Start your tour at Palace Square, Saint Petersburg’s grand central plaza, dominated by the Winter Palace (part of the Hermitage Museum) and the towering Alexander Column. Admire the baroque opulence of the palace’s green-and-white façade, evoking the city’s imperial past. From here, stroll north along Nevsky Prospekt, the city’s bustling main boulevard, lined with elegant shops, cafés, and golden-domed churches.
After about 10 minutes, stop at Stolle (Nevsky Prospekt 11), a traditional Russian pie shop with a cosy, old-world vibe, perfect for a quick lunch of savoury pirogi filled with cabbage, meat, or mushrooms, affordable, no reservations needed, but arrive early to avoid the midday rush. The rustic charm feels like a step into a 19th-century Russian scene.
Continue along Nevsky Prospekt to Kazan Cathedral, a neoclassical masterpiece with its sweeping colonnades and majestic dome. Pop in for a quick look at its ornate interior (free entry), where gilded icons and chandeliers create a serene atmosphere. Nearby, explore Gostiny Dvor, a historic 18th-century shopping arcade with a grand yellow façade,.
Head north towards the Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood, a dazzling mosaic-clad cathedral with onion domes that rival Saint Basil’s in Moscow. Its vibrant exterior and intricate interiors (small entry fee) are worth a quick 20-minute visit. From here, wander west along the Griboyedov Canal, where pastel-coloured buildings and arched bridges evoke Saint Petersburg’s Venetian nickname.
Loop south to Mikhailovsky Garden and the Russian Museum (Inzhenernaya Ulitsa 4). If time allows, dip into the museum for a brief look at Russian art, from icons to Repin’s masterpieces (20 minutes, entry fee applies). For a sweet treat, stop at Sever-Metropol (Nevsky Prospekt 44), a historic patisserie since 1903, for a hot chocolate or a medovik (honey cake), no bookings needed, but arrive promptly to enjoy its retro charm.
Continue west towards Arts Square, home to the Mikhailovsky Theatre, a neoclassical gem for opera and ballet. Admire its elegant façade, a nod to Paris’ Opéra Garnier. From here, head south along the Moika River Embankment to Yusupov Palace (Moika 94), a lavish 18th-century residence famous for Rasputin’s murder. A quick exterior view or a short tour of its opulent rooms (if pre-booked) adds a touch of intrigue.
End your tour at Saint Isaac’s Square, where the colossal Saint Isaac’s Cathedral looms with its golden dome and granite columns. For a final treat, visit Café Singer (Nevsky Prospekt 28), housed in the iconic Dom Knigi bookshop, for a coffee or a slice of syrniki (cheese pancakes), with views of Kazan Cathedral. Alternatively, relax at Literary Café (Nevsky Prospekt 18), a historic spot once frequented by Pushkin, soaking up Saint Petersburg’s imperial elegance.This 3-4 km route captures Saint Petersburg’s baroque grandeur, Russian culinary traditions, and cultural richness, perfect for a four-hour stroll. Wear comfortable shoes for the cobbled paths and dress warmly for the city’s often chilly, breezy weather, especially near the canals
