Office in the city center
Our office is in the center of Saint Petersburg, and bus pickup points are nearby. You do not need to search for the departure point or walk several blocks.
Veliky Novgorod – the cradle of Russian statehood
Tour to Veliky Novgorod
Discount: -100 rub. per ticket
15 h.
Unlike classic programs, here you will enjoy a costumed performance with a tour of the Novgorod Kremlin. In one day you will visit all the main attractions of Veliky Novgorod
From 6200 ₽ per person
Why choose Leningrad-Tour
Tours for groups
You can book a trip for a large group, family, school class, corporate event or celebration. We will match the format and the number of seats you need.
Discounted tickets
Seniors, students, schoolchildren and preschoolers get discounted rates on a number of tours.
Tours across Russia
Besides Saint Petersburg and its suburbs, we offer multi-day tours to cities and regions across Russia.
A wide choice of routes
Sightseeing, bus, boat, evening, walking and school tours, plus suburban trips — we will find a program for any kind of visit.
Comfortable transport
We operate clean, comfortable tourist coaches. A spacious cabin matters most on longer routes.
Kremlin • St. Sophia Cathedral • Volkhov • Yaroslav's Court • one-day route
Veliky Novgorod: the Kremlin, ancient churches and a one-day route
Veliky Novgorod is one of the oldest cities in Russia, where history can be read right in the center: the red walls of the Detinets, St. Sophia Cathedral, the Millennium of Russia monument, the Volkhov, Yaroslav's Court, old churches and the quiet streets of the Trade Side come together into a clear route for a day or a weekend.
History of Veliky Novgorod
Veliky Novgorod is a city where it is easy to feel the early history of Rus. It grew on the trade routes by the Volkhov, and was connected with princes, merchants, craftsmen, the veche tradition and the culture of the ancient northwest.
The main historical axis of the city is the Detinets, St. Sophia Cathedral and the Trade Side. Inside the Kremlin stands one of the oldest churches in Russia, nearby is the Millennium of Russia monument, and across the Volkhov you can see Yaroslav's Court with ancient churches and the arcade of the Gostiny Dvor.
Novgorod is often called the city of birch bark letters, ancient churches and a free urban character. Here different layers of time live side by side: fortress walls, cathedrals, embankments, archaeology, museum collections and calm city life.
- The Novgorod Kremlin is called the Detinets
- St. Sophia Cathedral was built in the 11th century and is considered one of the main symbols of the city
- The Millennium of Russia monument was installed in 1862
- Yaroslav's Court is connected with the trade history of Novgorod
- Vitoslavlitsy and Yuriev Monastery help extend the route beyond the center
Why Veliky Novgorod is well suited for a day trip
In the historic center everything is gathered quite compactly: Sophia Square, the Kremlin Park, the Detinets, St. Sophia Cathedral, the Volkhov, the pedestrian bridge and Yaroslav's Court form one clear route. That is why the city is convenient to explore without complicated logistics: arrive in the morning, walk through the main spots, have lunch in the center and return in the evening.
What to see in Veliky Novgorod
It is best to build your first route around the historic center. That way the city quickly becomes clear: first the Sophia Side with the Kremlin, then the crossing over the Volkhov and the Trade Side with Yaroslav's Court.
- The Novgorod Kremlin, or Detinets, with towers, walls and museum sites
- Saint Sophia Cathedral and the bell tower with a view of the Volkhov
- Millennium of Russia Monument inside the kremlin
- Sofiyskaya Embankment and the pedestrian bridge over the Volkhov
- Yaroslavovo Dvorishche, Torg, the arcade of Gostiny Dvor and ancient churches
- Vitoslavlitsy, Yuriev Monastery and Rurikovo Gorodishche for an extended trip
Why people travel to Veliky Novgorod
Veliky Novgorod works well as a trip into the past without feeling like a heavy museum visit. The center is easy to walk around, there are many open spaces, and nearby are the river, the kremlin, the embankment, ancient temples and places that are convenient to see in one day.
- For one of the oldest cities in Russia
- For the kremlin, Saint Sophia Cathedral and the Millennium of Russia Monument
- For a walk along the banks of the Volkhov and the Trade Side
- For a day trip from Saint Petersburg
- For ancient temples, museums and the atmosphere of the old city
How to get to Veliky Novgorod from Saint Petersburg
| Method | Where to depart from | Travel time | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train / Lastochka | Moskovsky railway station in Saint Petersburg – Veliky Novgorod | usually about 2 h 50 min – 3 h 10 min | A good option for a day trip: the railway station in Veliky Novgorod is located not far from the center. |
| Bus | Bus station No. 2 on the Obvodny Canal – Veliky Novgorod bus station | approximately 2 h 40 min – 3 h 15 min | Suitable if it is more convenient to choose a departure time or travel without being tied to a train. |
| Car | From Saint Petersburg via M10/M11 towards Veliky Novgorod | approximately 2.5–4 hours including the road and traffic | Convenient for a route with Vitoslavlitsy, Yuriev Monastery, Rurikovo Gorodishche and stops along the way. |
| Ready-made trip | Start from Saint Petersburg according to the route program | usually a full-day format | Suitable when you want to get the road, route, guide's commentary and main points right away without putting it together yourself. |
Veliky Novgorod for different trip durations
2–3 hours
The Kremlin and the Sofia Side
Good for a first introduction: Sofia Square, Kremlin Park, Detinets, Saint Sophia Cathedral, the bell tower and the Millennium of Russia monument.
