UNIQUE SPOTS
Besides the many sights sought-after by tourists, St Petersburg has something more to offer
Hiding in plain sight
Alongside internationally acclaimed sights such as the Hermitage, Peterhof and Tsarskoye Selo, Saint Petersburg has a number of lesser known but equally interesting attractions. There are many hidden gems in the city that often provide a deeper understanding of its history and a real insight into its current daily life. It is difficult, but not impossible, to discover St. Petersburg from a new perspective while visiting its most popular tourist spots. The main thing is to know where and what to look for.
Gala (main) staircase
You can admire the back side of the city by turning into any courtyard, but it is better to see the addresses of the most interesting ones beforehand. As you stroll through the courtyards, take the opportunity to peek into some of the gala (main) staircases. Some of them can still take you back in time, while others can immerse you in an unusual atmosphere.
Several addresses
House on the Bolshaya Morskaya
If you are looking for stucco and stained-glass windows, then the house on Bolshaya Morskaya street is what you need. At the beginning of the XX century architects Ilyashev and Gimpel built a four-storey building. On the first floor there were stores, the second and third were occupied the insurance company offices, and the tenants are located on the fourth floor.
You can see the stucco and stained-glass windows if you walk down the aisles. If you're lucky, you can even see the concrete figures of frogs.
Bernstein's House
If you find yourself in the yard-well of the Bernstein's lodging house, be sure to enter its front room. Walk up the high and wide staircase, admire the walls decorated with turquoise brick, colored tiles on the floor. The entire main staircase is decorated in a vegetal style - you can discern ornaments with water lilies and lilies on the walls, and the floor continues the natural theme. And if you're lucky, you'll be able to sit in small armchairs embedded in the walls and look out the windows at the yard-well.
Yeliseyev's House
Address: Lomonosova street 14
Do not miss the lodging house of Eliseeva. This is one of the most popular houses in the city - its residents take tours here, and the donations collected are spent on repairs and restoration of the main staircase.
The walls of the front room are painted yellow, and the windows are white - because of this the front room is also called "daisy". There used to be colored glass everywhere, creating a cozy atmosphere and there is an antique elevator operating, around which an openwork staircase seems to hang.
Address: Bol'shaya Morskaya street, 35
If you are looking for stucco and stained-glass windows, then the house on Bolshaya Morskaya street is what you need. At the beginning of the XX century architects Ilyashev and Gimpel built a four-storey building. On the first floor there were stores, the second and third were occupied the insurance company offices, and the tenants are located on the fourth floor.
You can see the stucco and stained-glass windows if you walk down the aisles. If you're lucky, you can even see the concrete figures of frogs.
Bernstein's House
Address: 3-ya Sovetskaya street, 9
If you find yourself in the yard-well of the Bernstein's lodging house, be sure to enter its front room. Walk up the high and wide staircase, admire the walls decorated with turquoise brick, colored tiles on the floor. The entire main staircase is decorated in a vegetal style - you can discern ornaments with water lilies and lilies on the walls, and the floor continues the natural theme. And if you're lucky, you'll be able to sit in small armchairs embedded in the walls and look out the windows at the yard-well.
Yeliseyev's House
Address: Lomonosova street 14
Do not miss the lodging house of Eliseeva. This is one of the most popular houses in the city - its residents take tours here, and the donations collected are spent on repairs and restoration of the main staircase.
The walls of the front room are painted yellow, and the windows are white - because of this the front room is also called "daisy". There used to be colored glass everywhere, creating a cozy atmosphere and there is an antique elevator operating, around which an openwork staircase seems to hang.
Contemporary art museum "Erarta"
Erarta is different from all the classical museums for which the cultural capital is famous. This is a truly unique and also the most ambitious project in the sphere of contemporary art in Russia. The gallery is completely oriented on the visitor, on helping him to understand and fall in love with contemporary art. Besides permanent exposition the museum often hosts temporary exhibitions.
