Your 7-Day Moscow & St Petersburg, Russia Itinerary

📅 Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Moscow and St. Petersburg is generally late spring (May-early June) or early autumn (September). May offers mild temperatures (15-20°C) and fewer crowds than summer, while September has crisp air (10-18°C) and autumn foliage. Summer (June-August) is popular for St. Petersburg's White Nights festival and warmer weather (20-28°C), but comes with peak crowds and mosquitoes in St. Petersburg. Winter (December-February) is very cold (-5°C to -20°C) and snowy, offering a magical experience with fewer tourists, but requires heavy layering.

Moscow offers a contrast between opulent department stores like GUM for luxury brands and quality Russian goods, and sprawling markets like Izmailovsky where bargaining for traditional crafts like Gzhel ceramics and matryoshka dolls is expected. St. Petersburg blends imperial elegance, found in specialized ateliers and historical arcades such as Gostiny Dvor for Pavloposad shawls and Imperial Porcelain, with lively flea markets for unique finds, though caution is advised against inflated prices in touristy areas. Premium vodka and Russian chocolate are readily available in supermarkets across both cities.

• Pre-load a Troika card for Moscow Metro at any station kiosk — it offers the cheapest fares and can be used on all public transport, including the Moscow Central Circle.
• Download the Yandex.Taxi app for rides in both cities; it provides transparent pricing and driver details, avoiding potential overcharging from street taxis.
• For popular attractions like the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg or the Kremlin Armoury in Moscow, purchase timed-entry tickets online weeks in advance to bypass long queues.
• If attending a football match in St. Petersburg, avoid wandering near the FC Zenit stadium immediately after games, as crowds can be rowdy.
• Book Bolshoi Theatre (Moscow) or Mariinsky Theatre (St. Petersburg) tickets directly on their official websites months ahead for best seats and prices, as popular performances sell out fast.
• Carry small denomination rubles (RUB 50, 100, 500) for cash-only vendors, small purchases, and public restrooms, though card payments are widely accepted in larger establishments.
• Always carry your passport, visa, and migration card (issued upon arrival) when out and about, as law enforcement may request to see them, especially near transport hubs.
• Use Yandex.Maps or 2GIS for reliable offline navigation and public transport routes in both Moscow and St. Petersburg, even without an active data connection.

• 1
  Layered clothing (thermal base, fleece, windproof outer)
• 2
  Waterproof jacket
• 3
  Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes (broken-in)
• 4
  Mosquito repellent (St. Petersburg, June-August)
• 5
  Small first-aid kit (basic meds)
• 6
  Scarf or pashmina (for women in churches)
• 7
  Eye mask (St. Petersburg, White Nights)
• 8
  Warm hat and gloves (October-April)
• 9
  Small backpack or daypack
• 10
  Foldable umbrella
• 11
  Portable power bank (for phone)
• 12
  VPN subscription