St Petersburg Alternative Tours
Explore THE CITY Off the Beaten path!
Our St Petersburg alternative tours let you see places around the city not included in the typical tours. Find out more!
Despite first impressions, St Petersburg Russia is a bigger city than you might think so it's easy to get off the beaten track, leave the crowds, and find somewhere unique where other tourists rarely go.
Of course, you should never dismiss seeing the main St Petersburg's Attractions, but if during your stay you would like to get a proper look at the local traditional life, or you just would like to enjoy the city by doing something different, then you should go where the locals go and do what the locals do.
Our St Petersburg Alternative Tours can offer you just that! They can show you a different side of the city and let you experience the local life. For example, why not step into a local food market or take a walking tour through the mysterious courtyards of St. Petersburg? What about planning a visit to the subway stations and admire their unique architectural and artistic design?
If you aren't afraid of heights, you could also take a tour of the roofs of St. Petersburg’s buildings and enjoy panoramic views of the city, weather permitted. And, if you are an adventure traveler, what about venturing on the outskirts of Saint Petersburg on a bike tour, or spending a day visiting a Russian Dacha in the countryside? These are ideas then we can turn into reality to let you bring home amazing memories to remember for years to come.☺
best ST PETERSBURG ALTERNATIVE TOURS
If you're looking for alternative ideas to discover our beautiful city take a look below at our list of St Petersburg Alternative Tours. To get started just click on the links below or scroll down the page to learn more about each tour.
Quick Links:
Walking Tour in Dostoevsky's Foot Steps
Tour of the Yards of St Petersburg
WALKING TOUR IN DOSTOEVSKY'S FOOT STEPS
If you are a fan of Dostoevsky why not discover the underbelly of St. Petersburg through the footsteps of the famous Russian writer Fyodor Dostoevsky and learn about his dramatic life, work and love with this private walking tour. Visit the place where he lived and died as well as the sights he talked of in his books. Find out the spot where he wrote "Crime and Punishment" and many other literary masterpieces. Compared to all our St Petersburg Alternative Tours, this one is ideal for Russian literary lovers.
Itinerary: With an expert local guide you'll visit the places where Dostoyevsky lived and died as well as learn about the writer's life and work. You'll walk inside his flat and the footsteps of main character Raskolnikov to the pawn broker's house, and take in the atmosphere of the dark side of St. Petersburg depicted creatively by the author.
Sights covered on the tour: Dostoevsky’s Apartment Museum; Dostoevsky area; Vladimirskaya Church; Dostoevskaya Metro Station; Tikhvinskoe Cemetery at Alexander Nevsky Monastery.
Ideal for: Couples, friends, family with kids and small or large groups of people interested in Dostoevsky's life and work.
Note: Depending on where you are staying a short trip by bus or metro might be necessary in order to cover some of the places on the tour or travel to the designed sights. Otherwise, we can organize a private transport service to let you easily move around the city.
TOUR DETAILS
Meeting Point: Your Hotel or any other location in the city
Returning Point: Your Hotel or any other location in the city
Departure Time: To be agreed
Duration: 4 Hours (Minimum)
When: All year round
Group Size: Maximum 10 people, Minimum 2.
Available Languages: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Greek, Chinese, Bulgarian, Russian.
Inclusions:
- Professional Local Guide;
- Entrance Tickets to Museums (If needed);
- Transportation (Upon Request);
- Headphones for Large Groups (If needed).
Exclusions: Tips to the Guide; Food and Drink; Travel Expenses.
Price: Ask
Reservation Request: From 7 to 30 days in advance
INTERESTED?
TOUR OF THE YARDS OF ST PETERSBURG
Take a walk through the mysterious yards of Saint Petersburg, zig-zag through hidden streets in the historical city center, discover unknown gems which conventional tour groups usually miss. Admire spiral staircases, vintage patterns, Art Nouveau apartment blocks, moldings, stained glass, and much more. See what lies behind the facades of the palaces, feel inspired and experience the city as locals do. Compared to all our St Petersburg Alternative Tours, this is one is ideal for people keen about urban architecture.
Itinerary: With an experienced local guide, you will walk through the courtyards of some buildings in the heart of the city. You will visit the famous St. Petersburg ‘well-yards’, with graffiti all over their walls, and the wanky yards of the Tolstoy House. This tour can be of interest to both adults and children.
