St Petersburg 7 Day Itinerary

July 10, 2024

St. Petersburg 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and City Center Exploration

Arrive at Pulkovo Airport (LED) and check into your accommodation (recommended: Ambassador Palace Hotel or Hotel Astoria St Petersburg)
Visit the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, a colorful Orthodox church built in memory of Alexander III
Take a leisurely stroll along Nevsky Prospekt, the city’s main street, stopping for shopping or lunch at Eliseev Emporium or Na Zastavke
Explore the State Hermitage Museum (pre-book tickets online to avoid lines) and its adjacent Winter Palace

Day 2: Peter and Paul Fortress, Peterhof, and Rooftop Views

Start your day at the historic Peter and Paul Fortress, housing St. Petersburg’s cathedral and the tombs of Russian emperors
Head to Peterhof (Peterhof Palace and Garden) – the “Russian Versailles” with stunning fountains and gardens
In the evening, enjoy dinner at Kholodnaia Starina or Restaurant O’Blomov
Cap off the day with a rooftop visit to the Lion’s Mound for panoramic city views

Day 3: Canal Cruise, Faberge Museum, and Folklore Show

Take a canal cruise to admire the city’s iconic waterways and palaces (Canal Boat Tour by Hydrofoil)
Visit the Fabergé Museum for an up-close look at the famous Imperial Easter Eggs
Witness a traditional Russian folklore show, such as Kornilov’s National Russian Center or Nevsky Center

Day 4: The State Museum of Ernest Thomasmann and Catherine Palace

Spend the day at the State Museum of Ernest Thomasmann (Museum of Russian Icons) and the nearby Catherine Palace (part of the Tsarskoye Selo State Museum-Reserve)
Enjoy lunch in Pushkin, a small town near Tsarskoye Selo, at Restaurant U Litsy or Pushkinskaya Kukhnya

Day 5: The State Russian Museum and Church of the Blessed Savior on Spilled Blood (Second Visit)

Dedicate your day to exploring the State Russian Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of Russian art
Return to the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood for a closer look at its intricate interior
Savor dinner at Restaurant Belmondo or Cafe Pushkin

Day 6: Day Trip to Petergoff and Gatchina

Venture out of the city for a day trip to Petergoff (Petergoff Grand Palace) and Gatchina (Gatchina Palace) – both are worth exploring and offer a glimpse into Russia’s imperial past

Day 7: Departure Day

Have a relaxing breakfast at your hotel before checking out and heading to Pulkovo Airport for your departure

Things to know:

The city is vast, so plan your route ahead of time or consider purchasing a travel pass for public transportation (St. Petersburg Travel Pass)
Most museums and attractions are closed on Mondays; check opening days before planning your itinerary
Dress modestly when visiting churches, and remove shoes when entering Orthodox churches
Tipping in Russia is not customary but appreciated, especially in restaurants and for tour guides

Transportation: