All these, along with the Kunstkamera Museum, the Menshikov Palace, and a handful of historic churches, are located at the western end of the island, which otherwise comprises a grid of parallel streets (the lines) originally planned as canals.
The eastern end of the island is the site of St. Petersburg’s Passenger Sea Port and the Lenexpo exhibition and event complex, and is a modern residential area mostly developed in the late Soviet era.
The old part of Vasilevsky Island combines historic charm and proximity to St. Petersburg’s top sites and attractions with a distinctively laid-back, bohemian atmosphere.
This makes it an attractive option for accommodation, especially for longer stays in the city, although the number of hotels is considerably lower than across the river in the city centre.
The main disadvantage of staying on Vasilevsky Island is the opening of the bridges during the navigation season, which isolates the island from the rest of the city during the nights in Summer, a major problem if you’re planning to stay out late or have an early morning flight to catch.
