St Petersburg Russia 5 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the Historic Center

  • Morning: Arrive in St. Petersburg and check-in to your hotel.
  • 10:00 AM: Start at St. Isaac’s Cathedral, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Take a stroll around the cathedral and visit the adjacent Grand Palace.
  • 12:30 PM: Have lunch at Pryanik, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Russian cuisine.
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the nearby St. Peter and St. Paul Church, another beautiful example of Baroque architecture in the city.
  • 4:00 PM: Explore the Nevsky Prospekt, one of the city’s main thoroughfares, lined with shops, cafes, and historical buildings.
  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Russian Vodka Room, a restaurant serving modern Russian cuisine.

Day 2: The Hermitage and Palace Square

  • 9:00 AM: Start the day at The State Hermitage Museum, one of the largest and most visited museums in the world. Spend the morning exploring the vast collections.
  • 1:00 PM: Take a break for lunch at Cafe Pushkin, a charming restaurant located within the Hermitage complex.
  • 3:00 PM: Visit The Palace Square (Dvortsovaya Ploshchad), the heart of St. Petersburg’s historic center, surrounded by stunning buildings and monuments.
  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Morskoy, a restaurant serving seafood cuisine.

Day 3: Peterhof and Catherine’s Palace

  • 9:00 AM: Take a day trip to Peterhof (about an hour outside the city), featuring stunning palaces, parks, and fountains.
  • 1:00 PM: Enjoy lunch at Peterhof’s restaurant, offering traditional Russian cuisine.
  • 3:00 PM: Visit Catherine’s Palace, one of the most beautiful royal palaces in Russia, located within the Peterhof complex.
  • 6:00 PM: Return to St. Petersburg and enjoy dinner at Beluga, a modern European restaurant.

Day 4: The Russian Museum and Church on Spilled Blood

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Russian Museum (Ermitazh), showcasing an extensive collection of Russian art.
  • 12:30 PM: Have lunch at Gostiny Dvor, a restaurant located within the museum complex, serving traditional Russian cuisine.
  • 2:00 PM: Explore the nearby Church on Spilled Blood, one of the city’s most unique and ornate churches.
  • 5:00 PM: Visit the St. Michael Castle (also known as Mikhailovsky Palace), a former residence of the Romanov royal family.

Day 5: The City’s Canals and Smolny

  • 9:00 AM: Take a stroll through the city’s beautiful canal network, including the Griboyedov Canal.
  • 11:00 AM: Visit the Smolny Cathedral, an iconic example of Baroque architecture in St. Petersburg.
  • 1:00 PM: Enjoy lunch at Materik, a modern restaurant serving international cuisine.
  • 3:00 PM: End your day with a visit to The Field of Mars (Polyany), one of the city’s most beautiful parks.

Places to Go:

  • St. Isaac’s Cathedral
  • The State Hermitage Museum
  • Palace Square (Dvortsovaya Ploshchad)
  • Peterhof and Catherine’s Palace
  • Russian Museum
  • Church on Spilled Blood
  • Smolny Cathedral

Activities:

  • Take a stroll through the city’s canal network
  • Visit the Grand Palace
  • Enjoy a traditional Russian meal at one of the many local restaurants

Where to Eat:

  • Pryanik (traditional Russian cuisine)
  • Russian Vodka Room (modern Russian cuisine)
  • Morskoy (seafood cuisine)
  • Beluga (modern European cuisine)
  • Gostiny Dvor (traditional Russian cuisine)
  • Materik (international cuisine)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel Indigo St. Petersburg (located near the city’s historic center)
  • Hotel Domina Pulkovskaya (located in the heart of St. Petersburg)
  • Hotel The St. Petersburg (a luxurious hotel located on Nevsky Prospekt)

Transportation:

  • Metro system: convenient and efficient way to travel around the city
  • Taxi: widely available, but be sure to use licensed taxis
  • Public buses: an affordable option for shorter journeys

Tips:

  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll likely do a lot of walking during your visit.
  • Try to learn some basic Russian phrases to help you navigate the city.

Other Things to Know:

  • St. Petersburg has a rich cultural scene, with many museums, theaters, and concert halls to explore.
  • The city is known for its stunning architecture and beautiful canals.
  • Be sure to try some of the local cuisine, including traditional Russian dishes like borscht and pelmeni.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to St. Petersburg! Enjoy your visit to this beautiful city.