The Venice of the North is a breathtaking showcase of the various monuments and palaces commissioned by the former Tsars of old. Although the days of the aristocracy are long gone, tourists can still explore the many mansions and cathedrals which stand just as proud as they did during the days of the Russian Kings.
St. Petersburg is a small city, but with such a large concentration of historical sights, it can be difficult to pick one specific place to stay.
That’s why we made planning for St Petersburg easy with this hassle-free guide!
Written by our own travel gurus, we have put together a list of hotels ranging from those in the heat of the action to those off the beaten track.
This guide was made to help YOU find a neighborhood which best suits your travel needs and so that you can enjoy your Russian adventure to the fullest! Plus, if you need more inspo for your European travels, check out the top 131 things to do in Europe.
These are our best picks for where to stay in St. Petersburg.
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At A Glance: Where To Stay In ST. PETERSBURG
Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in St. Petersburg.
WHERE TO STAY IN ST PETERSBURG | |||
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Best Air BnBBest Air BnBViktoriaa’s Airbnb |
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Best Budget HotelBest Budget HotelMyWorld Apartments |
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Best Mid-Range HotelBest Mid-Range HotelV Tsarskoy Stolitse |
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Best Luxury HotelBest Luxury HotelFour Seasons Hotel Lion Palace |
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This stylish studio is located in the historical centre of St Petersburg and has everything that you could possibly need. It’s family-owned, gracefully elegant and extremely cosy. This is the perfect place to stay at to feel right at home. From its little homely touches to the plush beds and comfortable seating area, this studio is beautifully furnished and a great space to come home to.
MyWorld Apartments puts their guests in the heart of the historic city of St. Petersburg. From the door of their hotel, it is a mere 1-mile walk to the State Museum, Palace Square, and many of the other iconic landmarks in this city! Each room is provided with a flat-screen TV and a small kitchen including a stove.
V Tsarskoy Stolitse is located in the center of Tsentralny District, which is perfect for guests interested in local history, culture, and nightlife. Each of the apartments includes a balcony, kitchen, tea, and coffee, as well as free WIFI. With plenty of restaurants, supermarkets, and bars nearby guests will truly be at the core of St Petersburg’s bustling city life.
When staying in St. Petersburg, why not give yourself the royal treatment by staying in an actual 19th-century palace? You can do just that by booking into the Four Seasons Hotel.
Other than its historical importance, the Four Seasons provides its guests with marble bathrooms, flat screen TVs, several restaurants and cafes, as well as some of the most hospitable service you can find in all of Europe!
St. Petersburg was originally designed by Peter the Great to be the Venice of the North. Although his dream never completely became a reality, the city still stands as a showcase of classical Russian architecture amongst the many canals which run through this city made for kings.
St Petersburg is a confusing city when it comes to differentiating between districts and neighborhoods. The districts are so massive one could not truly get a sense of the culture of the area while the neighborhoods are so small that they tend to overlap over one another.
The center of the city, known as Tsentralny, is the beating heart of St Petersburg. Here you can find all the best restaurants, bars, museums, and palaces.
Within Tsentralny you will find the 2-mile-long street of Nevsky Prospekt, which is the main artery of Tsentralny. Along this street, tourists can find the best nightlife in all of the city.
Nevsky Prospekt also serves as the dividing line between two other popular neighborhoods in St Petersburg: North of Nevsky and South of Nevsky. North of Nevsky is known for having some of the best museums and palaces, as well as some of the cheapest accommodation in the Venice of the North
New Holland Island and Vasilevsky Island and areas of St. Petersburg which offer just as many palaces and cathedrals as downtown but with a more down to earth atmosphere.
Spend your vacation walking the grand halls of the past tsars or basking in classical art, St Petersburg is a 19th-century wonderland just waiting to be explored!
Now let’s take a look, in greater detail, at the best neighborhoods to stay in St. Petersburg. Each is a little different from the last so be sure to check out which is right for you!
Tsentralny (Center) is our pick for where to stay in St. Petersburg on your first time
When looking across the massive Palace Square in St Petersburg, the grandeur of the former czars truly starts to seep in. This was the spot that at one time was the political center of the whole Russian Empire which stretched from Europe all the way to the farthest corner of Asia.
The Palace Square and the many historical buildings which surround it, make up the Tsentralny District of St Petersburg, or more simply known as “the center”. It is this district where you can truly bask in the historical splendor of classical Russian architecture and history.
Other than Tsentalny’s many museums and iconic landmarks, this district also is home to some of the best nightlife in all of Russia. Being the city’s downtown, there are slews of the best restaurants and hottest bars in all of St Petersburg.
Tsentralny is the beating pulse of traditional Russian culture, history, and nightlife, therefore making it the best place to immerse yourself in all that is St. Petersburg.
This cosy apartment is a one bedroom with plenty of natural light and intricate details. There’s also a fully-equipped kitchen along with a spacious bathroom. It’s also homey and only a short walk away from Maltsevsky market where you can purchase fresh products from local producers, and special delicacies that you can bring home as gifts! There is no better place to kick off your holiday exploring the city.
