The most interesting bus tours in St. Petersburg Automatic translate

There’s something undeniably charming about St Petersburg. Russia’s cultural capital is a city that begs to be explored, from its canals to its majestic palaces and golden-domed churches. But let’s be honest: If you don’t want to navigate the city’s complex subway system or wander the cold streets on foot, a bus tour might be the perfect way to discover this stunning city.

If you’re planning a visit to St Petersburg and want to make the most of it, why not let someone else take the wheel while you sit back and soak up the splendour? Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture buff, or just enjoy leisurely sightseeing, there are bus tours in St Petersburg to suit all tastes. In this guide, we’ll show you some of the most interesting and unique bus tours in the city, offering you the perfect mix of the familiar and the unexpected.

What makes these excursions stand out? Let’s take a look.

1. Classic City Sightseeing Tour

Main impressions of Saint Petersburg .

If you’re visiting St. Petersburg for the first time, there’s no better way to get to know the city than with a classic sightseeing tour. These tours typically last 3-4 hours and cover the main attractions that define St. Petersburg’s majestic beauty. Consider it an introductory lesson in Russia’s imperial past, with a generous helping of stunning visuals.

Most tours make stops at the most famous tourist spots:

• Nevsky Prospect : The main avenue of St. Petersburg, which is full of history, shops and beautiful buildings.
• The Hermitage : Not just a museum, but a symbol of Russian power and luxury, located in the former Winter Palace.
• Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood : With its multi-colored onion domes and intricate mosaics, it is one of the most photographed places in the city.
• Peter and Paul Fortress : The birthplace of a city with a fascinating history that dates back to the early 1700s.

These tours tend to be a bit more fast-paced, but are incredibly useful if you want to see the main sights. You’ll get a combination of information from your guide on the bus and the chance to jump off at certain points for photos. It’s a great way to get to know the area – perfect for first-time visitors. But be warned: it’s a whirlwind. If you prefer a slower pace, you might want to consider some of the more specialised tours we’ll cover below.

2. Architectural tours: Hidden gems of St. Petersburg

For lovers of buildings and stories .

Ah, architecture. For those who appreciate the finer details of design, St. Petersburg is like a treasure chest just waiting to be opened. From neoclassicism to baroque, the city is a living museum of architectural styles, and a bus tour of it will allow you to not miss a thing. The variety of such bus tours is very large, especially interesting excursions are collected here: https://spbticket.com/bolshaya-novogodnyaya-skazka-v-sankt-peterburge-avtobusnaya-ekskursiya.html – see for yourself.

While a classic tour will give you an idea, an architectural tour is for those who want to know why buildings are the way they are, who designed them, and what secrets they may hold. You’ll pass by such masterpieces as:

• Kazan Cathedral : Inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, this building is a powerful example of Russian neoclassicism.
• St Isaac’s Cathedral : One of the largest domed buildings in the world, with a golden dome towering over the city.
• Russian Museum : Housed in a former imperial palace, the museum is an architectural marvel not only for its art but also for its magnificent layout.

These tours typically delve into the cultural significance of the buildings. Here, you’ll find experienced guides who won’t just tell you dates, but will also tell you about the city’s architectural evolution. And here’s the kicker: while you’re on the bus, you’ll be introduced to areas you might not otherwise venture into—hidden streets and lesser-known landmarks that often go unnoticed.

3. Evening tour "White Nights"

When St. Petersburg comes alive at night .

You’ve probably heard of the famous "white nights" in St. Petersburg. From late May to early July, the sun barely sets, filling the city with a soft twilight light. These evenings are simply magical, and there’s no better way to experience them than with a special "White Nights" tour.

These tours are perfect for night owls who want to see the city bathed in soft light. You’ll be taken around the city’s most famous sites, like Palace Square and the Peter and Paul Fortress , but the highlight is seeing how the landmarks transform in the setting sun. And the canals? They shimmer like mirrors, reflecting the pastel-colored buildings and bridges.

