Destinations > Asia > Russia > Russia
Palace Embankment
topHotels
Astoria Hotel
39 Bolshaya Morskaya
Tel: +7 (812) 494-5757
Fax: +7 (812) 494-5059
Luxurious rooms decorated in noble St. Petersburg style, and an ideal location just off the city’s main boulevard.
topSights
The Hermitage
Dvortsovaya nab 34-6
Tel: +7 (812) 110-9070
Tue-Sat 10:30am-6pm; Sun 10:30-5pm
Occupying six grand, richly decorated buildings, the Hermitage is one of world’s most famous museums. The enormous collection was started by Catherine the Great and includes important works by Leonardo da Vinci, Reubens, Rembrandt, Matisse and Picasso (among many others) along with a vast array of prehistoric, classical and Oriental art.
Winter Palace
This sumptuous palace was the official residence of the Imperial family until the Revolution—and no expense was spared in its decoration. Highlights include the Jordan Staircase, the Malachite Room, the State Rooms and the Small Throne Room.
Summer Palace and Gardens
Naberezhnaya Kutuzova
Tel: +7 (812) 314-0456
Wed-Mon 11am-7pm. Closed Nov 11—Apr 30.
Gardens open 8am-8pm daily (May-Oct 8am-10pm).
Closed mid-end April.
Peter the Great’s modest summer home reflects his interest in woodworking and his fascination with the sea. The splendid gardens have been a favorite of city residents for centuries—Pushkin and Tchaikovsky are among those who liked to stroll here.
St. Isaac’s Cathedral
Isaakievskaya ploshchad
Tel: +7 (812) 315-9732
Open May-Sept Thu-Tue 11am-7pm (Oct-Apr Thu-Tue 11am-6pm)
This cathedral, one of the world’s largest, is a marvel of engineering (and expense). Now a museum, it’s filled with stunning murals, malachite columns and gilded sculptures. The dome offers panoramic views.