10 Amazing Places in St. Petersburg You Didn't Know About

St. Petersburg never stops surprising with new places and events, and Olga Shapovalova shares with us secret hotspots and event collections that you can't miss.

Olga Shapovalova - Designer, Graduate of the "Details" school, Founder of O-Deco Studio, Travel Blogger

Where to Stay

SO / Sofitel St. Petersburg is located just two steps from the Isaacius Cathedral and the Hermitage. The design was created by Italian Antonio Citterio. In creating the hotel, he drew inspiration from the famous Fabergé egg. References to decorative elements adorning Fabergé works can be found in the room finishes and the reception area of the hotel, where you should also pay attention to an installation made from matte acrylic by Jakopo Foggin.

What to See with Your Own Eyes

My favorite way to get to know a city that sits on water is by taking a boat tour. By the way, Peter I viewed the city as a kind of Northern Amsterdam with numerous canals and rivers where residents would move about in small boats and private vessels. He wanted to train the capital's inhabitants in sailing on ships. This is one of the reasons why the first bridge was built only in 1850.

Where to Walk

New Holland is a favorite spot for St. Petersburg residents. It is an artificially created island, which appeared in 1719 when the Admiral’s and Kryukov canals were dug between the Neva and Moika rivers. Almost immediately, construction of timber warehouses began, and architectural projects changed three times, resulting in the familiar appearance of the complex only by the end of the 18th century. For most of its history, the island was closed to all visits. It opened its doors only in 2016. Don't miss the series of sculptures created by the group Cracking Art. The giant snails are made from recycled plastic. You can see vibrant mollusks until October 31st.

What to Visit

Photo: Blog Fiesta Exhibition "The Morozov Brothers. Great Russian Collectors". The exhibition features both collections of the brothers, Michael and Ivan. This exhibition is dedicated to them and takes place in the Main Headquarters of the Hermitage.

Where to Go Shopping

Photo: vintage-farfor.ru
St. Petersburg has always been famous for its antique shops. Be sure to visit the nearest one to you.

Where to Go for Coffee

Hi So terrace on the roof of the SO / Sofitel St. Petersburg operates during warm weather. From here, you can enjoy a stunning view of the Isaacius Cathedral and the spire of the Admiralty, making it one of the best spots for atmospheric Instagram photos.

Where to Have Dinner

Photo: defect.pro The architecturally designed restaurant Birch was created by the architectural bureau DA. The name of the restaurant translates to "birch" in English: architects played with this distinctly Russian symbol in the finishes and decor elements to create a calm, soothing atmosphere. The restaurant consists of two small rooms, one of which is disguised by the sign "Staff only".

What You Cannot Miss Passing By

An exhibition "St. Petersburg Governorate in Photographs from 1860–1910s" is currently held in the Stróganov Palace. Over 200 photographs from the collection of the Russian Museum are displayed on the exhibition. Visitors will be able to see not only gubernatorial views but also buildings and interiors, most of which have undergone significant changes or no longer exist today.

What You Must Definitely Photograph

The Museum of Modern Art Erarta is holding an exhibition in Russia for the first time of works by the superstar of fashion photography Mario Testino. The large-scale exhibition includes more than fifty large-format pieces created between 1996 and 2015.

What to Bring Back

I always bring books back from trips – look for unique editions in legendary local museums: the Russian Museum and the Hermitage.