Sights covered on the tour: Nevsky Prospekt; Hidden monuments; Statues; Old squares; Small streets and yards.
Ideal for: Family, Friends, Couples, small groups of people.
Note: Depending on where you are staying a short trip by bus or metro might be necessary in order to cover some of the places on the tour or travel to the designed sights. Otherwise, we can organize a private transport service to let you easily move around the city.
TOUR DETAILS
Meeting Point: Your Hotel or any other location in the city
Returning Point: Your Hotel or any other location in the city
Departure Time: To be agreed
Duration: 4 Hours (Minimum)
When: All year round (Better from May to October)
Group Size: Maximum 10 people, Minimum 2.
Available Languages: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Greek, Chinese, Bulgarian, Russian.
Inclusions:
- Professional Local Guide.
- Transportation (Upon Request);
- Headphones for Large Groups (If needed).
Exclusions: Tips to the Guide; Food and Drinks; Travel Expenses.
Price: Ask
Reservation Request: From 7 to 30 days in advance
INTERESTED?
UDELNAYA FLEA MARKET TOUR
Take a walk through the stalls and rows of the Oldest Marketplace in Russia, Udelnaya, and experience the spirit of Soviet times while picking up some unique gifts. Enjoy a vast collection of soviet antiques, unusual trinkets, and diverse Russian memorabilia at low prices. Meet ordinary babushkas and locals, who are selling their personal items in exchange for money. This is one of the most unusual St Petersburg Alternative Tours you can find in the city. And, the perfect tour to look for unusual souvenirs!
Itinerary: With an experienced local guide, you'll reach the metro station Udelnaya. There you'll start a fascinating walk through the surrounding area of the flea market and see the popular marketplace. Here you can find not only pre-revolutionary antiques but also objects of Soviet life.
Sights covered on the tour: Udelnaya Flea Market and the surrounding area.
Ideal for: Travelers interested in buying old Soviet and Russian items, meet with locals and experience the Soviet-style atmosphere.
Note: Depending on where you are staying a short trip by bus or metro might be necessary in order to cover some of the places on the tour or travel to the designed sights. Otherwise, we can organize a private transport service to let you easily move around the city.
TOUR DETAILS
Meeting Point: Your Hotel or any other location in the city
Returning Point: Your Hotel or any other location in the city
Departure Time: To be agreed
Duration: 4 Hours (Minimum)
When: All year round but only each Saturday of the week, late in the morning (The flea market is open only on Saturday).
Group Size: Maximum 10 people, Minimum 2.
Available Languages: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Greek, Chinese, Bulgarian, Russian.
Inclusions:
- Professional Local Guide;
- Transportation (Upon Request);
- Headphones for Large Groups (If needed).
Exclusions: Tips to the Guide; Food and Drinks; Travel Expenses.
Price: Ask
Reservation Request: From 7 to 30 days in advance
INTERESTED?
ST PETERSBURG METRO TOUR
Experience the daily life of Russians and enjoy masterpieces of underground architecture. Take a Tour of Petersburg Metro and get the chance to admire stunning art decorations, historical monuments, and marvelous columns made of pressed glass. Our Russian subway is not only the best option to get around, but it is also an interesting work of arts and history to discover and enjoy every day of the week, all year round. This is one of our best selling St Petersburg Alternative Tours, so don't miss it!
Itinerary: With an expert local guide, you'll see the subway and stop at the most important subway stations for visiting. The metro stations you'll be visiting are those that represent the prosperity and power of the Soviet Union. On this tour, you'll learn a lot about its unique architectural constructions and get into the history of Russia.
Sights covered on the tour: Ploshad' Vosstaniya (Uprising Square) with bas-reliefs on the revolutionary events; Avtovo, the true underground palace; Kirovskiy Zavod (Kirov Plant) with bas-reliefs of the Soviet heavy industry; Admiralteyskaya (Admiralty), one of the deepest subway stations in the world; Pushkinskaya with monument of Pushkin; Dostoevskaya.
Ideal for: Travelers interested in experiencing the deepest underground in the world and absorbing a feeling of Soviet times and the daily life of Russians.
Note: Depending on where you are staying a short trip by bus or metro might be
necessary in order to cover some of the places on the tour or travel to
the designed sights. Otherwise, we can organize a private transport service to let you easily move around the city.
