St Petersburg 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1:

Places to Go:

  • The Hermitage Museum: One of the largest and most famous museums in the world. (Open Tuesday-Sunday)
    • Address: Dvortsovaya nab., 34
    • Ticket Price: RUB 500 (~ $7 USD)
  • St. Isaac’s Cathedral: A beautiful cathedral with a golden dome, offering stunning views of the city.
    • Address: Nevskiy pr., 4
    • Entrance Fee: Free (donations welcome)

Activities:

  • Take a guided tour of The Hermitage Museum to get the most out of your visit.
  • Explore the surrounding streets and alleys around the cathedral.

Where to Eat:

  • Tsaritsa: Traditional Russian cuisine with stunning views of the city. (Open daily)
    • Address: Nevskiy pr., 36
    • Price Range: RUB 1,500-3,000 (~ $20-$40 USD) per meal

Where to Stay:

  • Hotel Indigo St. Petersburg: A stylish hotel with comfortable rooms and a great location.
    • Address: Suvorovskiy proezd, 18
    • Price Range: RUB 6,000-10,000 (~ $80-$140 USD) per night

Things to Know:

  • Language: Russian is the primary language spoken in St. Petersburg. Many locals speak some English, but it’s still a good idea to learn basic phrases like “hello” (Здравствуйте), “thank you” (спасибо), and “excuse me” (простите).
  • Currency: The Russian ruble (RUB) is the local currency. You can exchange your money at banks or currency exchange offices.
  • Weather: St. Petersburg has a humid continental climate with cold winters and mild summers.

Transportation:

  • Metro: The metro system in St. Petersburg is efficient and convenient. You can buy a rechargeable ticket (RUB 45-55 ~ $0.60-$0.70 USD) at any station.
  • Taxi: Taxis are readily available, but make sure to use licensed taxi companies like Yandex Taxi or Gett.

Tips:

  • Be prepared for crowds: St. Petersburg is a popular tourist destination, so expect large crowds and long lines at popular attractions.
  • Respect local customs: Russia has strict laws regarding photography, especially near government buildings or military areas.
  • Try traditional Russian food: Be adventurous and try some of the local specialties like borscht, beef stroganoff, or pierogies.

Day 2:

Places to Go:

  • Peterhof Palace: A stunning imperial palace with beautiful gardens and fountains. (Open daily)
    • Address: Gatchinskoye shosse, 29
    • Ticket Price: RUB 800 (~ $10 USD)
  • Catherine Park: A picturesque park with walking trails, lakes, and monuments.
    • Address: Strelka, 1

Activities:

  • Take a guided tour of Peterhof Palace to learn about its history and architecture.
  • Explore the beautiful gardens and fountains surrounding the palace.

Where to Eat:

  • Dvor: A cozy restaurant with traditional Russian cuisine. (Open daily)
    • Address: Nevskiy pr., 56
    • Price Range: RUB 1,500-3,000 (~ $20-$40 USD) per meal

Where to Stay:

  • Hotel Novotel St. Petersburg Centre: A comfortable hotel with modern rooms and a great location.
    • Address: Mokhovaya ul., 2
    • Price Range: RUB 6,000-10,000 (~ $80-$140 USD) per night

Things to Know:

  • History: Peterhof Palace has a rich history dating back to the 18th century. Be prepared for some fascinating stories and anecdotes.
  • Weather: St. Petersburg can be quite rainy, so make sure to bring an umbrella.

Transportation:

  • Bus: You can take bus number 11 or 117 from the city center to Peterhof Palace.
  • Taxi: It’s also possible to take a taxi, but be prepared for some traffic congestion.

Tips:

  • Plan ahead: Book your tickets and tours in advance to avoid long lines and sold-out attractions.
  • Respect local rules: Be aware of any dress code restrictions or photography prohibitions at certain attractions.

Day 3:

Places to Go:

  • Smolny Institute: A beautiful baroque church with stunning architecture. (Open Tuesday-Sunday)
    • Address: Nevskiy pr., 24
    • Entrance Fee: Free (donations welcome)
  • Strelka Embankment: A picturesque promenade along the Neva River, offering great views of the city.
    • Address: Strelka, 1

Activities:

  • Take a leisurely stroll along the Strelka Embankment and enjoy the scenic views.
  • Visit the Smolny Institute to admire its beautiful baroque architecture.

Where to Eat:

  • Gostiny Dvor: A cozy restaurant with traditional Russian cuisine. (Open daily)
    • Address: Nevskiy pr., 30
    • Price Range: RUB 1,500-3,000 (~ $20-$40 USD) per meal

Where to Stay:

  • Hotel Pulkovskaya: A comfortable hotel with modern rooms and a great location.
    • Address: Komsomolskiy prospekt, 25
    • Price Range: RUB 6,000-10,000 (~ $80-$140 USD) per night

Things to Know:

  • Language: Russian is the primary language spoken in St. Petersburg. Many locals speak some English.
  • Currency: The Russian ruble (RUB) is the local currency.

Transportation:

  • Metro: You can take the metro from any station to reach the attractions on this day.
  • Taxi: It’s also possible to take a taxi, but be prepared for some traffic congestion.

Tips:

  • Be adventurous: Try some of the local street food or visit a traditional Russian market.
  • Respect local customs: Be mindful of any cultural or historical sensitivities at certain attractions.