St Petersburg 5 Day Itinerary

St. Petersburg: A 5-Day Itinerary

Welcome to the “Venice of the North”! This itinerary will guide you through St. Petersburg’s majestic palaces, vibrant art scene, charming canals, and rich history.

Things to Know:

  • Visa: Most nationalities require a visa to enter Russia. Apply well in advance.
  • Currency: Russian Ruble (RUB). Credit cards are accepted in many places, but carry cash for smaller establishments.
  • Language: Russian is the official language, but English is spoken in tourist areas. Learn a few basic phrases!

Transportation:

  • Metro: Efficient and affordable way to get around.
  • Bus & Tram: Extensive network covering most of the city.
  • Taxis: Yandex Taxi and Gett are popular apps.

Accommodation:

  • Budget: Hostel Dostoevsky, Stary Peterburg Hostel
  • Mid-Range: Hotel Angleterre, Park Inn by Radisson Nevsky
  • Luxury: Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace, Kempinski Moika 22

Day 1: Imperial Grandeur & Canals

  • Morning: Arrive at Pulkovo Airport (LED) and check into your hotel.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Hermitage Museum, home to masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, and Michelangelo. Allow at least 3 hours.
  • Evening: Take a relaxing canal cruise along the Neva River and admire the city’s bridges and palaces illuminated at night.

Dinner:

  • Budget: Teremok (traditional Russian fast food)
  • Mid-Range: Severyanin (Russian cuisine with a modern twist)
  • Luxury: Palkin (fine dining with stunning views of the Hermitage)

Day 2: Palaces & Gardens

  • Morning: Visit Peterhof Palace, the “Russian Versailles,” and marvel at its fountains and gilded interiors.
  • Afternoon: Stroll through the Summer Garden, a beautiful park with sculptures, fountains, and pavilions.
  • Evening: Attend a ballet performance at the Mariinsky Theatre, one of the world’s most prestigious opera houses.

Dinner:

  • Budget: Stolovaya No.5 (Soviet-era canteen experience)
  • Mid-Range: Gosti (traditional Russian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere)
  • Luxury: Ginza Project (modern and innovative Japanese cuisine)

Day 3: Art & Revolution

  • Morning: Explore the State Russian Museum, showcasing Russian art from medieval icons to contemporary works.

  • Afternoon: Visit the Peter and Paul Fortress, the birthplace of St. Petersburg, housing a cathedral and historical museum.

  • Evening: Experience a vodka tasting at one of the many bars in the city center.

Dinner:

  • Budget: Pelmeni & Vareniki (traditional Russian dumplings)
  • Mid-Range: Cafe Pushkin (elegant atmosphere with classic Russian dishes)
  • Luxury: Duo Gastrobar (contemporary cuisine with an emphasis on local ingredients)

Day 4: Beyond the City Center

  • Morning: Take a day trip to Catherine Palace in Tsarskoye Selo, famous for its Amber Room.
  • Afternoon: Explore Pavlovsk Palace and Park, known for its beautiful gardens and neoclassical architecture.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at your hotel or explore local restaurants near your accommodation.

Dinner:

  • Recommendations based on your location.

Day 5: Farewell to St. Petersburg

  • Morning: Visit the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, a stunning cathedral with colorful onion domes.
  • Afternoon: Do some last-minute souvenir shopping at Gostiny Dvor or Nevsky Prospekt.
  • Evening: Depart from Pulkovo Airport (LED).

Tips:

  • Learn basic Russian phrases: “Spasibo” (thank you), “Pozhaluysta” (please), “Kak dela?” (How are you?).
  • Dress in layers as the weather can be unpredictable.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and protect yourself from pickpockets.
  • Enjoy traditional Russian delicacies like borscht, pelmeni, and blinis.

Enjoy your unforgettable journey to St. Petersburg!