10:00

Hermitage Museum

Spend about three hours at the Winter Palace complex, choosing a few sections in advance: the state rooms, European painting, and the galleries of ancient art are especially worthwhile for a first visit. Allow extra time for security checks and the cloakroom; admission requires a ticket, typically in the range of 700–2.000 RUB depending on the fare and how you buy it.

Buy or book through the official website and check access conditions and which collections are open to visitors in advance.

13:15

Palace Square

Reach the square with a walk of just a few minutes from the Hermitage and spend about 30–40 minutes there: take in Alexander Column, the Admiralty facade, and the General Staff Arch. Visiting the outdoor spaces is free; allow about 300–800 RUB for a coffee break or snack nearby.

Free lunch break in the area before continuing to the fortress.

14:00

Peter and Paul Fortress

Cross the bridge to Zayachy Island, allowing about 20–30 minutes on foot from the center and another 90–120 minutes for the walls, courtyards, and cathedral. The fortress offers a glimpse into the city’s birth and its strategic position on the Neva; interior visits may require separate tickets, typically 500–1.500 RUB depending on the spaces you choose.

Check the official website to see which buildings and exhibitions are accessible and whether a combined ticket is needed.

17:00

Kazan Cathedral

Head back toward Nevsky Prospekt with a walk of about 25–35 minutes, or a short taxi or public transport ride. Spend 30–45 minutes on the colonnaded facade and interiors, remembering that this is a place of worship; entrance to the cathedral is generally free, while a donation is optional.

Dress respectfully and check the expected behavior during services.

18:00

Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

Reach it on foot in about 15–20 minutes from Kazan Cathedral and set aside 45–60 minutes for the visit, if access is available, or for viewing it from the outside. Inside, pay attention to the mosaics covering the walls and vaults; the ticket may be around 300–700 RUB, to be confirmed on the official website.

Access to the interior depends on opening conditions and any religious services: check before you go.

08:30

Peterhof Palace (Fountains and Lower Park)

From the city center, reach Peterhof by suburban rail and then a bus, or opt for a direct transfer; generally allow 60–90 minutes each way, depending on the route. Set aside about four hours for the Lower Park, the fountains, and the main avenues, leaving time for a break; access to the park and any entrance fees for the palace are separate, and you should budget roughly 1.000–3.500 RUB overall, depending on areas and type of visit.

Check the official website for the seasonal schedule, fountain operations, tickets, and return connections; plan on lunch in the park area or bring a snack.

08:00

Catherine Palace and the Amber Room

Reach Tsarskoye Selo, near Pushkin, in about 60–90 minutes from the center by combining suburban train and bus or by taxi; plan at least three hours for the palace and the accessible areas. Inside the rooms, take in the state apartments and the decorations of the Amber Room; tickets for the palace and park may cost roughly 1.000–3.000 RUB or more, depending on season, access, and fare.

Visitor capacity and visiting arrangements may vary: check the official website and book when required; plan lunch in Pushkin or on the way back.

15:30

State Russian Museum

Return to Saint Petersburg, allowing about 60–90 minutes for the transfer, and devote at least two hours to the Mikhailovsky Palace branch. Choose a representative section to follow the evolution of Russian art, from icons to modern works; the ticket is typically in the range of 500–1.500 RUB, with possible variations for exhibitions and entry options.

Check the official website for access, temporary exhibitions, and tickets; if the return from Pushkin is delayed, shorten the visit rather than compressing the transfers.