Saint Petersburg, with its majestic palaces, world-renowned museums, and rich cultural history, is a city that invites exploration. The metro system offers a convenient and efficient way to travel around the city, allowing you to visit some of its most iconic landmarks with ease. Whether you’re heading to the Hermitage Museum, Peter and Paul Fortress, or Nevsky Prospekt, Saint Petersburg’s metro stations are well-connected to many must-see locations. Here’s how to use the metro to reach some of the city’s famous landmarks.
1. Hermitage Museum and Winter Palace
The Hermitage Museum, one of the world’s largest and most prestigious museums, is located near Palace Square in the heart of the city. It houses an extensive collection of art, from ancient Greek sculptures to Renaissance masterpieces.
How to Get There:
- Nearest Metro Station: Admiralteyskaya (Line 5, Green Line)
- Directions: Take the Green Line (Line 5) and exit at Admiralteyskaya station. From here, it’s just a short walk to the Winter Palace, the main building of the Hermitage Museum. The museum is located near Palace Square, which is easily accessible from the metro station.
Key Landmarks Nearby:
- Palace Square: The central square in front of the Winter Palace, an iconic location in Saint Petersburg.
- Alexander Column: Located in the center of Palace Square, this column is a symbol of Russia’s victory over Napoleon.
2. Nevsky Prospekt
Nevsky Prospekt is Saint Petersburg’s main avenue, lined with shops, cafés, restaurants, and cultural landmarks. It’s the perfect place for a stroll, shopping, or people-watching.
How to Get There:
- Nearest Metro Station: Nevsky Prospekt (Line 1, Blue Line)
- Directions: Take the Blue Line (Line 1) and exit at Nevsky Prospekt station. You’ll find yourself directly on this famous street, where you can explore the nearby stores, cafés, and iconic buildings.
Key Landmarks Nearby:
- Kazansky Cathedral: A grand cathedral located on Nevsky Prospekt, known for its impressive colonnade.
- Dostoevsky Museum: The former home of famous Russian writer Fyodor Dostoevsky, located near Nevsky Prospekt.
3. St. Isaac’s Cathedral
One of the largest domed cathedrals in the world, St. Isaac’s Cathedral is famous for its stunning golden dome and beautiful interiors. It is a must-visit for anyone interested in Russian Orthodox architecture.
How to Get There:
- Nearest Metro Station: Admiralteyskaya (Line 5, Green Line) or Sadovaya (Line 1, Blue Line)
- Directions: From Admiralteyskaya station, you can take a short walk to St. Isaac’s Cathedral. Alternatively, you can take the Blue Line (Line 1) and get off at Sadovaya station, which is also a short walk away from the cathedral.
Key Landmarks Nearby:
- Senate Square: Located near St. Isaac’s Cathedral, offering a beautiful view of the Bronze Horseman statue.
- Isaakievskiy Garden: A peaceful garden surrounding the cathedral, perfect for a relaxing break.
4. Peter and Paul Fortress
The Peter and Paul Fortress is a historic fortress on an island in the Neva River. It houses the Peter and Paul Cathedral, where Russian tsars are buried, and offers sweeping views of the river and the city.
How to Get There:
- Nearest Metro Station: Gorkovskaya (Line 2, Red Line)
- Directions: Take the Red Line (Line 2) and exit at Gorkovskaya station. From here, it’s a 15-minute walk to the Peter and Paul Fortress on Zayachy Island.
Key Landmarks Nearby:
- Peter and Paul Cathedral: The burial place of Russian emperors, with an impressive spire that dominates the skyline.
- Neva River Embankment: Offering scenic views of the river and the surrounding area.
5. Catherine’s Palace and Park (Pushkin)
Located in the town of Pushkin, about 25 km south of Saint Petersburg, Catherine’s Palace is a magnificent baroque palace famous for its opulent interiors and the iconic Amber Room.
How to Get There:
- Nearest Metro Station: Moskovskaya (Line 2, Red Line)
- Directions: Take the Red Line (Line 2) to Moskovskaya station. From here, you can transfer to a bus or take a taxi to reach Catherine’s Palace in Pushkin (approximately a 30-minute ride from the metro station).
Key Landmarks Nearby:
- Catherine Park: A beautiful park surrounding the palace, perfect for a leisurely walk.
- Pushkin Town: The town itself is a lovely destination with historic buildings and charming streets.
6. The State Russian Museum
The State Russian Museum is the largest collection of Russian art in the world. It spans centuries of Russian artistic development, from medieval icons to modern masterpieces.
How to Get There:
- Nearest Metro Station: Mikhailovskaya (Line 3, Green Line)
- Directions: Take the Green Line (Line 3) to Mikhailovskaya station, which is located close to the Russian Museum and the Mikhailovsky Palace.
Key Landmarks Nearby:
- Mikhailovsky Garden: A lovely park located near the museum, offering a peaceful retreat.
- Arts Square: Located in front of the museum, it is a popular gathering spot and cultural hub.
7. Yelagin Island and Yelagin Palace
Yelagin Island is a beautiful, tranquil area ideal for a relaxing escape. Yelagin Palace, a neoclassical mansion, is now a museum surrounded by lush gardens.
How to Get There:
- Nearest Metro Station: Krestovsky Ostrov (Line 3, Green Line)
- Directions: Take the Green Line (Line 3) and exit at Krestovsky Ostrov station. From here, it’s a short walk or a bus ride to Yelagin Island.
Key Landmarks Nearby:
- Yelagin Palace: The former royal residence, now a museum and cultural venue.
- Yelagin Park: A large park perfect for walking, picnicking, or enjoying nature.
8. Kazan Cathedral
The Kazan Cathedral is a stunning example of Russian Baroque architecture, located on Nevsky Prospekt. Its large colonnade and impressive dome are a must-see for anyone visiting Saint Petersburg.
How to Get There:
- Nearest Metro Station: Nevsky Prospekt (Line 1, Blue Line)
- Directions: Take the Blue Line (Line 1) and exit at Nevsky Prospekt station. The cathedral is a short walk away from the metro exit.
Key Landmarks Nearby:
- Palace Square: Just a few minutes away, home to the famous Winter Palace and Alexander Column.
- Kazansky Bridge: Located near the cathedral, providing beautiful views of the river and surrounding architecture.
Conclusion
Using the Saint Petersburg Metro to reach the city’s famous landmarks is a quick, affordable, and efficient way to explore the city. With metro stations conveniently located near major attractions like the Hermitage Museum, St. Isaac’s Cathedral, and Peter and Paul Fortress, you can easily travel between iconic sights without wasting time on transportation. The metro’s wide coverage, combined with the convenience of multi-ride tickets and travel passes, makes it an excellent choice for tourists looking to experience all that Saint Petersburg has to offer.