Where to stay in Saint Petersburg
Vacation house with a pool or hot tub in Saint Petersburg
Pet friendly vacation homes in Saint Petersburg
Where Is Saint Petersburg, Russia?
A Russian port city on the Baltic Sea, Saint Petersburg is located in the northwestern part of the country, on the delta of the Neva River and the eastern shores of the Gulf of Finland.
What Is Saint Petersburg in Russia Known For?
A mecca of cultural, historical, and architectural landmarks, Saint Petersburg, is undoubtedly a contender for the "Most Beautiful City in Europe." Compelling and seductive, the fascinating history, rich culture, sheer grandeur, and diversity of the city’s inhabitants establishes Saint Petersburg as Russia’s cultural capital and ironically its most European city. Armed with a revolutionary spirit, Saint Petersburg is an unrivaled treasure trove of art and culture, as well as forever a grand display of imperial Russia’s growing status in the world. Despite the capital status moving to Russia following the revolution, Saint Petersburg still feels every bit the imperial city with rich history forever frozen in time.
Popular Attractions in Saint Petersburg
- The Hermitage: The most famous visitor attraction in Saint Petersburg’s, The Hermitage is widely known as one of the world’s finest treasuries of antiquities and art. Spread across several different sites, visitors will find not only collections that span across centuries of fine European art but also a rich assembly of Greek and Roman antiquities, but also the astonishingly opulent 18th and 19th-century staterooms of Russia’s imperial family. One of the largest and oldest museums in the world, The Hermitage is an absolute must-see for any visitor to Saint Petersburg.
- Bronze Horseman: An impressive monument dedicated to the founder of Saint Petersburg — Peter the Great — the Bronze Horseman is an instantly recognizable symbol of the city. Facing the river, the Bronze Horseman stands like Rio’s Christ the Redeemer or NYC’s Statue of Liberty, where the magnitude, meaning, and sheer importance of the statue exudes the idea that a god-like figure looks over the city and protects its inhabitants. Depicting the most prominent reformer of the Russian state as a Roman hero, the pedestal is made of a single piece of red granite molded into the shape of a cliff. From the top of this “cliff,” Peter gallantly leads Russia forward, while his horse steps on a snake, representing the enemies of Peter and his reforms.
- The Peter & Paul Fortress: The birthplace of Saint Petersburg, the Peter and Paul Fortress has never actually seen any military action. However, it is the home of several other civil functions. Housing a cathedral where the Romanovs are buried, a former prison, and various exhibitions, this large defensive fortress on Zayachy Island is the kernel from which Saint Petersburg grew into the city it is today. All of these aspects of the fortresses’ history are celebrated in diverse exhibitions spread across various buildings. History buffs will love it, and everyone will swoon at the panoramic views from atop the fortress walls, at the foot of which lies a sandy riverside beach, a prime spot for sunbathing.
Popular Destinations Near Saint Petersburg
- Pushkin: Located 43 kilometers south of Saint Petersburg, Pushkin is often seen as part of the city’s conurbation. A popular destination to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, Pushkin was also once the summer home of the imperial family. In the summer months, visitors flock to the town’s main attraction of the grand imperial Catherine Palace and its adjoining gardens, where history buffs can wander through the impressive living quarter of the imperial family and visit the restored Amber Room. Often referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World, the Amber Room has been missing since WWII, but was recreated in detail based on pictures and memories of its contemporaries.
- Pavlovsk: Situated 30 kilometers south of Saint Petersburg, Pavlovsk is slightly further away from the city than Pushkin. However, like its adjoining twin sister, Pavlovsk was also an old imperial residence. Houses in the suburbs were popularised by Russian royals who spent the warmer part of the year in their summer residences. With time, Pavlovsk grew, and more settlements appeared around the imperial residence. It later became a popular place for music festivals hosting many celebrities, such as Strauss, Liszt, and Schumann. The town is now a popular location for country houses and dachas, where Saint Petersburg dwellers spend their summers.
Best Neighborhoods in Saint Petersburg
- New Holland: An up-and-coming neighborhood within the last few years, New Holland takes inspiration from its name, and the expansive green spaces filled with cafés, bars, and restaurants usually are buzzing with activity during the warm summer months. Sitting on an artificial island dating back to the 18th century, New Holland is dedicated to the pursuit of fun, art, and outdoor activities. A buzzing hub of cultural life in the city, New Holland plays host to hundreds of events happening throughout the year.
Home-types in Saint Petersburg
Saint Petersburg has a variety of property types for you to consider when booking a trip. Here are the most popular property types in Saint Petersburg:
- Condo: 5,793 vacation rentals
- Hotel: 1,609 vacation rentals
- House: 584 vacation rentals
- Hostel: 195 vacation rentals
- Bed and Breakfast: 41 vacation rentals
- Private Room: 38 vacation rentals
- Villa: 21 vacation rentals
- Resort: 15 vacation rentals
Points of interests in Saint Petersburg
Saint Petersburg has several popular points of interest for you to check out when visiting the area. Here are the most popular points of interest in Saint Petersburg:
- Cruiser Aurora: 18,955 vacation rentals
- General Staff Building: 18,955 vacation rentals
- Mariinsky Theatre: 18,955 vacation rentals
- Bronze Horseman: 18,955 vacation rentals
- Kazan Cathedral: 18,955 vacation rentals
- Palace Square: 18,955 vacation rentals
- Peter and Paul Cathedral: 18,955 vacation rentals
- Catherine Palace: 18,955 vacation rentals
- St. Isaac's Cathedral: 18,955 vacation rentals
- Peter and Paul Fortress: 18,955 vacation rentals
