Saint Petersburg

Day Trips

Begin the day with a stroll along Nevsky Prospect, absorbing the quiet rhythm and the pale, historic facades. Stop at a local bakery for a strong coffee and a pastry, letting the city slowly wake around you.

Visit Kazan Cathedral to admire its grand interior and the soft light spilling through stained glass. Enjoy lunch at a nearby courtyard cafe and savor traditional flavors as you plan the afternoon.

Take a sunset walk along the Fontanka River, watching bridges and lamplight glow on the water. Dine at a riverside restaurant and end the evening with a quiet stroll through the historic center.

Arrive at the Hermitage early to experience fewer crowds and a curated flow through its stunning rooms. Let the opulent halls and masterpieces guide your imagination as you move from gallery to gallery.

Continue through key wings with a focus on imperial portraits and Old Masters. Take a break at the museum cafe and return to the galleries refreshed.

Stroll along the Neva after dark, when bridges cast warm reflections on the water. Choose a restaurant nearby for contemporary Russian cuisine and enjoy a relaxed, candlelit dinner.

Travel to Pushkin and begin at Catherine Palace with its pale facade that glows in the morning light. Inside, wander gilded interiors and turquoise rooms that evoke a storied era.

Explore the palace grounds and park, admiring fountains and the grand landscape. Lunchtime offers hearty local dishes in a cozy cafe before you head back.

Back in the city, consider a gentle stroll along a quiet street near the river for a restful pace. Cap the night with a classical performance or an intimate concert at a historic venue.

Set out for Peterhof to wander the Lower Gardens and the grand fountains. Take in the water features while sipping coffee at a terrace overlooking the bay.

Tour the Grand Palace interiors or explore the smaller pavilions that punctuate the grounds. Continue with a walk to the Monplaisir pavilion and Cascades for sweeping vistas.

Return to the city and refresh at your hotel before dinner. Dine at a restaurant near the canal and reflect on the day’s monarchic splendor.

Begin with a climb up the dome of Saint Isaac’s Cathedral for panoramic city views. Descend to the gilded interior and feel the vast space wrap around you.

Cross the Anichkov Bridge to admire the dramatic horse statues and the lively riverwalk. Stroll along the Fontanka and grab a light lunch at a cafe with canal views.

Attend a small recital or chamber performance in a historic venue if possible. Conclude the evening with a moonlit walk along the Neva embankment and bridges.

Visit the Russian Museum to see a sweeping arc of Russian art from icons to modern masterpieces. Take your time with the works that resonate most and plan a short wraparound circuit.

Lunch at a bright bistro near the museum district provides a respite from galleries. In the afternoon, consider a tour of the Mariinsky Theatre or a guided backstage visit.

Eat near the theatre district and listen to street musicians as you walk back toward the river. A late stroll along the canal roads can cap the day with a tranquil glow.

Visit the Dostoevsky Museum to step into his world through letters and personal rooms. Walk the surrounding streets where literary echoes linger in bookshops and cafes.

Lunch at a modern cafe offers creative twists on traditional flavors. Take a canal-side walk along Griboedov or Kamennoostrovsky streets to soak in local life.

Try a traditional borscht and pelmeni at a cozy restaurant favored by locals. Finish with a late-night boat ride to see bridges illuminated against the dark sky.

Set out on a guided canal and river cruise to experience the city from the water. Notice how the bridges and palaces reflect in the mirrors of the daytime water.

Visit the Summer Garden for statuary, hedges, and a slow, leafy stroll. Pause at a quiet cafe to enjoy a pastry and a cup of tea amid the greenery.

Dine at a restaurant with river views and tinges of classical music in the background. Consider a brief night walk along the canal network to savor the nocturnal atmosphere.

Explore the Kunstkamera to encounter early anthropology displays and curiosities. Take your time with the exhibition rooms and the quirky collections.

Lunch at a bakery near Palace Square offers fresh pastries and hearty soups. Stroll the nearby squares and return to admire the surrounding architecture.

Take a final sunset cruise or short evening cruise to capture the city’s illuminated face. Toast the journey with a farewell dinner at a refined restaurant overlooking the Neva.

Spend the morning wandering favorite corners and picking up last-minute souvenirs. Savor a long, relaxed coffee and a final pastry as you reflect on the trip.

Revisit a favorite museum or gallery for a last impression and a gentle goodbye. Pack with care and prepare for departure, knowing the city’s memory will linger.

Enjoy a final riverside dinner, savoring the flavors of the city one last time. Take a last slow walk along the embankments to bid farewell to the lights and the water.