The largest island of Saint Petersburg, delineated by the grid of former canals transformed into streets, combines the disciplined and orderly ranks of its quarters with carelessness of its student inhabitants – Vasilievsky island is the city’s largest campus with numerous faculties and research facilities of Saint Petersburg University, Academy of Arts, Mining Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences and many more.

From the scenic ensemble of Spit of Vasilievsky Island in the east to the distant waterfront in the west, the whole story of Petersburg’s architecture and urban planning can be traced. Here we can play the favorite game of local inhabitants – finding shortcuts through labyrinth-like courtyards in rectangular quarters, stroll along the splendid embankments and make stops in vibrant contemporary culture centers like Erarta museum or Port Sevkabel creative space in the premises of an old Siemens cable factory. Some of the hidden marvels of Modernist architecture, such as the only industrial building of the world-famous visionary architect Yakov Chernikhov, or an impressive ensemble of the estuary of Smolenka river, will turn up unexpectedly on our way meandering through the districts of different ages of urban history. This itinerary can be done on foot, but it is also perfectly suitable for a biking tour.

Starting at: Spit of Vasilievsky island
Finishing at: Primorskaya subway station
Duration: 3.5 hours