Address: 29 Liniya Vasil'yevskogo Ostrova, 2
Address: 29 Liniya Vasil'yevskogo Ostrova, 2
Rooftops
St. Petersburg in the palm of your hand, an urban perspective with domes and spires dominating, fresh wind in your face, sky and sun - the atmosphere of a St. Petersburg rooftop will be remembered for a long time. If you haven't been to one yet, it's time to fix that.
The easiest option is to go to one of the viewing platforms of the city. For example, on the roof of the Loft Project Etazhi. For 150 rubles you can walk on the safe roof and admire the city panorama. Here you can also take a cup of coffee or mulled wine to enjoy the atmosphere to the full 100%.
It also possible to get to an authentic roof through the attic, but we don't recommend to do it due to safety reasons. Many companies offering such services, working illegally, and the guides do not comply with safety regulations.
Address: Ligovsky Ave. 74
The easiest option is to go to one of the viewing platforms of the city. For example, on the roof of the Loft Project Etazhi. For 150 rubles you can walk on the safe roof and admire the city panorama. Here you can also take a cup of coffee or mulled wine to enjoy the atmosphere to the full 100%.
It also possible to get to an authentic roof through the attic, but we don't recommend to do it due to safety reasons. Many companies offering such services, working illegally, and the guides do not comply with safety regulations.
Address: Ligovsky Ave. 74
Communal apartments
To fully understand St. Petersburg, you have to go and visit St. Petersburgers (locals). You can find such apartments in the old stock that it's hard even to imagine. Leptina on the ceiling, 19th-century fireplaces, marble baths, hidden cupboards, spiral staircases, stained-glass windows...
Vasilyevsky Island
For some reason, this island is often neglected by tourists. They only stop at Strelka, admire the Stock Exchange and the Rostral Columns, go to the Kunstkamera, and then come back to the Center. Meanwhile, there is a lot to see here! You will find mystical Smolenskoye Cemetery and the Chapel of Xenia of Petersburg, which grants wishes, the narrowest street in the city, and a mysterious yard of spirits, mysterious Pharmacy of Pel, where, according to legend, griffins live.
(7 Liniya Vasil'yevskogo Ostrova, 16-18). Also on this island you can visit Optical Museum and Museum of electric vehicles
(7 Liniya Vasil'yevskogo Ostrova, 16-18). Also on this island you can visit Optical Museum and Museum of electric vehicles
Cemeteries of Alexander Nevsky Lavra
If you like to walk in cemeteries - go to Alexander Nevsky Lavra. Here you will find two unusual cemeteries, which you will remember for a long time. The first one is paid, well-groomed and neat, the Necropolis on the territory of Alexander Nevsky Lavra. Here are buried famous writers, composers and other artists. Therefore, the tombstones here are true works of art.
The second cemetery is Nikolskoe. Here you will find half-ruined crypts, sagging crosses and abandoned graves. This is probably one of the darkest places in the city. But the gloom and abandonment gives this place a certain charm and unique atmosphere.
Address: Ploshchad' Aleksandra Nevskogo, 1Б
The second cemetery is Nikolskoe. Here you will find half-ruined crypts, sagging crosses and abandoned graves. This is probably one of the darkest places in the city. But the gloom and abandonment gives this place a certain charm and unique atmosphere.
Address: Ploshchad' Aleksandra Nevskogo, 1Б
"Sevcabel" Port
A new cultural space that is extremely popular among residents. Each space here corresponds to the nautical style of this art-claster. It's as if the waterfront is specially designed for you to sit and admire the Gulf of Finland, and if you want to eat, you can easily do it in one of the many local establishments.