1 day
The center and both banks of the Volkhov
The most convenient format: the Kremlin, the embankment, the pedestrian bridge, Yaroslav's Court, the arcade of the Gostiny Dvor and the ancient churches of the Trade Side.
Weekend
Novgorod for 2 days
You can add Vitoslavlitsy, Yuriev Monastery, Rurikovo Gorodishche, a boat ride along the Volkhov and more time for the museums inside the Kremlin.
Extended
Novgorod Region
For a longer trip, the surrounding monasteries, natural spots, old villages, Lake Ilmen and routes across the Novgorod land are a good fit.
What to see in Veliky Novgorod
The main symbol
Novgorod Kremlin
The Detinets is the historic heart of the city. Behind the red walls are Saint Sophia Cathedral, the bell tower, the Millennium of Russia monument, museum buildings and viewpoints by the Volkhov.
Sophia
Saint Sophia Cathedral
One of the oldest churches in Russia and the main spiritual symbol of Novgorod. Next to it stands a bell tower with views of the Volkhov and the Trade Side.
Volkhov
The Volkhov and the Trade Side
The river divides the historic center into two parts. Across the pedestrian bridge it is convenient to reach Yaroslav's Court, the arcade of the Merchants' Court, and ancient churches.
Surroundings
Vitoslavlitsy and Yuriev Monastery
A good extension of the route for the weekend: wooden architecture, a monastery, the Volkhov, Ilmen, and places that show Novgorod beyond the center.
One-day walking route through Veliky Novgorod
The most straightforward route goes through the historic center: from Sophia Square and Kremlin Park to the Detinets, then to the Volkhov, the pedestrian bridge, and Yaroslav's Court. All the main points are close enough to each other.
This route is well suited for a first visit. It gives you the essentials: the kremlin, Saint Sophia Cathedral, the Millennium of Russia monument, the embankment, the view of the Volkhov, the ancient churches of the Trade Side, and a leisurely walk along Ilyina Street.
- Sophia Square
- Kremlin Park
- Novgorod Kremlin, or Detinets
- Millennium of Russia Monument
- Saint Sophia Cathedral and Bell Tower
- Sophia Embankment
- Pedestrian bridge over the Volkhov
- Yaroslav's Court and the arcade of the Merchants' Court
- Ilyina Street
- Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior
Weather in Veliky Novgorod by season
Spring
approximately +3…+14 °C
In spring it's pleasant to stroll through the center as the city gradually brightens, and the Volkhov River and embankments become the main walking spots.
Summer
approximately +17…+25 °C
In summer it's good to add Vitoslavlitsy, Yuriev Monastery, a walk by the water and a boat ride along the Volkhov to the center.
Autumn
approximately +12…+2 °C
In autumn the city becomes especially textured: the red walls of the kremlin, yellow foliage, water and ancient churches look great together.
Winter
approximately -3…-10 °C
In winter it's better to choose a short route through the center: the kremlin, St. Sophia Cathedral, the Millennium of Russia monument and museums.
Veliky Novgorod in detail
Frequently asked questions about Veliky Novgorod
What to see in Veliky Novgorod first?
It's best to start with the Novgorod Kremlin, St. Sophia Cathedral, the Millennium of Russia monument, the Sofia Embankment and Yaroslav's Court. These places give the main impression of the city.
What to see in Veliky Novgorod in 1 day?
In one day, it's convenient to walk the route from Sofia Square through the Kremlin Park and Detinets to St. Sophia Cathedral, then cross the Volkhov to Yaroslav's Court and Ilyina Street.
How to get to Veliky Novgorod from St. Petersburg?
From St. Petersburg to Veliky Novgorod you can get there by train, bus or car. By car the journey usually takes about 3–4 hours; by train and bus the time depends on the service and travel date.
What is Veliky Novgorod known for?
Veliky Novgorod is known for its ancient history, the Novgorod Kremlin, St. Sophia Cathedral, the Millennium of Russia monument, birch bark manuscripts, Yaroslav's Court and a large number of ancient churches.
Why is Novgorod called Veliky?
The name is connected to the city's historical significance. Novgorod was a major political, trade and cultural center of Ancient Rus, so the prefix "Veliky" emphasizes its special place in history.
How much time do you need for Veliky Novgorod?
One day is enough for the main center. For Vitoslavlitsy, Yuriev Monastery, Rurik's Hillfort, museums and a more relaxed pace, it's better to plan a weekend.
What to see near Veliky Novgorod?
Near the city, it's worth seeing the Vitoslavlitsy Museum of Wooden Architecture, St. Yuriev Monastery, Rurik's Hillfort and the places by Lake Ilmen.
Reviews about Leningrad-Tour
View all reviews →Our guides
Tour guide Leningrad-Tour: Kholshevnikova Anna
Accredited historian and top-category guide for Saint Petersburg and its suburb…
Go