Saint Petersburg is not only about palaces, cathedrals, and canals. It has many hidden gems, known only to the locals and definitely worth visiting. Rooftops, communal apartments, cafes and bars, ancient courtyards, and other unusual places help travelers see the city from a new perspective.
Rooftops of Petersburg
Top view over the roofs of the old center of St. Petersburg during a beautiful sunset.
Photo by depositphotos.com
One of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of the Northern Capital is to climb onto one of the buildings and admire the old buildings and streets from a bird’s eye view. This can be done without much trouble: there are dozens of open access points to rooftops in the city. The best and safest options can be shown by guides on themed tours.
For comfort lovers, panoramic city views accompanied by hot coffee or a cocktail are part of the experience at the open veranda of the Nevsky Bereg Hotel, the Roof Cinema theater, and the HI-HAT summer platform.
Courtyards and Grand Entrances
This is a separate must-do for getting acquainted with Petersburg. The grand entrances and courtyards not only offer a glimpse of traditional architecture but also let you feel the atmosphere of the historical districts. All these are also great places for vivid photography.
The city on the Neva is famous for its luxurious grand entrances from the 18th century — with spiral staircases, traditional stucco, and decorative patterns on the walls. Particularly famous is the mansion of the wealthy Vasiliy Kanshin in heavenly colors, and the most well-kept house of the Kolobkov merchant family on the Petrograd side. Besides visual enjoyment, there’s the opportunity to learn a lot of interesting information, for example, how a grand staircase differs from a service one and why they were present in many rental houses.
Communal Apartments and Residences
Apart from luxury, there’s also another, more ‘everyday’ side to Saint Petersburg — communal apartments and income houses for the middle and poorer classes of the population. They too are an important part of the city’s pre-revolutionary history, possessing their own unique atmosphere.
On guided tours, you can visit the apartment of the writer Sergey Dovlatov, where Joseph Brodsky once stayed, and where stains from the port wine he spilled are still preserved. You can visit the income house where Rodion Raskolnikov, the protagonist of Fyodor Dostoevsky’s ‘Crime and Punishment,’ lived under the roof. It’s even possible to visit the landlady of the only pre-revolutionary women’s apartment in Saint Petersburg, which has retained its historical look.
Annenkirche
Christmas and New Year decoration of the interior of the Church of St. Anne, Annenkirche. The upside-down world and the Christmas tree on the ceiling of the church
Photo by depositphotos.com
This building has a very unusual history. In just under two and a half centuries of its existence, the Church of Saint Anne has not only been a Lutheran parish but also a hospital, a cinema, and even a rock club. In 2002, it suffered a severe fire that raged for almost a day.
The building is now partially restored and functions again as an active church. However, the traces of the fire were intentionally left, adding to the unique atmosphere. In addition to religious services, there are exhibitions, lectures, fairs, and classical music concerts.
Vasilyevsky Island
Pink winter New Year’s morning on the Strelka of Vasilyevsky Island in St. Petersburg overlooking the Palace Bridge and the Rostral Column
Photo by depositphotos.com
This district is often called a separate city within Saint Petersburg. It was from here that the history of the Northern Capital began in the early 18th century. Here you can walk along the narrowest street in Petersburg, Repin Street, only 5.6 meters wide, and visit the city’s first stone building — the Menshikov Palace, built in the 1720s.
Vasilyevsky Island is also interesting for individual milestones in its history. Great poets Anna Akhmatova and Nikolay Gumilev once lived here; schoolgirl Tanya Savicheva wrote her famous siege diary here. And on one of its streets is a boarding house described in the fairy tale ‘The Little Black Hen’ by Antony Pogorelsky.
Forts and Lighthouses of Kronstadt
Fort “Alexander I” aka “plague” – one of the many forts of the Gulf of Finland
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The city in the Gulf of Finland bay is the main naval outpost of Petersburg. The dozens of legendary forts on Kotlin Island have repeatedly helped to fend off enemies during the Northern, First, and Second World Wars. In total, there are more than 20 fortresses in the vicinity of Kronstadt. Many are now abandoned, but some regularly offer guided tours for those interested.
It’s worth visiting one of the largest local forts – ‘Grand Duke Konstantin’, as well as the unusual ‘Alexander I,’ nicknamed ‘Plague’ (named so because of a laboratory to combat epidemics located there). The numerous lighthouses are also among the significant monuments of Kronstadt. There’s even a Lighthouse Museum on the island, where you can learn about their history and how they work.
