St. Petersburg-2-day-itinerary

August 4, 2024

Day 1: Exploring St. Petersburg’s Iconic Landmarks

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Start your day at the iconic Peterhof Palace, a former imperial summer residence located about 30 km west of St. Petersburg (get there by bus #K-422 or by metro + bus). Explore the stunning palaces, gardens, and fountains.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: After visiting Peterhof, head to the nearby Catherine Palace, another impressive imperial residence with beautiful interiors and extensive parklands.

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM: Take a break for lunch at Café Dacha, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Russian cuisine. Try their famous beef stroganoff or pelmeni (Russian dumplings).

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Visit the Hermitage Museum, one of the world’s largest and most visited museums, featuring an impressive collection of art and cultural artifacts from around the globe.
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM: Take a stroll through the picturesque Nevsky Prospect, St. Petersburg’s main shopping street lined with elegant buildings, cafes, and restaurants.

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Restaurant Pryanik, a popular spot for traditional Russian cuisine in an atmosphere of old-world charm.
9:00 PM - 10:30 PM: End the evening with a performance at the Mariinsky Theatre, one of Russia’s premier ballet and opera houses.

Day 2: Discovering St. Petersburg’s Hidden Gems

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Visit the St. Isaac’s Cathedral, an impressive cathedral featuring a stunning gold dome, ornate decorations, and beautiful views from its upper levels.
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM: Explore the charming Kazan Cathedral (also known as the Church of Our Lady of Kazan), which has been beautifully restored to showcase its original Baroque architecture.

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Grab lunch at Street Food, a modern restaurant offering innovative takes on traditional Russian street food. Try their delicious pierogies or blini (thin pancakes).

4:00 PM - 5:30 PM: Visit the Smolny Institute Museum, which showcases Russia’s first women’s educational institution, founded in 1764 by Catherine the Great.
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM: Explore the fascinating Museum of the History of St. Petersburg (Muzei Istorii Goroda Sankt-Peterburga), which presents an engaging overview of the city’s development through exhibits and artifacts.

The most convenient way to get around St. Petersburg is by metro (blue line or red line).
Taxis are widely available, but it’s recommended to use official taxi services like Yandex.Taxi or Gett.
Bus routes cover many areas of the city; however, schedules and routes might change.

Tips and Essentials

Weather: St. Petersburg has a humid continental climate with cold winters and mild summers. Pack accordingly.
Safety: As in any major city, be mindful of your belongings and avoid walking alone at night.
Language: Many locals speak English, but it’s always helpful to learn some basic Russian phrases (e.g., “Privyet!” - hello; “Spasibo” - thank you).
Currency: The official currency is the Russian ruble (RUB). Credit cards and ATMs are widely available.
Healthcare: In case of an emergency, seek medical help at a hospital or contact your embassy.

Accommodation

For a comfortable stay in St. Petersburg, consider booking a room in one of these hotels:

Hotel Indigo: A stylish boutique hotel with modern rooms and excellent service (starting from $150 per night).
The Taleon Imperial Hotel: An elegant historic hotel offering luxurious rooms and a prime location (starting from $250 per night).

Getting There

The closest airport is Pulkovo Airport (LED), located about 15 km south of St. Petersburg city center.

Note: Prices are approximate and may vary based on the season, availability, and other factors.