The film was mainly shot in Saint Petersburg, with some additional filming in the Leningrad Oblast. Key filming locations include Vitebsky Railway Station, where Danila Bagrov's adventure begins, and the city center with its iconic landmarks such as Kazan Cathedral and the Bronze Horseman. Much of the action takes place on Vasilyevsky Island, where Danila meets Hoffman at Andreyevsky Market. The film also features Smolensk Lutheran Cemetery, Sennaya Square, and Tuchkov Bridge, where a chase occurs. Scenes were also filmed on the Petrograd Side and in a house on the Moika River, where Viktor Bagrov's apartment is located. The opening scenes and the music video for the band Nautilus Pompilius were shot in Priozersk. These locations became an integral part of the film, emphasizing the atmosphere and mood of the story.

Filming Locations:

Station

In the Movie

Scene where Danila Bagrov arrives in Saint Petersburg. The train pulls into the platform, and Danila steps out of the carriage, looking around. He then heads to the station's main hall, where he is met by the harsh reality of the northern capital. Exiting the station, Danila begins his walk through the city, which will lead him to iconic places in Petersburg.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at Vitebsky Railway Station. Vitebsky Railway Station is one of the most beautiful and historic stations in Saint Petersburg, built in 1904 according to the design of architect Stanislav Brzhozovsky. Its luxurious metal structures and imperial style create an impressive backdrop for the beginning of the protagonist's adventures in the city.

Embankment

In the Movie

Scene where Danila begins his walk through the city. In the background, music by the band Nautilus Pompilius plays, which becomes the soundtrack to his adventures. Danila walks through iconic places of the city, admiring the sights.

In Reality

The scene was filmed on the Griboyedov Canal, near Kazan Cathedral. This location was chosen not by chance, as Kazan Cathedral is one of the most iconic and majestic churches in the city, located in the historical part of Saint Petersburg. The cathedral is built in the style of Russian classicism and is a monument of Russian military glory, making it a symbol of the city and its history.

Vitya's House

In the Movie

Scene where Danila Bagrov finally finds the house where his brother Viktor lives. When Danila enters the front entrance, he sees tall columns reaching to the ceiling, creating an impression of grandeur and historical significance. Climbing the stairs to the second floor, he heads to his brother's apartment.

In Reality

The scene was filmed in the tenement house of the joint-stock company Stroitel, located on Zakharyevskaya Street in Saint Petersburg. This house was built in 1909 and is a cultural heritage site of regional significance. The front entrance with its columns and historical decor creates an impressive and worthy backdrop for the scene, emphasizing the contrast between Danila's simple appearance and his brother's more affluent lifestyle. The filming location conveys the atmosphere of old Petersburg, which is important for a film about life in the 1990s.