St. Petersburg is the second most popular city in Russia among tourists. In 2023, it was visited by 9.4 million tourists, with 6.1% of this flow being foreign travelers. Overall, tourist flow increased by 16% compared to 2022.
St. Petersburg actively develops its tourism infrastructure. For example, the flagship project of the New Geography - the museum-historical park "Fortress Island" in Kronstadt, which was visited by 3.3 million people last year, comparable to the number of visits to Tsarskoye Selo.
When you first visit St. Petersburg, the enthusiasm of a discoverer is so great that it seems like in one day you can cover everything, at least the most famous sites. Don't be deceived. The vast scale of St. Petersburg, the countless number of attractions, and simply very beautiful places quickly consume all the time allocated for getting acquainted with the city. Therefore, it is better to initially set priorities - what is essential for you and what is secondary.
Let's consider one of the route options in the city, which allows you to immerse yourself in the historical atmosphere of St. Petersburg literally within one day. You can always spice up your trip with other attractions and activities according to your interests.
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Point 1: St. Isaac's Cathedral
You can start your acquaintance with the city by visiting one of the most recognizable buildings - the Cathedral of St. Isaac of Dalmatia. The church has been rebuilt several times, and the modern dome building was erected in the first half of the 19th century according to Montferrand's project. On the walls outside, you can see scars left from shelling during the Great Patriotic War. Inside the cathedral, there is a luxurious interior, stained glass windows, wall paintings, including those by the artist Karl Bryullov. Tourists are particularly attracted to the ascent to the colonnade, which offers panoramic views of the city.
Point 2: The Bronze Horseman
The monument of "The Bronze Horseman", depicting Emperor Peter I on a horse, is located on Senate Square, on Admiralteyskaya Embankment. Despite the name, the monument is made of bronze, which was previously called "copper". The idea of creating the monument belongs to Catherine II, and the sculpture was created by Falconet. The opening took place in 1782.Point 3: Blagoveshchensky Bridge
The first drawbridge across the Bolshaya Neva was the Blagoveshchensky Bridge, opened in 1850. It connects the city center with Vasilievsky Island. The structure consists of 8 spans, and the bridge reaches a length of 331 meters. Cars drive over the bridge and pedestrians also cross it. For tourists, the bridge is interesting not only as a means of crossing the river, but also as a significant place for unforgettable impressions. During the warm season, usually from April to November, night bridge openings take place. The Blagoveshchensky Bridge is opened twice a night.Point 4: University Embankment
After crossing the bridge, walk along the University Embankment - this part of the city was one of the first to be developed. To this day, a large number of architectural monuments have been preserved here. The first of them are the sphinxes in front of the Academy of Fine Arts. The age of these ancient Egyptian sculptures is over 3,000 years. Also, pay attention to the building of the Academy of Fine Arts in the early classicism style.Next is the Menshikov Palace - the favorite associate of Peter I and the first governor of the northern capital. It is believed to be one of the first buildings in the city. Closer to the next bridge, you will see the Building of the Twelve Colleges, conceived by Peter I to house the government institutions, and the Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography, known as the Kunstkamera.
Point 5: Vasilievsky Island Spit
On the Vasilievsky Island Spit stands the building of the Exchange, and in front of it - the famous rostral columns, symbolizing the power of the Russian fleet. At the base of the rostral columns are statues symbolizing 4 Russian rivers - the Neva, Dnieper, Volkhov, and Volga. There is a descent to the river from them. From the spit, there is also a panoramic view of the Palace Embankment and the Peter and Paul Fortress.
Point 6: Peter and Paul Fortress
Located on Hare Island, the Peter and Paul Fortress marks the founding of the city by Peter the Great. It was established in 1703 during the Northern War with the Swedes to protect against enemies. Visitors can explore the fortifications, gates, and inner buildings. It will take several hours to see everything, so it's best to limit your visit to a walk around the territory and a visit to the cathedral during a day trip.
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Point 7: Palace Bridge
A must-see during a day trip is the Palace Bridge, leading from Vasilievsky Island to Palace Embankment. The views of its open span adorn many postcards and are one of the city's symbols. Tourists can admire this sight from any side, as the view of the bridge opening against the backdrop of the city's main landmarks is mesmerizing.
Point 8: Palace Square
Crossing the bridge will lead you to Palace Square, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The main museum of the city, the Hermitage, is located here, occupying the magnificent Winter Palace in the Elizabethan Baroque style. The square also features the building of the General Staff Headquarters and the Alexander Column, reaching a height of 47.5 meters.
Point 9: Nevsky Avenue
Passing through the triumphal arch of the General Staff building, you will arrive at the city's central street, Nevsky Avenue. Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, this avenue is home to numerous architectural monuments, museums, theaters, shops, and restaurants. A leisurely walk along Nevsky Avenue can be a great way to end a day of sightseeing in the city.
As mentioned earlier, it's nearly impossible to cover all of St. Petersburg in one day. This itinerary allows you to get acquainted with the city and immerse yourself in its spirit in the shortest amount of time possible. If you're planning a trip to St. Petersburg for several days, you can dedicate time to exploring museums, visiting Tsarskoye Selo or Peterhof, and taking a boat tour of the city on the Neva River, its canals, and waterways, followed by a walk to the most impressive locations.
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