Peterhof

This amazing Park and Palace is an expression of Russian Imperial splendor. It was built by Peter the Great as his summer palace. The site is listed as UNESCO World Heritage. As you cross the parking area there is a good handicrafts market, which actually is very good and you must go through while returning from the garden. I visited in early spring, Lush gardens are mesmerizing, with extravagant palace buildings, beautiful golden statues and a cascade of fountains. Vibrant flowers were everywhere in proper layout. At 1 PM, there is some musical show at the backdrop of the palace in front of the golden statues with fireworks and some performance. I visited the place on Saturday; I am not sure the show is daily or only on weekends. We were not able to catch the show as we were not aware of it earlier. We were at the farther end of the park at that time and we reached at the spot when the show was coming to an end, however I witnessed some closing fireworks. This is a must go venue, don’t miss it while visiting St Petersburg.

Fable-like palace displaying the power and richness of the czars. The lavish interiors and the gigantic gardens with their water-plays are a testament to an era of nearly infinite wealth (for them of course not for the country). Impressive

We were on a cruise thru the Baltic Sea and one of the main stops was in St Petersburg. We had most of the day and had a great all day tour organized by the ship. One of the highlights was the Peterhof Palace and gardens. We had tickets in hand arranged by the cruise tour group. The palace was very nice but the gardens were spectacular. Just amazing and so perfectly maintained.

Peterhof Palace is straight-up royalty on steroids. If Versailles had a Russian cousin, this would be it — but honestly, Peterhof might just outshine it. I spent a full day here and still felt like I needed more time. It’s not just a palace, it’s an entire universe of fountains, gold, gardens, and history. The Grand Palace is jaw-dropping. Every single room is decked out like it was designed by someone who wanted to flex hard — gilded details, insane chandeliers, and ceilings that look like paintings from a dream. And the views from the terrace? Unreal. Now let’s talk about the Lower Gardens and those fountains. They aren’t just pretty — they’re theatrical. The famous Grand Cascade is like something out of a fantasy film. Fountains bursting everywhere, golden statues catching sunlight, and all that without using a single pump (yep, all gravity-powered — wild, right?). Pro tips: Come early to beat the crowds and take pics with fewer photobombers. Wear comfy shoes — this place is huge and totally walkable. If you’re visiting during fountain season (May–October), stay for the shows — chef’s kiss. This place isn’t just a tourist spot — it’s a full-on experience. If you’re in St. Petersburg and skip Peterhof, you’re missing one of the most magical places in all of Russia. 100% worth the trip.

I went there on 20.03.2025, it is still late winter so no fountains, no grass. Inside need to put on shoe covers. The decoration is beautiful but there are some restrictive areas. Walking inside the palace took around 45 minutes. Go out to walk the garden behind, you will see a big fountain. If it’s summer, it must be very nice. The pier is closed in winter.

10 STAR!!!! Must visit!!! I can’t describe by words how amazing this palace looks the garden, statues. Fountains…😍😍😍

amazing,beautiful place, Virsay Palace of Russia , history, and luxury. worth to visit to know a very important part of Russia 🇷🇺 history.

No words to discrive the beauty of this place… you just HAVE to go there if you’re in SPB! If you don’t go there you will be actually missed a lot!