How To Make The Most Of Summer In St Petersburg

From leisurely strolls around a historic botanical garden to a late night Georgian feast

Thanks to its proximity to the North Pole, St Petersburg enjoys almost 24 hours of daylight for two months of the year. Famously celebrated with the city’s White Nights events, visitors can also use the extended daylight hours to further explore the city. Whether it’s a boat trip to a historic palace, sundowners on a rooftop with fantastic city views or a late night Georgian feast, here’s how make the most of summer in St Petersburg.

Take A Hydrofoil To Peterhof Palace And Gardens

A fabulous way to see both the sights of Neva River and the famous Peterhof Palace, the hydrofoil service delivers visitors to what’s often described as the ‘Russian Versailles’ within half an hour of St Petersburg’s city centre. With a service that runs daily from 10am to 3am, there’s plenty of time to visit this gilded landmark and its beautiful gardens. Originally built at the start of the 18th century, the palace and its surroundings were severely damaged during World War II, and the site has been subject to scrupulous restoration ever since. There are few better ways to spend a long summer day than leisurely wondering through the Upper Gardens, or taking a moment to cool off near the famous Samson Fountain.

Stroll Through The Botanical Garden Of Peter The Great

A bubble of peace and greenery that can be found close to Petrogradskaya Station, The Botanical Garden is at its loveliest during the height of summer. Originally built for Peter the Great as place to grow healing herbs, the site now includes a museum, expansive park and plenty of walkways. Featuring an intriguing showcase of plants from all over Russia, while away an afternoon dipping in an out of the greenhouses, which are home to some stunning giant water lilies as well as other tropical blooms.

Check Out What’s On At Loft Project Etagi

One of the city’s largest exhibition spaces, Loft Project Etagi has brought a new lease of life to the former Smolinsky Bread Factory. There’s plenty to keep visitors occupied here, from numerous exhibitions and interesting stores to a beauty salon, but it’s the rooftop summer terrace that shouldn’t be missed. An ideal spot to watch the sunset over the city, enjoy a few drinks and perhaps a bite to eat as the light fades.

Enjoy Late Night Georgian Cuisine At Khochu Kharcho

Not only does Khochu Kharcho excel at serving authentic and filling Georgian fare, but it’s also open 24 hours a day, making it a natural pit stop for revellers making the most of St Petersburg’s long summer nights. The restaurant is famous for its Megrelian cuisine, which originates from the western Georgia province of the same name, and is typically spicy and flavourful. Whatever time of the day you visit, diners will find it hard to resist the moreish khachapuri (stuffed cheesebread) along with the namesake kharcho dish, a richly spiced lamb broth with rice and vegetables.