TOUR DETAILS
Meeting Point: Your Hotel or any other location in the city
Returning Point: Your Hotel or any other location in the city
Departure Time: To be agreed
Duration: 4 Hours (Minimum)
When: All year round (Better from May to October)
Group Size: Maximum 10 people, Minimum 2.
Available Languages: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Greek, Chinese, Bulgarian, Russian.
Inclusions:
- Professional Local Guide
- Transportation (Upon Request);
- Headphones for Large Groups (If needed).
Exclusions: Tips to the Guide; Food and Drinks; Travel Expenses.
Price: Ask
Reservation Request: From 7 to 30 days in advance
INTERESTED?
ONE DAY RUSSIAN DACHA TOUR
There is nothing more amazing than venturing into the countryside to see what a genuine Russian dacha is like and learn how people live there. I (Davide) and Anastasia would be happy to invite you to visit our family cottage located 60 Km from Saint Petersburg, time permitted. If you're looking for a unique travel experience that will stay in your memory for decades, then visiting a real Dacha with Banya and the Russian village nearby can be your best option.
Itinerary: You'll spend an unforgettable day in a Russian village together with a Russian family. We'll come to pick you up at your hotel and then drive you outside St. Petersburg to our Russian dacha. There, you'll be eating and drinking like Russians, walking or biking through the amazing forest and lakes nearby, and enjoy a real Russian Banya (steam bath/bathhouse) with an included massage with branches from a birch tree followed soon by a shot of Russian vodka or tea.
Sights covered on the tour: The countryside of Russia; Russian Dacha and the surrounding small village made only of wood; Russian Culture and Traditions; Russian Banya.
Ideal for: Anyone interested in directly experiencing real Russian life, nature's lovers, and those who wish to see the Russian countryside.
Note: Compared to all our St Petersburg Alternative Tours, this one is very original and you can hardly find it in the city. However, it requires an ability to adapt and a bit of spirit, as well as an early booking notice.
TOUR DETAILS
Pick Up: Your Hotel or any other location in the city
Drop Off: Your Hotel or any other location in the city
Departure Time: To be agreed
Returning Time: To be agreed
Duration: 10 Hours (Variable)
When: Tour available all year round but only on weekends and according to our availability.
Group Size: Maximum 4 people, Minimum 2
Available Languages: English, Italian, Russian.
Inclusions:
- Hotel Pick up and Drop off Service;
- Private Transport by a Modern Car or Van;
- Train tickets, if you choose to go by train;
- Informal Excursion with us;
- Petrol and Toll Road;
- Steaming out in our Banya with slaps of birch twigs and dousing with cold water (Upon Request).
Exclusions: Tips.
Price: Ask
Reservation Request: From 30 to 60 days in advance
INTERESTED?
TOUR OF THE RUSSIAN VODKA MUSEUM
If you like Vodka or you are just curious to learn more, the best place to go is the Russian Vodka Museum, a small central commercial museum where you can not only learn about the history of Russian vodka but also taste it. Here an employee of the museum will guide you through an interesting exhibition, which displays different items and photos that introduce you to the evolution of Russia's national drink. Next to the museum, you can also enjoy a full meal and experience great Russian food.
Itinerary: With one of our local guides, you'll visit the original Russian Vodka museum and hear interesting stories and facts about the history of vodka. There, you can also savor Russian cuisine next to the Russian restaurant located inside. Compared to all our St Petersburg Alternative Tours, this one fits very well with a city sightseeing tour or a city
gastronomic tour.
Sights covered on the tour: Russian Vodka Museum; Russian Vodka Room Restaurant.
Ideal for: People interested in Russian traditions, Russian vodka, and want to combine this tour with something else to see and do in the city.
Note: The tour at the museum lasts no longer than 30 mins, therefore you must combine this tour with something else in order to have at least a tour length of 4hrs, which is the minimum time required for hiring a tour guide.
TOUR DETAILS
Meeting Point: Your Hotel or any other location in the city
Returning Point: Your Hotel or any other location in the city
Departure Time: To be agreed
Duration: 30 mins (To see the Vodka Museum); 4 hours (If you combine this tour with a city sightseeing tour).
When: All year round
Group Size: Maximum 10 people, Minimum 2
Available Languages: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Greek, Chinese, Bulgarian, Russian.
Inclusions:
- Professional Local Guide (Only if you take a complete city sightseeing tour).
