St. Petersburg-6-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the City

  • Morning: Arrive at Pulkovo Airport and take a taxi or metro (KADetskaya Line) to your hotel. Check-in at Hotel Indigo St. Petersburg, a stylish boutique hotel in the heart of the city.
  • Afternoon: Visit the iconic Peter and Paul Fortress, a historic citadel that served as the imperial palace for the Romanov dynasty. Explore the nearby Neva River Embankment and take a stroll along the waterfront.
  • Evening: Head to Canal Griboedova, a picturesque canal lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes. Enjoy dinner at Borschtschka, a cozy bistro serving traditional Russian cuisine.
  • Things to know: The city has a unique system of canals and bridges. Be prepared for occasional street closures and traffic jams.
  • Transportation: Use the metro (KADetskaya Line) or take a taxi to get around the city.

Day 2: Hermitage Museum and Palace Square

  • Morning: Visit the world-famous Hermitage Museum, one of the largest and oldest museums in the world. Spend hours exploring the vast collection of art and cultural artifacts.
  • Afternoon: Explore Palace Square, a grand public square surrounded by important government buildings, including the Hermitage Museum. Admire the impressive architecture and take a stroll through the adjacent gardens.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Veprek, a popular restaurant serving modern Russian cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
  • Tips and tricks: Book your Hermitage Museum tickets in advance to avoid long wait times. Don’t miss the museum’s impressive collection of European art, including works by Rembrandt and Leonardo da Vinci.

Day 3: Church on the Spilled Blood and Yusupov Palace

  • Morning: Visit the stunning Church on the Spilled Blood, a beautiful example of Russian architecture featuring intricate mosaics and ornate details.
  • Afternoon: Explore the opulent Yusupov Palace, the former residence of Prince Felix Yusupov. Take a guided tour to learn about the palace’s history and see its impressive collection of art and antiques.
  • Evening: Head to Kafe Luby, a historic cafe that has been serving traditional Russian cuisine since 1840. Enjoy dinner and take in the cozy atmosphere.
  • Things to know: Be prepared for occasional street closures and traffic jams around Palace Square.

Day 4: Smolny Cathedral and Summer Garden

  • Morning: Visit the beautiful Smolny Cathedral, a stunning example of Russian Baroque architecture featuring intricate details and ornate decorations.
  • Afternoon: Explore the picturesque Summer Garden, a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city. Take a stroll through the gardens and admire the impressive fountain.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Dzhungarskaya Kazanka, a popular restaurant serving traditional Russian cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
  • Tips and tricks: Don’t miss the stunning views of the Summer Garden from the nearby Smolny Cathedral.

Day 5: Peterhof Palace

  • Morning: Take a guided tour to the magnificent Peterhof Palace, a grand imperial palace located just outside St. Petersburg. Explore the opulent interior and admire the stunning gardens.
  • Afternoon: Visit the nearby Lower Park, a beautiful landscape garden featuring impressive fountains, statues, and walking paths.
  • Evening: Return to St. Petersburg and enjoy dinner at Restaurant 21, a popular restaurant serving modern Russian cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
  • Things to know: Be prepared for occasional traffic jams and street closures around Peterhof Palace.

Day 6: Departure

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or exploring the city before departing. Check-out of your hotel and take a taxi or metro (KADetskaya Line) back to Pulkovo Airport.
  • Departure tips: Don’t forget to collect your luggage from the airport’s baggage claim area.

Additional Tips and Tricks

  • Language: Many locals speak English, but it’s still helpful to learn basic Russian phrases like “Spasibo” (thank you) and “Zdravstvuyte” (hello).
  • Weather: Be prepared for occasional rain showers and cool temperatures during the summer months.
  • Safety: Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services, and avoid walking alone in dimly lit areas at night.

Accommodation

Hotel Indigo St. Petersburg: A stylish boutique hotel located in the heart of the city, within walking distance to many attractions.

Food and Drink

  • Borschtschka: A cozy bistro serving traditional Russian cuisine.
  • Veprek: A popular restaurant serving modern Russian cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
  • Kafe Luby: A historic cafe that has been serving traditional Russian cuisine since 1840.
  • Dzhungarskaya Kazanka: A popular restaurant serving traditional Russian cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.

Getting Around

Metro (KADetskaya Line): Use the metro to get around the city, or take a taxi to your destination.