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Where to See Bushbabies in South Africa

By Author Hal Brindley

Posted on Published: March 10, 2013  - Last updated: March 26, 2023

The Bizarre Bouncing Baby

When  I first visited South Africa I had heard of the legendary “bushbaby” but had no idea what this strange creature might look like. I imagined something naked and pink crawling around in a diaper. Two days later I went on my first night drive in Kruger without any clue that I was about to catch my first glimpse of the beast.

We were bouncing along in an open vehicle with several other visitors, the cold night air whipping through our hair and chilling our fingers. I was manning one of the two powerful spotlights on board and having an awesome time spotting reflective eyes in the darkness. It was like magic, being able to locate animals that I would never have found in daylight.

I was instructed to shout “stop!” each time I spotted something and our driver would identify the creature: jackal or spotted eagle-owl or scrub hare. And then I spotted something in a tree. Its large round eyes glowed red in the blackness like an owl. “Stop!” I yelled. But suddenly the ‘owl’ bounced sideways. Then it bounced  again, and again, like a ping pong ball hurtling crazily between invisible paddles. When my spotlight revealed the creature it was tiny brown furry gremlin with bat-like ears and round eyes much too large for its tiny face. Then it bounced away from branch to branch, disappearing into the darkness. “That” said our guide, “was a bush baby!”

Cries In the Night

It was a Lesser Bushbaby, also known as the Southern Lesser Galago ( Galago moholi ), and I was absolutely thrilled by its strange behavior and appearance. Yet it wasn’t until several years later that I would run into it’s larger cousin, the Greater Bushbaby (also known as the Thick-tailed Greater Galago, Otolemur crassicaudatus ) and finally learn where the name Bush baby came from. Cristina and I were camping along the east coast of South Africa and nearly asleep in our tent when we heard a bizarre wailing cry pierce the silence. It sounded like a mutant baby monster crying for vengeance in a horror movie. Chills traveled down our spines and with wide eyes we ventured out of the tent.

Scanning with our head lamps we spotted a pair of huge eyes staring back at us from the tree above our heads. A wooly cat-sized creature with a bushy tail and ears like satellite dishes eyed us nervously and licked its lips. It crawled away (unlike the leaping lesser) and melted into the darkness. Its haunting cries kept us awake for ten more minutes before it moved off on its nightly rounds.

What Is a Bushbaby?

A bush baby is not actually a furry gremlin. It is a primate like you and me. Generally known as Galagos, the bushbabies are prosimians (like the lemurs of Madagascar) and are members of the Lorisidae family along with the Pottos (another furry tree-dweller). They are nocturnal feeders with a diet consisting of fruits and insects. The smaller the galago species, the higher the percentage of insects consumed.

The larger galagos like the Greater Bush Baby cannot catch enough insects to entirely sustain themselves. Another common food source is gum (tree sap).  To me, one of the most fascinating things about watching bushbabies is that it’s like visiting with your great great great (times two million) grandfather. Bush babies are the closest living representatives of the earliest primates and some are nearly indistinguishable from 55 million-year-old fossils.

Where to See a Bushbaby in South Africa

We’ve had our best luck spotting bush babies in two places. The first was Isinkwe Backpackers near Hluhluwe in KwaZulu Natal. There’s a good reason why it’s easy to spot bushbabies at Isinkwe, they feed them . As a rule we don’t approve of feeding wildlife, though the staff assured us that they are only given a small amount of fruit so as not to change their natural foraging behavior too drastically. The chopped fruits are placed on small feeding platforms in the trees right next to the lodge shortly after sunset.

A small group of Greater Bushbabies shows up soon after and devours the fruit within ten minutes. Then they move off to continue foraging. This is about the only time I’ve taken a decent photo of a bushbaby. Isinkwe is a great place to find reasonably-priced lodging in a lush jungley atmosphere within close reach of Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve, Mkuze Game Reserve, and Greater St. Lucia Wetlands Park.

The other great place to spot bushbabies is in the campgrounds of Kruger National Park . Though you may spot both lesser and greater bushbabies on the night drives , you’re far more likely to track down greater bushbabies in the campgrounds . That’s because you can listen for their territorial screaming-baby sounds. (The lesser bushbabies are far less audible.)  Simply grab your headlamp and stroll around the campgrounds after dark. Don’t worry, you won’t get eaten by a lion because the campgrounds are fenced in.

Scan the trees for eye-shine as you walk and listen closely for shuffling or crying. We find the best technique is to simply go about our business in camp until we hear one calling, then begin our search. They tend to move quickly through an area so don’t wait too long. Some of the camps where we’ve seen or heard bushbabies include Skukuza , Letaba rest camp , and Punda M aria rest camp .

We’ve also heard bushbabies while camping along the coast in Richard’s Bay at the Richard’s Bay Caravan Park .

