Peterhof is the imperial summer palace complex on the Gulf of Finland, 30 kilometres west of central St Petersburg — Russia's answer to Versailles, but built around water rather than landscape. The famous Grand Cascade, a hierarchy of golden statues and waterfalls running down to the Marine Canal, draws every visitor first. From there, smaller pavilions, gardens, and trick fountains spread across acres of formal park.
The most efficient way to visit is the hydrofoil from the Hermitage embankment in the city centre, which takes about 30 minutes each way and delivers you straight to the pier at the foot of the cascade. Allow a full day. Many of the palace interiors require separate tickets and can be visited as guided tours only. Fountains run from late May through mid-October; come outside this season and you will see drained channels and dust-sheeted statues.