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Imperial Splendor: A Week in Saint Petersburg

Palaces, Canals, and Cultural Treasures of Russia's Northern Capital

Trip Overview

This seven-day journey through Saint Petersburg immerses you in the grandeur of imperial Russia while revealing the city's vibrant contemporary culture. From the opulent halls of Catherine Palace to the golden spires of Peter and Paul Cathedral, you'll experience the architectural masterpieces that earned this city its reputation as the Venice of the North. The itinerary balances world-class museums and palaces with leisurely strolls through historic gardens, atmospheric canal-side walks, and authentic cultural experiences. The pace allows for deep exploration without exhaustion, with strategic breaks in charming cafes and along the Neva River embankments. You'll witness the legacy of the Romanovs, discover hidden courtyards, and experience the White Nights atmosphere that makes this city magical.

Pace
Moderate
Daily Budget
$80-120 per day
Best Seasons
May to September (White Nights in June-July), December for festive atmosphere
Ideal For
First-time visitors, History enthusiasts, Architecture lovers, Cultural travelers, Photography enthusiasts

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1

Imperial Heart & Nevsky Prospect

Historic Center
Begin your Saint Petersburg adventure with the city's most iconic square and cathedral, followed by exploration of the main boulevard and its architectural treasures.
Morning
Palace Square and surrounding area
Start at the magnificent Palace Square, the heart of imperial Saint Petersburg. Admire the sweeping arc of the General Staff Building and the Alexander Column. Walk through the square to appreciate its grand scale and photograph the iconic Winter Palace facade. Explore the surrounding streets to get oriented in the historic center, observing the pastel-colored baroque and neoclassical architecture that defines the city.
2-3 hours $0 (outdoor exploration)
Lunch
A cozy café near Nevsky Prospect serving Russian comfort food
Traditional Russian Mid-range
Afternoon
Kazan Cathedral and Nevsky Prospect
Visit the stunning Kazan Cathedral with its impressive colonnade inspired by St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Explore the interior with its beautiful icons and soaring dome. Afterward, stroll along Nevsky Prospect, the city's main artery, observing the mix of architectural styles from baroque to art nouveau. Stop at the historic Singer Building and admire the many ornate facades lining this famous boulevard.
2-3 hours $5-10
Cathedral is free to enter; dress modestly
Evening
Evening walk and dinner
Take a sunset walk along the Moyka River embankment, then dine at a restaurant featuring modern Russian cuisine with views of the illuminated canals

Where to Stay Tonight

Nevsky Prospect area (Mid-range hotel near the historic center)

Central location provides easy access to major attractions and excellent public transportation connections for the week ahead

Download an offline map before arriving as WiFi can be spotty. The metro is efficient but signs are primarily in Cyrillic, so having navigation ready helps immensely.
Day 1 Budget: $90-130
2

Tsarist Opulence & Tragic Beauty

Historic Center
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Saint Petersburg's most photographed church and explore a palace steeped in imperial intrigue.
Morning
Savior on the Spilled Blood
Visit this extraordinary cathedral, built on the site where Tsar Alexander II was assassinated. Marvel at the stunning Russian Revival architecture with its colorful onion domes and intricate exterior mosaics. Inside, explore over 7,500 square meters of mosaics covering every surface, depicting biblical scenes in incredible detail. The interior is one of the most spectacular in Russia, with each wall telling a story through glittering tiles.
1.5-2 hours $8-12
Arrive right at opening (10:30 AM) to avoid crowds for the best photos
Lunch
A garden café near the Summer Garden with outdoor seating
European and Russian fusion Mid-range
Afternoon
Yusupov Palace
Explore this magnificent palace, former home of one of Russia's wealthiest families. Tour the lavishly decorated state rooms with their gilded details, crystal chandeliers, and period furniture. The highlight is the palace's private theater, a jewel-box rococo masterpiece. Visit the basement exhibition about Rasputin's assassination, which took place in this very palace in 1916, adding a layer of dark history to the opulent surroundings.
2 hours $15-20
Book the Rasputin exhibition tour in advance online for guaranteed entry
Evening
Canal cruise and dinner
Take an evening boat tour through the canals to see the city from the water, followed by dinner at a traditional restaurant featuring live folk music

