St Petersburg Russia 3 Day Itinerary

St. Petersburg, Russia: A 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Imperial Splendor

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Start your day at the iconic Hermitage Museum (Дворцовая наб., 34), one of the largest and most impressive art museums in the world. Spend a few hours exploring the stunning architecture, ornate halls, and an incredible collection of art and cultural artifacts.
  • Take a short walk to Palace Square, the heart of St. Petersburg’s historical center.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at Stolle ( Nevsky Prospekt, 12), a popular bakery chain serving delicious pies, sandwiches, and pastries.
  • Visit the majestic Peterhof Palace ( Peterhof, 2), a former royal residence with breathtaking gardens and fountains. Take a stroll through the beautiful parks and enjoy the scenic views.

Evening

  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy a traditional Russian dinner at Palkin Restaurant ( Nevsky Prospekt, 47), serving dishes like borscht, beef stroganoff, and blini.
  • End your day with a scenic Neva River Cruise, offering stunning views of the city’s illuminated landmarks.

Accommodation

  • Stay at Hotel Indigo St. Petersburg ( Isaakievskaya Square, 6), a stylish hotel located in the heart of the city.

Transportation

  • Take metro line 2 to Nevsky Prospekt station for easy access to Hermitage Museum and Palace Square.
  • Use taxi apps like Gett or Yandex Taxi for convenient transportation around the city.

Day 2: Canals and Cathedrals

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Explore the charming Canal Ring, a scenic route along St. Petersburg’s picturesque canals. Take a leisurely stroll and admire the beautiful bridges, ornate buildings, and tranquil atmosphere.
  • Visit the stunning Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood (Griboyedova Canal Emb., 2), a magnificent example of Russian Orthodox architecture.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at Café Idiot (Nab. Reki Fontanki, 39), serving delicious salads, sandwiches, and coffee.
  • Visit the impressive Kunstkamera Museum (Universitetskaya Nab., 3), showcasing a fascinating collection of artifacts related to science, art, and cultural history.

Evening

  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Ginza Project (Nevsky Prospekt, 57), offering modern Russian cuisine with an emphasis on local ingredients.
  • Catch a performance at the renowned Mariinsky Theatre (Teatralnaya Square, 1), featuring opera, ballet, or orchestral concerts.

Tips and Insights

  • Be prepared for long lines at popular attractions like the Hermitage Museum and Peterhof Palace. Consider purchasing skip-the-line tickets or guided tours.
  • Don’t forget to try some traditional Russian desserts like blini with honey and jam, or pofit, a sweet pastry filled with cream or fruit.

Day 3: Royal Estates and Parks

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the majestic Tsarskoe Selo, a former royal estate featuring stunning palaces, gardens, and parks. Explore the opulent Catherine Palace and stroll through the picturesque Alexander Park.
  • Take a scenic walk in the beautiful Summer Garden ( Letny Sad, 1), a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at Korchma ( Nevsky Prospekt, 25), serving traditional Russian dishes like beef stroganoff and pelmeni.
  • Visit the fascinating Russian Museum of Ethnography (Inzhenernaya St., 4/1), showcasing a diverse collection of artifacts related to Russian culture and daily life.

Evening

  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Vasilyevsky Island’s own Café (Maly Vasilievsky Ostrov, 12), serving delicious seafood dishes and offering stunning views of the Neva River.
  • End your day with a scenic walk along the Neva Embankment, taking in the breathtaking views of St. Petersburg’s majestic landmarks.

Additional Tips

  • Consider purchasing a St. Petersburg Card, which grants access to many attractions, public transportation, and discounts at participating restaurants and shops.
  • Don’t forget to try some traditional Russian beverages like kvass (a fermented bread drink) or sbiten (a hot spiced apple cider).

Other Essentials

  • Language: While many locals speak some English, it’s still a good idea to learn basic Russian phrases like “Здравствуйте” (hello), “Спасибо” (thank you), and “До свидания” (goodbye).
  • Currency: The Russian ruble is the local currency. You can exchange money at banks or use ATMs to withdraw cash.
  • Safety: Take normal precautions to ensure your personal safety, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.

Getting There

  • Pulkovo Airport (LED) is the primary airport serving St. Petersburg. From there, take a taxi or bus to get to your accommodation.

With this itinerary, you’ll experience the grandeur of St. Petersburg’s imperial past, its stunning architecture, and its rich cultural heritage. Enjoy your trip!