Downtown

Majestic palaces, picturesque canals & waterways, and lush urban oases – these are just some of the spectacular backgrounds to have in the heart of St. Pete. Framed by color-changing trees and vibrant water bodies, the city livens up even more as autumn steps in, putting on a mesmerizing and photogenic look favored by many. Especially in the golden light of sunset, this is the perfect time to take a walking tour of the city and capture the moment as you explore the major attractions, go off the beaten track, or even climb up high to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city from. 

More locations:

Newcomer’s Guide to St. Petersburg

Unexplored St. Petersburg series 

5 More Observation Decks of St. Petersburg

If you’re done with the hotspot of places to photograph and looking to add an extra stylish, autumnal touch to your snaps, get yourself hunting for themed art & light installations. Here are some of this year’s locations to add to your to-photograph list: 

Parks & gardens

On crispy fall days, utterly screaming for some leaf-peeping, you can also head to one of the city’s parks, downtown or not. Luckily the choice is aplenty – we’ve got urban “wilds,” palace gardens, amusement parks, and many more. At this time of the year, the parks are their most atmospheric selves, with surreal landscapes bathed in colorful foliage and a glow of sunshine, if you’re lucky – every leaf-peeper’s and photographer’s dream. 

Find your park: 

This Mostly Stay-at-Home Weekend in St. Petersburg: Parks

This Mostly-Stay-At-Home Weekend in St. Petersburg: More Parks

Suburban towns

Those who don’t mind some short travels can hop on that train to St. Pete’s neighboring towns. Away from the hustle and bustle, these are top destinations for long walks (and photoshoots), combining small-town charms, breathtaking views, and historical sites. Among the fall must-visits are:

  • Pushkin – for the home of the country’s main poet, Alexander Pushkin, that inspired numerous artists, writers, and poets with its grand palace and parks for every taste, from European-like to less tamed.

  • Pavlovsk – for another praised by poets town that can boast a superb neoclassical palace and a seemingly endless English park;

  • Peterhof – for a stunning Versailles-inspired palace-and-garden complex with a cascade of fountains, an extensive green area, and a dream-like view of the Gulf of Finland;

  • Gatchina – for a castle-like palace and a picturesque framing area.

Nature spots & eco-paths

Know how to find your way around and aren’t afraid of long distances? Then venture into the “wilderness” – impeccable views and the most gorgeous sunsets are guaranteed. Here, you will find a list of trusty eco-paths and trails to enjoy a pre-planned route along the range of landscapes, marshy and wooden or sand and marine. For some serious travels, we’ve got a lowdown on nature destinations around St. Petersburg, which may inspire you to embark on a journey yourself or with a friend. Either option promises to leave you with memorable experiences and as a bonus, some one-of-a-kind photos to show off to your family and friends home. 

For more inspiration, check out where our team heads as soon as the first leaf touches the ground – trust us, some gold locations are in here.