Accurately referred to as the ‘Russian Versailles’, Peterhof is a fantastic destination to visit if you need a break from the chaos of Nevsky Prospekt and the hooting of impatient drivers. It is particularly spectacular from late-May to mid-October, when the 147 fountains are turned on, but even so it is well worth visiting at any other time of year. The Great Palace was built between 1709 and 1724 under the directions of Peter the Great, but the tsars and tsarinas that followed each wanted to make their own mark, adding another palace or fountain. Other museums worth visiting within the grounds include the Hermitage Palace, the Marly Palace and Monplaisir.