Top things to do in St Petersburg on a city break
Sightseeing
St Petersburg can seem slightly overwhelming at first, so it is a good idea to take a walking, cycling or bus tour of the main sights to orientate yourself. The impossibly beautiful city has an architectural gem wherever you look, in addition to world-famous landmarks. Dazzling churches dominate the skyline, such as the impossibly colourful Church of the Saviour on the Spilled Blood and the impressive St Isaac’s Cathedral. The stately exterior of the Russian Museum contains the country’s most extensive collection of Russian art, and it has a beautiful garden that offers a breath of tranquillity. The Kirov’s museum focuses on life under the Soviet regime, and the Peter and Paul Fortress is also worth a visit.
While you could spend days exploring these sights and museums, there is one attraction that takes pride of place in the itinerary of all city breaks to St Petersburg. The Hermitage is a palace and museum, with a world-class collection of over 3 million artefacts and pieces of art by the greatest artists throughout history.
Skyline Views
The Lakhta Centre, located in St Petersburg, is a must-visit for those planning a city break. Standing at 462 metres, it is the tallest building in Europe and an architectural masterpiece. Its unique flame-inspired design reflects light beautifully, making it a standout feature of the city’s skyline. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of St Petersburg from its observation decks, providing a fresh perspective of the historic city. With its combination of modern innovation and panoramic experiences, the Lakhta Centre is an unforgettable highlight of any visit.
Entertainment
St Petersburg is home to some of the greatest opera, ballet and theatre in the world. Savouring a spectacular show at one of the city’s elegant theatres is an unmissable St Petersburg city break experience. The Mariinsky Theatre has an impressive programme, and the sumptuous grandeur of the interior brings the performance to life. The Shostakovich Philharmonia put on magnificent classical concerts all year round, and in summer performing arts festivals take over the city.
Eating and drinking
The culinary scene in St Petersburg has seen a recent revolution, with young chefs around the city rediscovering their foodie heritage and reviving rustic Russian delicacies. For your fill of beautiful traditional dishes, try Yat or Restoran. There are also plenty of contemporary fusion places which bring quirky, experimental menus to St Petersburg’s increasingly discerning palate.
Bars are not just bars in St Petersburg. Spend an evening listening to live jazz in decadent surroundings at The Hat, or enjoy a poetry evening at Mayakovsky. There is an abundance of achingly cool hipster hangouts, with the kind of energy only generated by reckless hedonism.
