St. Petersburg, Russia 4 Day Itinerary
St. Petersburg 4-Day Travel Itinerary
Day 1: Exploring the Historical Center
Morning:
- Check-in at your hotel (recommended: Ambassador Hotel or Hotel Astoria St. Petersburg)
- Breakfast at Cafe Pica-Pica - a popular local chain with a variety of options
- Visit the State Hermitage Museum - one of the oldest and largest museums in the world, housing over 3 million items
Afternoon:
- Lunch at Lavka-Lavka - a restaurant located inside the Hermitage, offering Russian cuisine with a modern twist
- Stroll along Nevsky Prospect, visiting landmarks like the Anichkov Palace and The Kazan Cathedral
Evening:
- Dinner at Bely Mlyn - a romantic restaurant located in a 19th-century mill, offering traditional Russian dishes with stunning views of the Neva River
- Take a canal cruise to see St. Petersburg’s iconic waterfront at night (Canal Boat Tour)
Day 2: Peter and Paul Fortress, Church of Spilled Blood, and The Rostral Columns
Morning:
- Breakfast at your hotel or a local bakery (Chaika is a good choice)
- Visit the Peter and Paul Fortress - St. Petersburg’s birthplace, featuring the iconic Peter and Paul Cathedral, the Trubetskoy Bastion Prison, and a variety of museums
Afternoon:
- Lunch at Nevsky Bar & Kitchen - a trendy restaurant located in the heart of St. Petersburg, serving modern Russian cuisine
- Explore the Church of Spilled Blood (Church on Spilled Blood) and The Rostral Columns
Evening:
- Dinner at Restaurant 36 - a unique restaurant located in a former prison, offering traditional Russian cuisine with a contemporary twist
- Take a stroll along the embankment of the Neva River and enjoy the city’s beautiful nighttime views
Day 3: The State Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography (Kunstkamera) and Peterhof
Morning:
- Breakfast at your hotel or a local café
- Visit the State Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography (Kunstkamera) - Russia’s oldest museum, housing a vast collection of minerals, animals, and cultural artifacts
Afternoon:
- Lunch at Oblomov Cafe - a cozy café with a variety of Russian dishes and desserts
- Excursion to Peterhof (Peterhof Tour) - the “Russian Versailles,” featuring stunning fountains, palaces, and gardens
Evening:
- Dinner at The Belmond Grand Hotel Europe - visit for their famous caviar bar or the elegant Mezzanine Restaurant
- Attend a performance at the Marinsky Theatre or the Hermitage Theatre (if available)
Day 4: The Fabergé Museum and Souvenir Shopping
Morning:
- Breakfast at your hotel or a local café
- Visit the Fabergé Museum - dedicated to the works of Carl Fabergé, featuring the famous Imperial Easter Eggs and other treasures
Afternoon:
- Lunch at Sushi Bar Yuzu - a popular sushi spot for both locals and tourists
- Spend some time shopping for souvenirs, such as Matryoshka dolls, amber jewelry, and Russian nesting dolls (Eliseevsky Store is a great place to start)
Evening:
- Farewell dinner at O’Malley’s Irish Pub & Restaurant - for a taste of home before returning, or try one last traditional Russian meal at Lavka 19
Things to Know:
- St. Petersburg can be chilly, even in summer, so pack layers and waterproof clothing for unexpected rain
- The metro system is clean, efficient, and relatively easy to navigate - it’s a great way to explore the city
- Most businesses accept credit cards, but it’s always good to have some local currency (Russian rubles) on hand
- Reservations are strongly recommended for popular restaurants and attractions
- English is spoken in many tourist areas, but having a translator app or learning a few basic phrases can be helpful