Petrogradskiy

1.6 miles from downtown

Romantic and affluent. These seven islands, the largest of which is Petrogradsky, are all linked by bridges. See the stunning environs of the Peter and Paul Fortress and Aleksandrovsky Park. Founded in 1842 during the reign of Tsar Nicholas I, the park holds small-scale bronze reproductions of iconic Russian buildings, and an impressive Planetarium.

Places to stay from $4 a night

Vasileostrovskiy

2.4 miles from downtown

Scholars, hipsters and urbanites. This slightly secluded area teems with students from the State University. Industrial leftovers, colonised by students, dovetail between hole-in-the-wall cafes and quirky local bars. For the area’s prime picks, see mixed media exhibitions at the Erarta Museum of Modern Art, or views from the “Spit”.

Places to stay from $3 a night

Admiralteyskiy

1.2 miles from downtown

A nod to the neoclassical. The Admiralty Building (a naval academy) and Saint Isaac’s Cathedral represent the style at its finest. This is an affluent area, where Saint Petersburg’s elite live lives of pomp and privilege in the city’s oldest district, with canals reminiscent of Amsterdam. Stroll in Yusupovsky Garden, then take tea at Teplo (an inviting little restaurant).

Places to stay from $1 a night

Moskovskiy

6.1 miles from downtown

Gateway to Saint Petersburg. Most journeys along Moskovsky Prospekt pass the Moscow Triumphal Gate, a cast-iron neoclassical construction. The entire area bears an air of incompleteness because development was halted after Stalin’s death. Dig a little deeper, and you’ll find Moskovsky Victory Park, awash with cafés and wholesome family entertainment.

Places to stay from $2 a night

Vyborgsky

6.8 miles from downtown

A concrete rose. Awash with forsaken steel-and-brick factories, scorned buildings and uncherished old churches, this quiet outer-city district is celebrated for one rare bloom. Unsung Shuvalovsky Park is wild and verdant, a mere taste of Russia’s incredible wildlife – come here with good walking shoes.

Places to stay from $3 a night

Tsentralny

In downtown

A cluster of inner-city areas. Culture meets commerce on Nevsky Prospekt, a rolling strip of neon-lit storefronts, church edifices and non-stop people-movement. Veer off for the best bits: the Hermitage for boundless paintings and bejewelled Tsarist trinkets, Tavrichesky Garden for solitude under the oak trees, and cappuccinos at Schastye Café.

Places to stay from $3 a night