St. Petersburg Parks and Gardens

(St. Petersburg, North-Western Federal District, Russia)

With such cold, icy and snowy winters, it will come as no surprise that local Russians in St. Petersburg make the absolute most of their public parks and many gardens during the summer months, while they can. The Alexander Park is always popular and is better known locally in St. Petersburg as Aleksandrovskii Park, being based in the very city centre and alongside the Peter and Paul Fortress.

For a spot of horticulture, many rather exotic looking plants seem to thrive at the St. Petersburg Botanical Gardens. One of the oldest botanical gardens in the whole of the Russian Federation, the grounds also boast alpine hills, bamboo, maples and colourful herbaceous borders, and hosts the popular Queen of the Night festival each May.

Tauride Gardens (Tavricheskii Sad)

Address: Chernyshevskaya, St. Petersburg, RU-190100, Russia, RU
Situated on the eastern side of St. Petersburg city centre, the Tauride Gardens is regularly frequented by local Russians, who come here to walk their dogs or to simply stroll around the pathways. Large open expanses lend themselves to playing ball games, picnicking, sunbathing and general relaxation.
Open hours: daily - dawn to dusk
Admission: free

Alexander Park (Aleksandrovskii Sad)

Address: Kronverskii Prospekt, St. Petersburg, RU-193000, Russia, RU
The park is a great place for an afternoon stroll, or simply a sit down amidst green scenery. Street entertainers can often be found within the park, while those looking for a bite to eat will be pleased to find a number of eateries, offering pleasant parkland views.
Open hours: daily - dawn to dusk
Admission: free

Botanical Gardens (Botanicheskii Sad)

Address: Ulitsa Professora Popova 2, St. Petersburg, RU-197376, Russia, RU
The St. Petersburg Botanical Gardens are located in the Petrograd Side area of the city and regardless of your interest in horticulture, this attraction is well worth paying a visit. Many native species flourish within the grounds and through the inhospitable winters, although many of the most impressive species are kept in large glasshouses, with favourites including everything from huge palms and giant water lilies, to cacti and orchids.
Open hours: Saturday to Thursday - 11:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge

Summer Gardens (Letnyi Sad)

Address: Letnii Sad, St. Petersburg, RU-191186, Russia, RU
Tel: +7 0812 314 0374
The Letnyi Sad (Summer Gardens) are easy to reach and lie close to the very heart of St. Petersburg. This is an especially historical garden and was first laid out some 300 years ago. Today, the gardens are generally formal and home to a number of water features and almost 100 different statues, together with many places to relax and simply enjoy the views of the planting schemes.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 19:00
Admission: charge

Fields of Mars (Marsovo Pole)

Address: Dvortsovaya Emb, St. Petersburg, RU-190000, Russia, RU
Various gardens can be found within the area known as the Fields of Mars, including the Mikhailov Gardens described below. Other attractions onsite include the Marble Palace and also the eternal flame, which has been burning constantly day and night for many years.
Open hours: daily - dawn to dusk
Admission: free

Mikhaylovsky Gardens (Mikhailovskii Sad)

Address: Koniushennaia Ploshchad, St. Petersburg, RU-190000, Russia, RU
A popular centrally located recreational space, St. Petersburg's Mikhailov Gardens, often referred to as Mikhailovskii Sad, is a firm favourite with local residents and students, who come here to find a little respite, away from the busy city centre. Street entertainers are a common sight, while during the summer months, a series of outdoor concerts are held here, always attracting crowds of spectators.
Open hours: daily - dawn to dusk
Admission: free