In St. Petersburg, Russia, there are several ways to explore the city virtually, and Google Street View is one of the easiest and most popular methods for a virtual tour of the streets and landmarks. You can use Google Street View to "walk" through the streets of St. Petersburg, visit its famous avenues, or explore iconic landmarks without physically being there.

Highlights of St. Petersburg on Street View:

Here are some areas and landmarks that you can explore via Google Street View in St. Petersburg:

1. Nevsky Prospect:
   The city’s main avenue is one of the most famous streets in Russia. Walking along Nevsky Prospect will give you a glimpse of the historic architecture, lively street scenes, shopping areas, and cafes.

2. The Hermitage Museum and Winter Palace:
   You can explore the outside of the Hermitage Museum, located in the Winter Palace. While Google Street View might not take you inside the museum, it gives you a look at the majestic Palace Square and the museum's stunning exteriors.

3. Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood:
   One of the most iconic landmarks of St. Petersburg, this Russian Orthodox church with its colorful, onion-shaped domes can be explored via Street View.

4. Peter and Paul Fortress:
   Street View lets you walk around the Peter and Paul Fortress located on Zayachy Island, including the Peter and Paul Cathedral, the burial site of Russian emperors, and the surrounding historical area.

5. Palace Bridge (Dvorцovый мост):
   This famous bridge, which spans the Neva River and connects the Palace Embankment with Vasilievsky Island, can be explored virtually. Street View provides views of the bridge’s opening mechanism and its connection to some of the most scenic spots in the city.

6. St. Isaac's Cathedral:
   A magnificent and grand cathedral, you can explore its outside and surrounding areas on Street View. Though you can’t enter the cathedral virtually through Street View, the square in front and the impressive exteriors are quite stunning.

7. Nevsky Monastery:
   While in the city, you can also take a virtual stroll through the Nevsky Monastery and its surrounding area. The peaceful setting of this location offers a different view of St. Petersburg.

8. Kazan Cathedral:
   Another iconic landmark, the Kazan Cathedral is known for its neoclassical architecture. You can take a closer look at the cathedral from the outside, its famous colonnade, and the surrounding area.

9. Fontanka River:
   Walk along the Fontanka River embankment to see views of the canals and historic buildings of St. Petersburg. It’s a beautiful area filled with charm, and Street View provides a glimpse of the peaceful riverside walkways.

10. Pushkin and Pavlovsk:
    While a little outside the city, you can also explore the Catherine Palace in Tsarskoye Selo and Pavlovsk Palace with virtual tours and Street View imagery of the surrounding parklands.

How to Access Google Street View in St. Petersburg:

To explore St. Petersburg on Google Street View, follow these steps:

1. Go to Google Maps:
   Open Google Maps (maps.google.com) in your browser.
2. Search for St. Petersburg:
   In the search bar, type in "St. Petersburg, Russia," and press Enter.
3. Drag the Street View Icon:
   You'll see a small yellow figure (the Street View icon) in the bottom right corner. Click and drag this figure onto the map where you want to explore.
4. Navigate:
   Once you’ve dropped the icon onto the street, you can drag your cursor to explore different areas. You can navigate and "walk" through the streets by following the arrows that appear as you move along.

Tips for Exploring St. Petersburg on Street View:

• Zoom in for Details: You can zoom in and out on Google Street View to get a better sense of the cityscape or narrow streets.
• Explore Different Seasons: St. Petersburg has beautiful scenery in all seasons, and Street View allows you to see the city in both the winter with snow and the summer with lush greenery and bustling streets.
• Plan a Virtual Route: If you have specific landmarks you want to see, you can plan a virtual route on Google Maps to make the most out of your exploration.

Exploring St. Petersburg via Street View offers a great way to experience this stunning city from a distance. You can visit famous landmarks, stroll along grand streets, or take in the breathtaking views—all from the comfort of your home.