Best Sightseeing Spots in St. Petersburg, Russia for First-time Travelers and Photography Hobbyists

If you're a first-time traveler to St. Petersburg, Russia, you can find it ideal to explore the city through walking tours or by wandering around the metropolis' on your own. In doing so, you can conveniently familiarize yourself with the city's top tourist attractions, while also taking photos of its famous architectural spots.

Choosing the most cinematic areas around St. Petersburg offers you great photography backdrops. These are primarily set in the city's tourist locations. At this time and age when cameras with GPS and geotagging capabilities are accessible, you can make your first trip to the city enjoyable, informative, and even much easier to revisit.

The State Hermitage Museum

A landmark architectural ensemble set in the heart of St. Petersburg, The State Hermitage Museum is Russia's largest and oldest museum known for its celebrated collections from different eras and periods in world history. Its complex is comprised of six historic buildings, which include palaces, exhibition centers and a theater.

The museum hosts many prehistoric artifacts, Greek and Roman sculptures, Classical and Egyptian antiquities, rich collections of armors, porcelains, furniture, and many other ancient treasures coming from different periods. It also hosts masterpieces from renowned painters including da Vinci, Possin, Rembrandt, Van Dyke, Rubens, Matisse, Van Gogh, Renoir, Canaletto, Manet, Picasso and Kandinsky. It houses a large collection of modern artworks as well.

The Moscow Triumphal Gate

The Moscow Triumphal Gate in Saint Petersburg is a Neoclassical triumphal arch distinct of its powerful columns and sculptural works. Established during the 1830s in memory of the Russian victory during the Russo-Turkish War, this military memorial provided an elaborate display of state power when it was completed. Now, this collaborative work by Russian architect Vasily Stasov and sculptor Boris Orlovsky is already a top tourist attraction where people find inspiration from its grandness by taking photos of the structure from different angles.

Monument to Catherine the Great

The Monument to Catherine the Great is a historical site for this powerful leader of the Russian Empire. Unveiled in 1873, this monument marks the glory of her reign as the enlightened Russian monarch loved by her people. Her rule is often considered the "golden age" of Russia. Her monument, which was designed by the period's best Russian sculptors and architects led by artist M.O. Mikeshin, is also surrounded by other statues of prominent people during her reign including politicians, artists, poets military men and courtiers.

Peterhof Palace

What is known as the Peterhof Palace extends beyond its main structure through its awe-inspiring series of palaces, galleries, parks and gardens. Laid out by the famed Russian leader Peter the Great and known as his favorite summer residence, this landmark attraction is also referred to as the "Russian Versailles." It features a series of fountains highlighted by the Grand Cascade Fountain, which also showcases many bronze sculptures and water jets. The Peterhof Palace is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.