St Petersburg Russia 2 Day Itinerary

48 Hours in St. Petersburg: A Whirlwind Tour

This itinerary focuses on experiencing the highlights of St. Petersburg in a short amount of time. It can be adjusted based on your interests and energy levels!

Day 1: Imperial Splendor & Artistic Wonders

  • Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM):

    • Start Your Day: Grab breakfast at “Pyshechnaya” (for delicious Russian doughnuts) or “Varenichnaya” (for traditional Ukrainian dumplings). Both are near Nevsky Prospekt, the city’s main street.
    • Hermitage Museum: Spend the morning exploring the world-renowned Hermitage Museum, home to a vast collection of art and artifacts from around the globe. Don’t miss the masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Rembrandt.

  • Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM):

    • Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Russian lunch at “Teremok” or savor some borscht at a cozy restaurant on Nevsky Prospekt.
    • Nevsky Prospekt: Stroll down this iconic street, marveling at the grand architecture and soaking in the lively atmosphere.

  • Evening (6:00 PM - 11:00 PM):

    • Dinner & Performance: Experience a night of culture with dinner at a restaurant near the Mikhailovsky Theatre followed by a performance of ballet or opera.
    • Hermitage Museum (optional): Explore the Hermitage after hours for a quieter experience and a chance to see the masterpieces illuminated beautifully.

Things to know:

  • Location: This itinerary is best suited for St. Petersburg, Russia.

  • Visa: Most tourists need a visa to visit St. Petersburg. Check your nationality’s visa requirements for Russia.

  • Weather: Be prepared for unpredictable weather! Pack layers and an umbrella, even if it’s sunny when you leave.

Day 2: Architecture, History & Local Flavor

  • Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM):

    • Peterhof Palace: Marvel at the “Russian Versailles” with its stunning gardens and ornate fountains. Explore the Grand Palace and enjoy the beauty of this historical landmark.
    • Breakfast: Grab a quick bite to eat at a cafe near your hotel before heading out for the day.

  • Daytime (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM):

    • Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Russian lunch with a view at “The Coffee Bean” or “Coffee & Tea” cafe.
    • Explore: Wander through the historic streets of St. Petersburg and visit iconic sites like the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, the Peter and Paul Fortress, and the stunning St. Isaac’s Cathedral.

Day 1:

  • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM:

    • Morning:
      • Start your day with a delicious Russian breakfast. You can’t go wrong with “Pyshechnaya” on Nevsky Prospekt, which is known for its traditional Russian breakfasts.

  • Afternoon:

    • Things to know:

    • Transportation: St. Petersburg has an efficient public transportation system. Use the metro (which is a work of art in itself!), buses, or taxis to get around.

    • Experience: * Hermitage Museum: Take your time to explore the vast collection of art and artifacts in the Hermitage. It’s a massive museum with a lot to see! * Cathedral & Gardens: Visit the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, a breathtaking church known for its mosaic architecture. *

    • The Peterhof Palace (optional):

      • Explore the palace and gardens: Spend at least half a day exploring the palace and the surrounding park. The fountains are truly spectacular, especially the Grand Cascade.

Day 2: *

* **Visit the Hermitage Gardens:** Explore the intricate gardens of Peterhof, with their stunning sculptures and fountains.
*
* **Dinner:** Enjoy a delicious dinner at "The Literary Cafe" (literally translates to "Literary Cafe"), a charming spot for experiencing a local atmosphere and traditional cuisine.

Things to know:

  • Dining Etiquette: In Russia, it’s customary to wait for everyone to be served before starting to eat.
  • Evening Activities: For a unique cultural experience, consider attending a concert at the Mariinsky Theatre or visiting a Russian restaurant known for its live performances and folk decor.

Day 2 (this is just an example, adjust based on your interests)

  • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Visit the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, a stunningly beautiful church with a rich history.

    • Enjoy a relaxing morning at a local cafe: St. Petersburg has a vibrant cafe culture, and there are many charming cafes where you can enjoy traditional Russian food like blini (crepes) or pirozhki (pastries) in a peaceful setting.

  • Afternoon:

  • Explore the city: Visit the Peter and Paul Fortress, the birthplace of St. Petersburg.

* **Experience**
    * **Discover the history of the Peter and Paul Fortress**: This historical landmark holds a lot of history for St. Petersburg, from its founding by Peter the Great to its role in various revolutions and wars.

  • Evening:

  • Dinner & Show (cont.): Enjoy a traditional Russian meal at “The Nevsky” or “The Hermitage Restaurant”, both offering unique experiences.

  • Things to do:

    • Enjoy a relaxing evening at a “bliny” cafe: These are often small, cozy establishments with a rustic charm.

Dinner & Show (cont.):
Enjoy the ambiance and savor the delicious flavors of classic St. Petersburg dishes.

