One Day St Petersburg Art Nouveau (8h)

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Itinerary

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.

Tailored to your interests

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of St. Petersburg’s Art Nouveau on this personalized one-day tour. Our expert guide will take you on a captivating journey through the city’s best spots and also hidden secrets, sharing fascinating stories and insights into the era’s artistic and cultural significance.

We’ll customize your tour to your interests, whether you’re drawn to the opulent grandeur of the city’s palaces, the intricate details of its architectural facades, or the bohemian spirit of its historic neighborhoods. We’ll also consider any specific requests, such as a focus on Russian history, culture, or cuisine.

Our flexible approach ensures that your tour is both informative and enjoyable. We’ll adapt the itinerary to your pace, preferences, and any mobility needs, making sure that you have a comfortable and memorable experience. Discover the hidden gems of St. Petersburg and create lasting memories on this unique and personalized tour.

Our Experienced tour guides are experts and passionated about Art Nouveau style and this facts are a guarantee of satisfaction for art nouveau lovers like you. Small-group tour ensures a more personalised experience for your discovery of the Art Nouveau in the Russian “Venice of the North”.

Where the private tour Begins and Ends

The tour starts and finishes in the lobby of your hotel. We can also drop you off wherever you choose, in your hotel or at any point in the city center.

Exclusions

Food and drinks.

Museum entrance fees are not included, as visits are not typically planned for this tour.

Airport pick-up and/or drop off is possible. Ask and we will send you a quotation.

 

Additional Information

Our specialised art nouveau guide can guide you in English, Russian or German.

 

 

Art Nouveau – Secession Style

St. Petersburg boasts several thousand surviving Art Nouveau buildings, with entire urban districts transformed by this architectural style before 1914. These structures reflect a period of bold aesthetic innovation, where architecture became a harmonious blend of function, structure, and artistry. Inspired by European trends like Jugendstil and Wiener Secession, Russian architects infused Art Nouveau with local character, creating uniquely expressive and often intricate designs. On a guided exploration, you can uncover some of the city’s most remarkable examples, from elegant mansions to imaginative tenement houses.

The rise of Art Nouveau in St. Petersburg marked a profound shift in how buildings were conceived and experienced. Architects sought structural integrity and organic unity, seamlessly interconnecting a building’s functional purpose with its decorative and compositional elements. These principles gave rise to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, characterized by flowing lines, intricate floral motifs, and creative use of materials like wrought iron, stained glass, and stone. Discover the artistry and legacy of this remarkable era on a private tour that highlights the best of St. Petersburg’s Art Nouveau treasures.

A must: The Eliseyev Emporium on Nevsky Prospekt is one of St. Petersburg’s most striking Art Nouveau buildings. Commissioned by Grigorii Eliseyev in 1898, it was designed as a luxurious emporium offering delicacies like truffles and oysters. The exterior features a towering stained-glass window, bordered by garlands of leaves and berries, with allegorical statues representing industry, trade, art, and science. Inside, the grand main hall is adorned with golden floral designs, floral lamps, and elegant balconies, all beautifully restored to their early 20th-century splendor. A must-see for any visitor to the city.

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What our guests say

This immersive tour perfectly captures Saint Petersburg's unique Russian Art Nouveau treasures, from mansions to the Fabergé museum.

Jessica Chen, Seattle, United States