If you’ve seen bushbabies on your travels in South Africa, please leave us a comment and let us know where!

Hal Brindley

Brindley is an American conservation biologist, wildlife photographer, filmmaker, writer, and illustrator living in Asheville, NC. He studied black-footed cats in Namibia for his master’s research, has traveled to all seven continents, and loves native plant gardening. See more of his work at Travel for Wildlife , Truly Wild , Our Wild Yard , & Naturalist Studio .

Mark L. Soppeland

Tuesday 9th of May 2017

In 2001 my family and I stayed at the Ntshondwe Lodge in the Ithala Game Reserve and bush babies were abundant at night. One evening my son had left a bag of potato chips on the table next to the braai. When I went out to retrieve them it could hear a rustling sound so didn't grab the bag. I went inside and grabbed my zero lux infrared camera and to my surprise there was a bush baby inside happily munching away. I then used the camera to scan the shrubbery surrounding the lodge and could see dozens of pairs of eyes staring back. As I scanned the pool deck area there appeared to be a number of lemurs relaxing in the deck lounges as well. Incredible. Would love to return.

cristina garcia

We love Ithala!

Friday 28th of April 2017

We saw 2 greater bushbabies last night at Mtunzini Forest Lodge, Mtunzini. They were scraping bits off of the braai grid

Sunday 7th of June 2015

I have just opened a b&b in Mpumalanga called Bushbaby suite as I have up to 12 greater bushbabies feeding outside my door every night for the last 14years.I give them a tray of bananas and honey.I have watched many generations of the families come to feed.I have never touched them but are unafraid of me.They are my best friends!!

Monday 29th of May 2023

@Hi, where exactly in Mpumalanga ? Your B&B sounds like a place where I'd enjoy staying as I have a 'thing' for 'cute & cuddly'. Though I prefer the lesser bush babies, I'll be happy to see these guys too :)

Thursday 4th of July 2013

St lucia Sugar Loaf campsite in KZN, a bit before Hluhluwe if you're heading up the coast, you hear them every night no matter how full the park is. We're living in St Lucia now near Fur Elize, we hear the bushbaby's every evening. There must be plenty out here. There's also literally a pack of mongoose often on the road side.

St lucia Sugar Loaf campsite, you hear them every night no matter how full the park is. We're living in St Lucia now near Fur Elize, we hear the bushbaby's every evening. There must be plenty out here.

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The Bushbaby: who are these animals and how do they live?

There is a small furry animal in Africa that prefers a secretive nocturnal lifestyle. Its scientific name is galago, but the locals call this creature bush baby. What is a galago? Why are they called bushbabies? Why are they so adored, and where can you find them? Can you keep one as a pet? - We will tell you everything about these unusual animals in our article.

Galagos - cute little bush babies

If you stay in the African countryside away from the big cities and take a stroll outside late at night, you can often hear noises remotely resembling intermittent baby cries coming from the nearby bushes and trees. Those who do not know the local animals will guess that it must be monkeys making these sounds. However, these are galagos, nocturnal animals that live in the tree hollows. They will howl all night long. Sometimes to assert their territory. And sometimes to communicate and warn each other of danger. You will quickly get used to their cries and stop paying much attention.

Galagos are fluffy animals with huge eyes. This makes them look very cute - as if a Japanese animator drew them. Their second common name is bush baby. It refers both to the sound they make and to their cute appearance. In Afrikaans, they are also called nagapie, which means “night monkey”. This is perhaps a compliment for the galago. Because although they are technically primates, they do not quite reach the level of intellect that many other apes and monkeys are known for.

In addition to their funny name, big eyes, and passion for making cries in the night, bushbabies are distinguished by their large ears and outstanding agility. They can jump from branch to branch with ease and feel truly at home on the trees. They prefer to live in small family groups. In addition, galagos are omnivores. This means that they are excellent hunters and foragers. Indeed, these are interesting animals that are very fun to observe. However, it is not always easy to do. Firstly, during the day they hide among the branches, not giving away their presence and carefree sleeping. At night, it is difficult to see them as well. Stealth is another trait that accurately characterizes these night monkeys.

Is a bushbaby a lemur?

Unexperienced travelers often confuse it with a lemur. And no wonder - lemurs are much more well-known. Not least because of the “Madagascar” animated franchise. Many of us know the charismatic King Julien and his assistants. Lemurs are indeed related to bush babies, but they are not the same. Lemurs live only in Madagascar and Comoros. The habitat of the galagos is spread around continental Africa south of the Sahara desert. Bushbabies also have other close relatives that dwell in tropical forests of Africa. Those are lorises, pottos, and angwantibos. Now let’s understand a little better who the galagos are before we start learning the most interesting facts about them.

Who is the bush baby? Is a bush baby a monkey?

