Author of materials about St. Petersburg, travel, tours and city routes.
In summer, St. Petersburg immerses itself in an atmosphere of endless celebration. The white nights, the warm wind from the Gulf of Finland, strolls along the embankments, open terraces, parks, fountains, and evening lights make the city an ideal destination for a holiday. Here you can watch the bridges open from the water, walk through palace gardens, drink coffee in historic spots, take day trips to the suburbs, and watch sunsets by the sea.
In this article, we've gathered 10 locations worth visiting in St. Petersburg in summer to feel the city alive, sunny, and truly on vacation.
Where to go in St. Petersburg in summer
- Boat rides along the rivers and canals in St. Petersburg in summer
- The legendary pyshki on Bolshaya Konyushennaya
- New Holland: cinema and relaxation
- Sevkabel Port: festivals and concerts by the gulf
- Peterhof: a tour and a ride on the Meteor
- The Beach of the Peter and Paul Fortress
- Shishkin Exhibition at the Russian Museum
- The Summer Garden and a Walk Through the Center
- Rooftop Walks in St. Petersburg
- Vyborg and Monrepos Park
- Conclusion
- Frequently asked questions
- Popular Summer Destinations
Walks Along Rivers and Canals
The best way to understand Peter the Great's vision is to look at the city from the water. In summer, St. Petersburg reveals all its many layers: austere, romantic, majestic, and a little melancholic. From a boat, you get a special perspective on palaces, cathedrals, granite embankments, and the famous bridges that slowly drift past.
During a boat trip, the noise of the big city recedes: you can hear the cries of seagulls, the splash of waves, and the soft hum of the Neva. Don't hesitate to wave to passersby on the embankments – it's quite possible they're dreaming of being in your place right now. And if you want to see St. Petersburg in its evening lights, choose a boat tour with a view of the drawbridges.
Grand Sightseeing Boat Tour
Go to the tour →The legendary pyshki on Bolshaya Konyushennaya
There are places where time stood still in 1958. The Pyshechnaya at Bolshaya Konyushennaya, 25 is a portal to Soviet childhood with its authentic interior, saleswomen in classic uniforms, and that very aroma of fresh pastries. The pyshki here are made according to an unchanged GOST recipe on a machine from sixty years ago, then generously dusted with powdered sugar and served with classic "barrel" coffee with condensed milk.
The queues here are part of the ritual, and the place itself has literally been reclaimed from time by its residents: when the establishment was about to close, Petersburgers defended it with petitions. It's worth coming here for nostalgia and the aroma of childhood. This is a short, delicious, and very St. Petersburg stop between walks around the center.
New Holland: cinema and relaxation
The Island New Holland in summer turns into one of the most pleasant urban recreation areas. Here you can sit in a beanbag chair on the green lawn, watch movies under the open sky, read a book in the shade of willows, or simply observe summer St. Petersburg at a relaxed pace. In the morning, people come here for yoga and workouts; in the afternoon, for exhibitions and walks; in the evening, for dinner on the open veranda and a glass of sparkling wine. It's best to check the current schedule in advance on the official New Holland website.
Sevkabel Port: festivals and concerts by the gulf
A space where the city meets the sea. During the day, there's a light atmosphere: seaside markets take place, creative workshops are open, people walk their dogs, eat trdelniks, and lazy picnics are set up on the embankment with a view of the Gulf of Finland and the Cable-Stayed Bridge.
At night, Sevkabel explodes with the drive of open-air concerts and parties to the sound of the waves. The feeling of sea breeze and freedom makes this place a must for every summer evening. Come here to dance until morning, and at dawn walk home along the embankment from Vasilyevsky Island.
Peterhof: a tour and a ride on the Meteor
A journey to Peterhof can be turned into a separate summer adventure if you go there on a high-speed hydrofoil. The feeling of spaciousness when the vessel rises above the water and flies over the waves, leaving behind the blue haze of the city and the spire of Lakhta Center, is a pleasure all its own. The very ride on the water creates a vacation feeling.
The park itself offers shady alleys, the shining gold of the Grand Cascade, and the splashes of the trick fountains that bring genuine joy to both adults and children. You can simply lie on the grass by the water, feed the squirrels, have a picnic with your loved ones, and watch the ships sailing into the distance.
Meteor to Peterhof
Go to the tour →The Beach of the Peter and Paul Fortress
Sunbathing by the walls of the Peter and Paul Fortress is an old Leningrad tradition. The fortress walls protect from the wind and radiate the accumulated warmth, creating an ideal microclimate even on a cool morning. Here you can hear the solemn ringing of the bells, make a wish by tossing a coin to the paws of one of the many bronze hares, or watch the cannon fire at exactly noon.
This is the place where the history of Petersburg began, and you can learn more about it on a tour!
Sightseeing tour to the Peter and Paul Fortress
Go to the tour →Shishkin Exhibition at the Russian Museum
If you crave coolness and inspiration, stop by the Benois Wing for the exhibition “Ivan Shishkin. Russian Forest”. The gray-green walls of the halls and the huge canvases create the illusion of a stroll through a real pine forest. Here are gathered those very masterpieces with the “bear cubs,” as well as the famous “Ship Grove,” which became the artist’s testament. This is a chance to feel the power of nature without leaving the city center. A full ticket costs about 700 rubles.
