European city centers are filled with quiet car-free pedestrian streets. I can name only three without googling in Saint Petersburg. Solyanoy alley is a charming, quiet street in the city center which used to be a channel in 18th century.

When I visit this place it is like I’m carried away and I’m on vacation. The alley is quite short but it is filled with sights. One of them is the famous Stieglitz academy of art. The building itself is a piece of art, you can always inspect it inside. There are tours every day despite the lectures.

My favorite part is grabbing a coffee and dessert from the closest bakery and spending some time in the alley on a bench enjoying the view. Sometimes there are students of the art academy drawing right outside, it can be a huge inspiration.

You may not see what I see in Solyanoy alley but I encourage you to pay this street a visit as it’s an unusual place soaked with culture, art and history. Inspiration can hit you unexpectedly.