Galagos are small nocturnal primates native to continental sub-Saharan Africa. All primates are scientifically classified into dry-nosed and wet-nosed primates. A wet nose in an animal is a sign of a good sense of smell. It allows one to instantly determine the speed and direction of the wind. In addition, it helps to pick up various odors at once and break them down. You've probably felt the wet noses of cats and noticed that the tip of a dog's nose is wet, too. But if you touch your nose, you will once again be convinced that it is dry. And so you must be classified as a dry-nosed primate (sub-order Haplorhini), like all other humans.

And we will find the galago in the neighboring suborder, Strepsirrhini (lower primates or “wet-nosed”). But the wet nose is not the only distinguishing characteristic. We can also notice that their thumb does not oppose other fingers so much and they have elongated “grooming” claws to care for their hair. In addition, bushbabies have a poor ability to distinguish colors. This is due to their predominantly nocturnal lifestyle. Galagos typically give birth to several babies at once. Interestingly, they have a smaller brain volume compared to monkeys and other placental mammals. In general, lower primates are more ancient creatures than apes, so they are more “primitive”.

Lower primates

Lower primates are divided into lemur-like and loris-like creatures. As we said before, all lemurs are endemics of Madagascar. They swam from continental Africa to that island several tens of millions of years ago and evolved there in isolation. In our time, several species of lemurs were brought by humans to the neighboring Comoro Islands. But they are not found anywhere else. Our galagos are hidden in the Lorisoidea superfamily, although they are not loris. As you can see, it is difficult to find these little guys not only in the shrubs of Africa but also in the classification tables.

Species of galagos. Related species

Two families make up the Lorisoidea superfamily. Lorisidae (lorises, pottos, and angwantibos), and Galagidae (galagos). And there are over 20 recorded species of galagos. Moreover, scientists are anticipating more new species to be discovered in the future. Try searching for photos of the galago on Google. You will see such a variety of appearances that it seems as if the different bush baby species are completely different animals. They live in different habitats, in landscapes of different types, and have different external characteristics and lifestyles. Sometimes it is even easier for biologists to distinguish the differences between the galago species by the sounds they make. Each species has its own set of cries ranging from squeals to squeaks for all occasions.

Describing every species of galago here would be quite lengthy. So we will only say that the largest of them, the Brown greater galago, reaches a maximum length of 47 centimeters (minimum - 26), while the body length of the smallest galago (Prince Demidoff's bush baby) varies from 7.3 to 15.5 cm. Among other unusual species, we can mention the Uluguru bush baby. It lives in Tanzania and Kenya at an altitude of up to 2000 meters. Another interesting one is the Zanzibar bush baby. It lives not only in Zanzibar but also in mainland Tanzania. Some rare species do not even have a popular name. For example, Sciurocheirus makandensis was seen only a few times in Gabon and is barely studied. 

So what do we know about the better-studied species? How do these creatures lead their secretive lives hiding among tree branches?

How is the life of these nocturnal animals organized?

The galago's appearance and behavior correspond to their way of life. Big eyes are needed to catch maximum light at night and see in the dark. Good night vision is characteristic of all nocturnal animals. Bush babies have large delicate ears. They look like locators that can rotate independently of each other in all directions. Those ears help bushbabies orient in space, detect the enemy in advance, and hear signals from their relatives. During the day, while sleeping, the galagos fold their ears and press them tightly against the body. This helps to prevent sounds from disturbing their sleep. They do the same while jumping so that the ears don't touch branches.

The galagos have strong legs and arms, which make them excellent jumpers and climbers. They often grasp tree branches and pull up the small light body. Their weight varies from species to species but does not go out of the range of 50-1500 grams. Their flexible long tails help them balance as they move along branches.

Galagos leap from tree to tree with ease, deftly and firmly clinging to a pre-selected branch or palm leaf. These small animals can easily jump from tree to tree even if the branches are a couple of meters apart. Some species of galago are known to be able to make a five-meter-long jump! The muscles in their legs that are responsible for jumping work 6-9 times better than those of frogs. To quickly cover a long distance with a series of jumps is a usual thing for bush babies.

In short, these African animals are perfectly adapted to live high up in the trees. It is known that they rarely descend to the ground. At the same time, they satisfy all their needs at night, returning to shelters during the day and resting carefree in nests they have built, in hollow trees, or simply on a convenient tree branch.

Social behavior

Most galago species live in small groups or prefer to lead solitary lifestyles. This is especially true of male bush babies. Females, on the other hand, live with their offspring. And as the infants grow up, male offsprings leave and female offsprings remain, forming a natal group of relatives. In some galago species, males form bachelor communities. So their social life is not that poor. But more often galagos live individually. They mark their territory and strictly ensure that no one crosses its boundaries. To do this, they urinate on their paws and, moving them, climb trees, leaving traces of their scent. This behavior is referred to as urine washing.

