Start your day at the Surf Café on the Malaya Konushennaya Street. There is a very special Hawaiian cheerful atmosphere inside, so you will probably forget, that you are in the center of grey rainy city.
Their special is branded double Hawaiian cappuccino from the fresh grain Surf Coffee ® Special Blend, but the staff can help you to choose from various other options. For example, try exotic Colombia El Tambo, balanced coffee with lemon aroma and Chinese pears taste, or Guatemala Bella Vista, which tastes like juicy plum, wine and grapefruit.
Just remember that any coffee you choose will share its true coffee bean magic with you. In addition, listen to funk music, explore attractive interiors and enjoy fresh pastries or delicious desserts with unusual fillings guilt-free, as you are going to have plenty of walking exercises this day.Surf Cafe is located on Malaya Konushennaya Street, which provides the best view on Kazan Cathedral. Built in 1801 it is one of the main St Petersburg cathedrals and an interesting attraction.
Your way to it you will walk by the “Dom Knigi”, the most famous bookstore in the city and an excellent souvenir shop. Then you will cross Nevsky Prospect and come closer to the Kazan Cathedral. After the Patriotic War of 1812 it was considered as a monument of Russian military glory. Look at the monuments built in tribute to Mikhail Kutuzov and Barclay de Tolly, who were the greatest Russian generals at the times of Napoleonic Wars.Head to the fountain in front of the cathedral that was put on this place in 1946 and became a pleasant addition to ensemble. Come closer to the Kazan Cathedral and explore its magnificent glory as you walk near its grand colonnade of 96 columns.
This grandiose colonnade basically covers the side part of cathedral, and it solves the main problem of all churches on Nevsky prospect, as there are special rules for Orthodox religious buildings. There are several revered icons in Kazan Cathedral and the most valuable is the Our Lady of Kazan, also known as the Holy Protectress of Russia.
According to the legend it was brought from Constantinople, and in Russia it changed its home several times. If you desire, you can go inside to adore icon’s beauty and cathedral’s magnificent interior.Stroll to the embankment of the Griboyedov Canal and enjoy splendid views of the historical buildings on the opposite side. Griboyedov Canal is just 5 km long, but it is crossed by 21 bridges. No wonder St Petersburg is called Northern Venice, as its channels, rivers and embankments are numerous. And every building you see on the banks is almost certainly a historical monument, which will take you back in time to the majestic Russian Empire.
You will also visit Voronikhinsky Skver that was intended to be a carriage stop behind Kazan Cathedral and now it is lovely green space in the city center.Walk along the Kazanskaya street until you reach COFFEE 22 café. It is a stylish place where you can enjoy coffee from the common options to the special cappuccino offers. You will choose from such surprising coffee aromas, as chili pepper, buckwheat or cheese, or, if you don’t feel adventurous, try more conventional vanilla or salty caramel.
Desserts here are delightful and it is really hard to imagine how these amazing combinations were invented. Sample lavender cheesecake, buckwheat pie with bananas, or croissant with matcha cream and blueberry sauce. Have a small sweet feast in the heart of the scrumptious St. Petersburg.Cross the ancient Stone Bridge and head to the Fontanka Embankment. Stone Bridge is one of the oldest city bridges and still preserves the most of its original form from the 18th century.
Then you will fall in love with the Fontanka, that for some period of time was a border of city center, so its embankments were built up by palaces and manors. Later border was moved, and all the grand buildings remained, so it provides rich mix of must-see historic sites.
Look at the gorgeous Semyonovsky Bridge and other beautiful Fontanka bridges, such as the Leshtukov Bridge and the Gorstkin Bridge. Admire the magnificent Trinity Cathedral, which blue dome is the great addition to the Fontanka River landscapeVisit the Character of Coffee café, a cozy place with wooden elements in the interior, where the best classic cappuccino of St. Petersburg is made. You can try their special Flat White, hot drink made of double espresso and whipped milk, so it is like cappuccino, but twice as strong. Or choose something more special like coffee with buckthorn-ginger, apple with cinnamon or organic cacao without sugar.
Your coffee would be complimented with meringue, cookies, or homemade marshmallows. If you are on a healthy diet, you will be surprised by blueberry or strawberry and mint smoothiesFinalize your day at the Yusupov Gardens, the most popular green spot of the city center. Observe the luxurious Yusupov Palace or just stay in park and get some well-deserved rest after your intense journey.
