Where to Stay in St. Petersburg

The beating heart of St. Petersburg, this area encompasses the central stretch of Nevsky Prospekt and the blocks surrounding Palace Square. This is the most tourist-centric neighborhood, where imperial grandeur meets modern commerce with luxury boutiques, international restaurants, and street performers. The concentration of major sights means you can walk to most attractions, though the constant buzz and premium prices reflect the prime location. Expect beautifully restored 18th and 19th-century buildings housing everything from grand hotels to cozy apartments.

Just east of Nevsky Prospekt, this elegant residential neighborhood offers a more authentic St. Petersburg experience with tree-lined streets, Art Nouveau architecture, and local cafes. Popular with artists and intellectuals since Tsarist times, the area retains a sophisticated, quieter atmosphere while remaining close to major attractions. The Fontanka River embankment provides scenic walking routes, and the neighborhood's literary heritage (Dostoevsky lived here) adds cultural depth.

Located on the north bank of the Neva River, Petrograd Side is a spacious district characterized by Art Nouveau architecture, wide boulevards, and a more relaxed pace. This was the city's original settlement area and retains a village-like charm despite being home to the Peter and Paul Fortress. The neighborhood attracts younger residents and families, with excellent parks, local markets, and a growing number of hip cafes and restaurants that feel distinctly less touristy than the south bank.

The largest island in the Neva delta, Vasilyevsky Island combines historic significance with residential tranquility. The eastern Strelka (spit) area features iconic Rostral Columns and museums, while the rest of the island showcases St. Petersburg's unique grid layout of numbered lines (linii). Home to St. Petersburg State University and several research institutes, this neighborhood has an intellectual, bohemian atmosphere with student cafes, used bookstores, and art galleries alongside grand 18th-century buildings.

Tucked between the Moika and Fontanka rivers south of Nevsky Prospekt, Kolomna is St. Petersburg's overlooked spot—a quiet residential neighborhood of pastel-colored buildings, small parks, and cobblestone streets that feels frozen in the 19th century. This area escaped major Soviet reconstruction, preserving its intimate scale and architectural integrity. It's popular with artists and musicians, home to small galleries, antique shops, and the legendary Mariinsky Theatre, making it ideal for culture lovers seeking authenticity.

This gritty, authentic neighborhood around Sennaya Square (Haymarket Square) was famously depicted in Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment and retains its working-class character despite recent gentrification. The area serves as a major transport hub with three intersecting metro lines, making it extremely convenient for exploring the city. While rougher around the edges than other central districts, Sennaya offers excellent value, diverse dining options, and a genuine local atmosphere that appeals to budget-conscious travelers who don't mind a bit of urban edge.

Centered around Vladimirskaya/Dostoevskaya metro station, this neighborhood offers an excellent balance of central location and local character. The area is associated with Dostoevsky, who lived and wrote here, and features the writer's museum alongside Orthodox churches, traditional markets, and residential streets lined with yellow and pink buildings. It's become increasingly popular with younger travelers and digital nomads due to good cafe culture, coworking spaces, and mid-range accommodation options that offer better value than Nevsky Prospekt proper.

This grand Soviet-era boulevard stretches south from Sennaya Square toward the airport, showcasing Stalinist architecture and monumental urban planning. While farther from tourist attractions, the area offers excellent value accommodation, particularly near Moskovskie Vorota and Frunzenskaya metro stations. The neighborhood is authentic and residential, with Soviet-era apartment blocks, local shops, and parks frequented by families. It's ideal for budget-conscious travelers who don't mind a 20-30 minute metro ride to central attractions.

Located northeast across the Neva River, Vyborg Side is a largely residential area that offers a glimpse into everyday St. Petersburg life away from tourist crowds. This working-class neighborhood has seen recent development with shopping centers and modern apartment complexes alongside Soviet-era housing. While not conventionally scenic, it provides excellent value accommodation with good metro connections, making it suitable for budget travelers and those interested in authentic urban exploration rather than postcard-perfect views.

This emerging trendy neighborhood around the recently renovated New Holland Island represents St. Petersburg's modern creative renaissance. The area combines historic canal-side buildings with contemporary art spaces, design studios, and upscale restaurants. It's particularly popular with young professionals and creative types, offering a blend of imperial architecture and modern urban culture. The neighborhood sits between the Mariinsky Theatre and St. Isaac's Cathedral, providing excellent access to major sights while maintaining a distinct contemporary character.