This is, arguably, the heart of the heart of St. Petersburg with the city’s most iconic sites and the most famous street – Nevsky Prospekt. Most first time visitors will of course start their sightseeing by walking up this beautiful and historic avenue, passing by places that need no introduction: the Faberge Museum, Gostiny Dvor, the Kazan Cathedral, the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, Arts Square, the Stroganov Palace and, of course, finishing up right on Palace Square, which is home to the Hermitage and the Winter Palace. You will also see several beautiful canals and picturesque bridges along the way, as well as the vast Neva at the end of this avenue.

There’s no shortage of wining, dining and shopping opportunities. Get lost in the different rows of Gostiny Dvor, where you can buy anything starting from black caviar to comfy slippers or splurge and get yourself something truly luxurious from the DLT department store. Recharge and refuel in one of the many cafes, restaurants and bars that line Nevsky or are tucked away in one of the side streets. The legendary café Singer right opposite the Kazan Cathedral or the grand restaurant Palkin are a must.