- Vodka Tasting & Food Samples included in the tickets.
- Museum's Guide (Upon request and available on the spot at an additional cost).
Exclusions: Tips to the guide; Entrance Tickets; Food and Drinks; Travel Expenses;
Price: Ask
Reservation Request: From 7 to 14 days in advance
INTERESTED?
JEWISH HERITAGE WALKING TOUR
If you're keen to learn more about the Jewish community (In the past we had many requests of this kind), then take this walking tour and let us guide you through the most famous Jewish sights of the city. Visit the magnificent Grand Choral Synagogue, one of the most beautiful Synagogues in Europe, and learn about the life of Jews in Russia during the Tsars and Soviet- times with one of our friendly local guides trained in Jewish history.
Itinerary: With one of our local guides, you'll visit the Grand Choral Synagogue and the nearby surrounding area along with other interesting sights. During the tour, you'll learn about the history of the Jewish Synagogue and the life of Jews in Russia. Among all our St Petersburg Alternative Tours, this is the only one covering the Jewish roots in Russia.
Sights covered on the tour: The Grand Choral Synagogue and the cemetery adjacent; ESOD (the Jewish Community Centre); Preobrazhenskoe Jewish Cemetery; Museum of Ethnography; Academy of Art and Theater Square.
Ideal for: Couples, friends, family with kids and small or large groups of people interested in Jewish history and their life in Russia.
Note: Depending on where you are staying a short trip by bus or metro might be
necessary in order to cover some of the places on the tour or travel to
the designed sights. Otherwise, we can organize a private transport service to let you easily move around the city.
TOUR DETAILS
Meeting Point: Your Hotel or any other location in the city
Returning Point: Your Hotel or any other location in the city
Time: To be agreed
Duration: 4 hours (Minimum)
When: All year round
Group Size: Maximum 10 people, Minimum 2.
Available Languages: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Greek, Chinese, Bulgarian, Russian.
Inclusions:
- Professional Local Guide;
- Transportation (Upon Request);
- Headphones for Large Groups (If needed).
Exclusions: Tips to the Guide; Entrance Tickets; Food and Drinks; Travel Expenses.
Price: Ask
Reservation Request: From 14 to 60 days in advance
INTERESTED?
ST PETERSBURG GASTRONOMIC TOUR
Enjoy a great combination of food and drinks as well as historical anecdotes involving Russian cuisine. Book this private tour and visit the most famous food markets of St. Petersburg: Kuznechniy Market or Hay Market. Taste fresh honey, Russian salads, or caviar, and then stop by at the oldest Soviet cafe and Eliseevsky Food Hall to taste the best Russian delicacies, such as the Pishky or Pirogi and drink Mors. Walk in the famous Nevsky Prospekt, get a feeling of the city, and take cool photos! Among all our St Petersburg Alternative Tours, this tour is perfect for food lovers.
Itinerary: With an expert local guide, you'll walk down the aisles of historical local food markets and stop at some of the most famous Russian cafes in the city to sample a variety of Russian delicacies (at your own expense). Apart from eating out, you'll also enjoy interesting stories about the history of Russian cuisine and its connections with the cuisines of former Soviet republics.
Sights covered on the tour: Kuznechniy Market near Vladimirskaya Metro Station; Hay Market in Sennaya Square; Cafe Pyshechnaya in Bolshaya Konushennaya; Eliseevsky Food Hall in Nevsky Prospekt; Stolle pirogi, Sever cafe' and other interesting places.
Options: You can combine this tour with a visit to the Church on the Spilled Blood, Peter and Paul Fortress, or St. Isaac's Cathedral and with a table reserved in one of the best Russian restaurants in the city for lunch or dinner.
Ideal for: Couples,
friends, solo travelers, family with kids and small or large groups of people
interested in Russian culinary history and food.
Note: Depending on where you are staying a short trip by bus or metro might be
necessary in order to cover some of the places on the tour or travel to
the designed sights. Otherwise, we can organize a private transport
service to let you easily move around the city.
TOUR DETAILS
Meeting Point: Your Hotel or any other location in the city
Returning Point: Your Hotel or any other location in the city
Time: To be agreed
Duration: 4 hours (Minimum)
When: All year round
Group Size: Maximum 10 people, Minimum 2.
Available Languages: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Greek, Chinese, Bulgarian, Russian.