At night, these small primates return to their nests made out of leaves and small twigs. In some cases, they use abandoned bird nests or even beehives. Sometimes, bushbabies while remaining solitary during the active night phase, form a kind of temporary community by sleeping near each other during the daytime. This is safer for them because if a predator gets close, the first galago to detect danger will wake up the others by crying.

What do the galagos eat and who eats them?

Diet of bush babies.

Galagos are omnivores, although the set of preferred foods varies slightly from species to species. But if we talk about bushbabies in general, we’ll get the following diet:

• Flowers, seeds, leaves, and other vegetation
• Various fruit
• Insect prey like beetles and moths
• Small rodents
• Frogs and lizards
• Small birds and their eggs

Thanks to their agility and large almost bat-like ears, bushbabies can hunt insects with little effort. They can see well in the dark and can track and catch insects that just fly by.

So far it seems like these little guys are pretty comfortable in their natural environment, isn’t it? Insects fly to them on their own, there's plenty of plant food in the tree crowns that you can pick up just passing by, nutritious sap oozes from the trees, and birds live and nest nearby. Besides, it is safer on tree branches than on the ground. However, the galago still has natural enemies.

Their enemies

Bushbabies are hunted by mongooses, genets, snakes, owls, common dogs and cats, and jackals. Primates such as blue monkeys have also been spotted hunting bushbabies' infants. There is evidence of chimpanzees preying on the galagos too. As superior primates and closest relatives of humans, these apes even made primitive weapons that were used to kill bushbabies.

The famous chimpanzee researcher Jane Goodall was the first to notice in the 1960s that these clever apes were making tools such as sharpened sticks for extracting termites from their high mound dwellings. Chimpanzees have also been known to excitedly and efficiently hunt colobuses . In our days, Chimpanzee attacks on bushbabies have been documented many times: a chimpanzee breaks off a branch, makes a sharp stick out of it, sharpens the end with his teeth, and then gets up to the hollow with the sleeping bushbabies during the day, pokes the pointed stick inside several times and takes out the immobilized body of the galago.

It is amusing that scientists are arguing over whether to call such a weapon a spear or a club. On the one hand, the sharpened stick does resemble human spears. But chimpanzees do not throw them as primitive humans did but simply thrust them into the victim. In any case, the practice is often successful. Long (up to 60 centimeters) sharp sticks help chimpanzees hunt lower primates.

Where do the galagos live?

Bushbabies can be found in a variety of places in continental Africa south of the Sahara. Excludes the desert northern part with its barren environment, unsuitable for these tree dwellers. Of the islands, only some small and closest to the continent fall into their range. But you wouldn't find them in Madagascar.

Most species of the galago prefer to live closer to forests. But it is common to hear and see them in the scrubland near villages and towns. They were even spotted in some urban areas. Some species live in drier areas, having adapted quite well to the savannah. A few species are known to thrive in grasslands with shrubbery. The African Wildlife Foundation considers the galago the most successful of all lower primates. The main reasons are this species' diversity, overall abundance, and vast range.

Galagos near human populations

Bushbabies have also learned to get along with humans, getting quite close to their homes. To see them, you often do not need to go deep into the African wilderness. Just choose a hotel located among lush greenery with abundant trees and bushes. A perfect example is Aishi Machame Hotel, owned by Altezza Travel . It is located in a green buffer zone of Kilimanjaro National Park in northern Tanzania. This area is the heart of East Africa and home to several species of galago.

Bush babies are regulars at Aishi Machame Hotel

It might seem a little odd that we recommend a regular 3-star hotel out of all the locations in Africa for galago watching. But it really is a good place to watch bush babies. Here they are plentiful, active, easy to hear and even to see if you have a little patience.

Aishi Machame Hotel stands on the bank of the Weruweru river, which carries its waters directly from the great African Mount Kilimanjaro , and takes its source from the volcano’s largest glacier - Furtwängler. The town itself is called Machame - it is located not far from Moshi which is famous among the climbers of Kilimanjaro. The hotel is buried in verdure, with large trees and tropical plants. So the animals are accustomed to guests walking in the gardens. During the daytime, blue monkeys frolic in the tree branches and on the balconies of the hotel, sometimes even peeking through the windows of the guests, and at night the bushbabies wake up and start their games.

Wildlife seems to feel at home in Aishi Machame. Their ease suggests a welcome for the guests' gaze. Squirrels frolic on banana leaves. Hornbills glide to the grand ficus. By the offices, owls serenade. Geckos venture boldly indoors. Nighttime may reveal bushbabies and mongooses to the fortunate.

Evenings resound with bushbaby calls. These you can capture from your window. Venture to the bamboo near the pond for a sight. There, amid trees, the galagos feast. Fruit, provided by the staff, lures them. Watch as they dash, snatch a morsel, and retreat. Occasionally, a bush baby lingers, granting a photo op to the lucky.

