3-Day Essential Russia Itinerary: Moscow and Saint Petersburg Highlights

Day 1: Moscow Historic Core

Moscow, Russia on April 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Pushkin

Enjoy a traditional Russian breakfast in this iconic historic café known for its 19th-century aristocratic ambiance, serving blinis and Russian tea.
RUB1500, 1h

9:30am

Red Square and St. Basil’s Cathedral

Explore the symbolic heart of Russia with the colorful domes of St. Basil’s and the historic Red Square square itself, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
RUB0, 2h

11:30am

Moscow Kremlin Tour

Take a guided tour of the Kremlin, Russia’s political center filled with cathedrals, museums, and the official residence of the president.
RUB1000, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Bosco Café on Red Square

Dine with views over Red Square while enjoying modern Russian and European dishes in this stylish café.
RUB2000, 1h

3:00pm

GUM Shopping Arcade

Visit the historic GUM department store for luxury shopping or simply admire its stunning architecture and indoor pedestrian street.
RUB0, 1h

4:30pm

Zaryadye Park

Relax in this modern urban park near the Kremlin with panoramic city views from the floating bridge.
RUB0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at White Rabbit

Sample cutting-edge modern Russian cuisine in a restaurant ranked among the world’s best, offering spectacular city views.
RUB5000, 2h
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Day 2: Moscow Art & Culture

Moscow, Russia on April 29, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Dr. Zhivago

Enjoy a cozy breakfast featuring traditional dishes like syrniki (cottage cheese pancakes) and kvass in a Soviet-themed restaurant.
RUB1200, 1h

10:00am

Tretyakov Gallery

Explore Russia’s premier collection of Russian fine art featuring masterpieces from medieval icons to modern works.
RUB500, 2h

12:30pm

Arbat Street stroll and lunch

Walk through the historic pedestrian Arbat Street filled with street performers, souvenir shops; stop for lunch at Stolle for delicious Russian pies.
RUB800, 2h

3:00pm

Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts

Visit this museum that houses impressive collections of European art, including works by Rembrandt and Picasso.
RUB700, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Mari Vanna

Experience authentic Soviet-era home-style cuisine in a charming interior that feels nostalgic and cozy.
RUB2500, 2h
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Day 3: Saint Petersburg Highlights

Saint Petersburg, Russia on April 30, 2025

7:00am

Sapsan Train to Saint Petersburg

Take the high-speed train (approx. 4 hours) from Moscow to Saint Petersburg, departing early to maximize sightseeing time.
RUB4000, 4h

11:30am

Lunch at Marketplace

Enjoy fresh, local dishes focused on organic ingredients in a casual setting near Nevsky Prospect.
RUB1500, 1h

1:00pm

State Hermitage Museum

Explore one of the world’s largest and oldest museums, featuring art collections from around the globe housed in the Winter Palace.
RUB700, 3h

4:30pm

Palace Square and Alexander Column

Relax at the stunning Palace Square, the central city square of Saint Petersburg, home to the iconic Alexander Column and impressive architecture.
RUB0, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Palkin

Dine in elegance at this historic restaurant serving refined Russian cuisine in a luxurious 18th-century atmosphere.
RUB3500, 2h
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