Everything you wanted to know about roofs (but were afraid to ask).
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ANDREI OREKHOV
‘Roofing’ is a popular way of exploring St. Petersburg. It differs from roofing in other Russian cities.
ANDREI OREKHOV
Why? You can see many old buildings with the roofs, that gives an amazing view.
ANDREI OREKHOV
Skyscrapers and high buildings are forbidden in the center of St. Petersburg, so nothing will obstruct the view.
ANDREI OREKHOV
How to access your chosen roof? The main thing is you need to be smart and persistent.
ANDREI OREKHOV
The first challenge is to open the door — which will require someone on the inside. However, there are some universal keys that open the majority of doors.
ANDREI OREKHOV
If you don’t have any local friends that could help you to get in, you need to wait for someone to enter the building.
ANDREI OREKHOV
Apartment blocks in St. Petersburg are placed close to each other, so you might end up on the roof of the adjacent building.
ANDREI OREKHOV
Is it dangerous? Yes.
Roofing and danger go hand in hand. You need to be very careful, better to explore the city’s best roofs with a local guide who knows where to go.
ANDREI OREKHOV
Rooftop excursions in St. Petersburg are a common tourist activity. It’s not a big deal to find someone who will save you time — and possibly your life.
ANDREI OREKHOV
According to Russian law, roofing is not illegal, but locals might object to you clambering over their roofs.
ANDREI OREKHOV
If the police are called, it might spoil your day. The fine for hooliganism is currently $7.5.
ANDREI OREKHOV
What you can see on high? The views are mostly ‘local’, i.e. you’ll see a bridge, a nice street, some narrow alleys, cathedrals, and a St. Petersburg feature — well house guards.
ANDREI OREKHOV
Where to see the best view? No roofer will tell you about the best-kept secrets. But some famous places to see are the roofs of the buildings along the Neva river, on the bank of the Moyka river, or along the Fontanka and Griboedov canals.
