Peterhof Travel Guide

Find everything you need to know about visiting Peterhof, including the best places to visit, where to stay, what to eat, and more.


Introduction to Peterhof

Peterhof, also known as the “Russian Versailles,” is a town located in the St. Petersburg district of Leningrad Oblast in northwestern Russia. The town is best known for its magnificent palace complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which boasts some of the most impressive palace gardens and fountains in the world. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through all the must-visit places in Peterhof, the best things to do, where to stay, and where to eat.

List of Places to Visit in Peterhof

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Peterhof Palace
  • The Grand Cascade
  • Monplaisir Palace
  • Marly Palace
  • The Cottage Palace Museum
  • The Church of Saints Peter and Paul

Natural Attractions of Peterhof: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Lower Park
  • Upper Garden
  • The Gulf of Finland
  • Alexandria Park
  • Oranienbaum
  • The Peterhof Yacht Club

Hiking/Biking Routes of Peterhof

  • The Cedar Avenue
  • The Oak Grove
  • The Birch Grove
  • The Rhododendron Collection
  • The Upper Garden

Best Things to Do in Peterhof: Activities and Tours

  • Boat tours
  • Classical music concerts in the Grand Palace
  • St. Petersburg tours
  • Garden and walking tours
  • Palace tours
  • Segway tours

Week-Long Itinerary for Peterhof

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the St. Petersburg Hermitage Museum
Day 2 Explore the Catherine Palace in Tsarskoe Selo
Day 3 Take a walking tour of St. Petersburg’s historic center
Day 4 Visit the Peterhof Palace and Fountains
Day 5 Take a boat tour of the Gulf of Finland
Day 6 Visit the Summer Palace of Peter the Great in Strelna
Day 7 Relax in the Lower Park at Peterhof

Food and Drink Scene of Peterhof

Must-Try Dishes

  • Borscht
  • Beef Stroganoff
  • Pelmeni
  • Caviar
  • Blinis

Local Beverages

  • Vodka
  • Kvass
  • Tea

Where to Stay in Peterhof: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Grand Peterhof Spa Hotel
  • New Peterhof Hotel
  • Usadba Guest House
  • Almaz Hotel

What to Buy in Peterhof: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Matryoshka dolls
  • Amber jewelry
  • Faberge eggs
  • Russian tea
  • Russian vodka

Local Culture and Customs of Peterhof

  • Respect the Russian Orthodox Church
  • Be mindful of local superstitions like the “evil eye.”
  • Learn a few basic Russian phrases.

Best Time to Visit Peterhof

The best time to visit Peterhof is during the summer months of May to September, where you can enjoy the sunshine and outdoor activities. However, the gardens in the palace complex are also beautiful during the autumn foliage and winter snow.

Do’s and Don’ts of Peterhof

Do:

  • Dress appropriately when visiting religious sites.
  • Respect the local customs and traditions.
  • Carry cash, as credit cards are not widely accepted.

Don’t:

  • Take photographs inside churches and museums without permission.
  • Wear shoes inside religious sites.
  • Engage in public displays of affection.

Safety and Health

Safety in Peterhof

Peterhof is a relatively safe town. However, tourists should always be aware of pickpockets in busy areas, especially in St. Petersburg.

Health in Peterhof

Tourists should be up-to-date on routine vaccinations, and carry a first aid kit. If you need medical attention, the nearest hospital is in St. Petersburg.

Getting to Peterhof: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Peterhof

  • Pulkovo Airport, St. Petersburg

Bus Stations Near Peterhof

  • Baltiysky Rail Terminal, St. Petersburg

Other Options

  • Ferries from St. Petersburg
  • Taxis from St. Petersburg

How to Get Around in Peterhof

  • Walking
  • Biking
  • Bus

Where to Go Next from Peterhof: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • St. Petersburg
  • Tsarskoye Selo
  • Kronstadt

Conclusion

Peterhof is a town with rich cultural and historical significance, as well as breathtaking natural beauty. We hope this comprehensive guide has been helpful in planning your trip to Peterhof, giving you all the information you need to make the most of your visit.

Grand Cascade, Peterhof Grand Cascade, Peterhof Looking over the gardens from the Palace entrance Looking over the gardens from the Palace entrance A palace interior A palace interior Church of the Grand Palace Church of the Grand Palace