Visiting Peterhof
Visiting Peterhof has its advantages and disadvantages. The beauty of the gardens, the charm of the fountains, and the luxury of the palaces all make for a memorable experience. However, visitors to Peterhof will also have to deal with crowds, the somewhat confusing hours of operation held by the museums on the complex (they do not adhere to a single schedule), and the cost of seeing the most attractive parts of Peterhof.Peterhof Hours of Operation
Hours of operation for Peterhof palaces varies and may change with the season.- Grand Palace: Open Tuesday – Sunday 10:30am to 5pm. Closed the last Tuesday of each month
- Monplaisir Palace: Open Thursday – Tuesday, June to September, from 10:30am to 5pm.
- Catherine Wing of Monplaisir: Open Friday – Wednesday May to September from 10:30 am to 5pm. Open weekends only October to April from 10:30am to 5pm
- Marly Palace: Tuesday – Sunday, May to September, from 10:30am to 5pm. Open weekends only October to April from 10:30am to 5pm
- Hermitage Palace: Tuesday – Sunday, May to September, from 10:30am to 6pm
- Cottage Palace: Tuesday – Sunday 10:30am to 6pm.
- Peterhof Fountains – Fountains are typically in operation from April to October during the hours of 11am to 5pm. If the weather is unseasonably cold, the fountains may not be in operation.
Peterhof Resources
Peterhof Admission Fees
Visitors can see the Upper Park of Peterhof for free. Admission to the Alexandria Park is also free. However, to see the Lower Park and the palaces, admission prices will be charged. Admission prices are steep – to view the Lower Park alone, expect to pay about 8 USD. To see the Grand Palace, you will pay almost twice that. Monplaisir, the Catherine Wing of Monplaisir, Hemitage Palace, and the Cottage Palace all charge separate admission fees. If you are on a budget, choose which structures in the complex you wish to see carefully.
Getting to Peterhof
There are several ways visitors can get to Peterhof. Hydrofoils run from St. Petersburg to Peterhof - this may be the least confusing route, though this will also be one of the most expensive options. You may also take a bus, minibus, train, or the metro. If you are uncertain about how to get to Peterhof via one of these methods, ask for help from your hotel concierge.Dining at Peterhof
If you get hungry during your visit to Peterhof, two restaurants are located on the grounds of the complex – one in the Orangery and one in the Lower Park. You may also visit one of the restaurants that do business outside the complex grounds. If you don't want to stop and eat while you explore Peterhof, or if you would rather spend your money on admission to the palaces, pack a snack.Tips for Visiting Peterhof
- Choose a warm summer day for visiting Peterhof to get the most out of the complex grounds.
- Book a tour (Buy Direct) to avoid lines and secure transportation to and from Peterhof.
- If you want to attempt to see everything at Peterhof, go on a weekend when all buildings are open.
- Wear walking shoes and dress for the weather for your visit to Peterhof. Much of Peterhof's beauty exists outdoors - you don't want to miss it because you are uncomfortable.
