St Petersburg, Russia 5 Day Itinerary

5-Day Itinerary for Exploring St. Petersburg, Russia

Day 1: Arrival & City Center Exploration

• Morning: Check-in at a centrally located hotel like the Ambassador Palace Hotel or Park Inn by Radisson Pulkovskaya.
• Afternoon: Visit the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood and the nearby Bronze Horseman Statue.
• Evening: Dine at a traditional Russian restaurant like Pushkin Restaurant or Belmond Europa Hotel’s Le Beaujolais for a taste of Russian cuisine.
• Things to know: St. Petersburg operates on Eastern European Time (UTC+3). The city is known for its beautiful architecture, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene.

Day 2: Historic & Artistic Sites

• Morning: Visit the State Hermitage Museum, home to over 3 million items including works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Rembrandt.
• Afternoon: Head to the Russian Museum to explore Russian art from the 10th century to the present.
• Evening: Take a stroll along Nevsky Prospect and enjoy local street food or grab dinner at Cafe Lucky To Go.
• Transportation: Use the Metro for easy navigation around the city. Single tickets cost 30 rubles (approx. $0.45).

Day 3: Peterhof & Petrodvorets

• Morning: Take a day trip to Peterhof, also known as the “Russian Versailles,” and explore its beautiful gardens and fountains.
• Afternoon: Visit Petrodvorets (Peter’s Village) and enjoy a boat ride on the Channel of Peter the Great, followed by exploring the Grand Palace and its beautiful interiors.
• Evening: Return to St. Petersburg and enjoy dinner at Fish Island, a collection of eateries on an island in the Neva River.

Day 4: Island Hopping & Canals

• Morning: Visit Kronverk Island and explore its fortress, museums, and scenic views.
• Afternoon: Take a boat tour of the city’s canals to see famous landmarks like the Spit of Vasilievsky Island and the Admiralty Building.
• Evening: Dine at Twelve Apostles for a unique dining experience that offers stunning views of St. Isaac’s Cathedral and the Peter and Paul Fortress.

Day 5: Cultural Experiences & Departure

• Morning: Visit the Marinsky Theater to watch a ballet performance or the Philharmonic Hall for an evening of classical music.
• Afternoon: Explore the vibrant arts and crafts scene at the Anichkov Palace Market or the Antique Store on Rubinshteina Street.
• Evening: Departure from Pulkovo International Airport (LED).

Tips:

• Currency: Russia uses the Russian Ruble (RUB)
• Language: The official language is Russian, but many people in St. Petersburg speak English.
• Safety: While generally safe, be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas.
• Electrical Outlets: Use European-style outlets (Type C and F).
• Emergency Number: Dial 112 for police, fire, or medical emergencies.