Saint Petersburg: Why Petergof Beats Versailles

Just a short trip from St. Petersburg lies Petergof, a dazzling palace and garden complex often called the "Russian Versailles."Famous for its golden statues, majestic fountains, and breathtaking views of the Baltic Sea, Petergof is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Russia. How to Get There 📍 By Hydrofoil: The most scenic route! Take a 30-minute ride from St. Petersburg’s Winter Palace directly to Petergof’s Lower Park. 📍 By Train + Bus (Fastest & Most Direct Route) Take the Suburban Train from Baltiyskaya Station heading toward Oranienbaum, Kalische, or Lebyazhye. Get off at "Novy Peterhof" Station. ➡️ Walk or Take a Short Bus Ride to the Palaces. - From Novy Peterhof Station , it’s a 20-minute walk (1.5 km) to the Upper Gardens & Grand Palace/Alternatively, take bus #344, #350, #351, or #356 (~5 min ride) to the entrance. 📍By Car: A 40-minute drive from St. Petersburg via the Peterhof Highway. Why Visit Petergof? ✨ The Grand Cascade & Fountains – The centerpiece of Petergof is its 144 fountains, including the spectacular Grand Cascade, where golden statues glisten as water dances around them. Don’t miss the trick fountains—fun surprises await unsuspecting visitors! 🌊 Baltic Sea View – Stroll through the Lower Park for stunning panoramas of the Gulf of Finland, adding a serene maritime charm to the opulent surroundings. 🏰 Lavish Palaces– The Grand Palace is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, while smaller palaces like Monplaisir and Marly offer intimate glimpses into Peter the Great’s life. 💛 Golden Statues Everywhere – From Samson Ripping the Lion’s Jaws to mythological figures, the gilded sculptures make Petergof shine in any weather. Best Time to Visit Summer (May–October) is ideal when all fountains are running, and the gardens are in full bloom. Early mornings or weekdays help avoid crowds. Pro Tip Buy tickets online in advance to skip the lines, and wear comfortable shoes—exploring the vast gardens takes time! #petergof #travelrussia #fountainsofpeterhof #balticviews #saintpetersburg