Areas to Avoid in Saint Petersburg
Russia
|🛡️ SafeHonest 2026 safety guide for travellers visiting Saint Petersburg. Which areas need extra caution, common scams to watch for, and safe neighbourhoods to stay instead.
Last updated: March 2026
Skip the risky areas. Compare hotels in safe neighbourhoods on Expedia.
Saint Petersburg is generally Safe
1 area to be aware of · Best areas to stay: Central (Nevsky Prospekt Area), Petrograd Side (Petrogradsky District), Vasilievsky Island (Vasileostrovsky District)
Travel Insurance for Saint Petersburg
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.
Quick tip: Most tourist areas in Saint Petersburg are safe. This guide covers areas locals recommend avoiding.
Areas That Need Extra Caution
These areas are not necessarily dangerous, but travellers should be more aware
Industrial outskirts (e.g., parts of Primorsky or Krasnogvardeysky districts away from the center)
These areas lack tourist infrastructure, offer little of interest, and can feel desolate and unsafe, especially at night.
🛡️ Stay here instead: Central (Nevsky Prospekt Area)
The bustling heart of the city, brimming with historical landmarks, grand architecture, and endless shopping and dining options.
Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in Saint Petersburg
Now you know which areas to avoid, here are the best guided experiences to explore the city with confidence.
Saint Petersburg Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems
Discover Saint Petersburg on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.
View Tour Details
Saint Petersburg Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites
Eat your way through Saint Petersburg with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.
View Tour Details
Best of Saint Petersburg: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions
Skip the queues and get straight into Saint Petersburg's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.
View Tour Details
Day Trip from Saint Petersburg: Scenic Excursion
Escape Saint Petersburg for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
View Tour Details
Saint Petersburg Cultural Experience: History & Traditions
Go beyond sightseeing and connect with Saint Petersburg's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.
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Stay Safe, Explore Confidently
Book a hotel in a safe neighbourhood or join a guided tour in Saint Petersburg
Stay in a safe neighbourhood
Compare hotels in Saint Petersburg on Expedia
Book a guided tour
Explore Saint Petersburg safely with a local guide
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Book a Hotel in a Safe Neighbourhood
These areas are recommended by locals and popular with travellers
Central (Nevsky Prospekt Area)
The bustling heart of the city, brimming with historical landmarks, grand architecture, and endless shopping and dining options.
Generally safe due to high foot traffic and police presence during the day, but be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas; at night, stick to well-lit main streets.
Petrograd Side (Petrogradsky District)
A more relaxed, residential area with beautiful Art Nouveau architecture, green spaces, and a growing number of trendy cafes and restaurants.
Generally safe for both day and night, with good lighting and residential feel; still advisable to be aware of your surroundings.
General Safety Tips for Saint Petersburg
At Night
Stick to well-lit, populated streets, especially in the city center. Major avenues like Nevsky Prospekt are busy, but smaller side streets can become quiet and feel less secure. Use reputable taxi services.
Solo Female Travel
Saint Petersburg is generally safe for solo female travelers. Standard precautions apply: be aware of your surroundings, avoid walking alone in deserted areas late at night, and keep valuables secure.
Emergency Number
112
Stay Connected
Save your accommodation address and emergency contacts on your phone. Download offline maps before exploring.
Common Scams to Watch For in Saint Petersburg
- 1Overpriced taxis: Always use official apps or agree on a price beforehand.
- 2Street vendors selling fake goods or offering 'guided tours' that lead to expensive shops.
- 3Pickpocketing: Especially in crowded tourist spots, metro stations, and on public transport.
Travel Insurance for Saint Petersburg
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.
Safe Neighborhoods to Stay Instead
These areas are popular with travellers and rated well for safety
Central (Nevsky Prospekt Area)
The bustling heart of the city, brimming with historical landmarks, grand architecture, and endless shopping and dining options.
Generally safe due to high foot traffic and police presence during the day, but be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas; at night, stick to well-lit main streets.
Petrograd Side (Petrogradsky District)
A more relaxed, residential area with beautiful Art Nouveau architecture, green spaces, and a growing number of trendy cafes and restaurants.
Generally safe for both day and night, with good lighting and residential feel; still advisable to be aware of your surroundings.
Vasilievsky Island (Vasileostrovsky District)
A historic island district with a grid-like street plan, home to universities, museums, and a lively student population.
Safe during the day, especially around university buildings and main attractions; nighttime can be quieter and less populated in some areas, so stay aware.
Kolomna (Admiralteysky District - Southern Part)
A charming, historically rich residential area known for its beautiful churches, canals, and quieter, more authentic St. Petersburg atmosphere.
Very safe during the day and generally safe at night due to its residential nature, but less street lighting in some areas means sticking to main paths is wise.
Safety in Saint Petersburg
SafeSolo Female Travel
Saint Petersburg is generally safe for solo female travelers. Standard precautions apply: be aware of your surroundings, avoid walking alone in deserted areas late at night, and keep valuables secure.
At Night
Stick to well-lit, populated streets, especially in the city center. Major avenues like Nevsky Prospekt are busy, but smaller side streets can become quiet and feel less secure. Use reputable taxi services.
Emergency
112
Common Scams to Watch For
- 1Overpriced taxis: Always use official apps or agree on a price beforehand.
- 2Street vendors selling fake goods or offering 'guided tours' that lead to expensive shops.
- 3Pickpocketing: Especially in crowded tourist spots, metro stations, and on public transport.
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