul Fortress.
- Bus/Tram: You can also take Bus 7 or Tram 24 to the Peter and Paul Fortress.
Insider Tip:
- Admission to the fortress is free for those walking around the outer grounds, but to visit the cathedral and get access to the best views, you’ll need to buy an entrance ticket.
3. Best View from the Spit of Vasilievsky Island
The Spit of Vasilievsky Island is one of the most iconic spots in the city, where you can see beautiful views of the Neva River, Palace Bridge, and the Winter Palace. The view from here is especially spectacular at sunset.
How to Get There:
- Metro: The nearest metro station is Vasileostrovskaya Station (Green Line, Line 3), which is only a 10-minute walk from the Spit.
- Bus/Tram: You can take Bus 7 or Tram 24 to the Vasilievsky Island area.
Insider Tip:
- For an amazing night view of the lit-up Palace Bridge and Winter Palace, visit the Spit around sunset. The views of the city lights reflecting in the Neva River are stunning.
4. Best View from the Aurora Cruiser
The Aurora Cruiser, one of Saint Petersburg’s most famous historical ships, offers spectacular views of the city’s riverside. You can get a unique perspective of landmarks like the Peter and Paul Fortress, St. Isaac’s Cathedral, and the Winter Palace from the deck of the ship.
How to Get There:
- Metro: Take the Red Line (Line 1) to Nevsky Prospekt Station, then walk to the Neva River embankment (approximately a 15-minute walk).
- Bus/Tram: Tram 3 and Bus 7 can take you to the Aurora Cruiser from Nevsky Prospekt.
Insider Tip:
- Consider taking a boat tour that departs from the Aurora Cruiser to get closer to the city’s famous bridges, palaces, and cathedrals.
5. Best View from the Colonnade of St. Isaac’s Cathedral
For a close-up panoramic view, head to the colonnade of St. Isaac’s Cathedral. The colonnade is a must-see spot for visitors who want to view Palace Square, the Winter Palace, and Nevsky Prospekt from above.
How to Get There:
- Metro: The Admiralteyskaya metro station (Blue Line, Line 2) is nearby.
- Walking Directions: From Admiralteyskaya metro station, it is a short walk to the St. Isaac’s Cathedral.
Insider Tip:
- The ticket for the observation deck includes access to the cathedral’s stunning interior, so be sure to explore the mosaics and dome after enjoying the view from the top.
6. Best View from the Lakhta Center Observation Deck
If you want to experience a modern view of the city, head to the Lakhta Center, the tallest building in Europe, which offers 360-degree views of the city and its surrounding areas.
How to Get There:
- Metro: Take the Purple Line (Line 5) to Staraya Derevnya Station and transfer to a bus or tram to reach the Lakhta Center.
- Taxi/Ride-Sharing: You can also take a ride-sharing service directly to Lakhta Center, which is about 15 km from the city center.
Insider Tip:
The Lakhta Center’s observation deck is an excellent spot to get a bird’s eye view of Saint Petersburg as well as the Gulf of Finland. It’s best to visit at sunset or night for stunning views.
7. Best View from the Palace Bridge
The Palace Bridge is another iconic spot in Saint Petersburg that offers magnificent views of the Neva River and Palace Square. This bridge is a major landmark in the city, and its night-time illumination adds to the experience.
How to Get There:
- Metro: Take the Blue Line (Line 2) to Admiralteyskaya or Nevsky Prospekt station and walk toward the Neva River.
- Bus/Tram: Several buses, including Route 24 and Bus 7, run close to the Palace Bridge area.
Insider Tip:
- If you’re in the city during the summer months, make sure to check the bridge opening times. The bridge opens to allow ships through, offering a unique view of Saint Petersburg’s rivers.
8. Best View from the Cruiser Aurora’s Deck
The Aurora Cruiser is a symbol of the Russian Revolution and one of the best places to experience a different view of the city.
How to Get There:
- Metro: Nevsky Prospekt Station is the closest metro stop. Walk about 10 minutes to reach the Aurora Cruiser.
- Tram/Bus: Take Tram 3 or Bus 7 to the river embankment.
Insider Tip:
The Aurora Cruiser offers a great spot to view the city’s waterways and landmarks, especially during the summer when boat tours are available.
Conclusion
Saint Petersburg offers incredible views from a variety of vantage points, and the city’s public transport system makes it easy to reach these locations affordably and efficiently. Whether you’re looking to see the Palace Square, the Neva River, or the city’s architectural wonders, using the metro, buses, trams, or ferries will get you to these scenic spots with ease. Be sure to visit St. Isaac’s Cathedral, the Spit of Vasilievsky Island, and the Lakhta Center for some of the best panoramic views the city has to offer.
