The Venice of the North – Imperial Capital of Russia
Day 1: Historic City Center & Nevsky Prospekt
Morning
- Nevsky Prospekt Walk – Explore St. Petersburg’s main avenue
- Kazan Cathedral – Stunning Orthodox cathedral with colonnade
- Singer Building (House of Books) – Iconic Art Nouveau architecture
- Gostiny Dvor – Historic shopping arcade
Afternoon
- State Hermitage Museum – Winter Palace and world-class art collection
- Focus on main highlights: Jordan Staircase, Throne Rooms, Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt
- Palace Square – Admire Alexander Column and General Staff Building
Evening
- Dinner at traditional Russian restaurant
- Evening stroll along Palace Embankment
Day 2: Peterhof & Imperial Splendor
Morning
- Peterhof Palace Complex (hydrofoil from city center)
- Grand Palace – Baroque imperial residence
- Lower Gardens – Famous fountain cascades and Grand Cascade
- Upper Gardens – Formal French-style gardens
Afternoon
- Monplaisir Palace – Peter the Great’s seaside retreat
- Marly Palace – Intimate imperial residence
- Alexandria Park (optional) – Gothic Revival cottage palace
Evening
- Return to city center by hydrofoil
- Dinner with views of the Neva River
Day 3: Churches & Cultural Treasures
Morning
- Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood – Iconic mosaic masterpiece
- Russian Museum – World’s largest collection of Russian art
- Mikhailovsky Garden – Peaceful park in city center
Afternoon
- St. Isaac’s Cathedral – Climb the colonnade for panoramic views
- Mariinsky Theatre – Tour of the historic opera house (if available)
- Yusupov Palace – Site of Rasputin’s assassination
Evening
- Performance at Mariinsky Theatre (opera or ballet – book in advance)
- Late dinner in historic city center
Day 4: Peter & Paul Fortress & Vasilievsky Island
Morning
- Peter and Paul Fortress – Original citadel of St. Petersburg
- Peter and Paul Cathedral – Burial place of Russian tsars
- Prison of Trubetskoy Bastion – Political prison museum
- Walk along fortress walls with Neva River views
Afternoon
- Vasilievsky Island exploration
- Kunstkamera – Peter the Great’s cabinet of curiosities
- Rostral Columns – Naval monument with city views
- Menshikov Palace – Early 18th-century aristocratic residence
Evening
- Stroll along University Embankment
- Dinner at restaurant with traditional Russian cuisine
Day 5: Pushkin (Tsarskoye Selo) & Catherine Palace
Morning
- Train/bus to Pushkin (30km south of city)
- Catherine Palace – Rococo masterpiece
- Amber Room – The “Eighth Wonder of the World” (reconstruction)
- Great Hall – Magnificent ballroom
Afternoon
- Catherine Park – Expansive landscape garden
- Cameron Gallery – Neoclassical pavilion
- Grotto and other park pavilions
- Alexander Palace (if time permits)
Evening
- Return to St. Petersburg
- Farewell dinner with Russian specialties
Essential Information
Transportation
- Metro: Efficient subway system with ornate stations
- Taxis: Uber and Yandex Taxi widely available
- Walking: City center is very walkable
- River boats: Seasonal service along canals and Neva
Tickets & Reservations
- Hermitage: Book online in advance, especially in summer
- Mariinsky Theatre: Reserve tickets well ahead for popular performances
- Peterhof: Hydrofoil tickets can be purchased at departure
- Church of Savior on Spilled Blood: Timed entry tickets recommended
Cultural Tips
- White Nights (June-July): Nearly 24-hour daylight, special festival atmosphere
- Dress codes: Conservative attire for churches and formal venues
- Photography: Many museums charge extra for photo permits
- Language: Basic Russian phrases helpful, but English spoken in tourist areas
Recommended Restaurants
- Palkin – Historic fine dining since 1785
- Teplo – Cozy atmosphere with modern Russian cuisine
- Mansarda – Rooftop dining with city views
- Marketplace – International cuisine in stylish setting
Budget Considerations
- Museum passes: Consider multi-day passes for major attractions
- Meal costs: Range from budget cafeterias to high-end restaurants
- Shopping: Nevsky Prospekt for souvenirs, local markets for authentic crafts
Optional Day Trip Extensions
- Novgorod – Medieval city with ancient kremlin (3-hour train)
- Kronstadt – Naval fortress island
- Pavlovsk – Imperial palace with extensive English-style park
St. Petersburg rewards both detailed exploration and spontaneous wandering through its magnificent streets and canals.