Taking pictures of bush babies

For photo-hunting, galago safaris are not very suitable. In the daytime, these animals are not active, and they hide perfectly well in the dense trees. But many other African animals can be admired on a trip across the savannahs in an off-road vehicle. We recommend going on a safari tour for as many days as your vacation allows. This way you can visit several national parks and many interesting remote areas. You will see many different animals and even begin to notice their different behavioral patterns. But nocturnal and secretive animals such as bushbabies are better observed on the hotel grounds.

Galago and humans. Are bush babies rare?

In addition to peaceful forms of interaction, human activity can harm these little primates. In general, their conservation status is of the “least concern”. Although for some species a decrease in populations or a decrease in habitat areas is recorded. Here humans affect bushbabies indirectly by expanding farmland or cutting down forests. This leads to the direct expulsion of animals from their native environments. And also to a decrease in the food supply for the galago populations.

Domesticating bush babies

Another issue on the part of humans is trying to domesticate these wild animals and keep them in our homes. This desire is understandable. A small fluffy animal with big cute eyes seems like it could make a good pet. However, it is a really bad idea.

A renowned zoologist, director of the Frankfurt Museum and author of "Serengeti Shall Not Die" Bernhard Grzimek had a pet bushbaby. Here is what he says in his book: “Lest too many people write and ask me to supply them with bushbabies, I had better mention that they have one very distinct drawback — the inelegant habit of urinating on their hands and feet, rubbing them together and then jumping directly at your face with wet palms. All the walls and the furniture which they touch become “perfumed” and, unless a window is kept permanently open, the stench is considerable.”

Galagos are wild animals adapted to their natural environment. In captivity, however, they feel unwell, and pick up various diseases. Especially after interacting with other species, they don’t encounter in their natural habitat. Galagos are social animals. So, they need their own kind around to feel good and stay healthy.

There is an ethical problem in keeping bushbabies at home: tearing a wild animal out of its natural habitat and confining it to an apartment or a house with artificial objects is a form of violence against a living creature. For a galago, no amount of human effort and care can replace the freedom and benefits of its natural habitat, for which evolution has been preparing these creatures for tens of millions of years. The desire to have an exotic animal as a pet is often just a selfish desire to stand out among other people, without much consideration of negative consequences for the animal and its owner.

Many countries prohibit keeping galagos in homes. We at Altezza Travel, being a responsible Tanzanian tour operator, fully share this approach and ask you to think about the possible suffering of animals before making rash decisions. Africa's wild animals should remain in Africa. Humans can come to visit and admire them by visiting the beautiful national parks and other protected areas teeming with wildlife. Come to Tanzania and we will show you the cute bushbabies and many other inhabitants of the local ecosystem living harmoniously in their natural environment.

Agnes is a vital member of the Altezza operations team, boasting extensive experience in Kilimanjaro and in-depth knowledge of Tanzania's safari parks. Additionally, she holds an Advanced Open Water diving certification, a rare achievement in Kilimanjaro. With her diverse skill set, Agnes is the perfect author to guide readers through hiking, safaris, and island trips in Tanzania. Through her writing, Agnes introduces readers to both well-known destinations and hidden gems across the region.

So cute guys!:) Wish to see one soon!

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The Central Highlands are home to low-lying cloud forests, of which Monteverde is the most famous. Hike along the forest floor or zip through the canopy, keeping your eyes peeled (and ears open!) for noisy howler monkeys, sloths and beautiful bird life.

Jungle meets the ocean at Costa Rica’s smallest but most popular National Park, Manuel Antonio . With easy access from San Jose, this established resort has restaurants, shops, hotels and a plethora of activities both on land and water, not forgetting a stunning tropical rainforest to explore!

For thrill-seekers, Arenal is the adventure capital, famous for its impressive conical volcano. Hike through the jungle, go white-water rafting, soar across the valleys on zip-lines or take to the water and enjoy a host of activities on Arenal Lake.

No holiday to Costa Rica is complete without some time on a sun-drenched beach. The country’s stretch of the Pacific Coast offers something for everyone, from the beautiful province of Guanacaste with its surf towns and luxury resorts around the Papagayo Peninsula to the deserted golden-sand beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula . Whatever takes your fancy, Costa Rica has you covered!

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Feeling inspired? Start planning your next adventure by contacting us today.

December marks the start of the dry season with blue skies and sunshine being the norm until April . Christmas and Easter are the most popular times to travel so you should expect it to be busy and we recommend booking early to secure accommodation.

The Green Season runs from May-November , and if you are prepared for some rain, July-August is a good time to visit as there is a short period of reprieve from the heavy rains, which the locals call the “little summer”. It is usually sunny in the morning with tropical showers in the afternoon but do bear in mind the weather is much more unpredictable during these months.

We don’t recommend travelling in September and October as the rains are at their heaviest and some parts of the country can become inaccessible.

