St. Petersburg-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Friday

  • Morning: Start your day at the iconic Peterhof Palace (6am-8pm), a former imperial summer residence with stunning gardens and fountains. Take the metro (red line) from Vasilievsky Island or Moskovskaya to get there.
  • Lunch: Try traditional Russian cuisine at Soviet Cafe on Nevsky Prospekt, known for their borscht and pierogi.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Hermitage Museum (10am-6pm), one of the world’s largest and most famous museums. Be sure to book tickets in advance to avoid long wait times.
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Russian dinner at Yolki Palki, a cozy restaurant with live music and dancing.
  • Accommodation: Stay at the 4-star Grand Hotel Europe, a historic hotel located on Nevsky Prospekt.

Things to know:

  • The Hermitage Museum is closed on Tuesdays.
  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions.
  • Don’t forget to try some traditional Russian tea or coffee at a local cafe!

Day 2: Saturday

  • Morning: Visit the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood (10am-6pm), a beautiful example of Byzantine architecture with stunning mosaics and stained glass windows. Take the metro (blue line) from Moskovskaya to get there.
  • Lunch: Try some delicious Georgian cuisine at Tabata, a cozy restaurant with a lively atmosphere.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Peter and Paul Fortress (10am-6pm), a historic fortress that served as a prison for Peter the Great’s enemies. Take the metro (red line) from Vasilievsky Island or Moskovskaya to get there.
  • Evening: Enjoy a stunning sunset at the River Neva, where you can take a romantic stroll and admire the city’s skyline.
  • Accommodation: Stay at the 4-star Hotel Domina, a modern hotel located near the River Neva.

Transportation:

  • The metro is the best way to get around St. Petersburg, with three lines (red, blue, and green) that cover most of the city.
  • Take the #5 bus from Nevsky Prospekt to get to the Peterhof Palace.
  • Taxis are also available, but be sure to use a reputable company like Yandex Taxi.

Tips:

  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions.
  • Don’t forget to try some traditional Russian tea or coffee at a local cafe!
  • Respect local customs and traditions when visiting churches or historical sites.
  • Try to learn a few basic Russian phrases, such as “Privet” (hello) and “Spasibo” (thank you).

Day 3: Sunday

  • Morning: Visit the Erarta Museum of Contemporary Art (11am-6pm), which features an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art.
  • Lunch: Try some delicious Ukrainian cuisine at Ukrainian Cafe, a cozy restaurant with a lively atmosphere.
  • Afternoon: Explore the St. Isaac’s Cathedral (10am-6pm), one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and a must-see for any visitor to St. Petersburg. Take the metro (red line) from Vasilievsky Island or Moskovskaya to get there.
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Russian dinner at Soviet Cafe, a cozy restaurant with live music and dancing.
  • Accommodation: Stay at the 4-star Hotel Pulkovskaya, a modern hotel located near the airport.

Day 4: Monday

  • Morning: Visit the Anichkov Bridge (10am-6pm), a beautiful example of Neoclassical architecture with stunning views of the River Neva. Take the metro (blue line) from Moskovskaya to get there.
  • Lunch: Try some delicious Russian cuisine at Russian Cafe, a cozy restaurant with a lively atmosphere.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Winter Palace (10am-6pm), which served as the official residence of the Russian tsars and now houses the State Hermitage Museum. Take the metro (red line) from Vasilievsky Island or Moskovskaya to get there.
  • Evening: Enjoy a romantic stroll along the River Neva, where you can admire the city’s skyline and take in the sights and sounds of the bustling city.
  • Accommodation: Stay at the 4-star Hotel Domina, a modern hotel located near the River Neva.

Day 5: Tuesday

  • Morning: Visit the Peterhof Palace (6am-8pm), which you didn’t get to visit on Day 1 due to the Hermitage Museum’s closure.
  • Lunch: Try some delicious Russian cuisine at Russian Cafe, a cozy restaurant with a lively atmosphere.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Catherine Palace (10am-6pm), a beautiful example of Rococo architecture and one of the most famous palaces in Russia. Take the metro (red line) from Vasilievsky Island or Moskovskaya to get there.
  • Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at Yolki Palki, a cozy restaurant with live music and dancing.

Things to know:

  • The Hermitage Museum is closed on Tuesdays, so be sure to visit it on Day 1 instead!
  • Don’t forget to try some traditional Russian tea or coffee at a local cafe!

Note: This itinerary assumes good weather conditions. If you’re visiting in winter, be prepared for cold temperatures and potential snow!