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Often titled the cultural capital of Russia, St. Petersburg is endowed with rhythm in history, beauty in architecture, and artistic heritage to entice travellers from other parts of the globe. Within a beautiful realm of nature and culture, the city incorporates opportunities for experiencing different experiences in the places to visit near St. Petersburg. An intermingling of old and new, tourism in St. Petersburg and the surrounding areas is bound to be an artful amalgam of diverse experiences. Besides experiencing grandeur within the city itself, tourists can venture outside for an even greater understanding of Russia’s natural beauty, expanse of history.
Top 10 Places To Visit Near St. Petersburg
From imperial palaces to tranquil seaside towns, here are the top 10 places to visit near St. Petersburg, Russia:
1. Peterhof Palace, Peterhof
Photo: Godot13 / Wikimedia Commons
Peterhof Palace is a magnificent imperial estate built by Peter the Great in the early 18th century. It is nicknamed the “Russian Versailles.” The complex consists of luxurious baroque and neoclassical palaces, the famous Grand Cascade of fountains, and over 150 other waterworks! The Lower and Upper Gardens are a showcase of fine gardens and sculptures. The estate was heavily bombed during World War II, and the restoration took considerable care and time. It is now part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and presents itself as one of Russia’s greatest tourist attractions.
Distance From St. Petersburg: 30 km west
2. Catherine Palace, Pushkin
Photo: W. Bulach / Wikimedia Commons
Catherine Palace, located in Pushkin, is an extravagant rococo-style building commissioned by the Empress Elizabeth in 1752. It was designed by Bartolomeo Rastrelli and shows its fame in its sky-blue colour façade, ornate gilded interiors, and most especially, the Amber Room chamber decorated wholly in amber panels, gold leaf, and mirrors. The palace grounds also include the classical Catherine Park with its baroque and classical pavilions, and tranquil lakes. The palace was almost totally bombarded by the German forces during World War II; it has since undergone a meticulous restoration.
Distance From St. Petersburg: 25 km south
3. Kronshtadt, Kotlin Island
Photo: Otto Jula / Wikimedia Commons
The historic naval town of Kronshtadt lies on Kotlin Island in the Gulf of Finland and has been a strong military outpost for Russia for centuries. Its grand and magnificent Naval Cathedral of St. Kronshtadt is also home to some beautiful fortifications, amongst them Kronstadt Fortress and a series of artificial islands in the sea, most accessible by boat. Kronshtadt was a closed military city, now only recently opened for tourism, and offers historical exhibits, naval museums, and scenic coastal walks. The town is connected by a road to the mainland along the Saint Petersburg Dam.
Distance From St. Petersburg: 48 km
4. Oranienbaum Palace, Lomonosov
Photo: Florstein / Wikimedia Commons
Oranienbaum is one of those lesser-known imperial estates with a rich history. Then the estate was converted into a residence for Grand Duke Peter Fedorovich (later Peter III). Because it survived World War II with almost no damage, it is unique in that it still boasts its original structures. Baroque and neoclassical architecture are seen in the architecture of the palace complex, which, among others, has the Grand Menshikov Palace, the Chinese Palace, and the Sliding Hill Pavilion. It is surrounded by spacious English-style gardens. Therefore, Oranienbaum is quieter and less crowded than visiting Peterhof or Pushkin, affording the visitor a more peaceful visit.
Distance From St. Petersburg: 40 km
5. Vyborg Castle, Vyborg
Photo: A.Savin / Wikimedia Commons
The medieval fortress known as Vyborg Castle stands in the town of Vyborg, which is located near Finland’s border. This fortress was established in 1293 by Swedish crusaders and stands on a small island in Vyborg Bay. The castle has changed hands several times between Sweden, Russia, and Finland, signifying the turbulent history of the area. The central tower, St. Olaf’s Tower, offers sweeping views of the town and the harbour. Vyborg is a blend of Scandinavian and Russian architectural styles and features cobbled streets and buildings. Visitors can easily explore the old market halls, the Vyborg Library designed by Alvar Aalto, and Monrepos Park.