Where to Stay Tonight

Nevsky Prospect area (Same hotel as Day 1)

Continuing to stay centrally minimizes time spent on logistics and maximizes exploration time

Photography is allowed in most palaces but requires an additional photo ticket. However, smartphones are usually permitted without extra charge.
Day 2 Budget: $100-140
3

Pushkin's Catherine Palace Excursion

Pushkin (Tsarskoye Selo)
Journey to the suburban imperial estate to witness the legendary Amber Room and explore magnificent palace gardens.
Morning
Catherine Palace
Take a train to Pushkin to visit the spectacular Catherine Palace, the summer residence of the Russian tsars. Tour the magnificent state rooms, culminating in the famous Amber Room, recreated with six tons of amber after the original was lost in WWII. Walk through the gilded Great Hall with its mirrored walls and ornate decorations. The palace represents the pinnacle of Russian baroque architecture and imperial excess.
3-4 hours including travel $25-35 (including transport and entry)
Book tickets online weeks in advance; palace has limited daily capacity and sells out quickly
Lunch
A café in Pushkin town near the palace grounds
Light European fare and Russian specialties Mid-range
Afternoon
Catherine Park exploration
Spend the afternoon wandering the extensive Catherine Park surrounding the palace. Discover the Cameron Gallery, the Grotto, and various pavilions scattered throughout the landscaped grounds. Visit the Chinese Village and admire the Great Pond with its romantic bridges and follies. The park combines formal French gardens with English landscape design, offering peaceful walks and beautiful photo opportunities at every turn.
2-3 hours $5-8 (park entry)
Evening
Return to city center
Head back to Saint Petersburg in early evening, have a relaxed dinner at a Georgian restaurant in the city center, known for khachapuri and wine

Where to Stay Tonight

Nevsky Prospect area (Same hotel as previous nights)

Return to your central base after the day trip for convenience and familiarity

The suburban train to Pushkin leaves from Vitebsky Station. Buy a round-trip ticket and keep it safe as you'll need it to exit at your return. The station itself is worth admiring for its art nouveau architecture.
Day 3 Budget: $85-125
4

Fortress Foundations & Military Heritage

Petrogradsky District
Discover where Saint Petersburg began at the historic fortress, then explore Russia's impressive military history collection.
Morning
Peter and Paul Cathedral and Fortress
Visit the Peter and Paul Fortress, the original citadel of Saint Petersburg founded in 1703. Enter the stunning Peter and Paul Cathedral with its distinctive golden spire, the burial place of Russian emperors from Peter the Great to Nicholas II. The cathedral's baroque interior features ornate iconostasis and marble tombs of the Romanov dynasty. Walk along the fortress walls for excellent views across the Neva River to the Winter Palace.
2-3 hours $10-15
Visit on a weekday morning to avoid weekend crowds
Lunch
A waterfront café on Petrogradsky Side with views of the fortress
Contemporary Russian and international Mid-range
Afternoon
Military-Historical Museum of Artillery, Engineer and Signal Corps
Explore one of the world's largest military museums, housed in the historic Kronwerk Arsenal. The vast collection includes artillery pieces, tanks, missiles, and military equipment spanning centuries. The outdoor exhibition features impressive Soviet-era tanks and aircraft. Inside, discover historic weapons, uniforms, and exhibits on Russian military engineering. This museum offers fascinating insights into Russia's military history and technological development.
2-3 hours $8-12
Evening
Stroll and dinner
Walk across the Trinity Bridge for sunset views, then enjoy dinner at a cozy bistro in the Petrogradsky district known for its creative takes on Russian classics

