Saint Petersburg is a city rich in history, culture, and stunning architecture, and exploring it by public transport offers a unique and scenic way to experience its iconic sights. Whether you prefer the speed of the metro, the leisurely pace of buses, or the charm of trolleybuses and trams, Saint Petersburg’s public transport system allows you to view the city’s beautiful landmarks and neighborhoods at your own pace. Here’s how to use Saint Petersburg’s public transport to embark on a scenic city tour.
1. Start with the Metro for Efficient Sightseeing
The metro in Saint Petersburg is not only fast and efficient but also offers access to key locations and areas that are rich in architectural beauty and historical significance. While the metro is typically used for quick commutes, it can also serve as a starting point for a scenic city tour.
Why the Metro is Great for Scenic Tours:
- Direct Access to Major Landmarks: The metro is strategically located to provide quick access to major attractions. Many important locations are easily reachable by metro, and the journey itself can be quite enjoyable.
- Architectural Beauty: Some stations in Saint Petersburg are architectural gems, with beautiful mosaics, marble columns, and ornate ceilings that make the metro ride itself an interesting experience.
Suggested Metro Stops for Scenic Tours:
- Nevsky Prospect Station (Red Line): This station gives you direct access to Nevsky Prospect, one of the most iconic streets in Saint Petersburg, filled with stunning architecture, shopping, and cultural landmarks. From here, you can easily reach the Hermitage Museum and Palace Square.
- Admiralteyskaya Station (Purple Line): This station is located near Palace Square, home to the Winter Palace, St. Isaac’s Cathedral, and the Hermitage Museum. The area around Admiralteyskaya is an excellent starting point for exploring the city’s grand landmarks.
- Avtovo Station (Red Line): Known for its grand architecture and the art-deco style of its design, Avtovo station is one of the most beautiful in the city, with mosaics and intricate details that transport you back in time.
Tips for Metro Scenic Tours:
- Take Time to Appreciate the Stations: Some of the metro stations, such as Avtovo, Kirovsky Zavod, and Admiralteyskaya, are famous for their artistic interiors. Spend a moment appreciating the intricate mosaics and ornate designs.
- Plan Your Route: Use an app like Google Maps or Yandex Metro to plan your metro route to ensure you’re heading to key landmarks like Palace Square, Nevsky Prospect, or the Neva River.
2. Explore the City with Buses and Trolleybuses
Buses and trolleybuses provide a slower, more scenic ride, allowing you to enjoy the sights along the way. Unlike the metro, which takes you underground, buses and trolleybuses travel through the streets, providing a chance to see the city from above ground.
Why Buses and Trolleybuses are Great for Scenic City Tours:
- Street-Level Views: While traveling by bus or trolleybus, you’ll get a chance to see the streets, neighborhoods, and local life as you pass by iconic landmarks and beautiful architecture.
- Convenient Routes to Attractions: Many of the bus and trolleybus routes pass by key sites like Palace Square, Peter and Paul Fortress, and Vasilievsky Island.
Suggested Bus and Trolleybus Routes:
- Bus Route 24 (Nevsky Prospect to Vyborgsky District): This route provides a great chance to explore both central and suburban areas. As you travel along Nevsky Prospect, you’ll see historic buildings and theatres, and you’ll pass by Catherine’s Garden, a peaceful green space in the heart of the city.
- Trolleybus Route 1 (Nevsky Prospect to Vyborgsky District): The Trolleybus Route 1 offers a smooth ride through central Saint Petersburg. Starting at Nevsky Prospect, it travels along Vyborgsky District, passing important landmarks like St. Isaac’s Cathedral and the Neva River.
- Bus Route 7 (Kirovsky Zavod to City Center): This route connects the southern industrial districts with the city center, offering a unique chance to see both historic areas and modern neighborhoods. It’s perfect for those interested in seeing a different side of the city.
Tips for Scenic Bus and Trolleybus Tours:
- Sit by the Window: To fully enjoy the views, try to sit by the window, especially if you’re on the right side for the best views of the Neva River and Palace Square.
