St. Petersburg-6-day-itinerary
6-Day Itinerary for Traveling in St. Petersburg, Russia
Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the City Center
- Morning: Arrive at Pulkovo Airport (LED) and take a taxi or bus to your hotel
- Hotel Suggestion: Stay at Hotel Astoria or similar, located in the heart of St. Petersburg
- Breakfast: Try traditional Russian breakfast at Café Idiot or Stolle Bakery
- 9:00 AM: Start your day at Palace Square (Dvortsovaya Ploshchad), surrounded by iconic landmarks like the Winter Palace and Alexander Column
- 10:00 AM: Visit the Hermitage Museum, one of the largest and oldest museums in the world
- Lunch: Enjoy traditional Russian cuisine at Restaurant Teplo or try some street food at Sennaya Ploshchad market
- Afternoon: Explore the Nevsky Prospekt, St. Petersburg’s main avenue, lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings
- Evening: Take a romantic stroll along the Moika River Embankment
Day 2: Imperial Palaces and Gardens
- 9:00 AM: Visit the stunning Peterhof Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (take a hydrofoil or bus from the city center)
- Lunch: Enjoy lunch at one of the palace’s restaurants or cafes
- Afternoon: Explore the beautiful gardens and fountains of Peterhof Palace
- Evening: Return to St. Petersburg and enjoy dinner at Restaurant The Idiot, known for its literary theme
Day 3: Canals and Churches
- 9:00 AM: Take a guided boat tour along St. Petersburg’s canals ( depart from the Fontanka River Embankment)
- Lunch: Try some seafood at Restaurant Russkaya Rybalka or eat at a local café
- Afternoon: Visit the stunning Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, built in memory of Alexander II
- Evening: Enjoy a performance at the Mariinsky Theatre, one of Russia’s most famous opera and ballet companies
Day 4: Museums and Galleries
- 9:00 AM: Visit the Russian Museum, featuring an extensive collection of Russian art
- Lunch: Eat at Café Singer or Restaurant The Hermitage, located within the museum complex
- Afternoon: Explore the modern art scene at the Erarta Museum and Galleries
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at Restaurant Teplo or try some Georgian cuisine at Restaurant Khinkali
Day 5: Day Trip to Pushkin and Pavlovsk
- 9:00 AM: Take a day trip to Pushkin (30 km south of St. Petersburg) and visit the Catherine Palace, a stunning example of Russian Baroque architecture
- Lunch: Enjoy lunch at one of the palace’s restaurants or cafes
- Afternoon: Explore the charming town of Pavlovsk, known for its beautiful parks and palaces
- Evening: Return to St. Petersburg and enjoy dinner at Restaurant The Idiot
Day 6: Departure
- Morning: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or visiting any last-minute attractions
- Departure: Take a taxi or bus back to Pulkovo Airport (LED) for your departure flight
Things to Know
- Visa Requirements: Check if you need a visa to enter Russia and apply in advance
- Language: While many locals speak some English, it’s still helpful to learn basic Russian phrases
- Currency: The Russian ruble is the local currency; credit cards are widely accepted
- Safety: Take normal precautions to ensure your safety, especially at night
Transportation
- Airport Transfer: Taxi, bus, or train ( Aeroexpress) from Pulkovo Airport to city center
- Metro: St. Petersburg has an efficient metro system; buy a card for unlimited rides
- Bus and Trolleybus: Convenient options for shorter distances
- Walking: The city is pedestrian-friendly, but be mindful of uneven sidewalks and cobblestone streets
Tips
- Buy Tickets in Advance: Book tickets to popular attractions and performances ahead of time to avoid long lines
- Dress Code: Dress modestly when visiting churches or palaces
- Respect Local Customs: Learn about Russian traditions and customs to show respect for the local culture