Sestroretsk

Year of founding: 1714

Population: 46,304

Flanked by the waters of the Gulf of Finland and the Sestroretsky Spill, Sestroretsk is regarded as the city’s resort town, even though located up in the north. Among the things to enjoy here are a vast sandy beach with thick pine woods, an old-time, yet still-operating санаторий (Soviet-style resort), the arguably most famous hovel in the world (the one where Lenin hid from arrest), as well as an ocean of other natural and not only landmarks. 

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Zelenogorsk

Year of founding: 1548

Population: 15,568

With its breathtaking coastal views and unique nature, Zelenogorsk has grown to become a popular local resort area. Here, you won’t find massive historical landmarks – but will be beyond content with cozy green squares, sandy beaches, and a handful of architectural wonders to please your eyes.

Pushkin

Year of founding: 1710

Population: 108,969

Pushkin is the town of many facets: it’s the home of yet another former royal residence and a great Russian poet, French- and English-style parks, Russia’s first-ever railway, and the missing Amber Room. Its largest and arguably most impressive attraction is the imperial 18th-century Baroque palace and the adjoining French-style park. The highlights among other splendid landmarks are the world-famous lyceum where poet Alexander Pushkin studied, majestic Orthodox and Lutheran churches, as well as different English-style parks for gentle and active outings.

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Krasnoye Selo

Year of founding: 1500

Population: 61,162

Krasnoye Selo, located well-afar from the downtown’s hustle and bustle, comes with a mix of historical stone- and wood-made buildings, WWII memorials, and atypical mountain landscapes. The gem of this location is Duderhof Heights – the local highlands that have become a popular hiking destination. 

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Pavlovsk

Year of founding: 1777

Population: 18,485

Pavlovsk, a former summer residence of the royal family, offers a wonderful blend of unspoiled nature, a small-town vibe, and historical heritage. The 18th-century imperial palace in the best traditions of Classicism, the large English-style park, complete with numerous historical and mythological landmarks, as well as many other picture-worthy green spots around the town are just a few of its many attractions.

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Kolpino

Year of founding: 1722

Population: 147,179

Kolpino will delight travelers with its calm yet diverse atmosphere – there are plenty of architectural and natural sights to explore, whether that be the Kolpinsky Spire, the culture and recreation park, the monument to the Prostokvashino characters, or even the local dam. 

Peterhof

Year of founding: 1710

Population: 81,767

Founded as a summer residence of Peter the Great, Peterhof, often called the Russian Versailles, is most loved for its grandiose park-and-palace ensemble, golden statues and fountain cascades, and breathtaking views of the Gulf of Finland. Outside its many lush parks, there are plenty of other landmarks to enjoy: from the New Peterhof Railway Station to the Cathedral of Peter and Paul.

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Lomonosov

Year of founding: 1710

Population: 38,477

In between the marine Kronstadt and the noble Peterhof, Lomonosov is a seaside former royal residence area best known for its 18th century Petrine Baroque park-and-palace complex and other spacious green areas. Must-visits here include the Grand Menshikov Palace, the Chinese Palace, and Petershtadt inside the Verkhniy Park, as well as the town's historical center. 

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Kronstadt

Year of founding: 1704

Population: 44,655

Being St. Pete’s only island-based town, Kronstadt breathes with its sea-weathered spirit and Navy-rich background. Among the must-sees are the gorgeous Naval Cathedral on the Anchor Square, Navy and marine monuments, a marina and a wooden lighthouse, ships on anchors, four green areas, and more. 

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