St Petersburg Russia 6 Day Itinerary

St. Petersburg, Russia: A 6-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive at Pulkovo Airport (LED) and take a taxi or bus to your hotel.
  • Hotel: Stay at the Azimut Hotel or similar, located in the city center.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Hermitage Museum (tickets: 500 RUB), one of the largest and oldest museums in the world. Spend a few hours exploring its vast collections.
  • Evening: Take a stroll along the Nevsky Prospekt, St. Petersburg’s main avenue, and enjoy dinner at Café Idiot, serving traditional Russian cuisine.

Day 2: Imperial Palaces

  • Morning: Visit the Peterhof Palace (tickets: 700 RUB), a stunning summer residence of Peter the Great. Take a hydrofoil boat from St. Petersburg to Peterhof (500 RUB, round-trip).
  • Lunch: Enjoy seafood at Restaurant Vasilyevsky in Peterhof.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Catherine Palace (tickets: 700 RUB) in Pushkin, a former imperial residence with impressive architecture and gardens.
  • Evening: Return to St. Petersburg and enjoy a traditional Russian folk show at Nikolayevsky Palace.

Day 3: Canals and Churches

  • Morning: Take a guided canal tour (1,500 RUB) to explore St. Petersburg’s picturesque waterways.
  • Lunch: Savor traditional Russian dishes at Korchma.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood (tickets: 250 RUB), a stunning example of Russian Orthodox architecture.
  • Evening: Enjoy a ballet performance at the Mariinsky Theatre (tickets from 500 RUB).

Day 4: Modern St. Petersburg

  • Morning: Visit the New Holland Island, a former naval base turned trendy cultural hub with art galleries and cafes.
  • Lunch: Try modern Russian cuisine at Hamlet + Jacks.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Street Art Museum (tickets: 300 RUB), showcasing vibrant urban art.
  • Evening: Enjoy a cocktail at The Hat rooftop bar, offering stunning city views.

Day 5: Day Trip to Kronstadt

  • Morning: Take a day trip to Kronstadt (train tickets from 100 RUB), a historic naval base and fortress on Kotlin Island.
  • Lunch: Enjoy seafood at Restaurant Fort Konstantin.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Kronstadt Naval Cathedral and the city’s charming streets.
  • Evening: Return to St. Petersburg and enjoy dinner at Gosti, serving modern Russian cuisine.

Day 6: Departure

  • Morning: Spend a few hours 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

  • St. Petersburg is known for its white nights in the summer, when the sun barely sets.
  • The city has a rich cultural heritage, with many museums and historical landmarks.
  • Russian cuisine is hearty and delicious, with popular dishes like borscht, blini, and pelmeni.

Transportation

  • Metro: St. Petersburg’s metro system is efficient and affordable (30 RUB per ride).
  • Bus/Trolleybus: A good option for shorter distances (20-40 RUB per ride).
  • Taxi: Taxis are widely available, but be sure to negotiate the price beforehand.
  • Water Transport: Hydrofoil boats and ferries connect St. Petersburg to its suburbs and nearby cities.

Tips

  • Learn some basic Russian phrases to show respect and appreciation for the culture.
  • Be prepared for variable weather, with layers and waterproof gear.
  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting churches or historical sites.
  • Try to avoid traveling during peak season (June-August) for smaller crowds and lower prices.

Budget Breakdown

  • Accommodation: 5,000 RUB per night (avg.)
  • Food: 1,500 RUB per meal (avg.)
  • Transportation: 100-300 RUB per ride (avg.)
  • Attractions: 250-700 RUB per person (avg.)

Note: Prices are approximate and may vary depending on the season and availability.