St Petersburg 2 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Exploring Historic St. Petersburg
Morning:
- Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Cafe Singer, a charming cafe located in the historic center of St. Petersburg.
- Visit the famous Hermitage Museum and the adjoining Winter Palace. Spend your morning exploring the vast collections of art, including works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Rembrandt.
Afternoon:
- Have lunch at Lev Leviev Restaurant and try some traditional Russian cuisine.
- Visit the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, a stunningly beautiful Orthodox church with intricate mosaics.
- Take a stroll along the Neva Embankment and admire the city’s grand architecture.
Evening:
- Dine at Oblomov Cafe Restaurant, known for its live jazz music and delicious Russian dishes.
- End your day with a performance at the famous Marinsky Theatre or the Erasmus Theater.
Day 2: Discovering St. Petersburg’s Hidden Gems
Morning:
- Begin your day with breakfast at Sushi Bar Moya, a popular spot for sushi lovers.
- Visit the Peter and Paul Fortress, the birthplace of St. Petersburg, and climb the tower for a panoramic view of the city.
- Explore the nearby Museum of Soviet Arcade Machines to get a taste of Soviet history.
Afternoon:
- Lunch at Tsar’t Cafe, serving traditional Russian food in a cozy, fairy tale-like setting.
- Visit the Saint Isaac’s Cathedral and admire its gold-domed architecture.
- Take a canal cruise to see St. Petersburg from a different perspective (Canal Cruises).
Evening:
- Dine at Belaya Crepe, known for its delicious crepes and cozy atmosphere.
- Visit the vibrant Nevsky Prospekt for some shopping and people watching.
- Cap off your evening with a drink at The Rookery, a speakeasy-style bar hidden in the basement of a building on Nevsky Prospekt.
Accommodation: You’ll find a wide range of accommodations in St. Petersburg to suit every budget, from luxury hotels like The Ritz-Carlton to more affordable options such as Hostel World Heritage.
Transportation: St. Petersburg has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, trams, and the metro. You can also use ride-hailing services like Yandex Taxi or Gett. It’s a good idea to purchase a travel card (Troika Card) for easy and convenient travel around the city.
Things to Know:
- St. Petersburg can be quite chilly, even in summer, so pack layers.
- English is not as widely spoken as in other major European cities, so learning a few basic Russian phrases will make your trip more enjoyable.
- Always check opening hours and days for attractions before visiting.
Tips:
- Take the time to explore off-the-beaten-path areas like Vyborg Side or Koporka Island for a truly local experience.
- Don’t miss trying some delicious Russian pelmeni (meat dumplings) during your stay.
- Respect the cultural norms and traditions of St. Petersburg, as this will make for a more rewarding travel experience.