Big Neva River Embankment: A Hidden Gem in the City

My Go-To Spot for a Quick Escape from City Life

summarizeEditor's Summary

City life can be overwhelming, especially when you're stuck in a tiny apartment with a mortgage that's eating away at your savings. But I've found a secret spot that's changed my daily routine - the Big Neva River embankment. It's a hidden gem nestled between Lakhta and a 300-year-old park, just a stone's throw away from the bustling Primorsky Prospekt. I stumbled upon this spot by accident while taking a spontaneous walk away from the crowds. The promenade isn't marked on Yandex Maps, so you'll need to take a detour to find it. But trust me, it's worth the extra effort.

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Hello!

Living in a city can be overwhelming, especially when you're stuck with tiny living spaces and high interest rates. But I've found a hidden gem that's changed my daily routine - the Big Neva River embankment. It's a tranquil oasis right next to Lakhta and the 300-year-old park.

I stumbled upon this spot while taking a spontaneous walk away from the bustling Primorsky Prospekt. I'd seen rave reviews about it, but I had no idea it was just around the corner. If I hadn't taken that detour, I'd have never known - the promenade isn't marked on Yandex Maps. By the way, let's talk about the location.

The space is conveniently located near the 'Begovaya' metro station, right next to the 'Tri Veta' residential complex. You can walk there from the metro or take public transport for 5 minutes to the 'TC Lenta' stop. As you walk, you'll pass by the 'Lenta' hypermarket on your left, followed by the auto center, and voilà - the entrance to the promenade:

So, how do you know you're on the right track? Just look for this beautiful turquoise tile:

At first, they'd planted a lot of greenery, but unfortunately, most of it didn't make it. Only a couple of little trees managed to survive:

But the real local hero is the hawthorn - it's weathered all the hardships and adds some color to the space. Last autumn, it even produced some fruit:

The most scenic part of the path is where the river meets the bay.

Not only do the waterways intersect here, but so do the transportation routes - the ZSD and the Yacht pedestrian bridge. The latter might not have any traffic, but it's bustling with people visiting the two parks and football fans.

On a cloudy day, you can get lost watching the clouds, and in the winter, it's a great spot to catch the sunset:

I've spent some time exploring this new waterfront area, and I'm impressed with the progress they've made. Last summer, the sunset view was partially blocked, but now they've set up plenty of benches and swings to take it all in.

The orange balls in the foreground are decorative elements, probably meant to match the nearby rescue ring.

Just last winter, this area was limited to a few swings and a neglected shoreline littered with construction debris.

However, even this improved section was enough for me to enjoy the view and breathe in the sea air. But come summer, a new section was built.

Along the waterfront, they've installed a long wooden promenade. It's a great idea, as there weren't any well-maintained paths in this area before. The boardwalk is wide enough for strollers and moms with kids to walk comfortably.

The wooden path leads to a colorful awning, which looks relatively futuristic, especially at night, but I'll get to that later.

This awning is the most confusing part for me. At the bottom, there are those same colorful buoys, which seem like swings, but they're anchored and stable. They can't even serve as a reliable shelter from the weather.

But further along, there are some functional sun loungers. They're comfortable, have a 360-degree rotating mechanism, and offer a great view of the ZENit arena.

Further along the path, there's another row of those bright buoys.

I've been to this spot on the waterfront a few times, and I have to say, it's a hidden gem. There's a little corner with benches and tables under a canopy, and it's a real treat. I love that they've got tables here - it's not something you see often in places like this. Even though the benches and loungers are empty, two of the four tables are taken, and one of them's even got a whole crew of people hanging out. This is the farthest point of the waterfront development so far. At least, it is for now. Here's a shot of the planned extension:

As you can see, the plans are pretty ambitious, and they've only just started building about 20% of what's planned. They're aiming to finish the whole thing by 2025, so maybe by this summer we'll be able to explore some of the new route. For now, I'll just share some nighttime shots of the waterfront:

The ZENIT Arena in all its glory.

Piterland and the Lakhtha Centre.

The lights on the ZSD.

And the dark waters of the autumn bay...

Thanks for checking it out, everyone!

live_helpFeatured FAQ

Is the Big Neva River embankment a free public space?

Yes, the promenade is a free public space, open to everyone during daylight hours.

Are there any amenities or services available on site?

Unfortunately, there aren't many amenities or services available on site. However, you can easily access the nearby 'Lenta' hypermarket and auto center for any essentials.

Can I access the embankment from the 'Begovaya' metro station?

Yes, the 'Begovaya' metro station is just a short walk away from the Big Neva River embankment. Simply exit the metro and follow the signs to the promenade.

Is the promenade stroller-friendly?

Yes, the promenade is stroller-friendly, with a smooth and even walking path.

Can I bring my dog to the embankment?

Yes, dogs are welcome on the promenade, but please be sure to clean up after them and keep them on a leash.

Are there any events or activities held on the embankment?

Yes, the Big Neva River embankment hosts various events and activities throughout the year, including concerts, festivals, and art exhibitions.

check_circlePros

•The Big Neva River embankment is a modern oasis that's perfect for unwinding, with a stunning view of the river.
•The location is super convenient, with the 'Begovaya' metro station just a short walk away.
•The promenade is lined with tall trees and has a smooth walking path, making it ideal for a relaxing stroll.
•You can easily access the 'Tri Veta' residential complex and the 'TC Lenta' shopping center from here.
•The embankment is close to the 'Lenta' hypermarket and an auto center, making it a great spot to combine shopping with a scenic walk.
•The promenade is stroller-friendly and wheelchair-accessible, making it a great spot for families and people with mobility issues.

cancelCons

•The promenade can get pretty crowded on weekends, especially during peak summer months.
•There aren't many amenities or services available on site, so you'll need to bring your own snacks and drinks.
•The embankment can be a bit tricky to find, especially if you're not familiar with the area.
•Some sections of the promenade are still under construction, which can be a bit of a nuisance.
•The embankment can get pretty windy, especially during the spring and fall seasons.