Where to Stay Tonight

Nevsky Prospect area (Same hotel as previous nights)

Maintain your central location for easy access to remaining attractions

At noon, a cannon is fired from the fortress walls, a tradition dating back to 1736. Time your visit to witness this daily ceremony from the fortress ramparts.
Day 4 Budget: $80-110
5

Palaces & Historic Gardens

Historic Center & Islands
Experience the elegance of Menshikov Palace and the tranquil beauty of Saint Petersburg's oldest garden, followed by imperial monuments.
Morning
The Menshikov Palace
Visit the baroque palace of Alexander Menshikov, Peter the Great's closest associate and the first Governor-General of Saint Petersburg. The palace showcases early 18th-century interiors with Dutch tiles, oak paneling, and period furnishings. The restoration reveals how the Russian nobility lived during Peter's era, with rooms decorated in European style. The palace offers insights into the Petrine period and the early days of Saint Petersburg's development.
1.5-2 hours $8-12
Lunch
A café on Vasilyevsky Island with views toward the Neva
Light meals and Russian pastries Budget
Afternoon
Summer Garden and Bronze Horseman
Stroll through the Summer Garden, Peter the Great's first garden in Saint Petersburg, with its geometric layout, marble sculptures, and elegant fountains. The garden offers a peaceful retreat with shaded alleys and the Summer Palace. Afterward, walk to the Bronze Horseman, the iconic equestrian statue of Peter the Great immortalized in Pushkin's poetry. The monument stands dramatically on Senate Square overlooking the Neva River.
2-3 hours $3-5
Evening
Cultural evening
Attend a classical ballet or opera performance at one of the city's theaters, followed by a late dinner at an elegant restaurant near the theater district

Where to Stay Tonight

Nevsky Prospect area (Same hotel as previous nights)

Continue enjoying the convenience of your central location

The Summer Garden is closed during spring floods and winter. The ornate fence along the Neva embankment is considered one of the most beautiful railings in the world and is perfect for photos.
Day 5 Budget: $95-150
6

Castles, Canals & Contemporary Spaces

Historic Center
Explore a mysterious imperial castle and discover Saint Petersburg's creative transformation of historic spaces.
Morning
Saint Michael's Castle
Visit this unique fortress-palace built by Emperor Paul I, who was assassinated here just 40 days after moving in. The castle's architecture combines elements of a medieval fortress with a classical palace. Explore the state rooms, now housing Russian Museum exhibitions, and learn about Paul I's paranoid reign. The castle's moat and drawbridges create an atmospheric setting unlike any other imperial residence in the city.
2 hours $10-15
Lunch
A trendy lunch spot in the New Holland cultural quarter
Modern international and healthy options Mid-range
Afternoon
New Holland and Alexander Garden
Explore New Holland, a former naval facility transformed into a contemporary cultural space with exhibitions, shops, and green spaces. The island hosts events, markets, and outdoor activities in a beautifully restored setting. Then visit the nearby Alexander Garden, a peaceful park adjacent to the Admiralty with fountains and monuments, perfect for people-watching and relaxation. The garden offers classic views of Saint Petersburg's architectural ensemble.
2-3 hours $0-5
Evening
Final evening exploration
Take a sunset walk along the Palace Embankment, crossing bridges to admire the city's illuminated landmarks, then enjoy a farewell dinner at an upscale restaurant featuring contemporary Russian cuisine

Where to Stay Tonight

Nevsky Prospect area (Same hotel as previous nights)

Final night in your familiar central accommodation before departure

New Holland often hosts free concerts, film screenings, and cultural events in summer. Check their schedule online before visiting to catch special programming.
Day 6 Budget: $85-120
7

