Right Bank Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Right Bank with our comprehensive travel guide featuring the best things to do, places to stay, local culture and customs, safety tips, and much more.


Introduction to Right Bank

Right Bank is a beautiful district in Saint Petersburg, located on the south bank of the Neva River. It is home to some of the city’s most impressive museums and historic landmarks, as well as picturesque parks and natural attractions. Right Bank is an ideal destination for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the local history and culture of Saint Petersburg.

List of Places to Visit in Right Bank

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

State Hermitage Museum

The State Hermitage Museum is one of the most famous museums in the world, featuring a massive collection of art and artifacts from all over the world. The museum’s main building, the Winter Palace, was the former residence of the Russian Tsars.

Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood is a beautiful Russian Orthodox church that was built on the site where Tsar Alexander II was assassinated in 1881. It is known for its stunning mosaic decorations, which cover every inch of the interior.

Peter and Paul Fortress

The Peter and Paul Fortress is the oldest landmark in Saint Petersburg and served as a prison for political dissidents during the Tsarist era. It now houses a museum and is a popular spot for tourists.

Natural Attractions of Right Bank: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Alexandrovsky Park

Alexandrovsky Park is a beautiful park located on the banks of the Neva River. It features beautiful gardens, fountains, and walking paths, as well as a stunning view of the Peter and Paul Fortress.

St. Isaac’s Cathedral

St. Isaac’s Cathedral is a stunning landmark that boasts a beautiful gold dome and a breathtaking view of the city from its observation deck. It is also known for housing the largest church bell in the world.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Right Bank

Novodevichy Cemetery

Novodevichy Cemetery is a beautiful cemetery with a long history and is home to the final resting places of some of the most famous people in Russian history. It is also a popular spot for hiking and walking tours.

Best Things to Do in Right Bank: Activities and Tours

Boat Tour of the Neva River

One of the best things you can do in Right Bank is taking a boat tour of the Neva River. You will get to see the city’s most famous landmarks from a different perspective and enjoy stunning views of the city skyline.

Walking Tour of the Historic Center

A walking tour of the historic center is an excellent way to explore the city’s rich history and culture. You can walk past the city’s oldest buildings and monuments, and learn about the city’s residents and their way of life.

Week-Long Itinerary for Right Bank

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the State Hermitage Museum and the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood
Day 2 Explore Alexandrovsky Park and St. Isaac’s Cathedral
Day 3 Take a boat tour of the Neva River
Day 4 Visit the Peter and Paul Fortress and the Kunstkamera Museum
Day 5 Explore the historic center on a walking tour
Day 6 Visit the Faberge Museum and the Russian Museum
Day 7 Relax at one of the city’s many cafes and enjoy the local cuisine

Food and Drink Scene of Right Bank

Must-Try Dishes

Borscht

Borscht is a traditional Russian soup made with beets, cabbage, and potatoes. It is usually served with sour cream and is a popular dish in many restaurants in Saint Petersburg.

Pirozhki

Pirozhki are small baked or fried buns filled with meat, vegetables, or cheese. They are a popular street food in Russia and are usually served hot.

Local Beverages

Vodka

Vodka is the most popular drink in Russia, and you can find it in almost every restaurant or bar in Saint Petersburg. It is usually served chilled and is often consumed with pickled vegetables or caviar.

Kvas

Kvas is a traditional Russian drink made from fermented bread. It has a slightly sour taste and is often served cold on hot summer days.

Where to Stay in Right Bank: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Hotel Astoria

Hotel Astoria is an iconic five-star hotel located in the heart of Right Bank. It features luxurious rooms, a spa, and a rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the city.

Soul Kitchen Hostel

Soul Kitchen Hostel is a popular hostel in Right Bank that offers comfortable dorms and private rooms. The hostel also has a kitchen, a common room, and a terrace with a view of the city.

Tavricheskaya Guesthouse

Tavricheskaya Guesthouse is a boutique guesthouse located in a historic building in Right Bank. It offers cozy rooms with a view of the city and a private garden where you can relax and unwind.

What to Buy in Right Bank: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Matryoshka Dolls

Matryoshka dolls are a Russian souvenir staple and can be found in many souvenir shops in Right Bank. The dolls come in a variety of sizes and designs and are a perfect souvenir to bring home to remember your trip.

Amber Jewelry

Amber jewelry is a popular local product in Saint Petersburg. You can find a variety of amber necklaces, bracelets, and earrings in jewelry shops throughout Right Bank.

Local Culture and Customs of Right Bank

The local culture of Right Bank is heavily influenced by Russian traditions and customs. Visitors should be prepared to show respect for Russian culture, including dressing appropriately when visiting churches and other religious monuments, and behaving respectfully in public places.

Best Time to Visit Right Bank

The best time to visit Right Bank is during the summer months, between June and August. The weather is warm and sunny, and many of the city’s parks and outdoor attractions are open. However, the summer months can be crowded and expensive, so visitors should book their accommodations in advance.

Do’s and Don’ts of Right Bank

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Dress appropriately when visiting religious monuments.
  • Learn a few Russian phrases to communicate with locals.

Don’t:

  • Drink in public places.
  • Be loud or rowdy in public.
  • Take pictures of military installations.

Safety and Health

Safety in Right Bank

Right Bank is generally a safe place to visit, but visitors should be cautious when walking alone at night and should avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuables with them.

Health in Right Bank

Visitors should be up to date on routine vaccinations before entering Russia, and travelers should always drink bottled water to avoid waterborne illnesses. Visitors should also be aware of ticks and other disease-carrying insects when exploring the city’s parks and natural areas.

Getting to Right Bank: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Right Bank

Pulkovo Airport is the closest airport to Right Bank, located approximately 25 kilometers away. The airport offers direct flights to many major cities in Europe and Asia.

Bus Stations Near Right Bank

Moskovsky Coach Station is the largest and busiest bus station in Saint Petersburg and is located on the eastern edge of Right Bank. It offers bus services to cities across Russia and Eastern Europe.

Other Options

Visitors can also travel to Right Bank by train from other cities in Russia. The city has several train stations, including Moskovsky Station and Vitebsky Station, which both offer train services to many major cities in Russia and Europe.

How to Get Around in Right Bank

The best way to explore Right Bank is on foot, as many of the city’s most famous landmarks and attractions are located within walking distance of each other. Visitors can also take public transportation, including buses and the metro, to reach destinations further away.

Where to Go Next from Right Bank: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Peterhof Palace

Peterhof Palace is a beautiful palace and garden complex located just outside of Saint Petersburg. It is known for its stunning fountains and gardens and is a popular destination for tourists.

Pavlovsk Palace

Pavlovsk Palace is a beautiful palace located in the outskirts of Saint Petersburg. It is known for its beautiful gardens and parks and is a popular spot for picnics and outdoor activities.

Conclusion

Right Bank is a beautiful and culturally rich district in Saint Petersburg, offering visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From exploring the city’s museums and landmarks to enjoying traditional Russian food and drink, there is something for every traveler in Right Bank.

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