Russia · Walking Tours

Private Bridges and Canals Tour in St Petersburg with Local Expert

3 Hours Round trip from Pickup service provided in Saint Petersburg. Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Private walking tour with a local expert
  • 02 Explore Saint Petersburg’s iconic bridges and canals
  • 03 Admire views of the Neva, Fontanka, Moyka, and Griboedov Canal
  • 04 See landmarks including Peter and Paul Fortress and the Winter Palace
  • 05 Photograph ornate bridges, embankments, palaces, and churches
  • 06 Discover architectural details at Anichkov, Egyptian, and Lomonosov bridges

Discover Saint Petersburg through its elegant waterways on this private walking tour focused on the city’s bridges, canals, and grand embankments. Stroll with a local expert as you explore some of the most picturesque corners of the city, from the Fontanka and Moyka to the Griboedov Canal, while taking in palaces, churches, and sweeping river views along the way.

Along the route, admire distinctive landmarks including Anichkov Bridge, Egyptian Bridge, Tripartite Bridge, Troitsky Bridge, Hermitage Bridge, Dvortsovy Bridge, and Lomonosov Bridge. You’ll hear the stories behind these architectural gems, enjoy excellent photo opportunities, and gain a deeper appreciation for why Saint Petersburg is often called the Venice of the North.

Discover Saint Petersburg through its elegant waterways on this private walking tour focused on the city’s bridges, canals, and grand embankments.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Hours
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included
Transport Not included
Wheelchair access No
City Saint Petersburg
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Visit the most picturesque and romantic city spots. Take a glance at the Neva River embankments and explore Moyka, Fontanka, and Griboedov Canal in detail. Take pictures of bridges, embankments, palaces, and churches. Get ready for the generous portion of history, culture, and best city views. The soothing rustle of water will follow you on your route. Observe famous sculptures on Anichkov Bridge and Egyptian Bridge. Meet small but magnificent Hermitage and Tripartite bridges. Enjoy the best city views from Dvortsovy and Troitsky bridges. Enjoy the beautiful dignity of Panteleymonovsky Bridge and Lomonosov Bridge.Revel in the beauty of Anichkov Bridge across Fontanka River, mentioned by many Russian writers and depicted on many paintings. Its four famous horse sculptures became city symbols, and ornate iron railings are the most celebrated in St Petersburg. Stroll along the Fontanka River Embankment. Previously it marked the border of the city center, so it was a place where beautiful palaces and manors of Russian royal family and nobility were built. Later borders were moved, but numerous examples of fine architecture stayed.Get ready for spectacular views, as we head to Panteleymonovsky Bridge, another Fontanka bridge, one of the most beautiful and architecturally exceptional city bridges. Its railing is decorated by military attributes: axes, pikes, and shields. Streetlights are amazing too, as they decorated with spikes, Gorgon figures, and two-headed eagles. Bridge also provides a stunning view of Summer Garden and Saint Michael's Castle.Discover the masterpieces of the world bridge architecture, as we head to Tripartite Bridge, which crosses the Griboedov Canal and Moyka River. It consists of two perpendicular bridges similar in design and decoration. This bridge is unique in the world practice and offers the best view of the Church of the Savior on Blood.Ready for great views over the city and the best photos ever? Explore Troitsky Bridge than, which is the best way to observe Peter and Paul Fortress, its walls, and Cathedral. Panorama of Vasilevsky Island in the distance will be a bonus.The journey will introduce you to the charm of Hermitage Bridge, a small bridge across the short Winter Canal, which is part of the Hermitage and Winter Palace ensemble. It is the oldest stone bridge in St Petersburg and probably the most bunchy. You will take the most beautiful picture of it standing on Millionnaya Street, so don’t be lazy and make a short walk.Then uncover the best city views from Dvortsovy Bridge. Examine Vasilyevsky Island in detail from here, including Rostral Columns and Universitetskaya Embankment. It’s hard to leave this place, but many other picturesque mysteries are waiting ahead.Wander along Griboedov Canal and cross Red Bridge. It preserved its historical view and most of the decorations are left intact. There were bridges under a similar name in Paris, so on Moyka embankment, you will see a department store called “Au Pont Rouge” (“Near Red Bridge”) with its spectacular glass tower.

There are other colorful bridges across Moyka including Blue Bridge and Green Bridge. Stroll around charms hidden near Griboyedov Canal. It is just 5 km (3 ml) long but is crossed by 21 bridges and you will see the most interesting of them. Bank Bridge is home to griffin statues with golden wings.

Many legends and customs are related to these sculptures, so people often touch them, as it is believed to bring luck or grant wishes. We don’t know if it really helps, but it certainly damages these beautiful statues.Enjoy the ancient atmosphere, as you head to Egyptian Bridge, decorated with Egyptian-style columns, ornaments, and hieroglyphics. Its granite abutments are topped with cast-iron sphinxes, which are made by the same sculptor as griffins on Bank Bridge.Our route mostly hugs all the best canal view spots. As you walk along Fontanka River, you will admire palaces we see and bridges we cross. If you look back, you will notice a magnificent blue dome of Trinity Cathedral, which pleasantly compliment Fontanka's view.

Head to Lomonosov Bridge, named after famous Russian scientist Mikhail Lomonosov. It is a very beautiful composition decorated by open gazebos and spherical domes. You can take photos from different vantage points, as it looks gorgeous from each side.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Pickup service provided in Saint Petersburg. 1 city · 3 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Customizable itinerary
  • Friendly local guide
  • Private walking tour
  • Multiple start times available
  • Must see and off the beaten path
  • Iconic places for photoshoot
  • Expert advice where to go and what to do after the tour
  • Meeting in the hotel lobby

What's Not Included

  • Entrance fees (if any, depends on your preferences)
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities (optional)

Know before you go

  • STROLLER OR PRAM ACCESSIBLE
  • PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION NEARBY
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not suitable for pets
  • Infants must not sit on laps
  • Infant seats unavailable
  • Lobby of your hotel. Please provide the exact name and address of your hotel.
  • Your guide will meet you at your centrally-located hotel, hostel or vacation rental. You don't need to call to confirm the tour. The local supplier will contact you via email.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Pickup service provided in Saint Petersburg.
Tour start
Pickup service provided in Saint Petersburg.
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 3 hours finish where they began, in Pickup service provided in Saint Petersburg..

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