Known as “the most European” part of Russia, this culture centre is the second largest city after Moscow. Situated on 42 Islands by the Neva River, Saint Petersburg is also known as the “Venice of the North”, with boating urban canals being one of the popular activities for locals and tourists alike. Due to the 72 hour visa-free from cruise or ferry, it is more attractive for visitors to explore this Russian port by the Baltic Sea. With extensive art, majestic architectures, fascinating nightlife, historical culture and deep traditions, Saint Petersburg amazingly turns out to be a place for anyone to enjoy. Here are 8 tours by different modes of transportation to discover St. Petersburg.
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1. See the city from above with a rooftop tour
Many locals enjoy “rooftopping” along the rooftops in Saint Petersburg. Since the roofs usually are around the same height, you can go from one place to another on the roof instead of on the streets! Challenge your fear of heights as you enjoy a bird’s eye view over the rooftops in the historical part of the city. Gather in a small group and go towards the unusual viewing points. Bring out the adventurous nature in you and wear comfortable shoes as the rooftops slope slightly, but it is safe as there are fences along the edge. A unique and exciting way to explore the city!
The Rooftop Tour in St. Petersburg
Address: Nevsky Prospekt
Website:
2. A convenient hop-on, hop-off tour
Here is a fun one; a hop-on-hop-off bus where you can choose between a one or two-day ticket tour and drop off at attractions like St. Isaac’s Cathedral, the Winter Palace, and the Summer Garden. This tour is available in 13 major languages and there are 19 different stops along the way. Climb up on the open top bus to get an amazing view of the city.
Book Tours : St. Petersburg: Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour or Boat Tour
3. A cruise in the Venice of the North
Experience the Venice of the North with this cruise tour along Saint Petersburg’s rivers. Climb aboard a boat and cruise past majestic churches. View the Field of Mars, Anichkov Bridge, St Isaac’s Cathedral and the University of St Petersburg. Drive to the iconic Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood and explore the majestic marble interior. Retreat to a traditional Russian lunch and visit a local handicraft market at the end of the trip.
St Petersburg Shore Excursion
Address: St. Petersburg, Russian Federation
Website:
4. Metro stations tour
One of the most beautiful and deepest metro systems in the world, the deepest station being Admiralty. Resembling palaces or lobbies of 5-star hotels, the columns are made of marble and decorated with mosaics, sculptures and stained glass. Featuring Soviet art and bas-reliefs of the events at Uprising Square, discover the city from below in the underground palaces for the people.
Book Tours : St. Petersburg Metro Stations 1.5-Hour Tour
5. Drive around the Imperial Residences
Drive around Tsarskoe Selo to the summer residences of the Romanov tsars. Enjoy a private tour of Pushkin & Pavlovsk, known as the tsar’s place. Visit the Russian Baroque palace of Catherine the Great and the mysterious Amber Room, once a wonder of the world. With grand palaces and parks, Tsarskoe Selo holds deep historical roots and majestic architectures!
6. One day visa free exploration
Enjoy a visa-free day with pickup and drop-off to major grand locations in Saint Petersburg. Start your journey in the Hermitage Museum located in the Winter Palace which holds three million artworks from artist such as Da Vinci, Monet, Raphael, Rembrandt and more. Then head on to the iconic Church on Spilled Blood, upon the site where Alexander III was assassinated. Lastly, visit the Peterhof Palace Gardens, the “Russian Versailles”. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was designed by Peter the Great in the early 1700s. Relish in the whole day without rush and get to truly explore the most majestic sites that Saint Petersburg has to offer.
7. Walking tour
One of the best ways to discover this city is by walking. Saint Petersburg comes to life on this small group tour, especially while hunting its architectural treasures. Meet your guide at the Palace Square, view the Winter Palace and observe The Bronze Horseman. Cross the Neva River and view the Palace Embankment. See the Hermitage Museum, the Chamber of Curiosities, St. Isaac’s Cathedral, and the Admiralty. Continue to the town of Peter and past the Field of Mars and the Summer Gardens. Stroll along Nevsky Prospect and end your tour at a Russian Cafe for traditional dishes.
8. A boat ride in St. Petersburg
Enjoy this 8-hour private and customizable tour for you and your group according to your preference (art, history, etc). This tour includes a 1-hour boat ride along the river and a 2-hour tour of the Hermitage Museum. Hotel pickup and drop-off are also included. Visit sites like St. Nicolas Naval Cathedral, Kazan Cathedral, Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, and the St. Petersburg Metro Station. Midway, you can take a break and enjoy a Russian-style lunch and savor the history of this city.
Different perspective in the Venice of the North
Get a glimpse of Saint Petersburg from different perspectives as each tour exposes you to a different side of this fascinating city. Majestic sights such as the Tsar’s town, museums and churches lie within this imperial capital. The best time to go is during the warmer seasons from May to Sep, where the White Nights draw in visitors and twilight lasts the whole night. Go island hopping, climb upon the rooftops or travel along the smallest canals. Find yourself in an unexpected adventure in the cultural capital of Russia.
History
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