- Avoid Rush Hour: Public transport can get crowded during rush hour (8 am – 9 am and 5 pm – 7 pm), so try to travel in the mid-morning or afternoon for a more comfortable ride.
3. Take a Tram for a More Local Experience
Trams in Saint Petersburg are a charming and relaxing way to explore the city. Trams often travel through residential areas and historic neighborhoods, giving you a more local experience and a chance to explore hidden parts of the city.
Why Trams are Great for Scenic City Tours:
- Comfortable and Less Crowded: Trams generally have fewer passengers compared to buses, especially during off-peak hours, offering a more relaxed ride.
- Scenic Routes: Trams travel through areas with classic architecture and provide a close-up view of the city’s neighborhoods.
Suggested Tram Routes for Scenic Tours:
- Tram Route 10 (Vasilievsky Island to Central City): This tram offers a scenic ride through the Vasilievsky Island district and the central parts of the city. You’ll pass historic buildings and cultural attractions like the Peter and Paul Fortress and St. Isaac’s Cathedral.
- Tram Route 7 (Kirovsky Zavod to City Center): This tram connects the Kirovsky Zavod area to the central parts of Saint Petersburg. It passes through industrial zones and historic districts, offering a different perspective on the city.
Tips for Scenic Tram Tours:
- Check the Tram Timetable: Trams run less frequently than buses, so make sure to check the timetable in advance to avoid long waits.
- Enjoy the Ride: Take a relaxed approach and enjoy the scenic views of Saint Petersburg’s architectural wonders and cultural landmarks.
4. Use Ferries for a Unique View of Saint Petersburg
One of the most picturesque and relaxing ways to explore the city is from the water. Ferries provide a unique perspective on the Neva River, canals, and islands, making them a perfect option for scenic tours.
Why Ferries are Great for Scenic City Tours:
- Iconic Landmarks from the Water: A ferry ride offers views of Palace Square, Winter Palace, Peter and Paul Fortress, and New Holland Island, all seen from the perspective of the river.
- Relaxing and Peaceful: Ferries are a peaceful way to explore the city without the hustle and bustle of street traffic.
Suggested Ferry Routes:
- Neva River Ferries: Ferries along the Neva River provide an excellent opportunity to view Saint Petersburg’s historic architecture. Popular routes cross between Vasilievsky Island and the city center, offering incredible views of Palace Square, Winter Palace, and St. Isaac’s Cathedral.
- Fontanka River Ferries: If you’re looking to explore the quieter side of Saint Petersburg, take a ferry along the Fontanka River. This route takes you through some of the city’s hidden canals and quiet neighborhoods, perfect for a more intimate sightseeing experience.
Tips for Scenic Ferry Tours:
- Check the Ferry Timetable: Ferries usually operate seasonally, so check the operating schedule in advance, especially if you’re visiting during the winter or off-peak months.
- Bring a Camera: Be sure to bring a camera to capture the stunning views of the city’s historic architecture and waterfronts.
5. Use Public Transport Apps for a Smooth Experience
To make your scenic tour even more enjoyable, use public transport apps like Google Maps or Yandex Metro. These apps help you plan your journey, check for real-time schedules, and navigate the metro, buses, trams, and ferries efficiently.
Tips for Using Apps:
- Real-Time Information: Use the app to check real-time updates on transport routes, delays, and the best connections between different modes of transport.
- Plan Your Route: By entering your destination, the app can suggest the fastest and most scenic routes for your sightseeing tour.
Conclusion
Using public transport for a scenic city tour in Saint Petersburg is a fantastic way to explore the city’s stunning landmarks and rich history. Whether you’re riding the metro to iconic sites, enjoying the views from a tram or ferry, or taking a leisurely bus ride through the streets, public transport allows you to experience the city from different angles. By following the tips in this guide, you can plan the perfect scenic tour and enjoy the best that Saint Petersburg has to offer from the comfort of its efficient and affordable transport system.