Angelio-M House is located in a historic building in the heart of St Petersburg and truly gives you the most bang for your buck. For a low-price, guests are given a single room equipped with a flat screen TV, kitchen, and free WIFI. The hotel also provides communal kitchen facilities to use at your convenience.
Interested in St. Petersburg? Read up on the history of St. Petersburg!
This cute artsy hotel is located in the heart of Tsentralny District, minutes away from some of the city’s most popular sites. After a day of exploring St. Petersburg, relax in your tastefully decorated room on your double bed, with free WIFI, flat screen TV, and kitchen.
No matter if you are a solo backpacker or a large family, Kaleidoscope on Italyanskaya is the perfect place to base yourself out of during your Russian holiday!
Not trying to go 100mph? The top museums in St. Petersburg are great places to slow down and appreciate the city!
Take a step back into the past, and stay in a luxurious palace decorated with elegant stained-glass windows and halls fit for the tsar himself. With over a 140-year history, the Belmond Grand Hotel has been receiving the most high-profile guests for over a century. The hotel’s luxurious suites will have you living in a fairytale and create a holiday which will truly stand apart from all others.
North of Nevsky is home to some of the best less frequented palaces, art galleries, and museums in all of St. Petersburg.
Just like the more popular Tsentralny district, this neighborhood has just as many restaurants, bars, and clubs with half the crowds. One could easily spend several days exploring North of Nevsky alone before even beginning to tour the rest of St. Petersburg.
The highlight of North of Nevsky is the Tauride Palace, the site of Russia’s first parliament. Other than the Palace’s breathtaking architecture, the site also sits on some of the most gorgeous gardens is the whole city.
North of Nevsky puts visitors within minutes of some of the most famous places in St Petersburg and for half the price of what they would pay in the city center.
This Airbnb is unlike any other, and comes with its own rustic charm. The building where the apartments are located was built in 1827, and is in close proximity to plenty of main attractions. This one-bedroom apartment comes with a gorgeous minimalist kitchen along with a modern and elegantly designed bathroom. Tucked away in a quiet corner, this Airbnb is indeed a real gem and has everything you’d possibly need!
This hostel’s name already says a lot about how great its location is. Other than being close to the Russian Museum and some of the other best sites in St Petersburg, each of the sound-proof single rooms come with a flat-screen TV, free wifi, and excellent service. Here you get hostel prices with hotel comfort!
Located at the footsteps of the Palace Square and the State Museum, the Sapphire Hotel’s spacious rooms include free WIFI, flat-screen TV, private bathroom, and even a complimentary breakfast. With top-grade service and hospitality, guests are sure to feel right at home when staying at the Sapphire Hotel!
When staying at the Majestic Boutique Hotel Deluxe you have anything you could possibly need right at your fingertips. The hotel provides a buffet breakfast at their Brasserie de Metropole restaurant. This Boutique Hotel also has a brewery and lobby bar available for their guests.
Guests will be staying in luxurious rooms which includes a flat-screen TV, free WIFI, and bathrobes. Located in the beating heart of St Petersburg, visitors will never be far from luxury and adventure.
Nevsky Prospekt is the main artery of St Petersburg and splits the two districts of North of Nevsky and Vasilevsky Island. Along this street, you can find the best museums, bars, and clubs in the whole city.
All along Nevsky Prospekt, you will find some of the best bars in all of St Petersburg, especially at the junction with Mikhailovskaya.
For those looking to boogie all night long, Dukskaya Street has the best nightclubs in the city. A lot of the clubs in this district are known for being highly exclusive, therefore be sure to do your research before arriving to dance the night away.
Once you get tired of club hopping, there are plenty of shops, churches, and malls to keep you entertained for days!
This quiet non-smoking studio is incredibly cozy and comfortable. The studio itself is situated next to the magnificent Cathedral of Our Lady of Kazan. Fresh bed linens and towels are provided, along with a basic kitchen and a bathroom with modern furnishings. This is a great place to head back to after a day of exploration.
This quaint hotel points you within a few steps of some of the most spectacular cathedrals in all of Russia. The decor of this hotel is what makes it stand out from all the rest. Friends by the House of Books combines small-town rustic charm with colorful artistic flavor throughout the hotel.
Each of the rooms in the Friends by the House of Books Hotel has its own TV and bathroom. There is also a large communal kitchen area which is perfect for meeting other travelers!
There is no better feeling than being able to look out your window and see breathtaking gardens and majestic cathedrals right from your bedroom. You can do just that from your apartment which is complete with free wifi, kitchen, and a flat-screen TV.
Start every morning right by having all of St Petersburg in the palm of your hand by staying at the Kazan Cathedral Apartments!
Apart from being one of the most popular hotels in all of St Petersburg in the center of the hottest district in town, WYNWOOD Hotel has reasonable rates for luxury service. The hotel is complete with both a bar and restaurant serving a complimentary breakfast each morning.
All rooms at the WYNWOOD are included with a flat-screen TV, free WIFI, closet, and toiletries.
New Holland Island is our pick for the coolest place to stay in St. Petersburg
Up until 2011, what went on New Holland Island was nothing more than a mystery to locals and tourists alike. Since then, the island has opened up but is still one of the most overlooked destinations in all of St. Petersburg.
