St. Petersburg, Russia-7-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of the City

  • Morning: Arrive at Pulkovo Airport and take a taxi or metro (Line 2) to your accommodation. Check-in at your hotel, such as Hotel Indigo St. Petersburg.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Peter and Paul Fortress ( tickets: 150 RUB), a historic citadel that served as the original fortress of St. Petersburg.
    • Activity: Take a stroll along the canals and admire the city’s architecture.
    • Snack: Try some traditional Russian pastries at Kupetz Hayek, a popular café with multiple locations.
  • Evening: Head to the Canal Embankment (Nevsky Prospekt) for dinner and take in the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Try some local cuisine at Pryanik, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Russian food.

Day 2: The Hermitage Museum

  • Morning: Visit the world-renowned Hermitage Museum (tickets: 300 RUB, free on Wednesdays).
    • Activity: Explore the vast collections of art and culture from around the globe.
    • Tip: Arrive early to avoid long queues.
  • Afternoon: Take a break and enjoy lunch at Café Pushkin, a charming spot serving classic Russian dishes.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Le Jardin du Chef, a modern French restaurant with a lovely garden.

Day 3: Imperial Palaces and Gardens

  • Morning: Visit the Winter Palace (tickets: 250 RUB) and explore its grand halls, including the Throne Room.
    • Activity: Take a stroll through the adjacent Hermitage Garden, a beautiful green oasis in the heart of the city.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Peterhof Grand Palace (tickets: 300 RUB), a stunning imperial palace with impressive gardens and fountains.
    • Tip: Be prepared for crowds, especially during peak season.
  • Evening: Head back to your hotel or enjoy dinner at Restaurant Tsarevich, which serves delicious Russian cuisine.

Day 4: Church and Synagogue

  • Morning: Visit the stunning Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood (tickets: 200 RUB), a beautiful example of Russian Orthodox architecture.
    • Activity: Take a stroll through the surrounding streets and admire the city’s unique blend of architecture.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Grand Choral Synagogue (free admission), one of Russia’s most impressive synagogues, featuring stunning stained glass windows.
    • Tip: Be respectful of the synagogue’s quiet atmosphere.

Day 5: Market Day

  • Morning: Visit the bustling Nevsky Market (free admission), a vibrant marketplace filled with local vendors selling everything from souvenirs to fresh produce.
    • Activity: Try some traditional Russian street food, such as pierogies or blini.
  • Afternoon: Head back to your hotel for a break and enjoy lunch at Restaurant Gostiny Dvor, which serves delicious Russian cuisine.

Day 6: St. Isaac’s Square

  • Morning: Visit the impressive St. Isaac’s Cathedral (tickets: 150 RUB), a stunning example of neoclassical architecture.
    • Activity: Take in the breathtaking views from the cathedral’s colonnade.
  • Afternoon: Explore the surrounding streets and visit the nearby Senate Square, featuring a beautiful monument to Emperor Paul I.

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Spend some last-minute time exploring the city or do some shopping for souvenirs.
  • Departure: Head back to Pulkovo Airport for your departure flight.

Getting Around St. Petersburg

  • Metro (Line 2) is an efficient way to get around the city.
  • Taxis are readily available, but be prepared for traffic jams.
  • Walking and cycling are also great ways to explore the city.

Tips and Essentials:

  • Learn some basic Russian phrases to help you navigate the city.
  • Be prepared for crowds and lines at popular attractions.
  • Try local cuisine and drinks, such as pierogies, blini, and borscht.
  • Don’t forget to bring your passport and visa (if required).
  • Check the weather forecast before traveling.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel Indigo St. Petersburg
    • Address: Bolshoy Prospekt V.O., 11, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
    • Phone: +7 (812) 740-77-77
    • Email: stpetersburg@ihg.com
  • Hotel Pryanik
    • Address: Kuznechny Pereulok, 14, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
    • Phone: +7 (812) 314-77-11

Restaurants and Cafes:

  • Kupetz Hayek
    • Address: Nevsky Prospekt, 42, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
    • Phone: +7 (812) 740-78-88
  • Pryanik
    • Address: Kuznechny Pereulok, 14, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
    • Phone: +7 (812) 314-77-11