Saint Petersburg 6 Day Itinerary

Saint Petersburg 6-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the City Center

Morning

  • Arrive at Pulkovo Airport (LED) and take a taxi or bus to your hotel
  • Check-in at Hotel Astoria or similar

Afternoon

  • Visit the Hermitage Museum ( Tickets: 500 RUB, ~ $7.50 USD) to see an impressive collection of art and cultural artifacts
  • Take a stroll along the Nevsky Prospekt, the main street of Saint Petersburg
  • Stop by the Church of the Savior on Blood, a beautiful example of Russian architecture

Evening

  • Enjoy traditional Russian cuisine at Restaurant Palkin
  • Take a scenic evening cruise along the Canal Griboyedova (Tickets: 800 RUB, ~ $12 USD)

Day 2: Palaces and Parks

Morning

  • Visit the Peterhof Palace, a stunning summer residence of Peter the Great (Tickets: 1,200 RUB, ~ $18 USD)
  • Explore the beautiful Lower Park, with its fountains and sculptures

Afternoon

  • Head to the Summer Garden, a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city
  • Visit the Mikhailovsky Castle, a stunning example of neoclassical architecture (Tickets: 400 RUB, ~ $6 USD)

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Restaurant Teplo
  • Take a leisurely walk along the Fontanka River

Day 3: Cathedrals and Canals

Morning

  • Visit the Kazan Cathedral, one of the largest cathedrals in Russia
  • Explore the Canal Moika, lined with beautiful buildings and bridges

Afternoon

  • Stop by the St. Isaac’s Cathedral, a magnificent example of Russian Orthodox architecture (Tickets: 250 RUB, ~ $4 USD)
  • Take a guided tour of the Yusupov Palace (Tickets: 500 RUB, ~ $7.50 USD)

Evening

Day 4: Museums and Galleries

Morning

  • Visit the Russian Museum, featuring an impressive collection of Russian art (Tickets: 300 RUB, ~ $4.50 USD)
  • Explore the FabergĂ© Museum, dedicated to the works of Peter Carl FabergĂ© (Tickets: 500 RUB, ~ $7.50 USD)

Afternoon

  • Stop by the Museum of Contemporary Art, showcasing modern Russian art
  • Visit the New Holland Island, a former naval base turned cultural hub

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Restaurant The Idiot
  • Take in a performance at the Mariinsky Theatre (Tickets: 500-2,000 RUB, ~ $7.50-$30 USD)

Day 5: Imperial Residences

Morning

  • Visit the Pushkin Museum, dedicated to the life and works of Alexander Pushkin (Tickets: 200 RUB, ~ $3 USD)
  • Explore the Pavlovsk Palace, a stunning example of neoclassical architecture (Tickets: 400 RUB, ~ $6 USD)

Afternoon

  • Head to the Gatchina Palace, a former imperial residence with beautiful gardens (Tickets: 500 RUB, ~ $7.50 USD)
  • Visit the Tsarskoe Selo Museum, showcasing the history of the Romanov dynasty (Tickets: 300 RUB, ~ $4.50 USD)

Evening

Day 6: Departure

Morning

  • Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or visiting any last-minute attractions
  • Check-out of your hotel and head to Pulkovo Airport (LED) for departure

Things to Know

  • Saint Petersburg has a humid continental climate, with cold winters and mild summers. Pack accordingly.
  • The city is very walkable, but you can also use public transportation or taxis.
  • Many attractions offer audio guides in English, but it’s still a good idea to learn some basic Russian phrases.
  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions.

Transportation

  • Metro: An efficient and affordable way to get around the city (Tickets: 28 RUB, ~ $0.40 USD)
  • Bus: A convenient option for shorter distances (Tickets: 20 RUB, ~ $0.30 USD)
  • Taxi: Available at most tourist areas, but be sure to negotiate the price beforehand
  • Private Transfer: Book a private transfer service for a hassle-free experience

Tips

  • Always carry some cash, as not all attractions or restaurants accept credit cards.
  • Learn to read Cyrillic script to navigate the city more easily.
  • Be respectful of Russian culture and traditions, especially when visiting churches or museums.
  • Don’t drink tap water; stick to bottled or filtered water.

Other Things of Interest

  • White Nights: Saint Petersburg experiences almost 24 hours of daylight in June and July.
  • Cruise Season: The city is a popular stop for Baltic cruises from May to September.
  • New Year’s Eve: Celebrate the start of the year with fireworks and festivities on Palace Square.

I hope you enjoy your trip to Saint Petersburg!