✱ However, pay attention! If you want to see the movement of drawbridges, remember that usually the official navigation season in Saint Petersburg lasts from April 10 to November 29. Sometimes, due to weather and ice on the river, these dates can be changed by about a week. But guaranteed, from December to almost mid-April, bridges will not be raised!
Of course, this does not mean that there is nothing to do here in winter. Petersburg is great at any time of the year, but exactly here we are talking about the seasonal show.
Access to the Palace Bridge and and the area around is absolutely free at any time. But. With the exception of three days a year: May 9 (Victory Day in World War II), the last Sunday of July (Russian NAVY Day) - these days, grandiose military parades take place here.
And also in one of days between June 20th and 30th, the 'Scarlet Sails' celebration is held annually in St. Petersburg, which has been recognized many times as the best street show in Europe.
More On these dates, visitor access directly to the Palace Bridge and adjacent embankments may be limited or completely prohibited. Also, on the indicated dates, it is impossible to book some river tours, the route of which begins or passes on the Neva River, incl some 'Drawbridges' night boat tours.
Check schedule before purchasing.
Nevertheless, it is on these days, you have the rarest chance to see the raised bridges at daytime! Sure, there will be crowds here, but the show is worth it. There is also a more elegant way to see the best there is in St. Petersburg - to
book an accommodation with a view of the river and bridges
More info about bridges in St Petersburg