St Petersburg, Russia is a city full of exquisite cathedrals, melodramatic history, enticing culture and of course some great dining for the wanderlusts out there. In this write-up, Tripfez has taken the effort to prepare a list that suggests a 48-hour itinerary in this splendid nation. Are you ready to explore? Let’s go!
Day One in St. Petersburg
Morning
After breakfast at the hotel perhaps, you can start off your morning by strolling along a pathway that leads to a museum apartment of the infamous poet, Alexander Pushkin. The route will cross a canal that enters a Palace Square where you will be marvelled by the majestic Winter Palace. This palace was used as a filming location. It was for the BBC channel of War and Peace adaptation show. Then, continue your walk through the fountains and statues of the beautiful Alexandrovsky Garden.
Shift your way into the Ploshchad Dekabristov Square and check out the statue of Bronze Horseman. From this point, you will gaze in awe the breath-taking Neva River view towards the Peter and Paul Fortress located on the Vasilevsky Island.
Afternoon
After a fulfilling lunch, make a move to the Arts Square. Along the way, you will pass the beautiful Belmond Grand Hotel Europe. Here, you can explore the Russian Museum or perhaps a historical and colourful Church of the Savior and Spilled Blood. The interior and exterior are both spectacular. As a Muslim traveller, it is always good to expand your Islamic and general knowledge upon others’ religion. This is definitely a good way to learn more about others’ religion and at the same time, appreciate your own.
Then, you can go back to Nevsky Prospekt and take a superbly calming cruise in one of the many amazing canals. Along the way, you will be presented by the city’s extraordinary structures from a diversified perspective. Don’t forget to take a breeze walk at the Primorsky Victory Park where you can see mansions and villas of the past. If time permits and you want to capture a great photo opportunity, go to the Strelka of Basil (Vasiliersky) Island.
Night
To start the evening, make your way to the Fabergé Museum. Here, you will see sumptuous eggs being on displays as it was given as gifts by Russia’s royal family. Other artworks and decorative displays will grasp your attention as well. It is a good way to learn more about the city’s roots. For dinner, you can opt to try several Halal restaurants around the St. Petersburg area.
Day Two in St. Petersburg
Morning
After a good fuel up for breakfast, head over to Hermitage to explore more of artefacts and fine arts. Aside from that, there is another smaller and more private exhibition at the General Staff Museum located in Palace Square.
Afternoon
When noon kicks in, take a walk to the Nevsky Prospekt and visit the Eliseyev Emporium. This is an art store that possesses a splendid interior design that reminisces the Fortnum & Mason. You can grab a light lunch at this area plus they do have plenty of either savoury or sweet Russian pies that you can try too!
Night
After dinner, perhaps it is time to unwind a little bit. Without a doubt, St Petersburg is one of the ultimate cities around the globe that showcases great Opera and Ballet performances. There are plenty of brilliant theatres you can choose from. Mariinsky is the famous one, but don’t underestimate others like the Mikhanlovsky Theatre. The ambience and performance really compliment each other and it brings out such classic beauty this city represents. It is an elegant way to end your stay in St. Petersburg, Russia.
**Halal Travel Tips for Muslim travellers: It is not easy to travel in a country which Islam is not its main religion, but worry not, for food and prayers facilities try checking out the links below. Hopefully, it will ease and narrow down your search of Halal food and mosque to perform prayers in St. Petersburg, Russia.
When 48-hours is all you got to travel a city, don’t panic, there is always a way for you to make the best out of the short period of time. It is all about planning and putting what you prioritize first hand. Hopefully, this list can help and make your travel to St. Petersburg more memorable!