Nevsky Prospekt Walking Tour (Self Guided), St. Petersburg

Nevsky Prospekt (Avenue) is the main artery of Saint Petersburg, named after the Alexander Nevsky Lavra (monastery) found at the eastern end of it. The monastery commemorates a prominent warlord and legendary figure in the Russian history, Prince Saint Alexander Nevsky (1221–1263).

Upon his founding of the city in 1703, Tsar Peter the Great planned the course of the street as the outset of the road to Novgorod and Moscow. Nevsky Prospect is undoubtedly the most fascinating place in St. Petersburg, where literally every house breathes history. The avenue has been mentioned in numerous writings of the great Russian classics and, over the years, has largely retained its appearance undesecrated by any modern addition.

Those visiting St. Petersburg for the first time should definitely start their acquaintance with the city from here. The avenue hosts a plethora of historic and cultural attractions, as well as shopping and entertainment venues.

The undisputed must-visit sights include the Admiralty Building – home to the Russian Navy Command and one of St. Petersburg's most conspicuous landmarks – the sail warship weather-vane; the Literary cafe, where Alexander Pushkin can still be found sitting at the table; the notable Singer House (aka the House of Book) with its noticeable glass dome on top; the magnificent Kazan Cathedral housing a wonder-making icon, one of the most venerated in Russia; the Gostiny Dvor supermarket – the world's oldest, operational for over 250 years; the Anichkov Bridge with its famous Horse Tamers sculptures; and many more.

To explore these and other attractions of the Nevsky Avenue at a comfortable pace, follow our self-guided walking tour.