Biking & Walking-Friendly Areas in Saint Petersburg, Russia
1. Peterhof Garden
Beautiful baroque park located on the Gulf of Finland, perfect for a leisurely walk or bike ride.
- Historic Landmark: One of Peter the Great's residences, steeped in history
- Fountains: Boasts over 140 fountains and water cascades
- Scenic Route: Offers a picturesque route through lush gardens and terraced vineyards
2. Peter and Paul Fortress
Historic military fortress located on Hare Island in the Neva River delta, offers walking paths and bike rentals.
- Iconic Architecture: Home to Saint Petersburg's most recognizable cathedral
- Museum Complex: Includes museums of history, art, and ethnography
- Panoramic Views: Offers stunning views over Saint Petersburg and the Neva River
3. Nevsky Prospect
Busy downtown street lined with historic buildings, perfect for people watching while walking.
- Cultural Hub: Home to many notable landmarks and cultural institutions
- Shopping Opportunities: Features a wide variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants
- Architectural Variety: Showcases an eclectic mix of architectural styles
4. The Canal Ring (Obvodny Canal)
A series of canals that encircle the historic center, ideal for a scenic bike ride.
- Historic Canals: Constructed during Peter the Great's reign in the early 18th century
- Scenic Beauty: Offers a picturesque route with beautiful architecture and bridges
- Easy Access: Well-connected to other areas of the city via public transportation
5. The Green Bridge (Zeleny Most)
A pedestrian and bike bridge crossing the Fontanka River, connecting Vasilyevsky Island with the historic center.
- Iconic Structure: One of Saint Petersburg's most recognizable modern structures
- Scenic Views: Offers beautiful views of the Fontanka River and historic buildings
- Connections to Major Landmarks: Easy access to Hermitage Museum, State University, and other major landmarks
6. The Spit of Vasilyevsky Island (Vasilyevsky Spit)
A narrow peninsula on Vasilyevsky Island with a bike path offering views of the Neva River and Peter and Paul Fortress.
- Scenic Route: Features beautiful views of the Neva River, Peter and Paul Fortress, and Vasilyevsky Island
- Historic Sites: Home to several historic sites, including the Naval Cathedral of St. Nicholas
- Local Atmosphere: Provides a local atmosphere with quiet streets and charming houses
7. Krestovsky Island Park
A large park on Krestovsky Island, home to the Gazprom Arena and offering walking and cycling paths.
- Sports Venue: Includes the Gazprom Arena, home of FC Zenit Saint Petersburg
- Natural Beauty: Features lush greenery and a beautiful lake
- Connects to City Centre: Easy access to the city center via public transportation
8. The Embankments of Saint Petersburg
A series of walkways along the Neva River and its tributaries, offering stunning views and easy access to major landmarks.
- Scenic Beauty: Features beautiful architecture, bridges, and boats
- Historic Sites: Connects many of Saint Petersburg's historic landmarks
- Nighttime Atmosphere: Offers a beautiful nighttime atmosphere with illuminated architecture
9. Petrovsky Island (Petrovsky Ostrov)
A large island in the Neva River connected to the mainland by bridges, offering beautiful parks and bike paths.
- Scenic Route: Features beautiful parks, gardens, and views of the Neva River
- Historic Sites: Home to the Mariinsky Theatre and the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood
- Connections to Major Landmarks: Easy access to major landmarks such as the Hermitage Museum and Saint Isaac's Cathedral
10. The Dacha (Summer House) Path (Dachnaya Doroga)
A bike path that follows the old summer house route from Saint Petersburg to Peterhof, passing through picturesque landscapes.
- Scenic Route: Features beautiful landscapes, parks, and gardens
- Historic Significance: Follows the old route taken by Peter the Great to his summer residence in Peterhof
- Easy Access: Starts near the Moskovsky railway station, easily accessible by public transportation
11. Tsarskoe Selo (Pushkin)
A historic town and park complex that was the summer residence of the Russian tsars, featuring beautiful gardens, palaces, and fountains.
- Historic Landmark: One of the most important historical sites in Russia
- Scenic Beauty: Features beautiful gardens, palaces, and fountains
- Easy Access: Easily accessible by public transportation from Saint Petersburg
12. The Vasileostrovsky Island (Vasileostrovsky Ostrov)
A large island in the Gulf of Finland, connected to the mainland by bridges, featuring beautiful parks, bike paths, and beaches.
- Scenic Beauty: Features beautiful parks, gardens, and beaches
- Summer Residence: Was the summer residence of Catherine II
- Connections to Major Landmarks: Easy access to major landmarks such as Peterhof and the Pulkovo Observatory
13. The Liteiny Prospect
A historic avenue lined with embassies, museums, and architectural masterpieces, perfect for a leisurely walk or bike ride.
- Cultural Hub: Home to many cultural institutions and embassies
- Architectural Variety: Showcases an eclectic mix of architectural styles
- Historic Landmarks: Includes the Russian Museum and the Cruiser Aurora
14. The Kronshtadt (Kronshtadtskaya Storona)
A historic sea fortress and town located on the Kotlin Island in the Gulf of Finland, offering beautiful views, boat tours, and bike rentals.
- Historic Landmark: One of Russia's most important naval strongholds
- Scenic Beauty: Offers beautiful views of the Gulf of Finland and the Baltic Sea
- Maritime Activities: Features boat tours, museums, and maritime attractions
15. The Pulkovo Heights (Pulkovskie Vysoty)
A scenic area on the outskirts of Saint Petersburg, featuring beautiful parks, bike paths, and the Pulkovo Observatory.
- Scenic Route: Features beautiful parks, gardens, and views of Saint Petersburg
- Historic Sites: Includes the Pulkovo Observatory, the first permanent astronomical observatory in Russia
- Natural Beauty: Offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and lakes