Saint Petersburg itinerary — 3 days
Day 1 — Saint Petersburg
6 stops · ≈ 7 h 3 minThe State Hermitage Museum, founded by Catherine the Great in 1754, is one of the world's oldest and largest museums. It houses an extensive collection of art, culture, and antiquities. The museum recently expanded with a contemporary art wing in the General Staff Building, showcasing 21st-century artworks by renowned artists. The Kazan Cathedral nearby features a unique architectural design and historical significance related to Russian military figures and events from the early 19th century.
Palace Square is a central square in St. Petersburg, known for its historical significance and architectural beauty. It features the iconic Alexander Column commemorating victory over Napoleon's armies. The area is surrounded by notable landmarks such as the Winter Palace (The Hermitage) and the Imperial Army General Staff building, making it a hub for art museums and chic cafes.
Kazan Cathedral, designed by Russian architect Hronihin, is an elegant church that began its construction in 1801 and was completed in 1811. The cathedral features a cross-shaped floor plan with a cylinder-shaped penthouse above the middle and a grand dome on the top floor. The semicircular colonnade boasts 94 columns facing the main street and encircling the square, where monuments of Russian commanders Kutuzov and Barclay de Tolly stand.
The Savior on the Spilled Blood is a stunning 1880s church adorned with gleaming mosaics and marble, featuring colorful onion domes. Designed by Russian architect Hronihin, it boasts a cross-shaped floor plan with a cylinder-shaped penthouse and a correct dome. The semicircular colonnade consists of 94 columns facing the main street and encircling the square, where monuments of Russian commanders stand.
The Summer Garden, located in St. Petersburg, is a picturesque 18th-century garden designed by Peter the Great. Nestled along the Neva River, it features 79 marble sculptures from the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as fountains and ponds surrounded by lush greenery. The garden offers a peaceful retreat with its mature plantings and scenic views of the surrounding canals and rivers.
Cruiser Aurora is a historic museum ship that played a significant role in the Russo-Japanese War, the Russian Revolution of 1917, and World War II. This retired Russian naval ship has an armored deck and holds a rich history dating back to the early 1900s. It survived the Battle of Tsushima during the Russo-Japanese War and was involved in marking the beginning of the Russian Revolution with its cannon fire.
Reserve
9If you have time left — worth it too.
Peterhof, also known as Paleizencomplex in Peterhof, is a seafront museum complex located in a former royal palace surrounded by parkland. It is renowned for its numerous fountains and is a top destination for various activities such as water sports, boat rides, kiteboarding, and exploring gardens. The palace itself offers an intriguing glimpse into the lives of ancient inhabitants through its royal rooms and exclusive chandeliers.
Catherine Park is a sprawling urban park that was once the estate of a nobleman. It features lush greenery, ponds, and walking paths. The park reflects the preferences of multiple generations of Romanovs, blending elaborate formal gardens with a picturesque landscaped park adorned with charming follies. Visitors can explore various attractions within the park for an admission fee, including the Grotto, Maids of Honour Garden, and Hanging Garden.
Pavlovskiy Park is a sprawling 18th-century landscape surrounding a palace-turned-museum, boasting English-style gardens, water features, and classical-style buildings like the Apollo Colonnade and the Temple of Friendship. Spanning over 600 hectares, it's renowned as one of Europe's finest landscape parks. During summer, the park blooms with diverse flowers and offers families a perfect place for leisurely walks.
Catherine Palace is an 18th-century Baroque palace located in Tsarskoye Selo, where the Russian royal family spent their summers. It was originally a small cozy palace built by Catherine I for warm summer months. Later, Elizabeth ordered the construction of another palace known for its parties and dances. Designed by Johann-Friedrich and renovated by architects like Bartolomeo Rastrelli and Charles Cameron, the palace reflects Russian monarchy's grandeur.
Museum "Tsarskoye Selo" is a captivating historic site that encompasses multiple imperial palaces and an extensive landscaped park adorned with beautiful gardens. It's advisable to make reservations in advance as the place tends to be crowded, especially during the fall season when the enchanting walks through the park are particularly popular.
Anichkov Bridge, a historic structure dating back to 1841 and reconstructed in 1908, is adorned with iconic horse tamer sculptures. Situated on Nevsky Prospect, it offers picturesque views of the Fontanka River and is surrounded by former imperial palaces. The bridge's iron railings feature intricate patterns of mermaids and seahorses.
New Holland Island, an 18th-century triangular artificial island in St. Petersburg, is a historic gem that has been restored and transformed into a vibrant public space. Originally built as a shipyard and naval base, the island now features beautifully restored buildings, an herb garden, art galleries, coffee shops, and restaurants. Since its renovation in recent years, it has become a hub for various activities such as public art installations, open studios for children, sports events, concerts and film screenings.
Smolny Cathedral, an 18th-century Baroque Russian Orthodox church, is a stunning sight to behold with its sky blue facade and domes. Designed by Italian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli in 1748 as a nunnery complex, it features audio tours and a belfry observation platform offering panoramic views of the city. The cathedral's beauty is especially emphasized during sunrise or sunset when the sun's golden rays gently bathe its exterior.
The Botanical Gardens of Peter the Great is a vast and well-established garden featuring a large palm house, tropical greenhouses, and a diverse collection of vegetation from around the world. Established in the 18th century by Peter the Great, it includes orangeries, a Japanese garden, a museum, and plant nurseries. The park offers ample walking tracks amidst lush greenery and numerous greenhouses to explore.
- Keep some cash on hand, as not all places accept cards.
- Learn a few basic Russian phrases, as not everyone speaks English.
- Use a reliable map app for navigation, but be aware of potential data costs.