Distance From St. Petersburg: 130 km
6. Gatchina Palace, Gatchina
Photo: Florstein / Wikimedia Commons
The Gatchina Palace was constructed in the 18th century for Count Orlov, a favourite of Catherine the Great. Gatchina had then become a favourite residence of the Romanovs, especially Emperor Paul I. The palace is notable for its fortress-like design that marries elements from the classical, Gothic, and medieval styles. The expansive Gatchina Park surrounds the palace: lakes, bridges, grottoes, and pavilions. In the times of the Soviet Union, the palace served many purposes, including as a military hospital, and during World War II, a lot of it was completely destroyed.
Distance From St. Petersburg: 45 km
7. Repino, Kurortny District
Photo: Александровы АГ / Wikimedia Commons
Repino is a resort town situated along the coast of the Gulf of Finland. This town was named after the well-renowned Russian painter, Ilya Repin; and it is mostly identified with Penaty, which was formerly the estate of Ilya Repin and has been converted into a museum that centres on his life and work. Traditionally a retreat for the artistic, literary, and intellectual pursuits of those inspired by the sea and pine forests, the town now welcomes a swanky palette of alluring beaches and the scent of pine trees blended with health resorts that were seen in their heyday during the Soviet era.
Distance From St. Petersburg: 45 km
8. Pavlovsk Palace, Pavlovsk
Photo: El Pantera / Wikimedia Commons
Pavlovsk Palace located in the town of Pavlovsk, was built in the late 18th century for Emperor Paul I and Maria Feodorovna, and it is a fine example of Russian Neoclassical architecture. The interior of the palace is furnished with elegant rooms and period furniture, together with an outstanding collection of classical art. It is surrounded by one of Europe’s largest and most beautiful English-style landscape parks, which covers an area of over 600 hectares and is interlaced with winding paths, streams, sculptures, and ornamental pavilions.
Distance From St. Petersburg: 30 km
9. Shlisselburg Fortress, Lake Ladoga
Photo: Alexander Gluschenko / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The historical evolution, as well as the intrinsic significance implied by the Shlisselburg-Oreshek fortress, dates back to the year 1323 when the edifice itself was constructed at Orekhovy Island, precisely at the mouths of the Neva River. A very colourful history of this building, which comprises military bastion, prison, and defence stronghold features, was altogether embraced in the history of Russia. The fortress can presently be reached directly from the little tourist town of Shlisselburg by boat. This monument is now a museum under the open skies, with its ruins, preserved towers, and an exhibit depicting the wobbly history of the fortress.
Distance From St. Petersburg: 35 km
10. Staraya Ladoga, Volkhov District
Photo: Александровы АГ / Wikimedia Commons
Staraya Ladoga, located in the territory of the Volkhov District, can truly be called “the first capital of Russia.” It was an important centre of trade and culture for the early Varangians and Slavs. An ancient kremlin and fortress wall were built here; among the old church buildings are the very beautiful 12th-century Church of St. George, with its original frescoes, and burial mounds of both Viking and Slavic origins. The Volkhov River served as a major thoroughfare in linking the Baltic world with that of Byzantium. Staraya Ladoga is now a quiet countryside village and a museum of pure early Russian history and Orthodox heritage.
Distance From St. Petersburg: 130 km
Travelling beyond St. Petersburg is a glimpse of the opulent imperial past of Russia, its wonderfully imagined architecture, serene nature, and coastal charms. Palatial and medieval fortresses combine with quiet artist retreats and brightly colored historic towns, each one adding another dimension to your travel experience. Plan a perfect escape today with TripXL- your travel buddy for seamless, curated travel experiences around St. Petersburg and beyond.
Cover Photo: Tatiraju.rishabh / Wikimedia Commons
