On our 8-hour private tour, we’ll take a deep dive into the Art Nouveau of Saint Petersburg, the Russian “Venice of the North.” Given the city’s expansive layout, this guided tour will include a comfortable car ride to explore its highlights.
You’ll discover how the Wiener Secession and National Romantic styles were transformed into Russian architectural jewels at the turn of the 20th century. We’ll visit the magnificent Vitebsk Train Station and explore the area around it, including the stunningly beautiful House of Bazhanov.
Next, we’ll head to the Fabergé Museum, closely associated with Art Nouveau and Belle Époque treasures like The Imperial Easter egg Lilies of the Valley. A private visit to the museum is not included in the base price of the tour, but you can opt for it by clicking on the option below the picture of the Imperial Easter egg. While we highly recommend the museum visit, please note that private group access costs an additional €220.
We’ll stop at Eliseev’s grocery store, famous for its lavish Art Nouveau decorations inside and out, and enjoy its delightful food offerings. The building also houses a pleasant café and restaurant with indoor seating and a street terrace during summer. You can decide to lunch here or at another nearby Art Nouveau gem, L’Europe restaurant, located on Nevsky Prospect and offering excellent cuisine. If you’d like us to reserve a table at either venue, simply select the option when booking the tour. Alternatively, our guide will be happy to recommend more budget-friendly restaurants.
As we drive through this part of the city, you’ll also admire The House of Books, the tallest building on Nevsky Prospect, erected in 1904. Saint Petersburg, a city of islands, features numerous Art Nouveau mansions and apartment buildings, many located away from the city center. That’s why we’ll cross the Neva River to Petrograd Island, renowned as the Art Nouveau hub of Saint Petersburg.
Here, we’ll stop at the elegant Kshesinskiy Mansion, designed in 1904 by court architect Alexander von Hohen. This building’s playful asymmetry is accentuated by its octagonal tower and contrasting materials, including pink and grey granite bands, cream-colored bricks, intricate iron railings, and majolica tiles. During this stop, we’ll also admire the nearby Brandt Mansion, as both are part of the museum.
A short walking tour of the neighborhood will reveal further Art Nouveau masterpieces, such as the Lidval House, a true architectural gem. You’ll also see an Art Nouveau-style monument to Russian sailors and a mosque built in the early 20th century, featuring tiles crafted by the same Russian artisan who created the fireplaces in the House of Bazhanov.
After driving along Stone Island Prospect and through the charming Austrian Square, our final stop will be at the banks of the Karpovka River, offering a picturesque view of Big Prospect with its stunning Art Nouveau architecture. From this point, we’ll return you to your hotel or any central location of your choice.
This private tour includes a comfortable car or minivan with a dedicated driver at your service throughout the journey.