St Petersburg Russia 6 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

  • Morning:
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the nearby Smolny Cathedral (free admission), a beautiful example of 18th-century architecture
    • Walk to the nearby St. Isaac’s Square, a bustling area with street performers, cafes, and shops
    • Grab lunch at Yolki-Palki, a local fast-food chain serving traditional Russian cuisine (approx. $10-$15)
  • Evening:
    • Take a stroll along the Griboyedov Canal, a picturesque waterway with beautiful bridges and architecture
    • Enjoy dinner at Pryanik, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Russian dishes (approx. $20-$30)

Day 2: Hermitage Museum

  • Morning:
    • Visit the Hermitage Museum (tickets approx. $15, free admission on Wednesday evenings)
    • Spend several hours exploring the vast collection of art and artifacts from around the world
    • Grab lunch at Café Pushkin, a elegant restaurant located within the museum (approx. $20-$30)
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Winter Palace, a stunning example of 18th-century architecture and former residence of Russian tsars
    • Explore the nearby St. George’s Hall, a beautiful example of Baroque architecture
  • Evening:
    • Enjoy dinner at White Rabbit, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving modern European cuisine (approx. $50-$70)

Day 3: Peter and Paul Fortress

  • Morning:
    • Visit the Peter and Paul Fortress, a historic fortress built in 1703
    • Explore the nearby St. Peter’s Square, a beautiful area with stunning views of the city
    • Grab lunch at Solyanka, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Russian cuisine (approx. $10-$15)
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Peter and Paul Cathedral, a beautiful example of Baroque architecture
    • Explore the nearby St. Catherine’s Square, a bustling area with street performers, cafes, and shops

Day 4: Dvortsovaya Ploshchad

  • Morning:
    • Visit the Dvortsovaya Ploshchad, a beautiful square surrounded by stunning architecture
    • Explore the nearby Marinsky Theater, a historic theater with stunning architecture and interior design
    • Grab lunch at Gostiny Dvor, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Russian cuisine (approx. $10-$15)
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Russian Museum, a museum showcasing Russian art and culture
    • Explore the nearby St. Michael’s Castle, a beautiful example of 19th-century architecture

Day 5: Canal Embankment

  • Morning:
    • Take a stroll along the Canal Embankment, a picturesque waterway with beautiful bridges and architecture
    • Visit the nearby Anichkov Bridge, a stunning example of Baroque architecture
    • Grab lunch at Borodino Steakhouse, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Russian cuisine (approx. $10-$15)
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Russian Museum of Ethnography, a museum showcasing Russian cultural and historical artifacts
    • Explore the nearby St. Michael’s Square, a bustling area with street performers, cafes, and shops

Day 6: Last Day

  • Morning:
    • Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or visiting any last-minute attractions
    • Grab lunch at Yolki-Palki, a local fast-food chain serving traditional Russian cuisine (approx. $10-$15)
  • Afternoon:
    • Return your hotel keys and check out of [Hotel Indigo St. Petersburg - Tchaikovskogo]
    • Depart for Pulkovo Airport (LED) or continue on to other destinations

Things to Know

  • Language: Russian is the primary language spoken in St. Petersburg, but many locals speak English.
  • Currency: The Russian Ruble (RUB) is the local currency, although US dollars and euros are widely accepted at tourist attractions.
  • Weather: St. Petersburg has a humid continental climate with cold winters and mild summers.
  • Safety: St. Petersburg is generally a safe city for tourists, but as with any major city, take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Transportation

  • Metro: The St. Petersburg Metro is an efficient and affordable way to get around the city (tickets approx. $1).
  • Bus: The St. Petersburg bus system is extensive, with buses running frequently throughout the city.
  • Taxi: Taxis are widely available and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance.

Tips

  • Respect Local Customs: St. Petersburg has a rich cultural heritage, so take time to learn about local customs and traditions.
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Popular attractions and tourist areas can get very crowded, especially during peak season.
  • Try Local Cuisine: Russian cuisine is delicious and varied, with many unique dishes to try.

Other Attractions

  • St. Isaac’s Cathedral: A beautiful example of 19th-century architecture (free admission).
  • Griboyedov Canal: A picturesque waterway with beautiful bridges and architecture.
  • Russian Museum: A museum showcasing Russian art and culture.
  • Peter and Paul Fortress: A historic fortress built in 1703.