Saint Petersburg, Russia’s cultural capital, is a city rich in history, architecture, and art, offering a wealth of landmarks to explore. The best way to experience the city is on foot, as walking tours allow you to immerse yourself in its grandeur, from imperial palaces to picturesque canals. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, there are several walking tours in Saint Petersburg that will help you discover the city’s hidden gems, historical landmarks, and artistic treasures.
1. Classic Saint Petersburg Walking Tour
This classic walking tour is perfect for first-time visitors, covering the most iconic landmarks in the city. The tour typically lasts around 3 to 4 hours and provides an overview of Saint Petersburg’s rich history, architecture, and culture.
Highlights:
- Nevsky Prospect: Stroll down Saint Petersburg’s main avenue, lined with historic buildings, churches, and shops.
- Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood: Admire the intricate mosaics and onion domes of this iconic church, built on the site where Tsar Alexander II was assassinated.
- Kazansky Cathedral: Explore this magnificent Baroque cathedral, modeled after St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
- Palace Square and the Winter Palace: Marvel at the grandeur of the former imperial residence and the surrounding square, which is central to Russian history.
Why Take This Tour:
- Great introduction to the city’s top landmarks.
- Learn about Saint Petersburg’s history and architecture.
- Led by knowledgeable guides who can offer insights into the city’s past.
2. Canal Cruise and Walking Tour
Saint Petersburg is often called the “Venice of the North” due to its intricate network of canals. A canal cruise and walking tour offers the perfect combination of exploring the city on foot and by boat.
Highlights:
- Nevsky Prospect: Start with a walk down the city’s main street, followed by a boat ride along the canals.
- Moika River: Cruise along this historic river, passing some of the city’s most famous buildings, including the Hermitage Museum.
- Fontanka River: Explore this tranquil river that is lined with beautiful bridges, palaces, and historic buildings.
- Peter and Paul Fortress: From the boat, see the fortress and cathedral on the banks of the Neva River, one of the city’s oldest landmarks.
Why Take This Tour:
- Experience the city from both land and water.
- Visit lesser-known canal-side landmarks and enjoy the peaceful, picturesque views.
- A more relaxed way to see the city while still learning about its history.
3. Imperial Palaces Walking Tour
Saint Petersburg is home to several imperial palaces that once housed the Russian tsars. This walking tour takes you through the most opulent royal residences, showcasing the grandeur and lavishness of the Russian Empire.
Highlights:
- Winter Palace: Visit the world-famous Winter Palace, home to the Russian tsars, now part of the Hermitage Museum.
- Catherine Palace: Located in Tsarskoye Selo, just outside the city, the palace is renowned for its stunning Amber Room and grand interiors.
- Peterhof Palace: Known as the “Russian Versailles,” Peterhof is famous for its fountains, gardens, and the magnificent Grand Cascade.
- Pavlovsk Palace: Another imperial gem, this palace offers beautiful neoclassical architecture and tranquil gardens.
Why Take This Tour:
- Learn about Russia’s royal history and the lives of the tsars.
- See some of the most beautiful and historic palaces in Europe.
- Get an in-depth look at the opulence of the Russian Empire.
4. Literary Saint Petersburg Walking Tour
Saint Petersburg has been home to many famous Russian writers, poets, and literary figures, including Pushkin, Dostoevsky, and Gogol. A literary walking tour takes you through the places that inspired these literary giants.
Highlights:
- Pushkin’s Monument: Visit the statue dedicated to the poet Alexander Pushkin, located in Arts Square.
- Dostoevsky Museum: See the former home of Fyodor Dostoevsky, where he wrote several of his famous works.
- Literary Café: Stop at one of the city’s historic cafés, where famous Russian writers gathered for discussions and inspiration.
- Nekrasov Garden: Explore the garden dedicated to Russian poet Nekrasov, where he often spent his time.
Why Take This Tour:
- Explore the literary history of one of Russia’s most famous cities.
- Visit the locations that inspired some of the world’s greatest literary works.
- Gain insights into the lives of Russia’s literary legends.
5. Street Art and Alternative Saint Petersburg Tour
For those interested in Saint Petersburg’s modern and alternative culture, a street art walking tour will take you to some of the city’s hidden artistic treasures. This tour is perfect for those who want to see a different side of the city, beyond the imperial palaces and classical architecture.
Highlights:
- Street Art on Graffiti Alleys: Explore the alleyways and streets where local and international street artists have left their mark.
- Art Districts: Visit neighborhoods like Ligovsky Prospect, where galleries, alternative spaces, and creative murals abound.
- Tattoos and Soviet-inspired Art: Learn about the fusion of Soviet-era art with contemporary street culture.
- Futuristic Art: Check out the modern, experimental art in places like Artplay or Winzavod, where the city’s creative scene flourishes.
Why Take This Tour:
- Discover Saint Petersburg’s vibrant and emerging street art scene.
- Experience a more contemporary and edgy side of the city.
- Perfect for art lovers looking to explore a unique cultural aspect of the city.
6. Historic Walking Tour of the Hermitage Museum
The Hermitage Museum is one of the world’s largest and most prestigious art museums, located in the Winter Palace on Palace Square. A walking tour of the Hermitage is an ideal way to explore the incredible collection of art and history housed in this iconic building.
Highlights:
- Winter Palace: Visit the former residence of the tsars, with its opulent rooms and halls.
- Main Hermitage Building: Explore the vast collection of art, including works by Da Vinci, Rembrandt, and Van Gogh.
- Small Hermitage: Discover the smaller but equally important exhibitions of Russian and European art.
- Hermitage Theatre: Learn about the Hermitage Theatre, an important cultural institution in Russia’s history.
Why Take This Tour:
- A deep dive into one of the world’s finest art collections.
- Explore the rooms and halls of the Winter Palace.
- Learn about the art, culture, and history of Russia in the context of the tsarist era.
7. Evening Walk along the Neva River
Saint Petersburg looks stunning at night, with its grand bridges and palaces illuminated by streetlights. An evening walk along the Neva River offers a unique way to experience the city’s beauty, away from the hustle and bustle.
Highlights:
- Nevsky Prospect at Night: Walk down the city’s main avenue, where the buildings come alive with lights.
- Nevsky Bridge: Stroll along the river’s embankment, where you can take in views of the illuminated bridges and historic buildings.
- Drawbridges: See the famous drawbridges of Saint Petersburg open at night, a magical sight unique to the city.
- Hermitage and Winter Palace at Night: Admire the illuminated Winter Palace and the grandeur of the Hermitage as you walk by the Neva River.
Why Take This Tour:
- Experience the beauty of Saint Petersburg under the night sky.
- See famous landmarks from a different perspective.
- Perfect for those who want a relaxing evening walk with scenic views.
Conclusion
Saint Petersburg offers a wealth of walking tours that allow you to explore the city’s rich history, culture, and art. Whether you’re interested in classic landmarks, literary history, or street art, there’s a tour to suit your interests. Walking through the city lets you truly immerse yourself in its beauty, from the iconic Winter Palace to the artistic treasures of Nevsky Prospect. Every step in Saint Petersburg tells a story, and these walking tours ensure you’ll uncover the very best of Russia’s cultural capital.