Petrograd Side Travel Guide

An island district for museum visits, riverside strolls and relaxed cafés.

• Best for: museums and riverside walks
• Vibe: historic, leafy and low-key
• Nearest station: Petrogradskaya metro
• Price level: $$
• To the main sights: 10-15 minutes to the historic centre by metro
• Safety: generally safe; usual city caution after dark

Great for:

• quiet walks along the Neva
• visiting the Peter and Paul Fortress
• park days on Yelagin Island
• staying in quieter, leafy surroundings

Maybe skip it if:

• you want busy nightlife and late-night clubs
• you need many high-end boutiques

Island north of the central Neva branches, centred on Bolshoy Prospekt and Kronverksky Prospekt.

• Best walks: Follow the Neva embankments at dusk for views of the fortress and bridges.
• Seasonal river boats: Use summer river boats to reach the city centre, they’re scenic and avoid traffic.
• White Nights: During White Nights the area fills with evening strollers, book hotels earlier.
• Transport card: Carry a Troika or other local transport card for metro and bus rides.

• Peter and Paul Fortress: Peter and Paul Fortress, explore the citadel, riverside promenade and museum displays.
• Peter and Paul Cathedral: Peter and Paul Cathedral, see the striking golden spire and imperial tombs.
• Yelagin Island: Yelagin Island, parkland, palace and pleasant walking paths for families and picnics.
• Kunstkamera: Kunstkamera, Russia’s early collection of curiosities and anthropology exhibits, an easy riverside walk.
• Petrovsky Stadium: Petrovsky Stadium, historic sports venue and event site on the island.

• Pulkovo Airport (LED): Public transport - buses and minibuses from the airport run to Moskovskaya metro (routes include bus 39 or airport shuttles), then one metro stop or a short transfer to reach Petrogradskaya/Gorkovskaya; total 35-60 minutes depending on traffic, fare modest. Taxi/ride-hail - simplest door-to-door option, typically 25-45 minutes to Petrograd Side, fare roughly mid-range depending on time of day.
• From the main sights: From Palace Square - either walk across the bridges and along the Neva for a 25-35 minute riverside stroll, or take the metro a short trip to Petrogradskaya or Gorkovskaya in about 10-15 minutes.

• On foot: Most attractions on Petrograd Side are walkable; promenades and parks make it pleasant to explore by foot.
• Metro: Petrogradskaya and Gorkovskaya stations serve the district; the Moskovsko-Petrogradskaya line links quickly to the city centre.
• Buses, trams and marshrutkas: Frequent surface services run along Bolshoy and Kamennoostrovsky Prospekts for short cross-town trips.
• River boats (seasonal): In summer, river taxis and sightseeing boats link the island to the historic centre, scenic and relaxing alternatives to the metro.

Petrograd Side has a lot of mid-range hotels and a few upmarket options clustered near Petrogradskaya and the riverside. Expect comfortable three- and four-star properties and a number of small boutique stays. Hostels and guesthouses are also available for budget travellers; book early in summer.

Luxury

• Petrovskiy Port Comfort: A four-star riverside property with straightforward comfort and easy access to the promenade; good if you want a quieter, scenic base.
• Le Vashoff Hotel: Well-placed near main streets and promenades, a compact boutique-style option close to cafés and transport.
• River Palace: Four-star hotel a short walk from the water; a convenient pick for visitors wanting more polished facilities.
• Glinz: A four-star option on the edge of the district, useful if you want quieter streets and straightforward hotel services.

Mid-range

• Welton Club: Comfortable mid-range hotel within easy reach of Petrogradskaya station and local cafés.
• Art-Home: Neighbourhood hotel offering practical rooms and a local feel near Bolshoy Prospekt.
• Vvedenskiy Hotel: Mid-range option with simple rooms and good access to tram and metro links.
• Регина: A reasonable mid-range choice close to the island’s main streets and transport.

Budget

• Четыре кота: Small, budget-friendly hostel very close to the river and within easy walking distance of the fortress.
• BChostel: Basic hostel for travellers on a tight budget with simple shared facilities.
• ПетроХостел: Budget hostel offering dorms and cheap private rooms, handy for short stays.
• Cuba Hostel PS: Another low-cost hostel in the neighbourhood; a no-frills option near transport links.

Dining on Petrograd Side is café-focused with a scattering of restaurants serving Russian, Italian and international dishes. Bolshoy Prospekt and the streets around the fortress are where most cafés and casual eateries gather. Price levels skew $-$$ for cafés and casual restaurants, with a few pricier dining rooms further out.

• No Regrets Gluten-free deli: Casual deli and café; good for gluten-free options and quick bites. Price level $.
• VAKH: Restaurant listed as Georgian cuisine; a neighbourhood sit-down option. Price level $$.
• Sono Italiano: Italian café-style spot close to the riverside for coffee and light meals. Price level $-$$.
• Panorama: Local café near the water for coffee and snacks; handy stop after a walk. Price level $.
• Tea Room: Small tea and pastry café ideal for a relaxed break. Price level $.
• Paninaro: Casual pizza place near main streets; good for informal meals. Price level $-$$.
• Frantsuza Bistrot: French bistro a short walk away for a more restaurant-style meal. Price level $$-$$$.

Nightlife on Petrograd Side is low-key: neighborhood bars, a few pubs and the occasional live-music venue. Head to Kronverksky Prospekt, Bolshoy Prospekt and the streets around Petrogradskaya for the best evening options. Expect casual prices at bars and a relaxed crowd; clubs are few compared with central districts.

• НевБар: Small local bar popular with residents, good for beers and informal evenings.
• Mundshtuk: Compact bar near the river offering a relaxed atmosphere for drinks.
• Maslou: Neighbourhood bar with a friendly vibe and straightforward drinks list.
• #BeerHERE: Craft-beer oriented spot for beer fans and casual socialising.
• Solids: Local bar serving a mixed crowd; useful for pre-dinner drinks.
• Crowbar: Pub-style venue a short walk from the main streets with a lively-but-not-hectic atmosphere.

Shopping on Petrograd Side is mostly practical rather than high fashion, small malls, neighbourhood stores and periodic markets. Bolshoy Prospekt and the streets off Kronverksky Prospekt host independent shops and groceries. For bigger retail or designer shopping you’ll head back across the river.

• ТК “Чкаловский”: Neighbourhood shopping centre with a range of everyday stores and services.
• ТК Пионер: Small mall serving local shoppers with clothing and household boutiques.
• Ценопад: Department-style store for budget-friendly shopping and basics.
• ТЦ «Априори»: Local shopping centre a short distance from the main residential streets.