While you’re in Petersburg, Russia, make sure you take time to visit the most famous sights. Some of the best places to see include the Peter and Paul Fortress, Peterhof, and Vasilyevsky Island. Alternatively, you can also check out the State Hermitage Museum.
Peterhof
If you’re looking for the best places to visit in Petersburg, Peterhof is one of the most popular attractions. The palace is large, and it has a number of museums and attractions, including the famous Peterhof Theatre. You can buy tickets to the attractions in advance or on the day of your visit. Ticket prices vary, depending on the museum. You can buy tickets at the entrance to the palace, or you can buy individual museum tickets. It’s best to arrive early, however, because you’ll want to avoid long lines.
Peterhof was damaged during the Second World War, when German troops occupied the city. In the early days after the attack, the Lower Park and Grand Palace were opened to the public. In 1952, the Grand Palace facades were restored. Afterwards, the name of the city was de-Germanized, and it is now known as Petrodvorets. The park and palace, however, retain their original names.
The Peterhof Grand Palace is the most prominent attraction in the city. It is open to the public, though it can get crowded during the summer months. It has 30 magnificent rooms designed in baroque style. It also has a museum and fountains.
The Peterhof palace is located close to the southern part of Saint Petersburg. This is a perfect location to enjoy the city’s most scenic metro stations. You can visit the Avtovo metro station, which is on the red line. The architecture is impressive and commemorates the Leningrad Blockade during the II World War. It has 46 columns, with sixteen made of glass. The corridor is decorated with a mosaic that represents symbolic victory.
Peter and Paul Fortress
The Peter and Paul Fortress is located on Zayachy Island and is accessible by two walking bridges. There are a few cafeterias and fast-food kiosks in the area. However, if you are looking for a more romantic setting, you should head to the Koryushka Restaurant on the island. You can make reservations in advance online and enjoy a panoramic view of the city. A meal here costs 2,000 roubles on average.
The main entrance to the Peter and Paul Fortress is the Petrovsky Gate. This gate was constructed in 1703 in honor of the Russian liberation from the Swedes during the Northern War. It is richly decorated with stucco and bas-reliefs. It also bears the coat of arms of the Russian state – a double-headed eagle holding an imperial crown.
Visitors can also visit the Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral, one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. It has a bell tower 43 meters or 141 feet high, which is a great spot to admire the city. This is also where visitors can listen to the musical instrument, Carillion, which is sounded all throughout the fortress on weekends. Admission to the museum is free on April 12.
If you have time, you can also visit the Peter and Paul Fortress, which is part of the Museum of History of St. Petersburg. It features many interesting places to visit, including a working bar and restaurant. It is also possible to see the cabin of Peter the First or cruiser Aurora from the Fortress. Lastly, you can also enjoy the scenic views of the Winter Palace, the River Neva, and Vasilyevsky Island.
State Hermitage Museum
The State Hermitage Museum is a must-see attraction when visiting Petersburg. It is one of the largest museums in the world, with over three million objects in its collection. It is a fascinating museum that will reward repeat visitors, with its stunning Impressionist masterpieces and intriguing Oriental treasures. You’ll want to take a guided tour to catch all the highlights.
The Hermitage Museum is best viewed during the day, with no crowds. You should plan on spending a full day visiting the museum. The museum is open to the public Monday to Sunday, and free entry is available on the first Thursday of the month. You can also purchase an audio guide to help you navigate through the complex.
Another of the best places to visit in Petersburg is the Winter Palace. This was the primary residence of Catherine the Great. After her death, the palace became the primary residence of the Russian Tsars. It was destroyed by fire in 1837, but was subsequently restored. Today, the buildings in the Winter Palace are home to the world-renowned Hermitage Museum collection.
The State Hermitage Museum is a wonderful place to visit for art lovers. It was founded by Catherine the Great in 1764 and has a vast collection of artwork from every period of history. Its building is beautifully decorated with gold leaf and stucco, and is worth taking a tour.
Mahaffey Theater
One of the top places to visit in Petersburg is the Mahaffey Theater, a historic theater built in the 1920s. Located downtown, it has 2,031 seats and is known for hosting high-quality performances by national and international artists. It is also home to the Florida Orchestra and presents a variety of special exhibits. Its bayside location allows for spectacular waterfront views. This venue hosts events that appeal to all tastes, from classical to rock.
If you’re traveling with children, you’ll find the Great Explorations Children’s Museum to be a great place to visit in Petersburg. There are interactive exhibits for the kids, including an augmented reality sandbox. The sandbox turns into a virtual world, which allows visitors to imagine what they can create.
There’s also a children’s program at the Mahaffey Theater, designed to encourage future patrons to take part in the arts. The students and teachers work together to discover and analyze the various shows on the stage. The website also offers information about upcoming performances and parking. There are also museums within the city, including the Salvador Dali Museum, which is home to the largest collection of Dali paintings outside of Europe.
The Mahaffey Theater is also a popular venue for wedding receptions and gala events. The beautiful Grand Ballroom seats up to 200 guests. It also features smaller, more intimate rooms and an outdoor patio area.
Smolny Cathedral
Smolny Cathedral is one of the most impressive Baroque architectural ensembles in Saint Petersburg. It is situated on the bank of the River Neva. It was built on the site of a former tar yard, which supplied the Admiralty with resin to build ships. It was closed down soon after its construction but the name of the place stuck. Originally, the small Smolny Palace stood on this site. The daughter of Peter the Great, Elisabeth, spent some time in this palace. She had the dream of retiring from the world.
Smolny Cathedral is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Petersburg. It is an example of late Baroque architecture. It is located northeast of downtown St. Petersburg and can be visited on a boat or metro cruise. The building’s interior is a shining example of late Baroque style.
The cathedral is located close to the Chernyshevskaya metro station. A short walk away are the Tavrichesky Garden and the Museum of A.V. Suvorov. Smolny Cathedral is also close to Lenin’s Memorial Apartment. It is also a popular spot for concerts and events.
Smolny Cathedral is an unrivalled example of baroque art. The baroque cathedral is set in the centre of a monastery. It was designed by Bartolomeo Rastrelli, who combined baroque details with features of Russian monasteries. The cathedral has a 63m high belltower.
