St Petersburg, Russia 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the Heart of St. Petersburg

Morning:

  1. Check-in at your hotel (Recommendations: Hotel Astoria, Hotel Europa, or Ambassador Palace Hotel)
  2. Breakfast at your hotel or local café (Try Tihvinskaia 45)
  3. Visit the Hermitage Museum (Official Website) - one of the oldest and largest art museums in the world, situated on the Neva River.
  4. Stroll through the Winter Palace (part of the Hermitage complex) and marvel at its opulent Baroque architecture.
  5. Lunch at Cafe Pushkin - a legendary restaurant known for its Russian cuisine and stunning decor.

Afternoon:

  1. Visit the Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood (Official Website) - a colorful, intricate church that commemorates the spot where Alexander II was assassinated in 1881.
  2. Cross the beautiful Bridge of Sighs, leading to the Peter and Paul Fortress (Official Website) - the oldest building in St. Petersburg. Climb up to its bell tower for a panoramic view of the city.
  3. Visit the Peter and Paul Cathedral within the fortress, where Russian Tsars are buried.
  4. Dinner at local restaurant Kotlina Izmailova - a cozy place with delicious traditional Russian dishes and live folk music.

Evening:

  1. Take a stroll along the Nevsky Prospect, one of St. Petersburg’s main avenues, lit up by thousands of streetlights at night.
  2. Visit Eliseyev Emporium - a unique gourmet store selling high-quality food products and souvenirs.
  3. End your day with a relaxing boat tour along the Canal Ring (Boat Tour Information) for an enchanting night view of St. Petersburg’s iconic buildings and bridges.

Day 2: Immersion in Russian Art & Culture

Morning:

  1. Breakfast at your hotel or local café (Try Little Kitchen)
  2. Visit the Russian Museum (Official Website) - the largest depository of Russian art in the world, showcasing works from the 10th century to the present day.
  3. Head to Museum of Political History to learn about Russia’s political evolution from the Middle Ages to the modern era.

Afternoon:

  1. Lunch at Vesna Cafe - a charming restaurant serving traditional Russian dishes with a contemporary twist.
  2. Visit the Marble Palace (Official Website) - another branch of the Russian Museum, housing an impressive collection of European art, as well as works by Russian artists.
  3. Take a stroll through the picturesque Summer Garden (Official Website) - one of St. Petersburg’s oldest gardens, offering a peaceful retreat amidst stunning landscapes and sculptures.
  4. Dinner at local restaurant Akakios - a modern Greek taverna with a vibrant atmosphere.

Evening:

  1. Attend a Ballet or Opera performance at the Mariinsky Theatre (Official Website) - one of the world’s most famous opera houses, offering unforgettable experiences in Russian art and culture.
  2. End your evening with a drink at The Bar at Hotel Astoria - one of the city’s most legendary bars, offering a taste of St. Petersburg’s golden age.

Transportation:

St. Petersburg has an extensive public transportation network, including buses, trams, and the metro (Metro Information). You can also use taxis or ride-sharing services like Yandex Taxi or Gett. It is recommended to purchase a Travel Card for unlimited travel on public transport during your stay.

Things to Know:

  • Russians generally appreciate it when foreigners make an effort to learn basic Russian phrases, such as “spasibo” (thank you) and “pochelovat’sya” (excuse me).
  • Tipping is not expected in all places, but it’s customary to leave a small tip (10% of the bill) at restaurants or for taxi drivers.
  • St. Petersburg can get quite chilly during the year, so pack layers and appropriate footwear for walking.
  • Always check opening hours and days for attractions before visiting, as some may have specific schedules or seasonal closures.