Address: Kozhevennaya Liniya, 40
Address: Kozhevennaya Liniya, 40
"Sennoy" market
If you are looking for colorful places, you must visit the Hay Market. This is that rare place in St Petersburg that doesn’t look grandiose - shouting from all sides of the sellers, the smell of fresh fruits and vegetables, mixed with the aroma of spices. Not only grandmothers go here, but also young people. At the same time you can buy here seasonal fruits and vegetables for dinner and breakfast - just keep your eyes open - check what they're selling and don't hesitate to bargain!
Address: Moskovskiy Prospekt, 4а
Address: Moskovskiy Prospekt, 4а
Sphinxes
Walking along the Neva embankments from the Vasilevsky Island side is much more interesting than walking along the embankments in the central part of the city. It's from here you have a gorgeous view of St. Isaac's Cathedral, the Admiralty and the mansions.
The main attraction of the University embankment are two granite sphinxes of the 14th century. They were brought to St. Petersburg in 1832 from Thebes, the ancient capital of Egypt. The faces of mythical animals - a portrait of Egyptian Pharaoh Amenhotep III. In his funerary temple and were discovered these sculptures.
There are many urban legends about sphinxes, and they are very contradictory. We do not believe in omens. But can confirm one mystical peculiarity: sphinxes' facial expressions get changed depending on light and time of day. It's as if they smile in good weather and become stern in gloomy weather. Photos do not convey the scale: in reality, these statues are 5 meters long and 4.5 meters high. Location
The main attraction of the University embankment are two granite sphinxes of the 14th century. They were brought to St. Petersburg in 1832 from Thebes, the ancient capital of Egypt. The faces of mythical animals - a portrait of Egyptian Pharaoh Amenhotep III. In his funerary temple and were discovered these sculptures.
There are many urban legends about sphinxes, and they are very contradictory. We do not believe in omens. But can confirm one mystical peculiarity: sphinxes' facial expressions get changed depending on light and time of day. It's as if they smile in good weather and become stern in gloomy weather. Photos do not convey the scale: in reality, these statues are 5 meters long and 4.5 meters high. Location
"Lakhta Center"
"Lakhta Center" is the tallest skyscraper in Europe. It is the new visual dominant of St. Petersburg, arguing, for example, with the spire of the Peter and Paul Fortress. There have been many discussions and calls to stop the construction of the tower. We writing this article in the end of 2020. By that time, the skyscraper has been built, but the work of beautification has not yet been completed. Now people come here to look at the building up close and take pictures. You can combine this with a walk in the park of the 300th anniversary of St. Petersburg on the Gulf of Finland.
When this center opens to the public, there will be the highest observation deck in Europe. Its height is 360 meters, almost like the Empire State Building in New York. On the 75th floor will work a panoramic restaurant - the view of the Gulf of Finland and the city should be impressive. Lakhta will also have stores, cafes and restaurants, exhibition spaces, a science and education center and an open-air amphitheater.
When this center opens to the public, there will be the highest observation deck in Europe. Its height is 360 meters, almost like the Empire State Building in New York. On the 75th floor will work a panoramic restaurant - the view of the Gulf of Finland and the city should be impressive. Lakhta will also have stores, cafes and restaurants, exhibition spaces, a science and education center and an open-air amphitheater.
"Manezh" Central Exhibition Hall
Compared to Moscow's Manezh, St. Petersburg's seems less popular. It is located in the very center, behind St. Isaac's Cathedral. It regularly holds exhibitions, which the entire city then discusses.
There are also lectures and meetings with artists. The area around the Manege also becomes part of the museum space, where various art objects are exhibited.
There are also lectures and meetings with artists. The area around the Manege also becomes part of the museum space, where various art objects are exhibited.
Stieglitz Academy
It's worth going there if only for the sake of the building itself: from the outside and inside you want to hold your head up to look at it.
The academy has a museum of applied arts. It has chic interiors that you can spend hours studying. There are 32 halls in the museum and each of them is decorated in a certain style or represents a historical epoch, for example the Italian Renaissance or Moscow Baroque. There are more than 3,000 exhibits in the interiors: furniture, dishes and other household items.
