Directions
Peter and Paul Fortress is located on a small island only a short distance from the hotel. It is possible to visit the cathedral in which the remains of the last tsars are buried, and to see the cells in which Lenin's brother was held before being condemned to death.
For those guests wishing to shop, the main shopping area - Nevskiy Prospekt - is only a short walk from the hotel and provides a mixture of the latest haute couture and traditional Russian grocery shops, which in turn give you a real taste of life in St Petersburg.
The best luxury hotel in St Petersburg, Hotel Astoria is ideally located in the heart of the city, overlooking St Isaac's Cathedral, and is the perfect base from which to discover the magic and beauty of St Petersburg with its wealth of breathtaking treasures. Many of St Petersburg's attractions, including its palaces, museums, gardens and shopping areas, are within easy walking distance of Hotel Astoria. The hotel is only 30 minutes by car from St Petersburg's Pulkovo Airport.
St Petersburg
The city of St Petersburg was founded in 1703 by Peter the Great. Built on numerous islands across the delta of the River Neva, on the coast of the Gulf of Finland, St Petersburg has an intricate network of small rivers and winding canals that weave throughout it, earning the city its reputation as the 'Venice of the North'. Over 300 bridges span St Petersburg's waterways linking the city's multitude of treasures that include magnificent, pastel-coloured palaces, domed cathedrals, stately avenues and squares, impressive museums and beautiful parks.
From the Hotel Astoria's superb central location, many St Petersburg attractions are easy to explore on foot. At every turn, the city's architectural, historical and cultural heritage is evident with numerous richly coloured churches, 150 ornate palaces and many more summer palaces a short drive from the city centre including Peterhof and Catherine Palace at Pushkin. St Petersburg highlights include the Peter and Paul Fortress, Nevsky Prospekt (the main shopping area), Mariinsky (formerly Kirov) Ballet performances at the Mariinsky Theatre, the Winter Palace and the world famous Hermitage Museum.
One of the most popular times for visiting St Petersburg is during the 'White Nights' period in the early summer. During these months the sun never fully sets, a phenomenon caused by St Petersburg's northerly geographical location, and the city comes alive for the Festival of the White Nights with a six-week cultural extravaganza.
Winter Palace and Hermitage
The residence of the Russian Tsars from the 1760s, the Winter Palace is located on the banks of the River Neva and, together with four additional buildings, houses the extensive art collection of the Hermitage. With over three million works of art, the Hermitage reflects world culture from Paleolithic times to the 20th century and is among the largest and most respected art museums in the world. Within walking distance of the Hotel Astoria.
Peter and Paul Fortress
St Petersburg's oldest building offers unrivalled views of the Winter Palace embankment and river. Used as a garrison and later a prison, the fortress held several political prisoners including Peter the Great's son, Dostoyevsky, Trotsky and Lenin's brother. At the centre of the fortress is the Peter and Paul Cathedral, a St Petersburg landmark, with its tall, gilded spire, and the burial site of the Russian tsars. Close to the Hotel Astoria.
St Isaac's Cathedral
Dominating the skyline of St. Petersburg, the gilded cupola of St Isaac's is a wonderful vantage point from which to experience a breathtaking view of the city. Elaborately decorated, the cathedral is an architectural marvel; 300 steps take you to the base of the dome and the observation walkway. Adjacent to the Hotel Astoria.
Nevsky Prospekt
The most famous street in St Petersburg is not only the city's major shopping street but is also lined with some of St Petersburg's most impressive buildings including Kazan Cathedral and the Church of Our Saviour on Spilled Blood, the site where Tsar Alexander 11 was assassinated in 1881. Within walking distance of the Hotel Astoria.
Mariinsky (formerly Kirov) Theatre, Opera and Ballet
St Petersburg's best-loved theatre, with regular ballet and opera performances. The Mariinsky Opera and Ballet Companies still tour the world under their old name of Kirov. Close to the Hotel Astoria.
Combining traditional Russian character with the elegant sophistication of an international luxury hotel, the Hotel Astoria is the perfect base from which to enjoy the best of St Petersburg.

