St Petersburg Russia 7 Day Itinerary

St. Petersburg: A 7-Day Itinerary

Accommodation:

  • Budget: Hostel Dostoevsky, Angleterre Hotel
  • Mid-Range: Radisson Sonya, Nevsky Grand Hotel
  • Luxury: Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace, Astoria Hotel

Transportation:

  • Metro: Efficient and affordable way to travel around the city. Download the “Yandex Metro” app for navigation.
  • Bus/Tram: Extensive network covering most areas. Purchase tickets from kiosks or use a contactless card.
  • Taxi: Uber and Yandex Taxi are widely available. Consider negotiating fares beforehand with regular taxis.

Things to Know:

  • Visa: Most nationalities require a visa to enter Russia. Apply well in advance through the Russian embassy/consulate in your country.
  • Language: Russian is the official language. Learning basic phrases will be helpful.
  • Currency: Ruble (RUB). ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted in many places.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Imperial Grandeur

  • Morning: Visit the Hermitage Museum, one of the world’s largest art museums with masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Rembrandt.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Peter and Paul Fortress, the birthplace of St. Petersburg. Climb the bell tower for panoramic views.
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Russian dinner at “Pelmennaya” (pelmeni dumplings) or “Restaurant Teremok” (Russian cuisine).

Day 2: Palaces & Gardens

  • Morning: Tour the Catherine Palace in Pushkin (Tsarskoe Selo), famed for its Amber Room.
  • Afternoon: Stroll through the beautiful Peterhof Palace and Gardens, known as the “Russian Versailles.”
  • Evening: Attend a ballet performance at the Mariinsky Theatre, one of the world’s leading ballet companies.

Day 3: Church & Canal Cruise

  • Morning: Visit the stunning Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, with its vibrant onion domes and intricate mosaics.
  • Afternoon: Take a relaxing canal cruise along the Neva River and admire the city’s canals and bridges from a unique perspective.
  • Evening: Dine at “Restaurant Pushkin” for elegant Russian cuisine or “Cafe Literary” for a bohemian atmosphere.

Day 4: Art & History

  • Morning: Explore the Russian Museum, showcasing a vast collection of Russian art from various periods.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Cruiser Aurora, a historic battleship that played a crucial role in the Bolshevik Revolution.
  • Evening: Enjoy live music and drinks at “Club Zal” or “Bar 19”.

Day 5: Day Trip to Kronstadt

  • Take a ferry to Kronstadt, a fortified island city known for its naval history and unique architecture.
  • Visit the Peter I monument and the Kronstadt Naval Cathedral.
  • Explore the historical forts and enjoy fresh seafood at a local restaurant.

Day 6: Shopping & Culture

  • Morning: Shop for souvenirs on Nevsky Prospekt, St. Petersburg’s main street with charming boutiques and department stores.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Fabergé Museum, showcasing exquisite jeweled eggs and other precious artifacts.
  • Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at “Cococo Kitchen” (contemporary cuisine) or “Duet Restaurant” (fusion dishes).

Day 7: Departure

  • Relax in a park or cafe, reflecting on your St. Petersburg experience.
  • Depart from Pulkovo Airport (LED).

Tips:

  • Book accommodation and tours in advance, especially during peak season.
  • Learn basic Russian phrases for easier communication.
  • Dress in layers as the weather can be unpredictable.