The Summer Garden and a Walk Through the Center
A walking tour of central Petersburg in summer feels like meditation. Start on Nevsky Prospect: buy an ice cream, walk to Kazan Cathedral, linger by the fountain and roses, then head to the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood. On a sunny day, its domes shine especially beautifully above the Griboyedov Canal.
Next – Summer Garden. Here you want to slow down: walk along the gravel paths, listen to the sound of the fountains, examine the marble sculptures, and relax in the shade of old trees with an iced latte and a book. After the garden, you can stop by the Chizhik-Pyzhik, toss a coin for luck, and reach the Mosaic Courtyard – a bright fairy-tale space hidden among ordinary Petersburg courtyards.
What’s next? Next, you can build your own route! After all, walking tours fill the city with special meaning and free you from unnecessary thoughts.
Rooftop Walks in St. Petersburg
Seeing Petersburg from above means falling in love with it all over again. From the rooftops, there’s a panoramic view of cathedral spires, St. Isaac’s dome, the Neva, old apartment buildings, and the endless line of Petersburg roofs. It’s especially beautiful here at sunset and during the twilight of the white nights, when the city seems to hover between day and night. This kind of walk is perfect for those who want to see the sights and feel the romance of Petersburg from above.
Rooftop Walks in St. Petersburg
Go to the tour →Vyborg and Monrepos Park
A trip to Vyborg – a journey to a city with a unique European vibe. In summer, it’s pleasant to wander the old streets, buy the famous pretzel, have coffee in the Vyborg tram, and be sure to visit Monrepos Park with its unique rocky landscapes and an atmosphere of complete serenity on the shore of the bay. Who knows, maybe this park will become your power spot?
Conclusion
Saint Petersburg in summer is a place where every day turns into a little life. The company “Leningrad-tour” invites you on exciting excursions to help you see all the best and fall in love with this city forever.
Frequently asked questions
Where to go in Saint Petersburg in summer on your first trip?
For a first introduction to Petersburg in summer, choose a cruise along the rivers and canals, the Summer Garden, New Holland, the Peter and Paul Fortress, Peterhof, and an evening route with bridge openings. These places help you see the city from different sides: from the water, from the center, from the parks, and from the historic embankments.
What must you see in Petersburg in summer?
In summer in St. Petersburg, you should definitely see the white nights, the raising of the bridges, the Neva from the water, the fountains of Peterhof, the Summer Garden, New Holland, Sevkabel Port, and the historic center. For a one-day trip, Peterhof, Vyborg, or other suburbs are great options.
When is the best time to visit St. Petersburg in summer?
The best time for a summer trip to St. Petersburg is June and the first half of July. During this time, you can catch the white nights, comfortable weather for walking, the working fountains of Peterhof, boat tours, and the city's main summer events.
What to see in St. Petersburg in the evening in summer?
In the evening in summer, it's worth strolling along Palace Embankment and Universitetskaya Embankment, visiting New Holland or Sevkabel Port, watching the sunset by the Gulf of Finland, and taking a boat ride on the Neva. The most atmospheric nighttime spectacle is the raising of the bridges.
Where to go in St. Petersburg in summer with children?
With children in summer, Peterhof with its trick fountains, the Summer Garden, New Holland, the Peter and Paul Fortress, a boat ride along the rivers and canals, the Central Park on Yelagin Island, and relaxed tours to the suburbs are all great choices.
What to do in St. Petersburg in summer when it rains?
On a rainy day, you can visit the Russian Museum, the Hermitage, the Benois Wing, St. Petersburg's palaces, cozy cafes, exhibitions, or choose a bus tour. In summer, rain in St. Petersburg often ends quickly, so after the museum you can continue your walk around the center.
Is it worth going to Peterhof in summer?
Yes, summer is the best time to visit Peterhof. During this season, the fountains are running, the Lower Park is open, and the hydrofoil ride makes the trip an experience in itself. Peterhof is especially suitable for those who want to combine palaces, parks, water, and a stroll by the Gulf of Finland.
How is the best way to watch the raising of the bridges in summer?
You can watch the raising of the bridges from the embankments, but the most beautiful view is from the water. A nighttime boat ride lets you see several bridges at once, the city's illuminations, and panoramas of the Neva without having to find a spot in the crowd.
Where to go from St. Petersburg in summer for one day?
In summer, it's convenient to take a one-day trip from St. Petersburg to Peterhof, Pushkin, Pavlovsk, Kronstadt, Gatchina, or Vyborg. For a more packed trip, it's better to choose a tour with a ready-made route and transfer.
What to wear in St. Petersburg in summer?
In summer in St. Petersburg, it's best to dress in layers: it can be warm during the day, but in the evening by the water it often gets cool. For walks, comfortable shoes, a light jacket or windbreaker, an umbrella, and clothes you can comfortably walk in for several hours in a row will come in handy.
How many days do you need for St. Petersburg in summer?
For a first introduction to St. Petersburg, it's best to allow at least 3–4 days. During this time, you can see the center, take a boat ride, watch the raising of the bridges, and visit one of the suburbs. For a more relaxed trip with museums and several suburbs, it's better to plan 5–7 days.
Where is the best place to walk in St. Petersburg in summer for free?
In summer, you can walk for free along Nevsky Prospect, the Neva embankments, near the Peter and Paul Fortress, in Sevkabel Port, New Holland, the Summer Garden, near Kazan Cathedral, the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, and at the Spit of Vasilyevsky Island.
