November 3, 4 and 5 are non-working days in Russia in 2026, with National Unity Day falling on November 4. Three full days in St. Petersburg — enough to see the main sights without rushing, and to catch a couple of seasonal things that won't be available come December.
Day One: Peterhof While the Fountains Still Run
Peterhof's fountains operate until November 4 — this is the final chance in 2026. Arriving on Friday November 3 means smaller crowds than the weekend. The commuter train from Baltiysky Station takes about 40 minutes.
The lower park and the Grand Cascade are the main draw. The central axis runs from the Grand Palace down to the sea; off to the sides are the Adam and Eve fountains, the Roman Fountains, and the Chess Hill cascade. Allow at least three hours if you want to cover it all, or a little over an hour for the central cascade and the sea view alone. Buy lower-park tickets online at peterhofmuseum.ru to skip the queue — worth it if you arrive with the midday tourist wave. Check exact fountain operating hours on the Peterhof website before you go.
Day Two: November 4 in the City
Most museums stay open on the public holiday. The "Friends of St. Petersburg" festival runs October 29 to November 1 — if you arrive earlier in the week, you can catch some of its 200 free events.
A straightforward November 4 route: Russian Museum in the morning, lunch near Nevsky, afternoon on Petrograd Side, evening concert or theatre.
Day Three: Sunday Pace
November 5 is the last day. If you're catching an evening train or flight, keep it loose — Kunstkamera, the Peter and Paul Fortress, or a long walk along the embankment work well as a final morning.
Daylight ends around 5 PM in early November. Plan outdoor activities for before that.
Where to Stay
Central districts (Tsentralny, Admiralteysky) put you walking distance from most November 4 attractions. The Moskovsky district works if you're arriving at Pulkovo or by car.
Book accommodation now — the November 4 weekend is consistently popular, and central options fill up 3–4 weeks in advance.
Cover photo: Nikolai Bulykin, CC BY-SA 4.0, Викисклад
