Saint Petersburg’s Islands: Water, Bridges, and Districts

• Vasilyevsky Island and the Petrograd Side face each other across the Malaya Neva.
• The Exchange Bridge and Tuchkov Bridge provide road connections between the two districts.
• The Strelka lies where the Neva divides into the Bolshaya Neva and Malaya Neva.
• An official route on Vasilyevsky Island is about 5.1 kilometers long and takes roughly two and a half hours.
• Bridges may open at night to let ships pass, temporarily interrupting routes.

Vasilyevsky Island is ideal for a route from the Exchange grounds at the Strelka, following the waterfront. The Rostral Columns and the Exchange building recall the area’s former role as a commercial harbor. Farther away are the university, museums, and historic residential neighborhoods. An official walking route covers about 5.1 kilometers and takes approximately two and a half hours; breaks and visits indoors will extend your stay.

Two prominent crossings lead to the Petrograd Side. The Exchange Bridge crosses the Malaya Neva near the Strelka; Tuchkov Bridge lies on the axis of Bolshoy Prospekt on the Petrograd Side and the 1st and Cadet Lines on Vasilyevsky Island. Tuchkov Bridge is west of the Strelka.

A walk around the Strelka can be combined with an evening during the White Nights in Saint Petersburg. Nevsky Prospekt makes for a separate route through the city center; special city sights require their own stretches of the route. Crossing the bridge from the Vasilyevsky waterfront into the city center brings you to Nevsky Prospekt and Palace Square; in early summer, the White Nights season can extend your walk. There are also unusual city sights away from the main routes, which can be visited by making a separate crossing.

On the Petrograd Side, broad streets lead to its own stretches of waterfront and cultural venues. Getting around by public transport or on foot depends on the bridge you choose; when planning your trip, consider the crossing and return journey together. If you cross via Tuchkov Bridge, you reach the Petrograd Side near Bolshoy Prospekt; you can then choose a cultural attraction based on its opening hours or performance schedule. In the city center, Saint Petersburg, Nevsky Prospekt, and Palace Square belong to a different route; the White Nights give you more time for evening walks.

The bridge configuration and which side your accommodation is on are key when traveling between the island waterfront and the city center. Visiting special city sights, museums in Saint Petersburg, or the Hermitage calls for different stops than an evening at the Mariinsky Theatre. Accommodation near your evening route makes it easier to get back if a bridge opening cuts off the direct crossing. If bridges are closed at night, you can plan your return journey in advance as part of your transport and getting around and trip planning.

The Exchange Bridge and Tuchkov Bridge are movable crossings over the Malaya Neva. Road connections are interrupted while the bridges are open to let ships pass. In 2026, the navigation season runs from April 10 to November 30. Palace Bridge is closed to road traffic from 1:10 to 2:50 a.m. and from 3:10 to 4:55 a.m. It is raised according to the schedule; after all ships have passed, it may be lowered earlier. These times apply to 2026.

If you are on the other side of the river at night, cross before the closure or end the evening on the side where your accommodation is. Getting around and transport depend on the bridge you choose, so trip planning should include the return journey and a time buffer. You can then adapt your walking plans to the weather and daylight.

Which bridges connect Vasilyevsky Island and the Petrograd Side?

The Exchange Bridge crosses the Malaya Neva by the Strelka. Tuchkov Bridge connects Bolshoy Prospekt on the Petrograd Side with the 1st and Cadet Lines on Vasilyevsky Island.

How long does the walking route on Vasilyevsky Island take?

The route is about 5.1 kilometers long and takes roughly two and a half hours. Allow extra time for photo stops, breaks, and museum visits.

How many movable bridges are regularly opened during the navigation season?

Mostotrest maintains 18 movable bridges; twelve are regularly opened to ships during the navigation season. The Exchange and Tuchkov bridges cross the Malaya Neva between Vasilyevsky Island and the Petrograd Side.