Top 10 Outside the Guide Book Attractions
There are two types of attractions that tourists should pay their respects to in a new city: traditional and non-conventional. And while traditional and famous places are widely represented in guide books and various travel offers, to find a list of unusual and atmospheric places might be a challenge. We have decided to compile a list of such attractions, so that you could enrich your travel experience in St Petersburg with some fresh impressions.
- St Petersburg roofs are something every person coming to the city must visit. There are various options to do that, from just having a look at the magnificent city vista from the St Isaac’s Cathedral bell tower through spending an evening on a restaurant terrace near the Kazan Cathedral to having a walk from one roof to another. You choose!
- New Holland Island is an artificial island with a unique industrial architecture of the early 18th century. It was created as the first naval port and then served as an admiralty. In the 21st century it is being transformed into a multifunctional cultural center remaining one of the city dwellers’ favorite places and is definitely worth having a look at.
Address: Admiralteysky Canal Embankment, 2.
- The Gulf of Finland is what makes St. Petersburg a sea port in the first place. And if there is a sea, everyone must go and enjoy the time at the seashore. There are also several options, inside and outside the city. For example, check out club “Air” at Yuzhnaya doroga.
Address: Yuzhnaya Road 6/2, «Air».
- The courtyard of the Faculty of Philology of St Petersburg State University is an outdoor sculpture museum located on the campus of the oldest Russian university. The fun part is actually getting to the territory of the campus and then looking for various sculptures trying to guess the meanings of all allegories there.
Address: Universitetskaya Embankment, 11.
- Mosaics courtyard is another outdoor museum that is worth seeing. Located in the middle of a residential block, it was turned into a little Gaudi-style masterpiece by the students from the art school nearby.
Address: Chaikovskogo St., 2.
- Traditional Doughnut Place at Bolshaya Konnuyshennaya St., 25 has been making the same doughnuts and coffee for the past 50 years. Visit this corner of Soviet times to get a touch of real history and nostalgia. And to try the best doughnuts in the city, of course.
Address: Bolshaya Konnuyshennaya St., 25.
- Retro tram tour takes you around the city on an old pre-war streetcar. Enjoy the views of the two islands and historical downtown while a guide tells you about the history of electrical transport.
First stop: Sredniy Ave. 77, Vasilievsky Ostrov, The Museum of Electrical Transport.
- Loft Project Etagi and Erarta Gallery are the best places to visit if you are tired of palace interiors and imperial luxury. Contemporary arts, craft shops and creative spaces will get you acquainted with a modern look of the historical city.
Address: Ligovsky Ave., 74 (Loft Project Etagi), 29th Line 2, Vasilievsky Ostrov (Erarta Gallery).
- Castle Rock store, a sanctuary for those who are inspired by the rock culture, is the first rock stuff store in Russia and the emblematic place for all city rockers. Combined with the typical St. Petersburg courtyard atmosphere, this store guides you through the world of Russian rock music.
Address: Ligovsky Ave., 47.
- Purga is a very special club and bar that celebrates New Year every night. If you are looking for a fresh start and big fun — this is a place to go. They also hold mock wedding ceremonies for everyone who decides to get married in their club, so don’t miss you chance!
Address: Reki Fontanki Embankment, 1.
