10 Amazing Places in Saint 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 must not 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 Isaakievsky 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 acquainted with a city located on water is by taking a boat tour. By the way, Peter I regarded the city as a kind of Northern Amsterdam with numerous canals and rivers where residents would move around in small boats and private vessels. He wanted to train the capital's inhabitants to sail on ships. One of the reasons why the first bridge was built only in 1850.

Where to Take a Walk

New Holland is a favorite spot for St. Petersburg residents. This man-made island emerged 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 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 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 FiestaExhibition "The Morozov Brothers. Great Russian Collectors". The exhibition includes both collections of the brothers, Mikhail and Ivan. It 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 Saint Petersburg hotel operates during warm weather. From here, you can enjoy a stunning view of Isaakievsky Cathedral and the spire of Admiralty, making it the best spot for atmospheric Instagram photos.

Where to Have Dinner

Photo: defect.proThe restaurant Birch was designed by the architectural bureau DA. The name of the restaurant translates from English as "birch": architects played with this distinctly Russian symbol in the finishes and decor elements, creating a calm and serene 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 "Saint Petersburg Governorate in Photographs of the 1860–1910s" is currently running in the Stróganov Palace. More than 200 photographs from the collection of the Russian Museum are displayed. Visitors will be able to see not only gubernatorial views but also buildings and interiors, a large part of which have undergone significant changes or were not preserved until today.

What You Must Definitely Photograph

The Museum of Modern Art Earta is holding its first exhibition in Russia of works by the superstar of fashion photography Mario Testino. The large-scale 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: the Russian Museum and the Hermitage.