Veliky Novgorod — About 190 km south of Staraya Ladoga, Veliky Novgorod (Novgorod the Great) is one of the most historically significant cities in Russia and a natural companion to a visit to Ladoga. The Novgorod Kremlin and the Cathedral of St. Sophia date from the 11th century, and the city's museums cover the Novgorodian medieval state in depth. The entire historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Allow a full day; it is a long drive or a combination of bus and train from Staraya Ladoga itself, so this is best done as a separate trip from Saint Petersburg.
Saint Petersburg — Staraya Ladoga is typically visited as a day trip from Saint Petersburg, which makes the city itself the natural base. If you have more time in Saint Petersburg, the Hermitage, the Russian Museum, and Peter and Paul Fortress are all major draws. The contrast between the grand imperial capital and the ancient village on the Volkhov is part of what makes the day trip worthwhile.
Volkhov — The industrial town of Volkhov, 18 km south, is the nearest settlement of any size. It has some significance as a WWII site — the area saw heavy fighting during the Siege of Leningrad — and there is a local history museum. Not a destination in itself, but if you are waiting for a train connection it is worth knowing about.
Tikhvin — About 70 km east of Volkhov, Tikhvin is home to the Tikhvin Assumption Monastery, a major Orthodox pilgrimage site that houses the famous Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God, returned from the United States in 2004 after wartime exile. The monastery complex is substantial and well maintained. Reachable by train from Volkhov.