Sightseeing in Saint Petersburg, Russia : Kathika Travel Website

By Amanda Kendle on February 5th, 2010

Russia’s second largest city is, at least in my opinion, by far its prettiest. Saint Petersburg doesn’t have quite the hustle and bustle of Moscow, but it’s a majestic city resting on the Neva River and has so many interesting activities to keep you busy, including:

A visit to the Hermitage Museum in the Winter Palace. Even the buildings which house this museum, and the building interiors, are an attraction in themselves; just wait until you try to come to terms with whatever fraction of the three million artworks they have are on display. It’s a mind-blowing place to visit, and you certainly don’t have to be a mad art lover to enjoy it.
Climbing to the top of Saint Isaac’s Cathedral. The climb up some 400 or so steps is worth it, because you’ll get fantastic views over the whole city.
Take a canal boat tour around the city. These leave from various places in the center of Saint Petersburg and usually take you across to see the Peter and Paul Fortress; Saint Petersburg is surprisingly Venice-like, built as it is on several islands, and a canal tour is a great way to see it.
Admire both the outside and inside of the Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood. From outside, the colorful domes are like a grown-up, elegant version of Moscow’s crazy Saint Basil’s Cathedral; inside, the Church of the Saviour is covered with elaborate mosaics.
A look around the Dostoyevsky Museum and Memorial Flat. You can find out how one of the greats of Russian literature worked and lived.

photo credit: ooki_op