A Perfect Day in St Petersburg

9.00am

Breakfast

If you’ve come to Russia’s north during winter, you’ll need a hearty Slavic breakfast of porridge, bliny and coffee to start the day, either supplied by your hotel or from Abrikosov Café on Nevsky prospekt. In the summer, sit outside at any café or bakery on Nevsky prospekt for a bit of St Petersburger-watching.

10.00am

Palace Square

The best place to start the day is the city’s epicentre, regal Dvortsovaya pl (Palace Square). The Hermitage, one of the world’s greatest museums, dominates the entire northwest flank. Soak up the square’s atmosphere, but you will need to make a return visit for the Hermitage, as it takes a day or two to explore.

11.00am

Classic temple

It’s a short walk from Palace Square to Isaakievskaya Square, where the neo-Classical symmetry of St Isaac’s Cathedral catches the eye. Enter to admire its intricately adorned interior.

Midday

Lunch break

If you don’t fancy wandering far from Isaakievskaya Square for lunch, head for La Russ on nearby nab. Reki Moiki for some classic Russian dishes.

2.00pm

Prospekt

It’s time to hit St Petersburg’s main street, thundering Nevsky prospect, for a spot of anything you fancy – high-end shopping, architecture gazing or simply wandering along one of Russia’s most famous and intriguing thoroughfares. On your way east you will cross Zelyony and Kazansky bridges, which traverse two of the city’s many canals.

4.30pm

Canal-hopping

End your afternoon on Nevsky prospekt where it crosses nab. Reki Fontanki, and take to the water on a boat tour. There are plenty of Russian-language tours, but Anglotourismo (www.anglotourismo.com) provide commentary in English. Catch the 5pm tour, which takes 1.5 hours.

7.00pm

Teplo dinner

St Petersburg has a restaurant to suit every taste and budget, but for a real treat, head to Teplo, the nearest you might come in Russia to eating in the welcoming atmosphere of a local’s home. If you are really feeling really flush, book a table at Russian Empire, one of the world’s finest restaurants, with prices and service to match.

9.00pm

Nightlife

What you do in the evening in St Petersburg depends on the time of year. The days of summer never end, making the white nights an excuse to party round the clock. The bitter northern winters see locals get cosy in bars and clubs, warming the cockles with shots of Russia’s famous vodka, before braving the ice to the nearest metro station.