St Petersburg 3 Day Itinerary
St. Petersburg 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Historical Landmarks and Artistic Wonders
- Morning: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Cafe Singer - a charming cafe offering traditional Russian cuisine.
- Visit the Hermitage Museum (10:30 AM - 4 PM): Located on the Palace Embankment, the Hermitage Museum houses one of the world’s largest and most significant art collections. Don’t miss the Scythian Gold, Rembrandts, and Da Vincis!
- Afternoon: Lunch at Langa Cafe: Enjoy a wide range of Russian dishes with stunning views over the Neva River.
- Visit Church of our Savior on Spilled Blood (2 PM - 6 PM): A colorful, intricate church built on the spot where Tsar Alexander II was assassinated in 1881.
- Evening: Dinner at Oblomov Cafe: Indulge in some Russian classics while listening to live music and experiencing the charming ambiance of this historic cafe.
- Night: Explore Canal Griboyedova and its surrounding bars and clubs.
Day 2: Imperial Palaces and Parks
- Morning: Breakfast at Gangway Cafe: A modern take on a traditional Russian cafe, with a fantastic brunch menu.
- Visit Peterhof Grand Palace (10 AM - 5 PM): Known as the “Russian Versailles,” this palace and park ensemble boasts fountains, gardens, and palaces that will leave you in awe. Don’t forget to visit the Upper Gardens and the Cascade Fountain!
- Lunch: Restaurant Mon Plaisir in Peterhof: Enjoy an exquisite meal overlooking beautiful park scenery.
- Afternoon: Travel to Tsarskoye Selo (Pushkin) and visit Catherine Palace (1 PM - 5 PM): Explore the stunning Amber Room, Gold Enfilade, and the vast gardens.
- Evening: Dinner at L’Europe: One of Russia’s most famous restaurants, offering an unforgettable dining experience in a historic setting.
- Night: Stroll through the charming town of Pushkin and take in its peaceful atmosphere.
Day 3: Modern St. Petersburg and Canal Cruise
- Morning: Breakfast at Bakery House: A popular bakery with delicious pastries, breads, and coffee.
- Visit the Fabergé Museum (10 AM - 6 PM): Explore the world’s largest collection of works by Carl Fabergé, including the famous Imperial Easter Eggs.
- Lunch: Et Cetera in the Fabrikanty Cultural and Artistic Center: Offering a diverse menu, Et Cetera is a great spot to try modern Russian cuisine.
- Afternoon: Canal Cruise (2 PM): Take a relaxing boat trip to see St. Petersburg’s famous waterfront palaces, bridges, and canals from a different perspective. Canal Boat Company offers guided tours in English.
- Evening: Dinner at Tiqvah Restaurant: Known for its delicious Israeli cuisine and vibrant atmosphere, Tiqvah is a fantastic choice for your final dinner in St. Petersburg.
- Night: Visit the Rostropovich House of Music or one of the city’s many live music venues to experience St. Petersburg’s lively nightlife scene.
Things to know:
- Currency: The official currency is the Russian Ruble (RUB). Credit cards are widely accepted in most places, but it’s always good to have some cash on hand.
- Transportation: St. Petersburg has an extensive public transportation system, including metro, trams, and buses. You can also take taxis or rent a bike for a more personalized experience.
- Language: While many people in St. Petersburg speak English, it’s always helpful to have a few Russian phrases on hand. Google Translate is a useful tool for communicating with locals.
- Electricity: The electrical outlets in Russia use a Type C and Type F plug, so bring an adapter if needed.
- Tipping: It’s customary to tip around 10% in restaurants and round up the fare for taxi rides.
- Dress code: St. Petersburg can be quite chilly, even in summer, so pack layers and a waterproof jacket. Comfortable walking shoes are also essential!