5 Must-See St. Petersburg Neighborhoods and How to Visit

Ideal for first-time visitors, here's our guide to the Russian city's top neighborhoods.

Oct 03, 2019

•

By Lydia Schrandt

5 Must-See St. Petersburg Neighborhoods and How to Visit

Hi, I'm Lydia!

Lydia Schrandt is a writer, editor, and award-winning photographer currently based in Houston. She’s a contributor for USA TODAY 10Best and serves as the first chair of the Editors Council of the Society of American Travel Writers. Her work has appeared in Draft, Time Out Beijing, Travel+, USA TODAY, San Francisco Chronicle, and others.

From the regal architecture of Palace Square to the historic canals and shipyards of New Holland, St. Petersburg’s diverse neighborhoods offer something for everyone. Explore beyond the Hermitage by hitting the pavement in one of these interesting districts.

Palace Square

Top attractions and more.

This central historical neighborhood near the banks of the Neva River marks the starting point for explorations of St. Petersburg. Tour the exquisite collection at the State Hermitage Museum, and admire the architecture of the Winter Palace and Admiralty Building.

The Winter Palace is one of St. Peterburg's top attractions. Photo: Katya Rezvaya / Viator

Vasilievsky Island

History and museums.

Across the Neva River from the historic city center, Vasilievsky Island is home to one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods. Here you’ll find St. Petersburg University, as well as the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Kunstkamera Ethnographic Museum.

New Holland

Perfect for food and architecture fans.

Those who want to get off the beaten path should spend some time in New Holland, an up-and-coming neighborhood on an artificial island brimming with cafés, bars, restaurants, and boutiques. Make sure to stop and admire the New Holland Arch, designed by French architect Vallin de la Mothe.

New Holland is one of St. Petersburg's most up-and-coming spots. Photo: Artem Yampolcev / Shutterstock

Nevsky Prospekt

A must-visit for foodies.

St. Petersburg’s main avenue buzzes with activity throughout the day and night, and it’s one of the best spots in the city for dining. Browse the galleries near Square of the Arts, stand beneath the domes of the Church of the Savior on the Spilled Blood, or grab a drink at one of the neighborhood’s many bars.

Pushkin

Royal heritage and a regal present.

This suburb of St. Petersburg served as the summer residence of the royal family during Russia’s imperial days. Visitors come to Pushkin to tour the majestic Catherine and Alexander palaces and stroll through its leafy parks.