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Excursions From Saint Petersburg: The Best Day Trips Around Saint Petersburg

Exploring Beyond St. Petersburg: A Guide to Day Trips and Excursions

As a traveler, you’ve likely spent hours exploring the magnificent city of St. Petersburg, Russia’s cultural hub. But there’s more to discover beyond its limits. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through some of the best day trips and excursions from St. Petersburg, showcasing the region’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and fascinating attractions.

1. Catherine Palace: A Royal Summer Residence

Imagine walking into a palace that was once the summer residence of Russian emperors. Welcome to Catherine Palace, located in Pushkin, 26.3 km south of St. Petersburg. This magnificent Rococo-style palace is a must-visit, with its breathtaking beauty and priceless Amber Room.

Getting there: Take a train or bus from Vitebsky station or Razvodnaya Street; the palace is open from Monday to Friday, with ticket prices starting at 700 RUB (€9.90).

2. Peterhof Palace and Park: A Masterpiece of Baroque Architecture

Step into the grand world of Peterhof Palace, built by Tsar Peter the Great between 1717 and 1723. This vast complex features five buildings, three parks, and an impressive waterfront area adorned with gold statues and cascading fountains.

Getting there: Take a bus or hydrofoil from St. Petersburg; ticket prices start at 60 RUB (€0.85) for the park entrance and fountains.

3. Kronstadt Fortress City: A Key Battleground in Russian History

Located on Kotlin Island, Kronstadt Fortress City has played a pivotal role in Russia’s history, hosting battles against the French and the Bolsheviks. Today, you can explore the palace, St. Nicholas Naval Cathedral, and preserved warships.

Getting there: Take a bus or hydrofoil from Chyornaya Rechka metro station or University Embankment; ticket prices vary depending on attractions.

4. Gulf of Finland and Neva Delta Cruise: A Scenic Journey

Embark on a breathtaking cruise along the Gulf of Finland and Neva Delta, featuring small islands, historic ship Aurora, and Europe’s tallest skyscraper, Lachta Centr. Take a stroll through Divo Ostrov Park or explore the grand park built on an island.

Getting there: Boats depart from the molas in front of the Hermitage; ticket prices vary depending on the tour chosen.

5. Vasil’evskij Island: A Hidden Gem

Connected to central Ammiragliato Island via two bridges, Vasil’evskij Island is home to important buildings for St. Petersburg life, including the historic University and Naval Military Museum. Don’t miss a stroll through green areas or visit the preserved warship Krasin.

Getting there: Walk across The Palace bridge from the Ermitage; bus ticket prices start at 40 RUB (€0.50).

6. Tsarskoye Selo Complex: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Visit the stunning Tsarskoye Selo Complex, featuring Catherine Palace and its beautiful gardens. This complex is a masterpiece of Russian architecture, showcasing the country’s rich history.

Getting there: Take a bus or train from St. Petersburg; ticket prices start at 700 RUB (€9.90).

7. Lomonosov: A City of Glassmaking

Head to Lomonosov, a city known for its glassmaking industry. Visit the Museum of Glass and Ceramics or take a stroll along the banks of the Neva River.

Getting there: Take a bus from St. Petersburg; ticket prices start at 40 RUB (€0.50).

8. Pavlovsk Park: A Haven for Nature Lovers

Escape to Pavlovsk Park, a peaceful oasis in the heart of Russia. Stroll through its beautiful gardens, visit the palace, or take a leisurely walk along the river.

Getting there: Take a bus from St. Petersburg; ticket prices start at 40 RUB (€0.50).

9. The Hermitage: A Museum like No Other

The Hermitage is one of the world’s greatest museums, housed in a stunning palace on the banks of the Neva River. Explore its vast collections or take a stroll through the beautiful gardens.

Getting there: Walk across The Palace bridge from the Ermitage; bus ticket prices start at 40 RUB (€0.50).

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10. The Smolny Institute for Noble Maidens

Visit the historic Smolny Institute, founded in 1764 as a school for noble girls. This beautiful building has been the subject of many literary works and is now home to the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Getting there: Take a bus from St. Petersburg; ticket prices start at 40 RUB (€0.50).

11. The Peter and Paul Fortress

Walk through the stunning Peter and Paul Fortress, built in 1703 to protect the city of St. Petersburg from invaders. Explore its beautiful gardens, chapels, and museums.

Getting there: Take a bus or metro from St. Petersburg; ticket prices start at 40 RUB (€0.50).

12. The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

Admire the stunning architecture of the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, built in 1907 to commemorate the Russian Revolution.

Getting there: Take a bus or metro from St. Petersburg; ticket prices start at 40 RUB (€0.50).

13. The Museum of the History of St. Petersburg

Visit the fascinating Museum of the History of St. Petersburg, showcasing the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Getting there: Take a bus from St. Petersburg; ticket prices start at 40 RUB (€0.50).

14. The Peterhof Summer Palace

Step into the grand world of the Peterhof Summer Palace, built by Tsar Peter the Great in the early 18th century. Explore its beautiful gardens, fountains, and architecture.

Getting there: Take a bus or hydrofoil from St. Petersburg; ticket prices start at 60 RUB (€0.85).

15. The Imperial Winter Palace

Visit the stunning Imperial Winter Palace, built by Tsar Peter the Great in the late 18th century. Explore its beautiful gardens, fountains, and architecture.

Getting there: Take a bus or hydrofoil from St. Petersburg; ticket prices start at 60 RUB (€0.85).

Conclusion

St. Petersburg is just the beginning of your Russian adventure. Beyond its limits lies a world of stunning landscapes, fascinating attractions, and rich history waiting to be explored. With this guide, you’ll discover the best day trips and excursions from St. Petersburg, showcasing the region’s hidden gems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How do I get to Catherine Palace?

A1: Take a train or bus from Vitebsky station or Razvodnaya Street; the palace is open from Monday to Friday, with ticket prices starting at 700 RUB (€9.90).

Q2: What are the opening hours for Peterhof Palace and Park?

A2: Each building and fountain has its own schedule, so check the website before visiting.

Q3: Can I take a guided tour of Kronstadt Fortress City?

A3: Yes, there are private tours available; book in advance to ensure availability.

Q4: How do I get to Vasil’evskij Island?

A4: Walk across The Palace bridge from the Ermitage or take bus number 11 from Dvortsovaya Square.

Q5: What are the ticket prices for the Gulf of Finland and Neva Delta Cruise?

A5: Ticket prices vary depending on the tour chosen.

Q6: Can I visit the Smolny Institute for Noble Maidens independently?

A6: Yes, but guided tours can provide valuable insights into its history and significance.

Q7: How do I get to The Peter and Paul Fortress?

A7: Take a bus or metro from St. Petersburg; ticket prices start at 40 RUB (€0.50).

Q8: What are the opening hours for the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood?

A8: The church is open daily, but check the website for specific hours.

Q9: Can I take a guided tour of the Museum of the History of St. Petersburg?

A9: Yes, there are private tours available; book in advance to ensure availability.

Q10: How do I get back to St. Petersburg from Kronstadt Fortress City?

A10: Take a bus or hydrofoil from Chyornaya Rechka metro station or University Embankment; ticket prices vary depending on attractions.

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