
Best Train Station & Airport Layover Destinations in Saint Petersburg, Russia
1. Hermitage Museum
World-renowned art museum with a vast collection, including works by Leonardo da Vinci and Rembrandt.
- Artistic Masterpieces: Home to over 3 million items, from paintings and sculptures to jewelry and coins.
- Historic Significance: Housed in the Winter Palace, a symbol of the Russian Empire's opulence.
- Accessibility: Located within easy walking distance from Moskovsky Station and Saint Petersburg's main airport.
2. Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood
Ornate Orthodox church built on the spot where Alexander II was assassinated.
- Intricate Architecture: Famous for its unique blend of Russian, Byzantine, and Moorish styles.
- Historic Importance: A memorial to Tsar Alexander II, who was fatally wounded just outside the church.
- Proximity: Conveniently located near Moskovsky Station and Saint Petersburg's main airport.
3. Peter and Paul Fortress
Fortress that served as the original citadel of Russian Emperor Peter the Great.
- Historical Significance: Founded by Peter the Great in 1703, it marks the birthplace of Saint Petersburg.
- Architectural Variety: Includes the beautiful Peter and Paul Cathedral and the Trubetskoy Bastion Prison Museum.
- Accessibility: Easily reachable by tram from Moskovsky Station and Saint Petersburg's main airport.
4. Marinsky Theatre
Iconic opera house home to the Mariinsky Ballet and Orchestra.
- Cultural Richness: Offers world-class performances of opera, ballet, and symphony.
- Historic Importance: Originally built under the orders of Emperor Peter the Great in the early 1800s.
- Location: Situated near Nevsky Prospekt, close to Moskovsky Station and Saint Petersburg's main airport.
5. Saint Isaac's Cathedral
Impressive gold-domed cathedral featuring intricate interiors and stunning views from the colonnade.
- Architectural Grandeur: One of the largest domed cathedrals in the world, with an impressive golden dome.
- Historic Significance: Designed by Auguste Montferrand and completed in 1858.
- Accessibility: Located near Nevsky Prospekt, accessible from Moskovsky Station and Saint Petersburg's main airport.
6. The State Hermitage Museum's General Staff Building
Modern art museum extension of the Hermitage Museum, featuring contemporary exhibitions.
- Artistic Innovation: Hosts temporary exhibitions showcasing cutting-edge contemporary artists.
- Historic Connection: Adjoins the original Hermitage Museum, founded by Catherine the Great.
- Accessibility: Located near Palace Square, easily accessible from Moskovsky Station and Saint Petersburg's main airport.
7. Aurora Cruise Ship
Five-star cruise ship offering day trips to the city and overnight stays.
- Luxurious Experience: Offers a five-star experience, complete with gourmet dining and spa facilities.
- Unique Sightseeing: Includes guided tours of the city's top attractions, such as the Hermitage Museum and Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood.
- Efficiency: Allows travelers to maximize their time in Saint Petersburg with convenient transportation and sightseeing.
8. Canal Cruise Tour
Guided tour along the city's famous canals, showcasing Saint Petersburg's architectural beauty.
- Scenic Beauty: Provides a unique perspective of the city's architectural wonders from the water.
- Historical Insight: Includes informative commentary on the history and significance of the buildings along the canal.
- Convenience: Stops at key attractions, making it easy to explore the city with limited time.
9. State Russian Museum
National museum dedicated to Russian art and culture, including works from renowned artists like Repin and Kustodiev.
- Cultural Depth: Houses an extensive collection of Russian art spanning over a thousand years.
- Historic Significance: Founded by Emperor Alexander III in 1895, the museum showcases Russia's rich artistic heritage.
- Accessibility: Located near Nevsky Prospekt, accessible from Moskovsky Station and Saint Petersburg's main airport.
10. Russian Museum of Ethnography
Museum dedicated to the cultures and traditions of Russia's ethnic groups, including indigenous peoples and various regions.
- Cultural Diversity: Offers a comprehensive look at Russia's rich ethnic tapestry.
- Historic Significance: Founded in 1894 to promote understanding and preservation of Russia's cultural heritage.
- Accessibility: Located near the Moscow Railway Station, easily accessible from Moskovsky Station and Saint Petersburg's main airport.
11. Russian National Library
Impressive library housing a vast collection of books, manuscripts, and historical documents.
- Knowledge Resources: Home to one of the largest collections of books in the world.
- Historic Importance: Founded in 1795, it is one of the oldest libraries in Russia.
- Accessibility: Located near the Moscow Railway Station, accessible from Moskovsky Station and Saint Petersburg's main airport.
12. Peterhof Grand Palace
opulent palace located in the beautiful Peterhof Gardens, filled with fountains and sculptures.
- Historic Grandeur: Built by Peter the Great as a summer residence, it showcases the opulence of the Russian Court.
- Scenic Beauty: Surrounded by stunning gardens with over 150 fountains and numerous statues.
- Accessibility: Easily reachable by hydrofoil or train from Saint Petersburg, near Moskovsky Station and the airport.
13. Catherine Palace
Baroque palace featuring the famous Amber Room, known for its exquisite decoration.
- Historic Significance: Built for Catherine I, it is one of the most significant palaces in Saint Petersburg.
- Amber Wonders: Famous for its opulent Amber Room, decorated with over six tons of amber and gold leaf.
- Accessibility: Located near Tsarskoye Selo, easily reachable by train from Saint Petersburg, near Moskovsky Station and the airport.
14. Yusupov Palace
Palace known for its role in the assassination of Grigory Rasputin, the mystical healer of the Russian Imperial family.
- Historic Importance: A key location in the history of the Romanov dynasty and the Russian Revolution.
- Mystery and Intrigue: Offers tours focusing on the mysterious death of Rasputin, including a visit to the cellar where he was murdered.
- Accessibility: Located near Nevsky Prospekt, accessible from Moskovsky Station and Saint Petersburg's main airport.
15. Peter and Paul Fortress Prison Museum
Museum dedicated to the history of the prison within Peter and Paul Fortress.
- Historical Insight: Provides a unique look into the lives of those who were imprisoned here, including notable figures like Dostoyevsky.
- Accessibility: Located within the Peter and Paul Fortress, easily accessible from Moskovsky Station and Saint Petersburg's main airport.
- Insight into the Past: Offers a glimpse into the harsh conditions of Russian prisons in the past.