This fortified island has seen a major facelift in the form of reconstructing all of the historical naval buildings and transforming the area into a public park. Already this park hosts numerous art shows, concerts, and even an ice-skating rink during the winter.
The larger district surrounding New Holland Island is called Admiralteyskiy. Like many of the other neighborhoods around St. Petersburg, Admiralteyskiy has tons of its own palaces, museums, cathedrals, and gardens to allure tourists.
This stylish historic apartment once belonged to the great Russian artist N.K. Roerich. It’s an incredibly gorgeous one-bedroom space with plenty of historical elements. The apartment has just completed a designer renovation, and that’s apparent in all the thoughtful details peppered around. This is truly one place that you shouldn’t miss!
Kon-Tiki’s cozy rooms make their guests feel as if they have never left home. The rooms are all soundproof and include a coffee maker, TV, and free WIFI. Start your day off right with their complimentary breakfast and enjoy another day in beautiful St Petersburg!
Along the banks of the Pryazhka River, Matisov Domik Hotel provides their guests with relaxing rooms which include free wifi, flat screen TV, safe, and wardrobe.
Wake up every morning to a buffet breakfast in the hotel’s restaurant. Just minutes away from some of the areas hottest attraction, Matisov Domik Hotel will have you well rested and ready to explore St Petersburg.
The Trezzini Palace Boutique Hotel is located across the river from New Holland Island and is decorated in such a way that it transports its guests into a romantic Russian fairytale. Each room includes comfortable beds, free wifi, flat screen TV, and even heated floors in the bathroom.
Adorned with countless antique furniture, this hotel is as close as one can get to staying in an authentic Russian palace.
Vasilevsky Island is our pick for best neighborhood in St. Petersburg for families
The less visited Vasilevsky Island is the up and coming center for upscale restaurants and fancy hotels. With its lack of crowds and abundance of amenities, Vasilvesky Island is the perfect neighborhood for families!
Located just across the Neva River from the city center, Vasilevsky Island puts tourists far away enough to escape the hoards of tourists and close enough to still enjoy all the sights St Petersburg has to offer.
The island itself boasts many of its own attractions such as Strelka, a promenade which offers visitors stunning views of the river, Winter Palace, and the Peter and Paul Fortress.
Vasilevsky Island also has many of its own museums, fine dining restaurants, breathtaking landmarks, and gorgeous city views sure to wow any visitors to the neighborhood.
This beautifully decorated apartment comes with two bedrooms and three beds – perfect for families! There’s a dining area, a roomy kitchen, and even a piano for those that feeling like playing a few tunes. Enjoy the artistic interior atmosphere of this Airbnb before taking a five-minute walk to one of the most picturesque views in the city.
It is impossible to find such a clean comfortable room for such a low price elsewhere in St Petersburg. Hostel Ficus is just minutes away from the metro station and the breathtaking St Isaac Cathedral Museum.
Each room at the Hostel Ficus is provided with a television, free WIFI, and even an ironing board. For extreme comfort, superb service, and a low price, you can’t get much better than Hostel Ficus.
The Tuchkov Hotel tastefully mixes modern style with classical design throughout their hotel. Spend the night in your cozy room complete with TV, free WIFI, fridge, and any other oddity you could possibly need. Wake up every morning to breakfast served in the lounge and enjoy all that St Petersburg has to offer.
Solo Sokos is one of the only resorts located in St Petersburg, and with so much within its doors, guests may not even find time to explore the city! This hotel hosts a spa, swimming pool, fitness center, and even a gold club on site.
Other than having luxurious rooms, the Solo Sokos also provides its guests with access to several restaurants, bars, and cafes all located on the premises.
St. Petersburg is a magnificent city that at one time was designed for the tsars by the tsars. Many of the city’s palaces, gardens, and cathedrals are open to being toured by tourists, each one being more glorious than the last.
After looking at all of the districts and neighborhoods of St Petersburg, the best place to stay has the be North of Nevsky. With so many choices of hotels for a cheap price, this neighborhood puts tourists in the center of the action.
If you are traveling to St. Petersburg you might as well go all out and splurge on the best hotel, therefore Rosewood St. Petersburg takes the cake for being the best hotel on the island. For the duration of your stay be treated like royalty and have the vacation of a lifetime.
When visiting such a culturally rich city like St. Petersburg one must truly immerse themselves in 19th-century Russian culture. There is no better way to do this than by staying at the historic Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace, which is our choice for the best hotel in St. Petersburg. We also have a local guide to the 18 best hotels in St Petersburg if you’d like some additional reading.
Have we missed anything? Let us know in the comments below. Have a safe and exciting journey to St. Petersburg!
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Emma Johnson lives to travel! Born in Washington D.C., Emma is a hotel connoisseur and a staff writer at Hotel Jules. An army brat, Emma got the travel bug early and has never been able to stop. Now, she has proudly visited 70+ countries and plans to visit every country in the world! Passionate about her ukelele (obviously) and her family, Emma eventually wants to retire in Thailand and write a book about all of her travel experiences.