Palace Bridge
Palace Bridge
4.5
About
This simply designed bridge crossing the Neva River is best known for the magnificent view it creates when its elevated platforms frame the gilded spire of the SS Peter & Paul Cathedral rising in the background.
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The area
Address
How to get there
  • Admiralteyskaya • 9 min walk
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.


4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles1,655 reviews
Excellent
1,283
Very good
284
Average
68
Poor
16
Terrible
4

Derek I
Chichester, UK30 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2019
Probably the best time to see and enjoy Palace Bridge is during the wonderful White Nights Festival which takes place during and either side of shortest night of year 21st June. During this time the whole city exudes a wonderful atmosphere as people from various parts of Russia , as well as further afield , enjoy spectacular short nights and long relaxing days.
The streets and squares along the Neva river throng with life and large crowds gather to celebrate the raising of the many bridges, particularly around Palace Bridge. It genuinely is carnival like in its atmosphere and many people stay up all night to maximise the experience.

It is very family friendly and joy to be part of this lovely festival
Written February 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

drogilmour
Guatemala City, Guatemala2,709 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
Of the three main bridges across the Neva, this is probably the most impressive. it connects the Palace Square and Admiralty with Vasilyevsky Island, the control booth is by the Admiralty. This bridge allows cars and pedestrians to use the bridge, thus when raining you might be splashed a little, try walking near the handrail. In December and January is never hoisted, so we figured out the parts that elevate while walking over it. During this month is very nicely decorated with soft white and white strings of lights.
Written January 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

BrakiWorldTraveler
Belgrade, Serbia17,760 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2021
While considering the name one could expect a more lavish and decorated bridge, Palace bridge is in fact a simple one connecting the Vasileysky island with the mainland close by the Winter Palace.
I suggest crossing it, as from both sides you'll capture amazing downtown views. We did that walking from the Peter and Paul's fortress to Hermitage.
Another prime attraction is coming here around 1.30 AM. All bridges in downtown St. Pet are drawing bridges to allow vessels pass beneath them.
We did that 2 nights in row, but unfortunately it did not happen so we left disappointed with many others. It seems drawing times are not guaranteed.
Written May 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Namrata P
Mumbai, India44 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2016 • Friends
Bridges in St Petersburg open in the night at 1.25 am and stay open till 5 in the morning to let the big ships pass. The opening of the palace bridge is beautiful with lights and music. There are 2 ways to enjoy the attraction - 1) Stand on the road adjoining palace bridge (which is the most beautiful one); or 2) Take a night time cruise which covers opening of all the bridges. On a rainy day, prefer option 1 given it can get cold and windy on the cruise (we learnt the hard way). On a clear day, cruise would be better as it is a nice way to enjoy the city view in the night.

Couple of pointers:
1) Ensure you are on the same side of the bridge as your hotel. Else you will be stuck till 5 on the wrong side.
2) Figure out a way to reach back late night to your hotel. Taxis will fleece you if they figure out you are a tourise.
Written August 28, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

DeanMurphy2020
Orlando, FL7,549 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2016 • Solo
Next to the Metro, this 6-lane drawbridge is arguably Petersburg’s most essential transportation element. Construction began in 1912, and was completed the year before Russia’s Revolution, which occurred in 1917. The bridge consists of several spans and has an overall length of 260 meters and is 28 meters wide. It spans Neva River and connects Palace Square (Hermitage & Winter Palace) to Vasilievsky Island, for vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Since Petersburg is the Venice of the North, this and other bridges are drawn at night to allow deliveries for local businesses. Beware if you’re unfamiliar with the Metro system and need to get back to a location across one of the bridges…something that may not happen for hours.

Because of low-lying geography, a tall bridge is impossible, making Petersburg spans unimpressive. With high hills—such as in San Francisco or Budapest—suspension bridges are not possible. Egress to bridges must be low, thus unimpressive heights. Geography also dictates canal boats be flat-bottom barges. Venice and Amsterdam, which are good comparison—also have low-rise bridges. Palace Bridge is, however, a display of intricate wrought iron railings and distinguished by the four horse statues that are, by themselves, a worthy attraction. It’s best to visit with a local guide. Besides, this bridge is located within a dozen other must-see sites, so utilize a guide for the education and appreciation of all this area has to offer.
Written October 30, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

CirclesR
Dallas12 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2015 • Friends
Rent a boat, get a bottle of nice red wine, some delicious Russian dark chocolates, and travel the canals during the White Nights. End up at this bridge when it opens after midnight. It's a unique experience.
Written June 9, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Lin K.M.
Haifa49 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2014 • Friends
We went to see the drawing of this bridge at night, at around 1:30AM both sides of the bridge go up, it's a fun and beautiful experience. Stay a bit to see the barges go through the opening when the bridge is drawn. Remember to watch it from the correct side of the Neva river, or you'll have to spend the night on the wrong side. ;)
Written July 17, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Frances V
London, Canada88 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2016
We visited St. Petersburg Russia and it was amazing.. Visiting the bridges at night is wonderful. They turn the lights on at a certain time and it is magical. Great place to eat, visit the Church of the Spilt Blood, is a must to understand the history of the city. The bridges open up to the ships delivering goods at night and it is a very exciting time.
Written October 17, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Conrad S
New York City, NY60 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2016 • Friends
There are boat tours at night that you can take and it takes you by the bridge to see when it opens up at midnight
Written October 7, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Travelling_LindaG
Stockholm, Sweden, Europe483 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2015 • Solo
The bridge I think opens at both morning and dusk, I got there at 6am and it was quite a view. Lots of people doing the same thing.
Written January 17, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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