Saint Petersburg 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the Imperial City

Morning:

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Kankan, a popular local café known for its Russian pancakes and variety of dishes.
  • Head to The Hermitage Museum (Исаакиевская площадь, 4) - one of the world’s largest and oldest museums. It houses over three million items, including works by Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. Be sure to check out the Winter Palace as well.
  • After exploring the Hermitage, take a stroll along Nevsky Prospect - Saint Petersburg’s main street filled with shops, cafes, and historic architecture.

Afternoon:

  • Visit Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood (Спас на кроvi) - a stunning Orthodox church known for its intricate mosaics and vibrant colors.
  • Cross the Bridge of Bells (Звуковой мост) to the Peter and Paul Fortress (Петропавловская крепость). The original burial place of many Russian emperors, this historic site offers great views of Saint Petersburg.

Evening:

  • For dinner, indulge in Russian cuisine at Bely Legkobiony. Try the borsch, pelmeni, and stroganoff.
  • Finish your day with a performance at Marinsky Theater (Мариинский театр) - home to the Mariinsky Ballet and Opera companies. If tickets are not available, enjoy a ballet or opera show at St. Petersburg State Academic Capella.

Day 2: Discovering Saint Petersburg’s Canals and Islands

Morning:

  • Begin your day with a traditional Russian breakfast at Little Kitchen. Try the blini with smoked salmon or cottage cheese.
  • Take a Hydrofoil Boat Tour (Гидрофол) to explore the city’s canals and islands, including Petrovsky and Krestovsky Islands.

Afternoon:

  • Visit the Peterhof Palace (Петергоф), also known as the Russian Versailles. Marvel at its impressive fountains and gardens.
  • After returning to Saint Petersburg, enjoy lunch at Tiulpan, a restaurant offering a mix of European and Asian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
  • Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the Savior on Blood church’s interior or shopping for souvenirs along Nevsky Prospect.

Evening:

  • Dine at Twenty Two, offering stunning views of Saint Petersburg from its rooftop terrace.
  • End your day with a visit to Amber Room (Амберная комната) in the Catherine Palace (Царское Село) - an 18th-century room entirely covered in amber panels and gold leaf.

Things to Know:

  1. Saint Petersburg can be quite chilly, even during summer months, so pack layers and a waterproof jacket.
  2. Many attractions require online booking for time slots or have specific opening hours, so plan ahead.
  3. English is not as widely spoken as in other European capitals, so having a translation app or guidebook can be helpful.
  4. Public transportation in Saint Petersburg is reliable and affordable. The metro system is clean and easy to navigate, while trams and buses offer a more budget-friendly option.
  5. Taxis are readily available, but make sure to use established companies like Yandex Taxi or Gett for safety reasons.
  6. To experience the city’s nightlife, head to the Vosstaniya Street in the Vasilievsky Island district.

Tips:

  1. Purchase the Saint Petersburg Card (Санкт-Петербургская карта) for unlimited access to museums, discounts on tours, and free public transport.
  2. Take a canal cruise at night to see the city’s landmarks illuminated.
  3. Explore local markets like the Anichkov Palace Market (Аничеков дворик) or the Baltic Station Market (Балтийский вокзал) for a taste of Saint Petersburg’s vibrant food scene.