Welcome to the city where the richness of the East meets the glamour of the West. On the best and most comprehensive Essential Free Tour of Saint Petersburg you’ll understand why the second largest city in Russia is also the cultural capital of the country. This walking tour offers a great introduction to the main landmarks and must-see attractions in the city, as well as useful historical information that will help you better understand modern Russian culture. In particular, your guide will take you on an engaging exploration of one of the most elegant and extensive avenues in the world, Nevsky Prospect. On your way, your group will stroll along the beautiful waters of the Neva River and next to breathtakingly beautiful palaces, literary cafés, art galleries, orthodox churches and much more.

During your Essential Free Tour of Saint Petersburg, your expert local guide will explain how Peter the Great built this city to make it a "Window to Europe". According to the wishes of that great tzar, Saint Petersburg was designed to have access to the Baltic Sea and, even more, connect Russia with European standards. The legacy of that vast vision materialized in stunning buildings such as the impressive Hermitage Museum, probably the most famous art institution in the world, or the Singer House, a beautiful Art-Nouveau building known as “the House of the Book”. Standing next to each of these beautiful historical landmarks, your guide will explain their architectural value as well as many shocking historical facts related to their past.

On your walk, you will also have the opportunity to see two of the most impressive religious buildings of Russia. One is the neo-classical Kazan Cathedral, a serene structure dedicated to the venerated icon of Our Lady of Kazan. The second is the colorful Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, whose bulbous domes will remind guests of St. Basil's Cathedral in Moscow. During your free tour, there will also be time to learn about modern Saint Petersburg. Your guide will share insights into life under communism and why the city changed its name to “Leningrad” from 1924 to 1991. And they will also share many useful tips about modern Russia, tips on what to do and what to eat in Saint Petersburg, and where to go partying!