10 Amazing Places in Saint Petersburg You Didn't Know About

Saint 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 Saint 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 hotel's reception area, where you should also pay attention to an installation made of matte acrylic by Jakopo Foggin.

What to See with Your Own Eyes

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

Where to Take a Walk

New Holland is a favorite spot for Saint Petersburg residents. This man-made island was created in 1719 when the Admiral's and Kryukov channels were dug between the Neva and Moika rivers. Almost immediately, construction of timber warehouses began, and architectural plans changed three times, only finally settling into its familiar form by the end of the 18th century. For almost all of its history, the island was closed to visits. It only opened its doors 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 includes both collections of the brothers, Mikhail and Ivan. This exhibit is dedicated to them and takes place in the Main Staff of the Hermitage.

Where to Go Shopping

Photo: vintage-farfor.ru

Saint Petersburg has always been famous for its antique shops. Be sure to visit the nearest one to you.

Where to Grab Coffee

Hi So terrace on the roof of the SO / Sofitel Saint Petersburg hotel operates during warm weather. From here, you get a stunning view of the Isaacius Cathedral and the spire of the Admiralty, making it the best spot for atmospheric Instagram photos.

Where to Have Dinner

Photo: defect.pro The restaurant Birch was designed by the architectural bureau DA. The name of the restaurant translates to 'birch' in English: architects played on this distinctly Russian motif in the décor and created a calm, soothing atmosphere. The restaurant consists of two small rooms, one of which is disguised by the sign 'Staff only'.

What You Can't Miss Passing By

An exhibition "Saint Petersburg Governorate in Photos from 1860–1910s" is currently held in the Stróganov Palace. The exhibition features more than 200 photographs from the collection of the Russian Museum. 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 to Photograph

The Museum of Modern Art Erarta is holding a major exhibition in Russia for the first time of works by superstar fashion photographer Mario Testino. The impressive exhibition includes over 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 like the Russian Museum and the Hermitage.