St. Petersburg, Petrograd, Leningrad, and back to St. Petersburg – the city of the tsars founded by Peter the Great more than three centuries ago has had many names with each passing era. But her beauty has remained unchanged. The Petersburger’s like to say that they live in the most beautiful city in the world.
Here are few excellent things to do in Saint Petersburg that everyone will find enjoyable.

• St. Petersburg Subway

It is strange but true. Traveling by the St. Petersburg metro is one of the main things to do in Saint Petersburg.  Each station is spectacularly decorated and houses exquisite works of art. It is without a doubt one of the most beautiful metros in the world. Since many roads in St. Petersburg are one-way, it is much easier to get around by subway – and it’s very affordable, and you can expect around € 1 per trip. It’s also the deepest underground in the world, so be ready for long escalators.

• Saint Isaac’s Cathedral

St Isaac – the fourth largest cathedral in the world – has had a tumultuous history. During the Soviet era, it was stripped of religious outlines and turned into a museum, but the building remained remarkably intact. The interior is home to enormous stretches of marble and granite, and its dome – which is 100 meters high – is covered with pure gold leaf, although it was painted gray during the Second World War to avoid attracting the attention of enemy air forces.

• The Hermitage Museum

The Hermitage Museum is one of the largest and oldest museums in the world and was founded in 1764. This museum of art and culture is located in several buildings – including the Winter Palace – steeped in history. Be sure to visit these buildings that are often as much, if not more impressive than the works of art they house. Visiting the famed Hermitage is one of the principal things to do in Saint Petersburg.

• The Peterhof Grand Palace

The Peterhof Palace is a relatively “small” palace, but it is beautiful and worth visiting if you visit St. Petersburg. However, true beauty resides in your garden. Inspired by the architectural style of the French gardens, you can admire the great waterfall and Sanson fountain and the beautiful gardens. This palace is called the “Russian Versailles”. You cannot skip visiting it in St. Petersburg if you want to think outside the box.

• Peter and Paul Fortress

Housing the State Museum of Saint Petersburg and filled with many beautiful buildings, the Peter and Paul Fortress is a place not to be missed. The cathedral located within the complex is worth a look and with its massive bell tower, it does not go unnoticed. In summer, the sandy areas surrounding the castle walls become “beaches” where the locals and tourists come to get a tan.

• Neva River Cruise

Do you want to enjoy the main sights of St. Petersburg without having to get up from your seat? Embark on a boat trip to discover the Neva River. The tours cost just € 3.5. This excursion is well worth it, especially if you have a few hours of free time at hand. If you do not know what to do, this is definitely an activity not to be missed in Saint Petersburg. It is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Saint Petersburg.