Flights: BA operates direct flights seasonally (typically November through to April) on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. The flight duration is approx. 11 hours. Alternatively, there are connecting flights via Europe, including Iberia (journey time via Madrid is approx. 16 hours). You can also travel via the Americas but the US will need a transit visa in the form of an ESTA. Typical carbon emissions for a return flight to San Jose (Economy) per person: 3.49 tonnes.

Health: https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/58/costa-rica

FCDO travel advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/costa-rica

Time Zone: GMT-6

Local Currency: Colon

Capital City: San Jose

Where to Stay in Costa Rica

Nantipa - Nicoya Peninsula

El Silencio - San Jose & Central Costa Rica

Parador Resort & Spa - Manuel Antonio

Manatus Hotel - Tortuguero

Nayara Tented Camp - Arenal

Punta Islita - Nicoya Peninsula

Arenal Springs Resort - Arenal

Andaz Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo - Guanacaste

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13 Things To Do In Saint Petersburg | Russia’s Most Beautiful City

By Author Christian L.

Posted on Published: January 17, 2021  - Last updated: September 11, 2021

Categories Europe , Destinations , Russia

Once known as Leningrad and before that Petrograd, Saint Petersburg, Russia, is the country’s second-largest city. Set next to the Neva River, close to the Baltic Sea, this city is home to over 5 million people.

It’s the world’s northernmost city, founded by Peter the Great and named after Saint Peter the apostle. Once home to the Tsars of Russia, it is today known as the country’s cultural capital.

With iconic sights such as Hermitage Museum, Nevsky Prospect, Peterhof Palace, and so much more, it has a fascinating heritage ripe for exploration. Without further ado, let’s dive into the 13 best things to do in St. Petersburg. 

Top Things to do in St. Petersburg, Russia

St. Petersburg, Europe, has grown into one of the top tourist destinations on the continent. Although it might get very cold in winter, there are still plenty of things to do – and the summers are absolutely perfect! Saint Petersburg is one of the prettiest cities in all of Europe .

Keep reading for some of my favorite choices. 

1. Visit The World Famous Hermitage Museum

One of the city’s most popular attractions (with over 3 million items in its esteemed collection), State Hermitage Museum showcases everything from fine art to ancient artifacts. 

Even if you don’t plan on entering inside, the exterior is an architectural gem in itself. The columns are all in white with green/gold facades that can be viewed from the river or Palace Square.

If you’re visiting St. Petersburg, Russia, your trip would not be complete without stopping past this world-famous landmark. It’s also a great activity to do no matter what time of year you are visiting – and a perfect way to escape those cold Russian winter days. 

There are six buildings in the museum complex in total. Five of which – Winter Palace, Small Hermitage, Old Hermitage, New Hermitage, and Hermitage Theatre – can be accessed by the public.

Within, you’ll be treated to Egyptian collections, artifacts dating from ancient Mesopotamia, and classical Greek jewelry, pottery, and sculptures. This is any historical culture lover’s dream. 

Keep exploring, and you will find collections of prehistoric relics from the Palaeolithic era to the Iron Ages, European fine arts, Impressionist works, Catherine the Great’s personal collections, and so much more.

In fact, you’ll need an entire day or possibly longer to explore this incredible museum complex. If you only have limited time in St. Petersburg, be sure to add this museum to your itinerary! There are also guided tours available if you want a more educational experience. 

Did you know? The Hermitage Museum is the world’s second-largest art museum.

2. Take in a Performance at Mariinsky Theatre

The Neoclassical Mariinsky Theatre is home to Russia’s revered opera and ballet companies.

The theatre – named after the wife of Tsar Alexandra II, Empress Maria Alexandrovna – has been here since 1860 when it was known as the Kirov Theatre.

This magnificent building, since it opened, has hosted stage performances and premieres from Tchaikovsky and Mussorgsky and famous ballets such as Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake and The Nutcracker. 

Today, in addition to hosting live performances, the theatre has its own record label, which focuses on releasing music by Russian composers Stravinsky, Tchaikovsky, and Rachmaninov.

If you enjoy the arts and are going to be in St. Petersburg for several days, book tickets to see a world-class performance – you won’t be disappointed.

3. See Jewelled Eggs at the Faberge Museum

The House of Faberge was founded in St. Petersburg in 1842 by Gustav Faberge. Originally a jeweler, he became famous for designing jewel-encrusted eggs for the Tsars of Russia and is arguably the most famous goldsmith of the modern era. 

Today, you can view these iconic collection pieces in the Faberge Museum. It showcases 4,000 items in total, including Faberge Easter eggs, jewelry, silverware, home decor, and fantasy-themed objects.

The incredible jeweled eggs are famous all over the world, and there are several museums dedicated to them. But if you want to learn about Gustav Faberge, his family, and how it all began, this is the museum to visit. You can purchase a ticket in person or online. 

