Skip to content
Daytime

Golden Light at the Arch

Start your afternoon with a pastry and a walk through the historic arc of the General Staff building, catching the final golden hour light before the crowds settle in for the evening.

Best time: 14:56About 90 min

Timeline

  1. 12:56

    Terrassa, a Ginza Project restaurant

    Pick up a pastry to go. The terrace at Terrassa, a Ginza Project restaurant offers a magnificent view of Kazansky cathedral, and the pastries are well worth the price. Arrive early to secure a spot before the afternoon rush.

  2. 13:26

    The General Staff building of the Hermitage

    Walk to the General Staff building of the Hermitage. Designed by Carlo Rossi, this building is laid out in the shape of an arch with a triumphal arch dedicated to the victory in the War of 1812. Admire the sculptural composition of the chariot drawn by six horses and the winged goddess of Fame.

  3. 14:56

    Summer Garden

    Head to the Summer Garden. This historic public garden occupies an island between the Neva, Fontanka, Moika, and the Swan Canal. As the golden light hits the water and the garden's historic structures, take a quiet moment to appreciate the layout and the view back toward the city center.

  4. 15:41

    Literary Cafe

    End your walk at the Literary Cafe. This historic restaurant is a perfect spot for Pushkin lovers to rest and reflect on the day. It is located just a short walk from your previous stops, making it an easy conclusion to your afternoon.

Local tip

The General Staff building is closed on Mondays. Plan your visit for Tuesday through Sunday. The golden light in winter is brief, so time your walk from the building to the garden carefully to catch the best light on the water.

Check before you go

  • The General Staff building of the Hermitage is closed on Mondays.
  • Terrassa, a Ginza Project restaurant is open Mo-Fr 11:00-01:00 and Sa-Su 12:00-01:00.

Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Saint Petersburg (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

Back to Saint Petersburg