Top Free Outdoor Summer Spaces in St. Petersburg

New Holland Island

Speciality: activities, stores, and food

Where: Admiralteysky Canal Emb. 2 (near Admiralteyskaya metro station)

With its triangle-shaped layouts, quaint reddish buildings, and spacious green areas, New Holland Island is not only a breath-of-fresh-air in the architectural world but also a vibrant cultural hub for locals and tourists alike. Once a thriving shipyard, this artificial island (the only one in St. Pete) is now the place where you go to grab a bite or have a sit-down meal, shop to your heart’s content, attend various events, and soak up the warm sunshine while having a picnic on the grass or by the pond, walking through the gardens' wonders, playing Frisbee or basketball, or even listening to live music and enjoying a big-screened movie. 

Sevkabel Port + K-30

Speciality: exhibitions, concerts, stores, boat tours, and food

Where: Kozhevennaya Liniya 40 & 30 (the nearest metro station – Vasileostrovskaya)

Just like New Holland Island, Sevkabel Port was among the first “new-wave” public spaces in St. Petersburg. This creative center is situated in the former industrial area outside the city center and has a majestic view of the Gulf of Finland, which makes it a go-to choice when wishing to keep cool on dog days and escape the hustle and bustle of the never-sleeping downtown. Sevkabel Port is bustling with activities all year round: exhibitions, workshops, markets, festivals, concerts, and many more. Here, you can also try different cuisines, be it a burrito at Bros Burritos or a pizza at Krang Pizza, take memorable pics at a photo booth, or set off on a marine journey from its own pier.

But that’s not it yet! Only in summer, right next to Sevkabel Port, you will find a new spot called K-30. This is a one-of-its-kind coastal venue with live music and never-ending concerts that will keep you dancing all night long. 

Dvor Gostinki

Speciality: food

Where: inside the Great Gostiny Dvor (Gostiny Dvor metro station)

Hidden from the public eye, Dvor Gostinki is a new authentic place that brings together mobile food stalls and open-air restaurants with dishes from all over the land – from seafood to hummus and pizza – a resort-style oasis with comfy chairs and chaise lounges, and an entertainment zone with table tennis, not to mention the soon-to-come concert venue, sports area, and more. While still being far from all the rage, this location is perfect for those who’re all in for exploring the new and at the same time rediscovering the old. 

Nikolskie Ryady

Speciality: activities + food

Where: Sadovaya St. 62 (near Spasskaya metro station)

Food festivals, buy-anything markets, a cozy amphitheater, and even a mini-tennis court –  that’s all about this season’s Nikolskie Ryady. Resembling Dvor Gostinky, Nikolskie Ryady is a courtyard art space bustling with activities: mini-tennis tournaments, open-air dance workshops, DJ nights, food markets, pop-up exhibitions, and a lot more. 

Berthold Centre

Speciality: activities, stores, and food

Where: Grazhdanskaya St. 13-15 (near Spasskaya metro station)

For all the foodies out there, we’ve got Berthold Centre, the living image of all things food in St. Petersburg. Here, you can grab a good-quality coffee with syrnikis inspired by Friends and other popular TV characters from STIM Coffee, try your best at eating a giant pizza from Oversize Pizza alone or sharing it with a good company, or enjoy a drink or two from Dead Poets Rooftop. Apart from its food places, the location is also known for rooftop views, various stores, and jam-packed event programs. 

And here’s our pick of must-to-do things in the summer St. Petersburg, rain or shine, that will make your summer here top-notch.