Rivers and Canals of St. Petersburg: Venice of the North?

They call St. Petersburg the Venice of the North — and once you see its rivers and canals, you’ll get why.
There are over 90 rivers and canals and more than 300 bridges — some of them elegant, some strange, some so small you’ll miss them if you blink.

🚤 Boat tour? Do it.
A canal cruise is the best way to see the city. Glide past palaces, cathedrals, and old mansions — all reflected in the water.
💡 Tip: Go at sunset for golden views, or take a night tour to watch the bridges open (between 1:00–2:30 AM in summer — yes, it’s worth staying up for).

🌉 Bridges to look out for:
– Palace Bridge (Dvortsovyy Most): it opens beautifully at night
– Bank Bridge: guarded by golden-winged griffins
– Bridge of Kisses: legend says if you kiss someone there, your love will last

🗺️ Where to walk:
– Moika River Embankment: historic and atmospheric
– Griboyedov Canal: cozy, with views of the Church on Spilled Blood
– Fontanka: grand and a bit melancholic — classic St. Petersburg mood

🎒 Local tip: Avoid boat tours when it’s rainy or windy — they can get chilly. Bring a windbreaker and skip the top deck if the forecast looks bad.

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