This is also a great time to see the famous drawbridges open, which happens every night during the summer months. It is truly a spectacular sight and one of the most iconic in St. Petersburg.

Tip: Bring a jacket! Even in the summer months, the evenings can get a little chilly, and you don’t want to miss out on the night’s magic because you’re shivering.

4. River and Bus Combo Tour

Double the fun: Bus and boat, perfectly combined .

Picture this: You’re cruising down the Neva River on a boat, watching the world-famous bridges open to let the ships pass. Then you hop on a comfortable bus and continue sightseeing through the streets of St. Petersburg. Now that’s what we call a winning combination.

A combined bus and boat tour allows you to see the city from two different perspectives – both from land and from the water. Such tours often include a picturesque boat ride along the Neva or one of St. Petersburg’s many canals. You’ll get to know the city’s famous waterways as you sail past beautiful embankments, pastel-colored palaces, and cozy bridges.

The bus portion of the tour usually focuses on larger areas of the city, offering glimpses of vast palaces and squares that are too scattered to fully appreciate on foot. The boat tour, on the other hand, will allow you to see St. Petersburg’s charming architecture from a whole new perspective.

It’s a great way to cover a lot of ground without feeling rushed.

5. Historical excursions: Travel through time

For history lovers and those who love good stories .

Let’s face it: St. Petersburg’s history is bound to be dramatic. It’s a city that has seen revolutions, emperors, wars, and more than its fair share of intrigue. For those who enjoy delving deeper into the city’s past, a historical bus tour is a must. These tours tend to focus less on the architecture and more on the events that shaped the city.

Popular stops may include:

• Winter Palace : Once the residence of the Russian Tsars, it is now part of the Hermitage Museum. Your guide will tell you about its fascinating role in Russian history, especially the famous October Revolution.
• Peter and Paul Fortress : This place has a darker side: it once served as a prison for political dissidents. Your guide will tell you stories of struggle and resilience.
• The Bronze Horseman : A monument to Peter the Great, and also a symbol of Russia’s ambitions during the Tsarist era.

As you ride the bus, you will hear vivid descriptions of the events that took place here – stories of power struggles, heroic deeds and tragedies that shaped the future of the country. You will hear about the siege of Leningrad, the rise and fall of the Romanovs, and the radical changes brought about by the Russian Revolution.

These tours are often like a time machine that transports you to the heart of Russia’s past while you sit back and watch the modern city float by.

6. Gastronomic tours

For gourmets who want to taste the history of St. Petersburg .

St. Petersburg is not only a feast for the eyes, but also for the stomach. And no, we’re not just talking about caviar and spirits (although that’s certainly part of it). The city’s culinary scene is a delightful kaleidoscope of Russian, European, and Asian influences.

Food bus tours are a new trend in St. Petersburg, and they are a fun way to sample the city’s diverse cuisine while learning about its rich cultural traditions. Typically combining food tasting with sightseeing, these tours will take you to local markets, quaint cafes, and eateries specializing in traditional Russian dishes.

You can try:

• Northern borscht (a hearty beetroot soup that is one of the main dishes of Russian cuisine)
• Pirozhki (hot pies with meat, vegetable or even sweet filling)
• Pelmeni (rich dumplings, often served with sour cream)
• Pyshki (this is what they call doughnuts in St. Petersburg and this is almost the main cult gastronomic pleasure of St. Petersburg, available to everyone)

Along the way, you’ll learn how food and drink have shaped the city’s culture. Did you know that St. Petersburg is home to some of Russia’s best restaurants and a thriving culinary scene? Food tours offer a truly sensory experience, combining the city’s rich history with its savory flavors.

Which bus tour is right for you?

Whether you’re visiting the city for the first time and want to take in all the sights, or you’re a seasoned traveler with a passion for architecture and history, St. Petersburg bus tours offer something for everyone. From the main attractions to specialized topics like architecture, history or gastronomy, these tours provide a relaxed yet comprehensive way to experience the city.