4. Spend an Hour Canal Cruising

St. Petersburg is built on 42 islands, and once upon a time (before bridges were constructed), cruising was the only way to navigate the city.

On a Golden Ring boat tour, you’ll see some of St. Petersburg’s iconic sights along the Kryukov Canal, including St. Nicholas Cathedral, Saint Isaac’s Cathedral, and the Mariinsky theatre.

You’ll dip beneath the famous colored bridges on Neva River whilst enjoying views of Peter and Paul Fortress, Vasilyevsky Island, and the Summer Garden. This is truly one of the most breathtaking ways to take in all the beauty that St. Petersburg has to offer. 

This tour also only takes around an hour, so you’ll have plenty of time to revisit your favorite spots throughout the day!

5. Discover Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

One of St. Petersburg’s architectural masterpieces is the Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood.

This former Russian Orthodox Church was completed in 1907 and is built in Baroque, Neoclassical, and Russian Revival design. It is one of the city’s main attractions, with ornate domes, intricate frescoes, and 7,500 square meters of mosaics inside. 

If you don’t wish to enter, you can gain incredible views from Griboedov Canal. But if you do venture inside, you’ll be rewarded with interior frescoes and mosaic works depicting biblical scenes and figures created by celebrated Russian artists of the time.

The Church of the Saviour of Blood is built on the spot where Emperor Alexander 2 was assassinated in 1881 – hence the name. So, not only will you be able to appreciate the fine architectural designs, but also explore an important part of Russian history. 

6. Take a Rooftop Walk-in St. Petersburg

If you have viewed the city from canals and rivers, try it from the rooftops! You can take a guided rooftop walk in the city, seeing streets and skylines from an elevated perspective.

One particular tour to highlight is the Official Rooftops Excursion of St. Petersburg. Just a few minutes from Nevsky Prospect, these sites offer vistas of Fontanka River and Trinity Cathedral – and that’s just the first roof.

The second roof boasts views of St. Petersburg’s old center, St. Isaac’s Cathedral, Kazan Cathedral, and the Church on Spilled Blood.

This is a truly incredible way to see the city in all its glory, plus the tour provides you with binoculars so you can see everything in great detail.

7. Admire Nevsky Prospect’s Magnificent Architecture

The main street of St. Petersburg is Nevsky Prospect. Begin at the intersection at Stroganov Palace before venturing to Kazan Cathedral. While you walk, take in the monuments dedicated to Catherine the Great and browse goods at The Passage – Nevsky Avenue’s premier department store.

This store was quite the trailblazer. It opened its doors in the late 1840s and was one of the first buildings in Russia to use gas for lighting. Then, in 1900, an electric station was installed on an underground floor.

Once you’ve finished shopping and enjoyed a fresh cup of coffee, continue to the Russian National Library – the oldest public library in Russia – and Alexandrinsky Theatre (which was built for the Imperial troupe of Petersburg).

8. Visit the Island of Peter and Paul Fortress

Set on an island connected by bridges, Peter and Paul Fortress is instantly recognizable from its needle spire, which dominates the skyline. The fortress was originally built to defend the maritime city from Swedish invaders.

However, Peter the Great defeated the opposition before it was even completed! It has since served as a military center and prison for political dissenters and, latterly, as a museum.

Inside the vast complex, you can see Peter and Paul Cathedral, visit the resting place of the Romanovs, and watch military processions or the firing of the noon-day gun.

It’s a great day trip for anyone interested in Russian, maritime or military history. There are also plenty of group walking tours available. 

9. Sample Russian Vodka in a Ryumochnye

A visit to Russia wouldn’t be complete without sampling the local drink – vodka, and the best place to do this is in a Ryumochnye. This is a specific style of 19th-century Russian drinking house that not only offers some of Russia’s best vodka but also a short history lesson.

You could call it a bar, but it’s more than that – most mainstream Ryumochnye have a definite Soviet vibe and are places for working men to kick back and enjoy vodka with their buddies.

Beverages come in bottles or shot form, and some places offer self-service and snacks.

If that sounds too hardcore for your taste, there are updated versions of Ryumochnye in the city, like Mayak in St. Petersburg, where you can gain a similar experience. 

10. Enjoy local Saint Petersburg Craft Beer

Although most people think of vodka when visiting Russia, you can also enjoy some of the best craft beer in Saint Petersburg . Russia’s second-largest city has an exciting, rapidly growing craft beer scene, in part due to its history and geography.

Historically, the Russian empire was influenced by Northern Europe, and the Dutch & English beer-drinking culture eventually made its way here. Today, Saint Petersburg is home to a growing number of modern microbreweries, cool taprooms, and stylish bars.

