Saint Petersburg-2-day-itinerary
Day 1: Monday
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
Place to Visit
- Peterhof Palace: Start your day with a visit to the stunning Peterhof Palace, an Imperial Summer Residence famous for its fountains and beautiful gardens. Take the metro to “Vsyolkovo” station.
Activity
- Guided Tour: Join a guided tour to explore the palace’s grand interiors and gardens.
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM)
Restaurant
- Kofe House on Griboyedova Street: Enjoy lunch at this cozy café, known for its delicious soups and sandwiches. Try their specialty—chicken soup!
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM)
Place to Visit
- Hermitage Museum: Spend the afternoon exploring one of the world’s largest and most renowned museums, housing a vast collection of art and cultural artifacts from around the globe.
Activity
- Self-guided Tour: Use the museum’s interactive maps to plan your visit. Don’t miss the stunning Raphael Rooms.
Dinner (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM)
Restaurant
- Borschtsch Restaurant & Bar: For dinner, head to this restaurant famous for its borscht and other traditional Russian dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
Evening (9:00 PM - 11:00 PM)
Place to Visit
- Nevsky Avenue (Nevskiy Prospekt): End your day by strolling along one of the city’s most iconic streets, lined with cafes, shops, and historical buildings.
Transportation
- Metro: Use the metro system extensively for traveling around the city.
- Bus: Consider using buses for shorter trips or when you prefer to avoid the metro.
Day 2: Tuesday
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
Place to Visit
- Kazan Cathedral: Start your day by visiting this beautiful Orthodox cathedral, famous for its stunning interior and peaceful atmosphere. Take a short walk from Nevsky Avenue.
Activity
- Take Your Time: Enjoy the cathedral’s serenity and take time to appreciate its details.
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM)
Restaurant
- Kvartirka: For lunch, visit this cozy restaurant serving a variety of traditional Russian dishes in an intimate setting. Try their specialty—pirogies!
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM)
Place to Visit
- Peter and Paul Fortress: Spend the afternoon exploring the historic Peter and Paul Fortress, housing St. Peter’s Cathedral.
Activity
- Cathedral Tour: Join a guided tour of the cathedral for an insightful understanding of its history and significance.
Dinner (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM)
Restaurant
- Mikshak: For dinner, head to this restaurant famous for its delicious burgers in a modern and cozy setting. Don’t miss their great selection of craft beers!
Evening (9:00 PM - 11:00 PM)
Place to Visit
- Strelka Park: End your day by visiting Strelka Park, offering beautiful views of the city’s skyline. It’s a perfect spot for a leisurely walk or a picnic.
Transportation
- Metro: Use the metro for convenient travel around the city.
- Walking and Cycling: Consider walking and cycling through the city to get a feel for its layout and charm.
Things to Know
- Weather: Saint Petersburg can be quite chilly, especially in mornings and evenings during spring and autumn. Pack accordingly.
- Respect Local Customs: Be respectful of local customs, especially when visiting churches or other historical sites.
- Tipping Culture: Follow the tipping culture in Russia, which is generally less than in Western countries.
Tips
- Learn Some Russian Phrases: Learn basic Russian phrases like “Privyet” (hello), “Spasibo” (thank you), and “Pozdravlyayte” (goodbye) to make your stay more enjoyable.
- Enjoy the City’s Charm: Saint Petersburg is known for its beautiful architecture, cultural events, and historical sites. Take time to appreciate its charm.
Other Things of Interest
- Visit in May or September: For a more pleasant weather experience, visit Saint Petersburg in spring (May) or autumn (September).
- Consider Buying a Museum Pass: To save money on individual museum visits, consider buying a museum pass that grants you entry to several museums for one price.