(Source: http://www.peterhof-express.ru/about_peterhof/park)

Peterhof is clearly divided into two parts: gala and everyday part. The guests arrive to the gilded city of fountains by "Meteor" on the bay and by train to the normal suburb.

Non-museum quarters live under the wing of the royal parks and palaces of luxury. Past of the "Russian Versailles" is the basic plot of the local advertisements. There is an active construction in the prestigious suburb, and each new apartment complex or hotel proclaims itself as a successor of the "imperial tradition" and promises clean air, as during the Peter’s time, beauty and luxury, as during the Catherine’s time and service, as during the reign of all the tsars. It is possible to relax royally if you want, but be prepared, that during the high tourist season you will have to pay for almost every step.
 
Since the 1970s the main natural science faculty of St. Petersburg University with all its institutions, from the laboratory to the dispensary is transferred to Peterhof. Protected campus on the outskirts of Peterhof is considered to be a safe place, but it looks quite modest.

Plans for the development of Science City promise something big in the future. In the meantime, as in romance, old houses are overgrown with magnificently blossoming Persian lilac. Close to campus, in the Sergievka park you can find one of the most unexpected surrounding monuments - a boulder "The Old Man", that is the same as "The Knight", often referred to simply as the "Head". A huge granite head either grows in the ground, or peeking out of the ground. This strange statue of two centuries inspires people with a creative imagination from Pushkin to "hippy artists".

Best Time to Visit

Most tourists tend to visit the Peterhof in the period from late May to September, to see the famous fountains. They start to work on May 8-9.

The grand opening of fountains with pageant and fireworks is held last Saturday of May. Evening fireworks show is arranged in September. The fountains are closed quietly, without any show in the first half of October.

However, Peterhof in winter is also very interesting. It is possible to see what you can see during the summer due to lack of enough time.

After switching off the fountains entrance to the Lower Park becomes free. Peterhof parks are generally open all year, except for one week in spring, when they are closed "to dry". In winter, there are some museums open. "Monplaisir", Grottoes of Grand Cascade, Aviary, Imperial Yachts Museum, Gothic chapel, Tsaritsyn and Olgin pavilions are closed.

If it is summer, the best way to get around Peterhof is by bicycle. Alley parks closed for cars, straight paths, nice views – all these are a cyclist's dream. The pleasure is available not only for local residents, but also for the "horseless" tourists. Here is bike rental, where you will be helped to choose the most convenient and interesting route. This type of transport tells the story itself - the royal family by its own example promoted riding on two-wheeled vehicles.