Inclusions:
- Professional Local Guide;
- Transportation (Upon Request);
- Headphones for Large Groups (If needed).
Exclusions: Tips to the Guide; Travel Expenses; Food and Drinks.
Price: Ask
Reservation Request: From 14 to 30 days in advance
INTERESTED?
BIKE TOUR WITH US
If you love cycling and nature in general, then book this private tour at the Sosnovka Park and experience the city like a local. I and Anastasia two locals living here, we'll take you out for an informal bike tour in the northern part of the city. Together we'll enjoy a day among evergreens gardens, lakes, squirrels, and birch trees in one of the biggest and beautiful forest parks of St. Petersburg, a side of the city less traveled by tourists.
Itinerary: You will meet with us at the park and spend a few hours on a bike tour with two locals on the outskirts of the northern part of the city, the Vyborg side. Together, we'll cycle in and around the biggest and most important forest park of the city to discover hidden historical spots such as war monuments and enjoy fresh air among the local nature.
Sights covered on the tour: Sosnovka Park and the surrounding area; a few war memorial monuments and statues that belong to WWII.
Ideal for: Family with kids, couples, solo travelers, seniors and small groups of people who loves to combine cycling, nature, and relax.
Note: This is one of the most entertaining and unique St Petersburg Alternative Tours you can try in the city. We created this tour and we were the first to present it to our foreign visitors. However, it requires an ability to adapt and a bit of spirit. Also, a trip by metro or bus is necessary to reach the meeting point. However, usually, we arrange private service transport from your hotel to the meeting point and return.
TOUR DETAILS
Meeting Point: Your hotel (if you book our private transfer) or Ploshad' Muzhestva Metro Station (if you arrive by metro).
Returning Point: Your hotel (if you take our private transfer) or Ploshad' Muzhestva Metro Station (if you choose to return by metro).
Departure Time: To be agreed
Duration: 3 Hours (Standard)
When: Saturday and Sunday (Sometimes during the weekdays but only according to our availability) - (Better from May to October).
Group Size: Maximum 10 people, Minimum 2.
Available Languages: English, Italian, Russian.
Inclusions:
- Hotel Pick up and Drop off Service (Upon Request);
- Excursion on Bike with us (Davide or Anastasia);
- Bike Rentals (To rent at the park);
Exclusions: Food and Drinks; Travel expenses; Tips.
Price: Ask
Reservation Request: From 14 to 60 days in advance
INTERESTED?
ROOFTOP TOUR OF ST PETERSBURG
Get a unique perspective of the imperial city and enjoy breath-taking views with a Rooftop Tour of St Petersburg. Take in the city's atmosphere, admire the sunset or sunrise, feel on the top of the world while looking down at the boats sailing down the canals or people walking on Nevsky Prospekt. Hire an experienced local guide and climb up to the roof, have a lot of fun, and bring home amazing photos. We don't doubt this could be one of the most adventurous and fun St Petersburg Alternative Tours, so give it a try if you're a daring individual.
Itinerary: With one of our local guides, you will walk up on the roof of some historical buildings in the heart of St. Petersburg. During this short private tour, you'll get a great panoramic view of the city that you won't likely find on your own, take photos, and enjoy a history lesson from the guide while looking at the church spires and domes.
Sights covered on the tour: Downtown St. Petersburg; Nevsky Prospekt.
Ideal for: Adventurous young travelers only.
Note: Compared to all other St Petersburg Alternative Tours, this one is not exactly legal in St. Petersburg due to some local restrictions but it is possible to do it. There are some terrace roofs where you can go to, others where you can't. Our tour guide knows where to go so you won't get into trouble by taking this tour. For your information, all other St Petersburg alternative tours are legal and safe to try.
TOUR DETAILS
Meeting Point: Your Hotel or any other location in the city
Returning Point: Your Hotel or any other location in the city
Departure Time: To be agreed
Duration: 1 Hour (Variable)
When: From end of May to early October (depending on weather conditions)
Group Size: Maximum 6 people, Minimum 2.
Inclusions:
- English Speaking Local Guide Only.
Exclusions: Tips to the Guide; Travel Expenses.
Price: Ask
Reservation Request: From 7 to 30 days in advance
INTERESTED?
Please make sure you book our St Petersburg alternative tours presented on this page well in advance. Thanks!
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