St Isaac’s Cathedral

Saint Isaac's Cathedral, built to be the main cathedral of Russia and dedicated to Saint Isaac of Dalmatia, the patron saint of the city's founder, Peter the Great, is the largest Orthodox church in Saint Petersburg. The cathedral greets you every time you return to the hotel from a city stroll. And if you're lucky enough to stay in a room with a view, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Saint Petersburg's main symbol without even leaving the hotel.

The colonnade of Saint Isaac's Cathedral is especially noteworthy. It's the most famous observation deck in Saint Petersburg. From a height of 43 meters, it offers views of the city's central districts and the Neva River.

The Bronze Horseman

The monument to Peter the Great, affectionately known as the Bronze Horseman, depicts Peter on a rearing horse and is named after Alexander Pushkin's poem of the same name. The granite pedestal is so enormous that it has its own name—Thunder Stone, which originally weighed approximately 1,500 tons. The monument is a tribute to the memory and respect of Empress Catherine the Great to her brilliant and visionary predecessor and another popular and beloved symbol of St. Petersburg.

Admiralty

Located on the banks of the Neva River is the Admiralty, a symbol of St. Petersburg. Formerly home to the Admiralty Board, the building now houses the General Staff of the Russian Navy. The most famous feature of the building is the Admiralty spire, topped with a golden weather vane—another recognizable symbol of St. Petersburg. In front of the Admiralty is the beautiful Alexander Garden with pedestrian paths.

Palace Square

The main and most beautiful square of St. Petersburg, where you can simply stroll, rollerblade, listen to street musicians, and take countless photos. In the very center of the square stands the Alexander Column, erected to commemorate the Russian Empire's victory over Napoleon. The triumphal column is considered the tallest in the world (at 47.5 meters), and is crowned with a statue of an angel holding a cross. The column's shaft is also the tallest and heaviest monolith ever quarried, moved, and installed. It's difficult to see from below, but the angel's face bears a striking resemblance to Emperor Alexander I. And yes, the column is also a symbol of St. Petersburg.

The State Hermitage Museum

The Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg's main museum and the country's largest cultural and historical museum, is located on Palace Square. Its complex consists of six buildings. Today, the Hermitage contains approximately 3 million works of art and world cultural heritage. Even a cursory visit requires at least half a day. If you spend no more than one minute per exhibit and eight hours a day in the museum, it would take you about 15 years to see everything. And to explore each of the 350 exhibition halls, you'd have to walk about 10 kilometers.

Mariinsky Theatre

The Mariinsky Theatre is one of Russia's largest theaters. A gem of ballet and opera, it's also a major landmark of St. Petersburg. Experience a classic performance on the historic stage or a more contemporary production on the Mariinsky Theatre's new stage (Mariinsky II)—you'll be captivated by the sheer art and magical atmosphere.

Attractions