Cemeteries of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra
Dostoevsky’s grave in the cemetery of the Holy Trinity Alexander Nevsky Lavra, St. Petersburg
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The monastery is considered the main spiritual center of Petersburg. Its construction began in the early 18th century by order of Peter I. Along with the baroque buildings, the temples, and the rich interiors, the lavra’s cemeteries are particularly impressive.
Here lie many famous personalities: the composer Tchaikovsky, the architect Quarenghi, the poet Zhukovsky, the fabulist Krylov, and Dostoevsky. The Lavra cemeteries are divided into four parts: the Lazarev, Tikhvin, Nikolsky, and Kazansky. Each has its unique appearance and history.
The House of Julian Buck
The House of Julian Buck
Photo by Flickr
The House of Julian Buck is a unique example of Art Nouveau architecture in Saint Petersburg. Built at the beginning of the 20th century by the architect Lidval, it is known for its rich façade decoration and unusual layout. The most famous resident of the house was the artist Zinaida Serebryakova. Today, the house’s preservation is the responsibility of its current residents, who are happy to talk about its history and show tourists around.
Petersburg Cathedral Mosque
View from above of the Cathedral Mosque (shooting from a quadcopter). Saint-Petersburg, Russia
Photo by depositphotos.com
One of the largest Muslim mosques in Europe, the Petersburg Cathedral Mosque is notable for its stunning turquoise-blue dome and minarets. Its construction began in 1910 and took about ten years. Today, it is an active religious building, but it also welcomes tourists interested in its history and architecture.
Datsan Gunzechoyney
Prayer drums in the Datsan Gunzechoinei, which is a Buddhist temple
Photo by depositphotos.com
The Buddhist temple of Datsan Gunzechoinei is the northernmost in the world and the only one in Europe built before the 1917 revolution. Located on Primorsky Prospect, it offers an oasis of tranquility amidst the bustling city. Here you can learn about the traditions and culture of Buddhism, see the golden statue of Buddha, and participate in meditations and lectures.
‘Teardrop of Socialism’ House
The house is a commune of engineers and writers
Photo by wikimedia.org
The ‘Teardrop of Socialism’ House is an iconic structure in Saint Petersburg, reflecting the artistic and architectural experimentation during the Soviet era. Its unique design and the story behind its construction offer insight into a significant period of the city’s history.
Apparently, the residents were not supposed to have any secrets from each other, as there was absolutely no sound insulation in the house. Not surprisingly, one could shed a tear from such a life, although initially this house was supposed to be called the House of Joy.
John Lennon Street
Figure submarine-shirts with drawings on the building of the house of the street of John Lennon
Photo by depositphotos.com
This unofficially named street in Saint Petersburg became a place of pilgrimage for fans of the legendary musician. Although not officially recognized, John Lennon Street showcases the city’s love for the Beatles and serves as a cultural landmark, demonstrating the impact of Western music in Russia.
Major Kovalyov’s Nose
Major Kovalyov’s Nose
Inspired by Nikolai Gogol’s famous story “The Nose,” Major Kovalyov’s Nose has become an amusing and peculiar attraction in Saint Petersburg. This piece of public art captures the absurd and whimsical spirit of Gogol’s tale, making it a must-visit for literature enthusiasts and those looking for an offbeat experience.
Chizhik-Pyzhik Monument
Chizhik Pyzhik monument at Fontanka river in Saint Petersburg.
Photo by depositphotos.com
Chizhik-Pyzhik is the hero of the well-known teasing song “Chizhik-Pyzhik, where have you been? Drinking vodka on the Fontanka.” A bronze monument to it was erected in 1994 at the suggestion of the writer Andrey Bitov. It stands on the riverside granite wall of the Fontanka River embankment, near the first Engineer Bridge at the Mikhailovsky Castle.
Chizhik-Pyzhik immediately became surrounded by superstitions and traditions. For example, during a wedding tour of the city, the groom lowers a glass on a string to the monument and clinks with the beak of the bird.
Saint Petersburg’s hidden gems offer a unique perspective on the city’s diverse history and culture. From quirky public art to tranquil gardens, each spot tells a story and adds depth to the visitor’s experience. Exploring these lesser-known places is a journey into the heart of a city rich in tales, traditions, and architectural wonders.
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