  • Things to know:
    • Look for “The Grand Palace” in the city center: A historical landmark with stunning architecture and intricate details, it’s a great place to enjoy traditional Russian cuisine and culture.
    • Explore the city’s culinary scene: From classic borscht restaurants to modern cafes, St. Petersburg has something for everyone.**

Other things to do:

  • Enjoy a boat trip along the canals: Experience the city from a different perspective on a canal cruise.

  • Visit the Catherine Palace in Pushkin (Tsarskoye Selo): This “Russian Versailles” is located near St. Petersburg and offers stunning gardens to explore.

  • Enjoy a delicious breakfast: For a traditional experience, try “The Stolovaya” or “Cafe Prichal” for their hearty breakfasts and local flavors.

    • Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Nevsky Prospekt: Stroll along this iconic street and experience the city’s cultural and historical heart.

  • Explore the many museums and art galleries: From the world-renowned Hermitage to smaller, specialized museums, St. Petersburg offers a wealth of cultural experiences.

  • Enjoy “The Other” (Museum):

    • Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Nevsky Prospekt: Enjoy delicious Russian breakfast at “The Coffee Bean” with other tourists and locals.

  • Enjoy the “Russian Versailles” experience – visit the restaurants on the street serving traditional Russian cuisine.

  • Try a “bliny” (blini) dish:

    • Enjoy a variety of toppings: Indulge in sweet treats like jam, honey, and berries for a delicious start to your day.

Day:

  • Enjoy the beauty of St. Petersburg’s architecture: Explore the city’s canals and admire the beautiful palaces, cathedrals, and churches.
  • Immerse yourself in the history of the city: Visit the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, a historical landmark with a rich history.

Enjoy a traditional Russian meal:

  • “The Nevsky”: This restaurant is located in the heart of St. Petersburg and offers a variety of delicious dishes, including Russian classics like borscht (a beetroot soup) and pelmeni (meat dumplings).
  • “Cafe Prichal”: Enjoy a delicious and traditional breakfast experience in a cozy atmosphere with local flavors.

Daytime:

  • Visit the Mariinsky Theatre, a historical landmark known for its stunning architecture and world-class ballet performances.

  • Enjoy the experience of the city:

    • Explore the vibrant architecture and museums, visit the Peter and Paul Fortress and enjoy a delicious “bliny” dish with various toppings like sour cream, caviar, or fruit.

Remember to:

  • Respect local customs: Learn about basic dining etiquette in Russia.
  • Dress in layers: The weather can be unpredictable in St. Petersburg, so dressing in layers will help you adapt to changing temperatures.
  • Enjoy the city’s beauty: St. Petersburg is renowned for its stunning architecture and architecture.

Enjoy a traditional “Russian” breakfast:

  • Enjoy a delicious and affordable meal at a local cafe near the Nevsky Prospekt.

Enjoy the beautiful canals and bridges of St. Petersburg:

  • Take a walk through the Summer Garden, and enjoy the picturesque views of the Neva River and the surrounding city.
  • Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of “The Coffee Bean” or other cafes offering a taste of local life, and try their delicious “blini” (a type of pancake) with various toppings like sour cream, caviar, jam, and honey.

Enjoy other aspects of “The Coffee Bean”:

  • Enjoy the beautiful architecture: The restaurant is known for its elegant decor and stunning views overlooking a picturesque bridge in St. Petersburg.
  • Experience a traditional Russian breakfast, which often includes blini (with various toppings) and blinis are served with

Other activities:

  • Visit the Peter and Paul Fortress.

  • Explore the “The Nevsky”:

    • “The Peter and Paul Fortress” is a historical landmark located on a scenic island. It’s a fascinating place to visit, with a rich history and stunning views of the city.

Enjoy:

  • Enjoy a delicious traditional Russian meal at a local cafe.

  • Enjoy other aspects like:

    • The canals and bridges:
      • Take a boat trip around the Neva River, admiring the beautiful architecture of the buildings and bridges along the way.

  • The canals are a great place to enjoy:

    • A taste of local life: Enjoy a delicious and traditional “blinis” (a type of pancake) dish at a restaurant overlooking the river or canal, and indulge in a variety of pastries with different flavors.

Enjoy the beauty of St. Petersburg’s architecture by visiting the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, a stunning church known for its onion domes and colorful exterior.

For a traditional Russian meal, visit “The Hermitage” restaurant for a delicious and unique experience.

  • Enjoy: Try a variety of traditional dishes, such as

    • Bliny (Russian pancakes): A popular choice!

Enjoy the beauty of St. Petersburg:

  • Enjoy the historical architecture:
  • Enjoy a traditional Russian meal, enjoy a delicious and filling meal at a “The Bliny” restaurant.

Enjoy the coffee and tea culture:

Enjoy the experience of a traditional Russian cafe, like the Hermitage.

Daytime (continued):

  • You’ll find many local cafes along the Nevsky Prospekt, offering a taste of local history and culture with their delicious offerings!