Saint Petersburg is also home to Stepan Razin Brewery, the oldest brewery in Russia (now, of course, owned by Heiniken). It opened in 1795, but today the building is known as the Saint Petersburg Beer Museum, showcasing the history of beer in Russia and the Soviet Union.

Russia’s largest and most popular brewery, Baltika, is also located in Saint Petersburg, and it’s possible to take a tour of their huge brewery.

11. See the Majestic Catherine Palace

A stately palace of blue and gold, Catherine’s Palace is located 26 kilometers south of St. Petersburg. Named after the wife of Peter the Great, this place was originally a two-story modest building commissioned in 1717.

The exterior, which stretches for one kilometer in circumference, is surrounded by woodlands, lawns, gilded balconies, and reliefs. However, the interiors are even more impressive.

With great halls, a white dining room, an amber room, and more. It’s the perfect place to step back into history and discover what life was like as a Russian aristocracy.

12. Explore Peterhof Palace

If you’re going to visit Catherine Palace, you should tour Peterhof too. It’s a 40-minute drive away, but you can even take a hydrofoil speed boat from right behind the Hermitage in Saint Petersburg center.

Sitting close to the Baltic Sea, Peterhof Palace was constructed by Peter the Great to be Russia’s version of Versailles. The opulent residence surrounded by sculptures, fountains, and tiered staircases leading to the grand entrance evokes mystery and the history of a bygone era.

Inside it is lavishly decorated with dazzling chandeliers, one-of-a-kind artworks and beautiful ceiling frescoes.

On a guided tour, you can learn more about the palace’s history. Discover the Throne Room, Portrait Hall and Peter the Great’s Oak Study. You’ll see dining rooms set for dinner, grand ballrooms where dancing and gatherings would take place, and décor which defies time.

The palace offers great insight into his life and legacy, and if you are interested in history, art and interior design, you’ll love it.

Want to know more about Peterhof?

13. Spend a Day by the Finnish Border at Vyborg

Just over an hour from central Saint Petersburg by train is the city of Vyborg. It sits on the Gulf of Finland and was first settled back in the 12th century. The city has been occupied by Finnish and German forces and suffered extensive damage during the Second World War. However, it has since been rebuilt. 

It’s a charming center to wander around, with narrow cobbled streets, a medieval castle, and Finnish art nouveau structures sprinkled throughout. An easy day trip from St. Petersburg, it can also serve as a stop-off point if you’re crossing into Finland to continue your adventure.

Want to know more about Saint Petersburg?

Where is St. Petersburg | Is St. Petersburg in Europe?

If you want to know “Where is Saint Petersburg?”, you’ve come to the right place. Beautiful St. Petersburg is located in northern Russia. Russia is a massive country, so it is no surprise that many people want to know “Is Saint Petersburg in Europe?”. The answer is yes. 

How to Get to Saint Petersburg

The maritime city is well linked to Europe by air, sea, rail and road. Depending on where you’re traveling from and the rest of your itinerary, you can use one of the following ways to arrive at St. Petersburg.

You can fly into Saint Petersburg through Pulkovo International Airport. There are around 1,100 international flights a week and 1,200 domestic flights operating in and out of the local airport.

Although many flights from European cities to Saint Petersburg are direct, you may have to change flights if flying from further afield.

It’s also possible to travel to St. Petersburg by train. The most popular (and most frequent) routes operate from Moscow, Helsinki, and Tallinn. However, there are options to travel from other areas in central Europe, central Asia, and eastern Europe by rail.

There is a central bus station in Saint Petersburg, with services to and from Moscow, Pskov, Novgorod, Vilnius, Riga , Tallinn and Helsinki. Some of these journeys can be long and arduous.

Therefore, thorough research and choosing the right bus company is important.

Baltic Sea Cruises also operate to St. Petersburg as part of a larger itinerary, and St. Peter Line Ferry sails from Helsinki in Finland and Tallinn in Estonia.

Exploring Saint Petersburg, Russia

Saint Petersburg is the 5th most populous city in Europe and also a leading tourist destination. Although people sometimes forget about Russia, this city is breathtakingly beautiful and provides plenty of cultural and historical attractions.

Now that you know where to go, I hope you have an amazing time in Russia’s most beautiful city.

Friday 19th of January 2018

Thank you! So great review about our St. Petersburg!

What to do in St. Petersburg in 1 day - Probe around the Globe

Thursday 11th of May 2017

[…] more about the beauty of St. Petersburg from the Unusual […]

Friday 17th of June 2016

Which hostel did you stay at? I am potentially thinking of going to Russia for World Cup 2018 after my World Cup trip to Brazil two years ago. Saint Petersburg is one of the host cities, and so I am very interested in learning more about this city and recommendations from fellow travellers who have been.

Christian L.

I stayed at Soul Kitchen Junior, and I will go so far and say its by far the best hostel I have ever stayed at!! Anywhere in the world, no other hostels even get close to it:)