A short city break in St. Petersburg is an excellent choice for relaxation and rejuvenation. This multifaceted city has a lot to offer to travelers seeking diverse experiences. If you don’t have time for guidebooks, here are the top 5 ideas for autumn city break in St. Petersburg.
1. Explore the City on Foot, by Metro, and Tram
The best way to truly experience St. Petersburg is through leisurely strolls. While the most popular pedestrian route takes you through the city center, exploring hidden gems can be equally rewarding.
How about discovering the stained glass windows on the Petrograd Side and Vasilievsky Island? Stained glass was an essential element of Russian Art Nouveau architecture. On Vasilievsky Island, don’t miss the chance to walk along the narrowest street in the city, Repin Street, with a width varying from 5.5 to 6.2 meters. If you pay close attention, you might spot the bricked-up carriage entrances on the walls of historic buildings. Although St. Petersburg is not often associated with mosaic art, you can find mosaics decorating both historical buildings, such as the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, and modern structures.
Descend into the St. Petersburg metro, where over 20 stations are adorned with mosaics. Perhaps the most striking one is at “Mayakovskaya.” Thanks to its dark burgundy enamel, you won’t confuse this station with any other. The largest mosaic in the St. Petersburg metro can be found at “Zvenigorodskaya.” The vestibule walls feature a 3.5 by 21-meter smalt panel depicting the “Battle of Poltava,” while the end wall of the underground hall displays a 6 by 5.5-meter panel of the “Semyonovsky Regiment.” The theme is not accidental, as the station is located near the former barracks of the Semyonovsky Regiment.
Another delightful way to explore St. Petersburg is by tram. There are tram routes that rival guided tours in terms of the number of attractions covered. For example, tram route No. 3 starts at the Finland Railway Station. Tram No. 3 passes by the Peter and Paul Fortress, crosses the Troitsky Bridge, and then proceeds to pass landmarks like the Summer Garden, Nevsky Prospect, and many other historical buildings and iconic sites.
2. Immerse Yourself in the Petersburg Atmosphere at Bookstores
Another simple way to soak up the unique atmosphere of St. Petersburg during your city break is to visit a bookstore. You can start with the legendary “Podpysnye Izdaniya,” a beloved spot for the city’s intellectuals. These are not just bookshelves; they are genuine book spaces where you can enjoy a cup of coffee, flip through new books, chat with friends, and, of course, stay updated on the latest literary releases.
Equally atmospheric is the famous “House of Books” (Dom Knigi) on Nevsky Prospect. This legendary bookstore opened its doors in 1919 and continued to operate even during the city’s blockade. A new chapter in its history began in late 2022 when the store reopened after restoration. Venetian stucco, floors, ceilings, and historical stained glass were meticulously restored. Reading and relaxation zones were set up on each floor, and there’s even a separate area with a playroom for children.
This is a truly Petersburg bookstore with a wide variety of books, city-themed souvenirs, open lectures, and events. To enhance your Petersburg experience, enjoy a break in the bookstore’s cafe, where panoramic views of Nevsky Prospect and Kazan Cathedral unfold from the windows. To reach the cafe, you’ll have to climb more than 200 steps, but the combination of impressive architecture and breathtaking views is well worth it. Don’t forget to take photos of iconic city landmarks from there, including Vasilievsky Island, the Neva River to the north, the blue dome of the Trinity Cathedral to the south, serene Kolomna, and the port cranes to the west, as well as the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood to the east.
Another excellent option for a panoramic view in the city center is the tower of the former City Duma building near Gostiny Dvor. It offers a fantastic perspective of Nevsky Prospect. You can even turn it into a mini-quest by spotting and correctly identifying landmarks such as Kazan Cathedral, St. Isaac’s Cathedral, Peter and Paul Fortress, Trinity Cathedral, and other notable attractions. For the best views, visit “Lakhta Center,” a modern symbol of St. Petersburg that can be seen even on rainy days.
