Saint Petersburg 4 Day Itinerary

Saint Petersburg Itinerary: 4 Days of Imperial Charm

Day 1: Imperial Heritage

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Start at the iconic Hermitage Museum ( tickets: ₽700, ~ $10)
    • Explore the stunning Winter Palace and its impressive art collections
    • Get there early to avoid long queues
  • 11:30 AM: Take a short walk to Palace Square for breathtaking views of the Hermitage and the Alexander Column

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at Stolle (₽500, ~ $7), a popular pie café with delicious fillings
    • Try their signature pirozhki (meat or vegetable-filled pastries)
  • 2:30 PM: Visit the Peterhof Palace and Gardens (tickets: ₽1,200, ~ $18)
    • Marvel at the grandeur of Peter the Great’s summer residence
    • Take a stroll through the beautiful gardens and fountains

Evening

  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Palkin (₽1,500, ~ $22), serving modern Russian cuisine
    • Savor dishes like beef stroganoff or pelmeni (Russian dumplings)
  • 9:30 PM: Take a romantic evening stroll along the Neva River Embankment

Day 2: Churches and Canals

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the iconic Savior on the Spilled Blood Church (tickets: ₽500, ~ $7)
    • Admire the stunning mosaics and ornate decorations
  • 11:30 AM: Explore the charming Canal Ring, a series of canals with picturesque views

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at Idiot Café (₽500, ~ $7), named after Dostoevsky’s novel
    • Try their delicious sandwiches or salads
  • 2:30 PM: Visit the Kazan Cathedral (free admission)
    • Marvel at the stunning architecture and ornate decorations

Evening

  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Ginza Project (₽1,200, ~ $18), offering modern European cuisine
    • Savor dishes like steak tartare or seafood risotto
  • 9:30 PM: Take a scenic evening cruise along the Neva River (₽800, ~ $12)

Day 3: Art and Culture

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Russian Museum (tickets: ₽500, ~ $7)
    • Explore an extensive collection of Russian art from the 10th to 20th centuries
  • 11:30 AM: Stop by the Pushkin Apartment Museum (tickets: ₽300, ~ $5)
    • See where Russia’s beloved poet lived and worked

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at Tbiliso (₽500, ~ $7), serving delicious Georgian cuisine
    • Try their famous khinkali (dumplings) or khachapuri (cheese bread)
  • 2:30 PM: Visit the Mariinsky Theatre for a guided tour (tickets: ₽1,000, ~ $15)
    • Learn about the theatre’s rich history and see its opulent interiors

Evening

  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at L’Europe (₽2,000, ~ $30), offering refined European cuisine
    • Savor dishes like foie gras or lobster thermidor
  • 9:30 PM: Take a stroll through the lively Nevsky Prospekt

Day 4: Palaces and Parks

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the stunning Gatchina Palace (tickets: ₽800, ~ $12)
    • Explore the impressive palace and its beautiful gardens
  • 11:30 AM: Stop by the Oranienbaum Park, a peaceful oasis with picturesque views

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at Korchma (₽500, ~ $7), serving traditional Russian cuisine
    • Try their borscht or beef stroganoff
  • 2:30 PM: Visit the [Peter and Paul Fortress](https://spb- museum.ru/en/) (tickets: ₽700, ~ $10)
    • Explore the historic fortress and see the stunning SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral

Evening

  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy a farewell dinner at The Idiot Restaurant (₽1,500, ~ $22), offering modern Russian cuisine
    • Savor dishes like seafood soup or beef Wellington
  • 9:30 PM: Take a final stroll through the city before departing

Accommodation

Transportation

  • Metro: efficient and affordable (₽35, ~ $0.50 per ride)
  • Bus/Trolleybus: convenient for shorter distances (₽20, ~ $0.30 per ride)
  • Taxi: readily available, but prices vary

Tips and Essentials

  • Learn some basic Russian phrases to show respect and appreciation
  • Be prepared for variable weather conditions (umbrella, raincoat, etc.)
  • Don’t drink tap water; stick to bottled or filtered water
  • Try to avoid traveling during peak tourist season (June to August)
  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting churches or museums

Other Interests