St. Petersburg-7-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Introduction to St. Petersburg

  • Morning: Arrive at Pulkovo Airport (LED)
    • Take the public bus #K-39 or #W-39 from the airport to the city center ( approx. 30 minutes, 50 RUB / $0.70 USD per person)
    • Alternatively, take a taxi (approx. 1 hour, 500-600 RUB / $7-$9 USD) or book a private transfer
  • Afternoon: Check-in at your hotel and freshen up
    • Recommended hotels: Hotel Indigo St. Petersburg Tchaikovskogo, Hotel Domina St. Petersburg, or similar options in the city center (approx. 2,500-4,000 RUB / $35-$55 USD per night)
  • Evening: Explore the nearby streets and alleys around your hotel
    • Stop by the iconic Admiralty Building ( Admiralteisky dvort ) for a photo opportunity
    • Enjoy dinner at Vasilievsky Island’s upscale restaurant, La Marmotte, serving French cuisine ( approx. 1,500-2,000 RUB / $20-$28 USD per person)
  • Things to know:
    • Exchange some currency for Russian rubles (RUB) and learn the local language phrases (e.g., hello: привет, privyet; thank you: спасибо, spasibo)
    • Be prepared for crowds and lines at popular attractions
    • Don’t drink tap water; stick to bottled or filtered water

Day 2: The Hermitage Museum and Palace Square

  • Morning: Visit the Hermitage Museum (Ermitazh), one of the world’s largest museums
    • Tickets: 600-800 RUB / $8-$11 USD per person; free admission on Wednesday evenings from 18:00 to 21:00
    • Plan for at least 3 hours to explore the museum’s vast collections
  • Afternoon: Explore Palace Square (Dvortsovy ploshchad), including:
    • The Winter Palace, former residence of Russian tsars
    • The Alexander Column
    • The Bronze Horseman Statue (Mikhail Lomonosov’s masterpiece)
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Russian Vodka Room, serving traditional Russian cuisine with a modern twist ( approx. 1,000-1,500 RUB / $14-$20 USD per person)
  • Tips and recommendations:
    • Consider booking a guided tour to make the most of your museum visit
    • Be mindful of pickpocketing in crowded areas
    • Don’t forget to try some local street food or snacks

Day 3: Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, St. Isaac’s Square

  • Morning: Visit the iconic Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood (Khram Blagoveshchenskogo Spasa na Krovi)
    • Tickets: 350 RUB / $5 USD per person
    • Admire the stunning architecture and intricate mosaics inside
  • Afternoon: Explore St. Isaac’s Square, including:
    • The Cathedral of St. Isaac ( Isayevskiy sobor )
    • The Bronze Fountain
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Kazan Cathedral’s nearby restaurant, The Pushkin Cafe, offering traditional Russian cuisine with a cozy atmosphere ( approx. 1,000-1,500 RUB / $14-$20 USD per person)
  • Additional tips:
    • Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting churches
    • Consider purchasing a city map or using a navigation app to help navigate the city

Day 4: The Grand Palace, Smolny Institute

  • Morning: Visit the historic Grand Palace (Bolshoy dvort)
    • Tickets: 600-800 RUB / $8-$11 USD per person
    • Explore the palace’s State Rooms and learn about its rich history
  • Afternoon: Explore the beautiful Smolny Institute complex, including:
    • The stunning Smolny Church
    • The beautiful gardens and courtyards
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Baltic Star, a modern restaurant serving creative Russian cuisine ( approx. 1,000-1,500 RUB / $14-$20 USD per person)
  • Additional recommendations:
    • Consider booking a guided tour to explore the palace and its surroundings
    • Take your time exploring the beautiful gardens and courtyards of Smolny Institute

Day 5: The Peterhof Palace

  • Morning: Visit the magnificent Peterhof Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
    • Tickets: 600-800 RUB / $8-$11 USD per person
    • Explore the palace’s State Rooms, gardens, and fountains
  • Afternoon: Enjoy lunch at one of the palace’s cafes or restaurants ( approx. 1,000-1,500 RUB / $14-$20 USD per person)
  • Evening: Return to St. Petersburg and enjoy dinner at Trapeze, a stylish restaurant serving modern European cuisine ( approx. 1,500-2,000 RUB / $20-$28 USD per person)
  • Additional tips:
    • Consider purchasing a guided tour to make the most of your visit
    • Take your time exploring the palace and its surroundings

Day 6: The Fontanka River Embankment

  • Morning: Visit the charming Fontanka River Embankment, including:
    • The picturesque Fontanka River
    • The beautiful Embankments
    • The historic Lazarevsky Bridge
  • Afternoon: Explore the nearby Smolny Cathedral complex
    • The stunning Smolny Church
    • The beautiful gardens and courtyards
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Korchma, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Ukrainian cuisine ( approx. 1,000-1,500 RUB / $14-$20 USD per person)
  • Additional recommendations:
    • Consider booking a guided tour to explore the Fontanka River Embankment and surrounding area
    • Take your time exploring the beautiful gardens and courtyards of Smolny Cathedral

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or last-minute sightseeing
  • Afternoon: Depart from Pulkovo Airport (LED)