St. Petersburg 5 Day Itinerary

St. Petersburg 5-Day Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & City Center Exploration

• Morning: Check-in at your hotel (recommendations: Hotel Astoria St. Petersburg, Belmond Grand Hotel Europe), freshen up, and enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
• Mid-Morning: Start your city tour with the iconic Spit of Vasilyevsky Island, where you can see the famous Bronze Horseman monument.
• Afternoon: Visit St. Isaac’s Cathedral and explore the nearby Nevsky Prospect.
• Evening: Have dinner at Tsar Restaurant for traditional Russian cuisine.

Day 2: Hermitage Museum & Palace Square

• Morning: Visit the world-renowned Hermitage Museum, with an emphasis on its main buildings – the Winter Palace and the Small Hermitage.
• Afternoon: Walk around Palace Square and explore nearby attractions like the General Staff Building and Alexander Column.
• Evening: Dine at Buran & Buran, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering innovative Russian cuisine.

Day 3: Peter and Paul Fortress & Canal Cruise

• Morning: Head to the Peter and Paul Fortress, St. Petersburg’s founding place, and visit the Peter and Paul Cathedral where many Russian Tsars are buried.
• Afternoon: Embark on a Canal Cruise to see the city from a different perspective.
• Evening: Dine at Oblomov Cafe for authentic Russian cuisine with a cozy atmosphere.

Day 4: Peterhof & Tsarskoe Selo (Pushkin)

• Morning: Take a day trip to visit the famous Peterhof Palace and its beautiful gardens, often called “The Russian Versailles.”
• Afternoon: Head to nearby Tsarskoe Selo (Pushkin), where you can explore the stunning Catherine Palace and the nearby Amber Room.
• Evening: Return to St. Petersburg, rest, and enjoy a quiet evening at your hotel or explore local nightlife.

Day 5: Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood & Departure

• Morning: Visit the colorful Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, known for its intricate mosaics.
• Afternoon: Depending on your flight schedule, explore any remaining attractions or simply stroll around the city center one last time.
• Evening: Have a farewell dinner at a favorite restaurant from earlier in the week, or try Sushi Bar Magasin for excellent sushi.
• Departure: Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Things to Know:

• Russian is the primary language spoken in St. Petersburg, but English is widely understood in tourist areas.
• Taxis and rideshares (Yandex.Taxi, Gett) are common and affordable. Public transportation can be used as well (Metro, Tram, Bus).
• Be aware of pickpocketing in crowded areas and always keep your belongings secure.
• Most restaurants add a service charge to the bill, but tipping extra is appreciated for excellent service.
• For more information on visiting St. Petersburg, check out Go to St. Petersburg.