Saint Petersburg-7-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the City

  • Morning: Arrive at Pulkovo Airport and take a taxi or bus to your accommodation. Check-in to your hotel and freshen up.
  • Afternoon: Start your exploration of Saint Petersburg at Palace Square, surrounded by iconic buildings like the Winter Palace and the General Staff Building. Visit the nearby Hermitage Museum (ticket price: 700 RUB) to get a glimpse of Russian art and culture.
  • Evening: Enjoy traditional Russian cuisine at Café Idiot (average price: 1,500 RUB per person). Try their famous beef stroganoff and blini with caviar.
  • Accommodation: Stay at Hotel Asteria (average price: 5,000 RUB per night) or Airbnb apartments in the city center.
  • Transportation: Use taxi services like Gett or Yandex Taxi, or take public transportation like buses and trams.

Day 2: Canals and Churches

  • Morning: Take a stroll along the Neva River and explore the picturesque canals of Saint Petersburg. Visit the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood (ticket price: 500 RUB), a stunning example of Russian Orthodox architecture.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Peter and Paul Fortress (ticket price: 700 RUB), the birthplace of Saint Petersburg and final resting place of Russian monarchs.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Restoran Teplo (average price: 2,000 RUB per person), serving modern Russian cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
  • Tips: Be prepared for long lines at popular attractions and consider purchasing a Saint Petersburg Card (price: 3,500 RUB) for discounts and skip-the-line access.

Day 3: Palaces and Gardens

  • Morning: Visit the stunning Peterhof Palace (ticket price: 1,200 RUB), a former royal residence with breathtaking gardens and fountains.
  • Afternoon: Explore the beautiful Summer Garden (free admission), a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Palkin Restaurant (average price: 2,500 RUB per person), serving Russian cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients.
  • Things to know: Be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting churches and palaces.

Day 4: Art and Culture

  • Morning: Visit the Russian Museum (ticket price: 700 RUB), featuring an extensive collection of Russian art from the 10th to the 20th centuries.
  • Afternoon: Explore the trendy New Holland Island (free admission), a former industrial area turned cultural hub with galleries, restaurants, and shops.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Botanika Restaurant (average price: 2,000 RUB per person), serving innovative vegetarian cuisine.
  • Transportation: Use the Saint Petersburg Metro system, which is efficient and affordable.

Day 5: Day Trip to Tsarskoe Selo

  • Morning: Take a day trip to Tsarskoe Selo (train ticket price: 200 RUB), a picturesque town with stunning palaces and gardens.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Catherine Palace (ticket price: 1,000 RUB), a former royal residence with an impressive Amber Room.
  • Evening: Return to Saint Petersburg and enjoy dinner at Ginza Project (average price: 2,500 RUB per person), serving modern Russian cuisine with a focus on seafood.

Day 6: Navy and Canals

  • Morning: Visit the Naval Museum (ticket price: 500 RUB), showcasing Russia’s rich naval history.
  • Afternoon: Take a guided boat tour of Saint Petersburg’s canals (price: 1,200 RUB per person) for a unique perspective on the city’s architecture and history.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Kvartira Restaurant (average price: 2,000 RUB per person), serving traditional Russian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or visiting any last-minute attractions.
  • Afternoon: Depart for Pulkovo Airport and your return journey home.

Additional Tips and Information

  • Language: While many locals speak some English, it’s still a good idea to learn basic Russian phrases like “спасибо” (thank you) and “извините” (excuse me).
  • Currency: The Russian ruble is the local currency. You can exchange currency at banks or use ATMs.
  • Weather: Saint Petersburg can be quite chilly, even in summer, so pack accordingly.
  • Safety: Take necessary precautions to ensure your safety, such as avoiding traveling alone at night and keeping valuables secure.

This itinerary provides a comprehensive overview of Saint Petersburg’s main attractions, cultural experiences, and culinary delights. Enjoy your trip!