kmzandrew

So I have 5 days in Russia this September (flying into St Petersburg and flying home from Moscow) and was hoping I could get some tips for an ideal itinerary. My thinking was 3 days in St Petersburg, staying in the state Hermitage hotel and 2 in Moscow, but I'm open to anything. Any thoughts on which city is better? Should I even bother with Moscow? And for getting between the cities do folks recommend the red arrow sleeper train or the bullet train? Budget isn't a big deal, it's more about the experience and maximizing our time there.

Temedar

3+2 is fine, I wouldn't recommend skipping Moscow, especially if you're visiting in winter. Neither the sleeper nor the "bullet" train is something to write home about, so choose any according to your preferences and schedule.

VitaliU

RedChili

The most "Russian" way to travel is by sleeper train, so I'd definitely recommend that, and I'd definitely include Moscow. The Red Square is a must for a visit to Russia.

kmzandrew

I just returned and I have to say I'd recommend Moscow over Petersburg to anybody. Petersburg is just whatever- not really more impressive than other eastern European cities that are "the Paris of the east", which is something I've heard from Russian Americans about Petersburg, Romanians about Bucharest and Serbs about Belgrade. It's really quite run down and outside of the Winter Palace/Hermitage has little in impressive buildings/architecture. Even Peterhof and Catherine Palace outside the city are fairly unimpressive. To top it off the food was really quite terrible.
Thankfully, Moscow was a breath of fresh air. The center was really beautiful- and best of all pedestrian-only. Even the food was much better. Overall, I really liked Moscow and would recommend that most people skip Petersburg and just spend more time in Moscow.

godricfielder

Moscow is gloomy (( didn't like this city at all. SP is another pair of shoes. People are more cultured. More sights to see.

jessicaDreamer

People are divided into two types: the one who loves St. Petersburg and doesnt love Moscow, and those who love Moscow and are absolutely indifferent to St. Petersburg I would recommend all the time that you have to devote to the wonderful city of St. Petersburg. 5 days will not be enough to fully enjoy this city. Immerse yourself in its culture, see museums, streets in the city center, walk along the promenade, see architecture (St. Isaac's and Kazan Cathedral, Peter and Paul Fortress, Nevsky Prospect). If you read Russian literature, take a walk in the same places as the great writers. I am sure this long and cloudy city will remain a warm memory in your heart. I also highly recommend visiting the city of Pushkin and Pavlovsk near St. Petersburg. Small and neat towns with lots of greenery and incredible beauty palaces in the center. Such a journey will surely inspire you to new achievements.

MSPeconomist

I'd pick one. It's too much to try to see both of these cities (and travel between them) in only five days.

Bohinjska Bistrica

Five days between the two probably isn't enough. We did a two and a half in each split and didn't see as much as we'd have hoped. Still a regret we didn't just pick one city.

Peterhof Palace is highly recommended.

Fill Mortan

Hello there.

You know I used to take the same trip flying from New York to St. Petersburg. I've been to St. Petersburg for 1 day only and planned to spend more time in Moscow as it's the capital and so on. But I went a bit wrong with the priorities and I'd recommend you to share these 5 days the next way: I'd spend 3 days in St. Petersburg as there are fantastic places for visiting, especially:

• Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood.
• Hermitage Museum
• Peterhof Palace
• Saint Isaac's Cathedral
• Peter and Paul Fortress
• Mariinsky Theater etc.

​​​​​​​For sure You won't be able to visit all the places but I actually did the most of these.
So, after 3 days spending in St. Petersburg I'd recommend to take a Russian bullet train from St. Petersburg to Moscow as it's quite quick and affordable in comparison with flights.
Speaking about some places to visit in Moscow I'd certainly recommend to visit the next places:

• Red Square
• St Basil's Cathedral
• Lenin's Mausoleum
• Moscow Kremlin
• State Historical Museum.
• GUM. Store (there are lots of brands and local souvenirs.

There were some tips that came to my mind if I remember some new suggestions I'll pin to this comment.
Have a nice trip!

Miles_with_smiles

That's good that you liked Moscow! (though I like St. PEtersburg more.) There is something unfriendly about Moscow. I feel more comfortable in St. Petersburg.

nerdbirdsjc

I faced a similar dilemma for my summer trip to Russia, albeit with six days/nights to play with. I decided to focus on the city that's harder/much less pleasant to visit outside of summer (St. Petersburg), and throw in a couple days in Kazan (90 minute flight) versus burning much of two days riding the metro in Moscow.