St. Petersburg city tour by car & the Hermitage

Tour details

See the main sights of St Petersburg and visit the Hermitage museum

During your St Petersburg city tour you will step into a world of imperial grandeur, architectural brilliance, and rich history. Founded by Peter the Great in 1703, this Venice of the North is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Discover the must-see landmarks and hidden gems that have shaped Russia’s cultural legacy.

• The Spit of Vasilievsky Island or Strelka

The Spit of Vasilievsky Island, also known as Strelka, is one of St Petersburg’s most iconic viewpoints. This scenic place, where the Neva River splits, offers panoramic views of the Winter Palace, the Peter and Paul Fortress, and the Admiralty. In the 18th century, it was the heart of the city’s financial and maritime trade. Today, it features the Old Saint Petersburg Stock Exchange and the Rostral Columns, symbolizing Russia’s naval power. It is a perfect spot for photos and learning about Peter the Great’s vision for a modern capital.

• The Peter and Paul Fortress – the Birthplace of St Petersburg

Founded in 1703, the Peter and Paul Fortress is the original citadel of St Petersburg and marks the city’s founding. Located on Zayachy Island, it once served as a political prison, but now houses the Peter and Paul Cathedral, where all Russian emperors from Peter the Great to Nicholas II are buried. Inside the fortress museum, you can explore exhibits on the Romanov dynasty and the city’s early history.

• The Palace Square

This grand central square is surrounded by architectural masterpieces, including the Winter Palace, home of the Hermitage Museum, the General Staff Building, and the majestic Alexander Column.

• The State Hermitage Museum – a world of art

One of the largest and most famous art museums in the world, the Hermitage houses over 3 million works of art and artifacts. On your private 3-hour guided tour, you will explore masterpieces by Da Vinci, Rembrandt, Michelangelo, and Van Gogh, while walking through opulent state rooms like the Jordan Staircase and Pavilion Hall.

Entrance tickets are included.

• Alexander Column

Located in the center of Palace Square, the Alexander Column is the world’s tallest free standing monolithic column. Erected to honor Russia’s victory over Napoleon, the column is topped with an angel holding a cross, symbolizing divine protection.

• Nevsky Prospect -the pulse of the city

St Petersburg’s main avenue, Nevsky Prospekt, is a vibrant mix of history, culture, and commerce. Stretching over 4.5 km from the Admiralty to Alexander Nevsky Lavra, it is lined with historic churches, luxury shops, cafes, and bookstores. Highlights include Gostiny Dvor, one of Europe’s oldest shopping malls, Kazan Cathedral, and Yeliseyev’s Food Hall, a stunning early 20th century grocery store.

• St Isaac’s Cathedral and St Isaac’s Square

One of the largest domed cathedrals in the world, St Isaac’s Cathedral took 40 years to build and features granite columns, gold covered domes, and breathtaking interior mosaics and paintings. Visitors can climb to the colonnade for one of the best panoramic views of St Petersburg.

• The Bronze Horseman -a monument to Peter the Great

This iconic equestrian statue of Peter the Great, created by French sculptor Etienne Maurice Falconet, stands proudly in Senate Square. It is one of the most photographed monuments in the city and a powerful symbol of Russia’s transformation into a modern empire.

• The Admiralty -the heart of naval power

Originally built as a shipyard by Peter the Great, the Admiralty Building is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, with its golden spire topped by a ship weathervane.

• The church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

This colorful onion-domed church was built on the exact spot where Emperor Alexander II had been assassinated in 1881. Its name, Savior on Blood, refers to the blood shed by the tsar. The interior is a mosaic wonderland, with over 7,000 square meters of mosaics!

Entrance tickets are included.

• The field of Mars

Once used for military parades, this large green park is now a memorial to the victims of the Russian Revolution. The Eternal Flame burns in the center, honoring those who died for freedom.

• The Summer Garden of Peter the Great

Designed in the early 18th century, the Summer Garden is St Petersburg’s first formal garden. Filled with fountains and sculptures it was Peter the Great’s favorite retreat.

• The square of Arts

A cultural hub in the heart of the city, the Art Square is home to the Russian Museum, the Mikhailovsky Theatre, and the Philharmonic Hall. The Russian Museum holds the world’s largest collection of Russian fine art, from medieval icons to avant garde masterpieces.

• St Nicholas Naval Cathedral

This stunning Baroque style church used to be the patron church of the Russian Navy. Located on the banks of the Kryukov Canal, it is famous for its blue and white façade, golden domes, and spiritual significance.

• The Theatre Square and the Mariinsky Theatre

The Theatre square, home to the legendary Mariinsky Ballet and orchestra, is a top destination for classical music lovers

• The Yusupov Palace

One of the most opulent aristocratic palaces in the city, the Yusupov Palace is famous not only for its lavish interiors but also for being the site of Grigori Rasputin’s assassination in 1916.

• Statues of the Sphinxes – Ancient Egypt in St. Petersburg

Located on the University Embankment, these 3,500 year old Egyptian sphinxes were brought from Thebes in the 1830s.

• Cruiser Aurora – the symbol of the Revolution

Docked on the Neva River, the Cruiser Aurora is a floating museum and one of the most iconic warships in Russian history. Its blank shot in 1917 signaled the start of the October Revolution.

During your tour, you will have the chance to explore the magnificent Hermitage Museum, one of the world’s largest and most renowned cultural institutions. Your visit will include a guided tour of the museum’s main buildings:

• Winter Palace – the former residence of Russian emperors, with its grand architecture and luxurious interiors
• Small Hermitage – one of the earliest sections of the Hermitage complex, the birthplace of the collection
• Old Hermitage– a historic building housing a vast array of classical artwork, including works of Italian artists
• New Hermitage – an architectural marvel housing collections of Western-European art
• Lobby of the Hermitage Theatre – a beautiful space within the museum that holds unique cultural significance.

Your expert tour guide will escort you directly to the museum entrance, skipping the long lines and crowds, so you can fully enjoy the splendor of the interiors dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. As you explore, you will encounter masterpieces by renowned artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Rembrandt, Titian, Goya, and many more.

Additionally, you will learn about the rich history of the Hermitage’s interiors and buildings, its renowned collection, and the fascinating stories of its previous owners, including the Romanovs and other aristocratic Russian families. You’ll also discover the Hermitage’s evolution from its imperial past to its Soviet and post-Soviet history, providing an in-depth look at one of the world’s most prestigious museums.