Seven drawbridges span the Neva in the centre; historically three stand out: Blagoveshchensky (formerly Nikolaevsky), Liteyny and Birzhevoy.
🌉 Blagoveshchensky (Nikolaevsky) Bridge
The first permanent Neva bridge, 1850, by Stanislav Kerbedz. Connects Vasilievsky Island to the centre at Trud Square. Cast-iron arch railings — a work of art in themselves. Raised 01:25–02:45 and 03:10–05:00.
🌉 Liteyny Bridge
Second permanent crossing, 1879. Links the centre to the Vyborg Side. The Finland Station route of 1917 ran from this bridge. Raised 01:40–04:45.
🌉 Birzhevoy Bridge
Connects the Petrograd Side to Vasilievsky across the Malaya Neva. The best view of the Strelka with the Rostral Columns. Raised 02:00–04:55.
🎥 Where to watch
The classic viewing point is the Palace Bridge (separate article); Liteyny and Blagoveshchensky are less crowded. For photos the Blagoveshchensky from the left bank, the Lieutenant Schmidt Embankment, is best.
🚕 Getting there
Admiralteyskaya or Gorkovskaya metro. On White Nights the drawn bridges strand many — a night-rate RideClu transfer beats taxi hunting.
🛏 Where to stay
Apartments on the Petrograd Side and on Vasilievsky are bookable on Tutkakdoma — the raise is visible from windows.
If this is your first time in St Petersburg, bear two things in mind. Distances between the main sights are short, but autumn daylight is brief and rain arrives on no schedule. Plan your route around the lit half of the day, allow half an hour of buffer between stops, and bring a thermos and gloves for the evening. Dress in layers and wear non-slip soles — the embankments and bridges are windy, and courtyards stay wet after rain.
On the ground, walking is easiest between adjacent blocks, with short taxi hops when it gets dark or wet. If you are travelling as a group or with children, arrange the evening transfer back to your flat ahead of time — late-night fares spike. Flats in the centre go fast at weekends: book a week ahead for Nevsky, the Petrograd Side or Vasilievsky.
St Petersburg rewards half-day visits rather than one long marathon. Pick a theme — a single museum, a district, a walk — and give it time. After the active part, a warm cafe, a bookshop or a swimming pool is as much part of the ritual as the sights themselves, especially in November.
Verified on 22 October 2026.
Cover photo: Члены семей Семёновых и Шакуриных: Юрий Поликарпович Шакурин (1938-2000). Загружено единственной наследницей., CC BY-SA 4.0, Викисклад
