NEED TO KNOW

At the time of going to print, Peterhof was closed until further notice. When it reopens for visitors, the best time of the year to go is May to July, when the trees are in full leaf in summer. To get there, take a hydrofoil from the Hermitage, or a minibus from the St Petersburg Metro stations Avtovo, Leninskiy Prospekt or Prospekt Veteranov. Purchase tickets to Peterhof online to avoid queues. Travel tip: carry your passport.