Artistic Finale & Hidden Gems

Historic Center
Discover aristocratic elegance and explore lesser-known corners of the city before departure.
Morning
Stroganov Palace and Marble Palace
Visit the Stroganov Palace, a magnificent baroque mansion on Nevsky Prospect showcasing the wealth of one of Russia's most powerful families. Admire the restored state rooms with their original decoration. If time permits, also visit the Marble Palace nearby, a neoclassical gem faced with natural marble, now housing contemporary art exhibitions alongside historical interiors. Both palaces offer insights into aristocratic life in imperial Russia.
2-3 hours $12-18
Lunch
A final meal at a traditional Russian restaurant near your hotel
Classic Russian dishes Mid-range
Afternoon
Park 300-Letiya Sankt-Peterburga or last-minute exploration
If you have time before departure, visit Park 300-Letiya Sankt-Peterburga, a modern waterfront park celebrating the city's 300th anniversary, offering contemporary landscape design and Gulf of Finland views. Alternatively, revisit a favorite spot, browse for souvenirs along Nevsky Prospect, or relax in a café reflecting on your week in Russia's cultural capital before heading to the airport.
2 hours $0-5
Evening
Departure
Depart for the airport with memories of imperial palaces, golden spires, and the unique atmosphere of Russia's most European city

Where to Stay Tonight

N/A (Departure day)

Check out and depart

Allow at least 90 minutes to reach Pulkovo Airport from the city center. The airport bus is economical, but a taxi or ride-share offers more convenience with luggage after a week of travel.
Day 7 Budget: $70-100

Practical Information

Getting Around

Saint Petersburg's metro is efficient, beautiful, and inexpensive, with stations decorated like palaces. Purchase a multi-ride card for convenience. Buses and trolleybuses supplement metro coverage. For Catherine Palace, take suburban trains from Vitebsky Station. Walking is excellent in the compact historic center. Taxis and ride-sharing apps are affordable for longer distances or late evenings. Most major attractions are within walking distance or one metro ride from Nevsky Prospect. Consider a transport card for unlimited rides during your stay.

Book Ahead

Catherine Palace tickets must be booked weeks ahead online. Consider booking Yusupov Palace and major theater performances in advance. Museum tickets can often be purchased on-site, but online booking saves queuing time. Summer (White Nights season) requires earlier accommodation reservations.

Packing Essentials

Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate layers (even summer evenings can be cool), modest clothing for church visits, power adapter (European Type C/F plugs), offline maps, Russian phrase book or translation app, umbrella, and photocopies of passport and visa

Total Budget

$600-900 for 7 days (excluding international flights and visa fees)

Customize Your Trip

Budget Version

Stay in hostels near Nevsky Prospect ($15-25/night), eat at stolovaya cafeterias and local bakeries ($10-15/day), skip palace interiors and focus on free attractions like Palace Square, gardens, and embankment walks. Use only metro and walking. Purchase a museum pass if planning multiple visits. Cook occasional meals if hostel has kitchen facilities. Total budget: $50-70/day.

Luxury Upgrade

Stay at a five-star heritage hotel overlooking the Neva, book private guided tours of palaces with skip-the-line access, dine at Michelin-quality restaurants, attend premium ballet performances from orchestra seats, arrange private canal cruises, hire a driver for Catherine Palace, and add spa treatments. Include visits to exclusive palace apartments not open to general public. Total budget: $300-500/day.

Family-Friendly

Add Petrovskaya Akvatoriya miniature museum for interactive history, visit Vselennaya Vody water museum with hands-on exhibits, break up palace visits with playground time in parks, choose family-friendly restaurants with children's menus, stay in apartment-style accommodation with more space, reduce daily activities to avoid fatigue, and incorporate ice cream breaks along Nevsky Prospect. Many museums offer family programs on weekends.

Book Activities for Your Trip

Tours, tickets, and experiences in Saint Petersburg

Continue Planning Your Trip

Things to Do

Top attractions and activities for Saint Petersburg

Budget Guide

Trip costs and money tips for Saint Petersburg

Getting Around

Transport options and tips for Saint Petersburg

Where to Stay

Accommodation guide for Saint Petersburg

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