Located opposite the Winter Palace, Vasilyevsky Island comprises a large portion of Saint Petersburg’s historic centre. It’s home to some of the city’s most spectacular landmarks and the largest private contemporary art museum in Russia.

Things to do

Admire Menshikov Palace, one of the first buildings to be established in Saint Petersburg. This yellow Petrine Baroque landmark overlooks the River Neva and is a branch of the Hermitage Museum. Wander inside to see 17th and 18th-century Russian artworks and antiques in its period-furnished rooms.

If you’re interested in contemporary art, visit the Erarta Museum where more than 250 different artists from across Russia are represented. Browse paintings, sculptures and graphic art, together with large-scale installations and art-animation films.

One of the most beautiful buildings on Vasilyevsky Island is the Andreyevsky Cathedral, which was originally conceived by Peter the Great to resemble Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Admire its elegant cupola topped by a two-tiered bell tower, then step inside its richly gilded interior.

Don’t miss the Old Saint Petersburg Stock Exchange, a striking example of Greek Revival architecture inspired by Paestum’s Greek Temple of Hera. It’s framed by two rostral columns decorated with bronze anchors and ship prows, while marble figures at the base represent each of Russia’s major rivers.

Getting around

Pulkovo International Airport is around 30 minutes’ drive from Vasilyevsky Island and there are direct trains from Moscow at the nearby Moskovsky Station. Subway trains connect to Vasileostrovskaya station, while buses and trolleys travel throughout the city.