Saint Petersburg 4 Day Itinerary
Saint Petersburg 4-Day Itinerary
Day 1: City Center Exploration
Morning:
- Check-in at the Hotel Astoria Saint Petersburg or similar, centrally located for easy access to major attractions.
- Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel or at Cafe Pushkin, a famous Russian restaurant.
Afternoon:
- Visit the iconic Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood. Its colorful onion domes and intricate interior mosaics are must-sees.
- Take a leisurely stroll along the Griboyedov Canal to reach Nevsky Prospekt, Saint Petersburg’s main street, where you can shop and explore local cafes.
Evening:
- Dine at Oblomov Restaurant for traditional Russian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
- Catch an evening ballet performance at the Mariinsky Theatre. Make sure to book tickets in advance!
Day 2: Museums and Parks
Morning:
- Begin your day with a visit to the Hermitage Museum, one of the world’s largest and oldest museums, housing over three million items.
- Lunch at the Hermitage Cafe or nearby Cafe Paris for a quick bite.
Afternoon:
- Take a walk in the beautiful Summer Garden, founded by Peter the Great in 1704.
- Visit the Peter and Paul Fortress located on an island in the Neva River, where you can explore the fortress’s history and enjoy stunning city views.
Evening:
- Dine at Bakhchisarai, a popular restaurant known for its live folk music and traditional dishes.
- Take a river cruise along the Neva River to see the city from a different perspective (optional).
Day 3: Peterhof and Catherine Palace
Full-day trip to Peterhof and Catherine Palace:
- Morning departure from the city center, guided tour of both sites including the Lower Park at Peterhof and the Amber Room at Catherine Palace.
- Lunch is provided during the tour or you can have a packed lunch.
- Return to Saint Petersburg in the late afternoon.
- Dinner on your own in one of the city’s vibrant neighborhoods like Voznesensky Prospekt or Vasilievsky Island.
Day 4: Off the Beaten Path
Morning:
- Visit the lesser-known Kuznechny Bridge to get a unique view of Saint Petersburg’s bridges lifting. Timing depends on the day’s tide schedule, so check in advance!
- Explore [Kopelius House](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g293840-d15876664-Reviews-Kazan Cathedral-St._Petersburg.html), a beautiful baroque church hidden behind the Kazan Cathedral.
Afternoon:
- Lunch at Budyonnovka, a popular restaurant serving creative Russian dishes.
- Visit the Ermitaž 20/21 Project Space, an art gallery featuring local and international artists.
Evening:
- Farewell dinner at Twentsy, a trendy restaurant with a modern take on Russian cuisine.
- Enjoy a relaxing evening in one of the city’s many cozy bars or cafes, such as Buran and Rasskazov or Bar 33.
Things to Know:
- Saint Petersburg can be chilly even in summer, so pack layers!
- Most attractions require advance booking for guided tours or tickets, especially during peak season (June-August).
- The city is easy to navigate by foot, metro, and trams. Consider purchasing a Travel Pass for unlimited travel within the city.
- Russian is the primary language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Learn a few phrases to impress locals!