You can also admire the city center from the observation deck of St. Vladimir’s Cathedral. Its bell tower is one of the tallest in the city, standing at 41 meters. From here, you can see the domes of the Smolny Cathedral and the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, the spires of the Admiralty, Peter and Paul Fortress, and the Mikhailovsky Castle, the dome of the Singer House, and the City Duma tower, offering a perspective of Vasilievsky Island.
3. Rediscover St. Petersburg’s Cuisine
Gastronomic experiences are among the best souvenirs you can bring back from your travels. Many cities have their own culinary traditions and secrets, and St. Petersburg is no exception. Therefore, be sure to try local specialties, dishes from the “St. Petersburg cuisine.”
The “St. Petersburg Cuisine” project brings together dozens of restaurants that prepare dishes according to traditional St. Petersburg recipes. You can find them on the official city tourist portal, Visit Petersburg, and visit these gastronomic establishments for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Of course, trying all the signature St. Petersburg dishes in just two days is unlikely, but it’s an excellent reason to return to the culinary capital on multiple occasions. You can come back with family, friends, or colleagues, for an intensive food tour, a theater outing, or a business event. After all, how else can you compare and discuss the nuances of soups, salads, and, most importantly, the famous St. Petersburg desserts?
Enjoy your autumn city break in St. Petersburg, where history, culture, and gastronomy come together to create unforgettable memories.
4. See the City from Above
How do you gain a true appreciation of a place? Try changing your perspective – literally! Take a look at the beautiful city of St. Petersburg from high vantage points. The city’s skyline is a breathtaking sight, and here are some excellent options to enjoy it.
Isaac’s Cathedral Colonnade
To get a bird’s-eye view of St. Petersburg, one of the best places to visit is the colonnade of St. Isaac’s Cathedral. To reach it, you’ll need to climb over 200 steps, but the combination of impressive architecture and captivating vistas makes it well worth the effort. Make sure to capture iconic landmarks in your photos: Vasilievsky Island and the Neva River to the north, the azure dome of the Trinity Cathedral to the south, the tranquil Kolomna district and the harbor cranes to the west, and the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood to the east.
Former City Duma Tower
Another excellent viewpoint right in the city center is the tower of the former City Duma building near Gostiny Dvor. From here, you’ll have a fantastic perspective of Nevsky Prospect. You can even turn it into a mini-quest by spotting and correctly identifying landmarks like Kazan Cathedral, St. Isaac’s Cathedral, Peter and Paul Fortress, Trinity Cathedral, and other notable attractions. The easiest way to spot them all is from the “Lakhta Center,” a modern symbol of St. Petersburg that remains visible even on rainy days.
Vladimir’s Cathedral Observation Deck
Another great spot to admire the city center is from the observation deck of St. Vladimir’s Cathedral. Its bell tower is one of the tallest in the city, standing at 41 meters. From here, you can see the domes of the Smolny Cathedral and the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, the spires of the Admiralty, Peter and Paul Fortress, Mikhailovsky Castle, the dome of the Singer House, and the City Duma tower. This vantage point offers a panoramic view of Vasilievsky Island as well.
5. Fortress Island – The Ideal City Break Route
In August 2020, the “Ostrov Fortov” (Fortress Island) opened in Kronstadt, dedicated to the Russian naval fleet’s history. Every year, the project expands with new attractions and activities. In late July, on the Russian Navy Day, the Museum of Naval Glory opened here. Its central exhibit is the legendary first Soviet nuclear-powered submarine, K-3 “Leninsky Komsomol.” It’s the world’s only museum-converted 100-meter-long nuclear-powered submarine displayed on land in an enclosed space.
The Museum of Naval Glory consists of 24 thematic halls, each dedicated to various chapters in the history of the Russian fleet and maritime affairs. The exhibition appeals to a broad audience, featuring many interactive exhibits and other engaging items that you can explore on your own. It promises an exciting experience for all visitors.
Visiting “Ostrov Fortov” and the Museum of Naval Glory offers a unique opportunity to delve into the maritime heritage of Russia and appreciate its rich naval history.
Enjoy your city break in St. Petersburg, where stunning views, history, and culture come together to create unforgettable memories.
