Even if you only had only one day in St. Petersburg, you simply mustn't miss the State Hermitage Museum. Started when Empress Catherine the Great purchased 255 paintings from Berlin in 1764, the collection now contains more than 2.7 million pieces, include many works that Catherine bought in Europe through her French art adviser, Denis Diderot.

A welcome addition to the Hermitage Museum, the General Staff Building showcases an interesting collection of modern art. The inner courtyard, covered with a glass roof, is also an absolute blockbuster setting for souvenir photo shoots.

This magnificent museum has the distinctions of being Russia's first privately owned museum and of holding one of the foremost collections of Faberge in the world. The famed Imperial Eggs, designed by jeweler to the tsars Carl Faberge, were scattered around the world after the 1918 revolution, and now the Faberge Museum plays another significant role in history: repatriating Russia's national art and bringing treasures — including several Faberge eggs, as well as items by Fyodor Rückert and others — back to Russia. In addition to the unique collection, the Faberge Museum's interior decor is impressive — it's a great museum in which to feel nostalgic about the age of the last Romanovs.

A fun and delicious place for lunch (or dinner) during your museum-visit marathon, Clean Plates Society was one of the first 'new wave' restaurants in St. Petersburg. And it still remains a cool place to visit.

This former palace of Emperor Pavel's son, the great Prince Mikhail Pavlovich, now holds an impressive collection of Russian art, which is considered to be one of the most important in the world. Originally the collection was amassed by the imperial family, with some of its major pieces coming through The Academy of Arts.

By the end of your first day in St. Petersburg, you will really be in need of sustenance — and little is a better (or tastier) please-all than a good burger. At this simple-yet-delicious eatery, you can construct your own perfect burger, using the 'constructor' menu to pick the type of bun, meat, and, of course, all the toppings.

Peterhof, and its Grand Palace, is a worthy and iconic tourist attraction — famous especially for its Grand Cascade of fountains. But I would pay particular attention to the smaller palaces that Peter the Great commissioned at his 'Russian Versailles.' Among my favorites are 'Mon Plaisir' and 'The Hermitage Pavilion,' where the table was lifted through the floor to amuse important guests.

This very modest house (barely a palace really), once served as home to Peter The Great. The museum has a very homey feel to it, and its displays provide an interesting insight into Peter's everyday life.

The National Congress Palace was once the private residence of the great Prince Konstantin, who abdicated in favor of his brother Nikolay I. Today, it is owned by the Presidential Administration. Don't miss the chance to see the entire art collection of Rostropovich and Vishnevskaya, which was bought at auction and granted to the palace in 2008.

When you've had your fill of royal palaces, it's time to fill-up on great steak instead. A simple, no-frills eatery, Meatarea CHUCK is small, democratic, and a good example of how perfect steak can be done well on a budget.

Le Boat is a fine restaurant choice for a more luxurious dinner. While the menu here may be a bit pricey, the gourmet cuisine and elegant interiors are worth it — especially after visiting so many sumptuous palaces.

Just the right place to start the day, Coffee Bar Bonch serves up coffee that comes directly from the farmers, and that is roasted in Saint Petersburg. It's a favorite among locals, including students at the Bonch-Bruevich University, who come here for a top-notch caffeine fix.

The Vladimir Nabokov Museum occupies the ground floor of the building where the writer himself lived for many years. Among its authentic historical interiors are a dining room, a family room, and a library. The place is magical, and its atmosphere transports you straight back to the era of Nabokov's life.

Kroo Cafe has the perfect ingredients for a memorable meal in St. Petersburg: In addition to an authentic French chef and great design, the owner, Violetta Kroo, often greets guests personally at the entrance.

Through his works, Dostoevsky created the predominant public image of the city: depressing and dangerous in places, and cold and arrogant towards the ordinary man. That image is still commonly held today, and the Dostoevsky Museum sheds light on the author's inspiration, for both the atmosphere and the characters he created.

Vinnyy Shkaf is a great place for a relaxing, convivial dinner. The tasty wines offered here come from small, mostly family-run, local wineries, and the owners, who work in the hall themselves, are keen to chat about wine with their guests.