The museum was not created for the public, but as an educational tool. Therefore, a person from the street, not an employee or student, will not be allowed into the Stieglitz Academy. But from time to time excursions are held in the museum. Contact us to organise to participate in a group tour or organise a private tour.
The academy has a museum of applied arts. It has chic interiors that you can spend hours studying. There are 32 halls in the museum and each of them is decorated in a certain style or represents a historical epoch, for example the Italian Renaissance or Moscow Baroque. There are more than 3,000 exhibits in the interiors: furniture, dishes and other household items.
The museum was not created for the public, but as an educational tool. Therefore, a person from the street, not an employee or student, will not be allowed into the Stieglitz Academy. But from time to time excursions are held in the museum. Contact us to organise to participate in a group tour or organise a private tour.
Seven bridges
There are several places in St. Petersburg that are ascribed magical powers - the ability to make cherished wishes come true. This place is one of them. This is the point from which you can see seven bridges at once. It is located on the Pikal Bridge, at the intersection of the Kryukov and Griboyedov Canals.
You need to stand so that on your left side is St. Nicholas Maritime Cathedral. From here you can see the Krasnogvardeisky, New Nicholas, and Old Nicholas bridges over the Griboyedov Canal and the Slezhny, Kashin, and Torgovy bridges over the Kryukov Canal. If you turn around, you can see the seventh bridge: the Mogilev Bridge over the Griboyedov Canal. Make a wish and see if St. Petersburg magic works. Location
You need to stand so that on your left side is St. Nicholas Maritime Cathedral. From here you can see the Krasnogvardeisky, New Nicholas, and Old Nicholas bridges over the Griboyedov Canal and the Slezhny, Kashin, and Torgovy bridges over the Kryukov Canal. If you turn around, you can see the seventh bridge: the Mogilev Bridge over the Griboyedov Canal. Make a wish and see if St. Petersburg magic works. Location
Chizhik-pyzhik
It was installed in 1994 on the Fontanka River near the 1st Engineering Bridge, where in 1835, on the initiative of Prince Peter of Oldenburg was founded the Imperial School of Jurisprudence. Students of the school wore uniforms of yellow-green color, which resembled a plumage of chizh (a siskin). So people started calling them by the nickname Chizhik-Pyzhik.
The chigger bird immediately became covered with omens and traditions. For example, during the wedding trip through the city, the groom lowers a shot glass on a string to the monument and clinks it with the bird's beak.
To make a wish come true, you have to throw a coin to the bird. But so that it remains on the pedestal, not fall into the water.
The chigger bird immediately became covered with omens and traditions. For example, during the wedding trip through the city, the groom lowers a shot glass on a string to the monument and clinks it with the bird's beak.
To make a wish come true, you have to throw a coin to the bird. But so that it remains on the pedestal, not fall into the water.
Street Art Museum
Street Art Museum is a unique territory of art combining a gallery space, street culture and functioning Laminated Plastics Factory. The Museum was founded in 2012 after a graffiti party held in one of the abandoned factory’s workshops. Today the territory is divided into two zones—permanent exhibition at the functioning production area of the Factory that houses the collection of murals made by modern street artists and a public space where temporary exhibitions are held and various events take place. The permanent collection includes around 50 works by contemporary artists, which can be seen as a part of an excursion around the factory territory and premises.
Please take your ID card as the entrance to the territory of the factory is under security control.
Address: Shosse Revolyutsii 84AB
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We are a tour bureau "HOROSHO" that is based in St Petersburg, Russia. This city guide is created by our guides who are local experts with years of experience.
Our specialization is creating and realizing experiences focused on your specific guidelines or interests. Our high-quality services give you the flexibility to explore St Petersburg at the highest level of service that you deserve.
Our specialization is creating and realizing experiences focused on your specific guidelines or interests. Our high-quality services give you the flexibility to explore St Petersburg at the highest level of service that you deserve.
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