Peterhof Palace and fountains

Peter the Great's palace on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, built to rival Versailles. Its Grand Cascade of gilded statues and fountains runs down from the Great Palace to a canal leading to the sea, and the Lower Park has more than 150 fountains, including trick fountains that soak passers-by.

The fountains run from about May to early October. Inside, the Great Palace's state rooms are lavish; smaller palaces in the park include Peter's favourite, the seaside Monplaisir. The best way to arrive in summer is by hydrofoil from the Hermitage embankment in St Petersburg, about 30 minutes. Check your government's current travel advice before planning a trip to Russia.