Saint Petersburg-6-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in St. Petersburg

  • Morning: Arrive at Pulkovo Airport (LED) or take a train from Moscow
  • Afternoon: Check-in at Hotel Indigo Saint Petersburg Tchaikovskogo, located in the heart of the city, within walking distance to many attractions
  • Evening:
    • Head to Peterhof Palace and Park (30 minutes away by car or bus), a grand imperial palace with impressive gardens and fountains
    • Enjoy dinner at Grand Kanonier, a traditional Russian restaurant serving authentic dishes

Day 2: Hermitage Museum and City Exploration

  • Morning: Visit the world-renowned Hermitage Museum (open from 10 am to 6 pm), one of the largest and oldest museums in the world
  • Afternoon:
    • Explore the nearby Nevsky Prospekt, a famous avenue lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings
    • Stop by St. Isaac’s Square and admire the majestic St. Isaac’s Cathedral
    • Enjoy lunch at Sukko Cafe, a cozy spot serving international cuisine
  • Evening:
    • Attend an optional Ballet Performance at the Mariinsky Theatre (book tickets in advance)
    • Have dinner at Palkin, a historic restaurant offering Russian and European dishes

Day 3: Imperial Russia

  • Morning: Visit Peter and Paul Fortress (open from 10 am to 6 pm), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the burial place of Peter the Great
  • Afternoon:
    • Explore the Hermitage Museum’s Imperial Apartments, featuring opulent interiors and artifacts from Russia’s imperial past
    • Visit the nearby Winter Palace, another impressive example of Russian architecture
    • Enjoy lunch at CafĂ© Pushkin, a charming spot with outdoor seating
  • Evening:
    • Take a romantic River Cruise along the Neva River (book tickets in advance)
    • Have dinner at Yakhont, a seafood restaurant with a cozy atmosphere

Day 4: Palace and Park Visits

  • Morning: Visit Catherine Palace (open from 10 am to 6 pm), one of the most impressive palaces in St. Petersburg, featuring beautiful gardens and fountains
  • Afternoon:
    • Explore the nearby Tsarskoe Selo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former royal estate
    • Visit the Alexander Palace, another stunning palace with impressive interiors
    • Enjoy lunch at Vasilievsky Island Cafe, a cozy spot serving international cuisine
  • Evening:
    • Attend an optional Concert Performance at the Mikhailovsky Theatre (book tickets in advance)
    • Have dinner at Makarova, a restaurant serving traditional Russian dishes

Day 5: Art and Culture

  • Morning: Visit the State Museum of Theatrical and Musical Arts (open from 10 am to 6 pm), featuring exhibits on St. Petersburg’s rich cultural heritage
  • Afternoon:
    • Explore the nearby Anichkov Palace, a beautiful example of Russian architecture with impressive interiors
    • Visit the Russian Museum (open from 10 am to 5 pm), one of the oldest and largest museums in Russia, featuring exhibits on Russian art and culture
    • Enjoy lunch at Tosca Restaurant, a cozy spot serving Italian cuisine
  • Evening:
    • Attend an optional Circus Performance at the State Circus (book tickets in advance)
    • Have dinner at Chekhov Theatre Cafe, a charming spot serving international cuisine

Day 6: Departure from St. Petersburg

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or exploring the city’s many museums and galleries
  • Afternoon: Check-out of your hotel and head to Pulkovo Airport (LED) or take a train back to Moscow
  • Evening: Depart from St. Petersburg, bringing back memories of this incredible city

Things to Know:

  • Weather: St. Petersburg has a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters.
  • Currency: Russian Ruble (RUB)
  • Language: Russian is the official language, but many locals speak English, especially in tourist areas.
  • Transportation:
    • Metro: efficient and extensive network of metro lines
    • Buses: an affordable option for shorter journeys
    • Taxis: available at taxi stands or by phone app
  • Tips:
    • Learn some basic Russian phrases to show respect for the local culture
    • Be prepared for crowds and long queues at popular attractions
    • Try traditional Russian cuisine, including dishes like borscht and beef stroganoff

Recommended Accommodations:

  • Hotel Indigo Saint Petersburg Tchaikovskogo: a stylish hotel with comfortable rooms and excellent location
  • Hotel Pulkovskaya: a cozy hotel with simple rooms and convenient location near the airport
  • Hostel Lappri: a budget-friendly hostel with dorms and private rooms, located in the heart of St. Petersburg

Recommended Restaurants:

  • Grand Kanonier: traditional Russian cuisine with authentic dishes
  • Palkin: historic restaurant serving Russian and European cuisine
  • Yakhont: seafood restaurant with cozy atmosphere and delicious dishes

Note: This itinerary is just a suggestion, and you may adjust it according to your interests and preferences. Make sure to book tickets and accommodations in advance to avoid any issues. Enjoy your trip to St. Petersburg!