
Yelagin Island St. Petersburg
A serene island escape in St. Petersburg, featuring a historic palace, lush gardens, and abundant wildlife.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Free entry and fewer crowds

Yelagin Island St. Petersburg
Best Time
Free entry and fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene island escape in St. Petersburg, featuring a historic palace, lush gardens, and abundant wildlife.
"An ideal area to spend a nice day alone with friends or family, with its clean air and beautiful nature."

🚶♀️ Walk or Cycle
Rent a bike to explore the island's vast grounds efficiently. It's a popular way to see the sights!
🐿️ Feed the Squirrels
Bring nuts to delight the island's friendly squirrel residents. They're quite accustomed to visitors!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Yelagin Palace
Central part of the island
Explore the former summer residence of Russian nobles, now a museum showcasing imperial history.
Nature Trails and Gardens
Throughout the island
Wander through picturesque parks, gardens, and along the waterfront. Perfect for picnics and leisurely strolls.

Wildlife Encounters
Various areas
Spot friendly squirrels eager for treats and observe local birdlife by the water.

Tulip Festival (Seasonal)
Designated garden areas
Experience a vibrant display of tulips in late spring, a beautiful spectacle of color.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Weekday vs. Weekend Entry
Embrace the Outdoors
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk or Cycle
Rent a bike to explore the island's vast grounds efficiently. It's a popular way to see the sights!
🐿️ Feed the Squirrels
Bring nuts to delight the island's friendly squirrel residents. They're quite accustomed to visitors!
🧺 Picnic Paradise
Perfect spot for a picnic with beautiful natural surroundings. Pack your own food and enjoy.
📸 Capture the Views
The island offers lovely waterfront vistas and charming palace architecture for photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk or Cycle
Rent a bike to explore the island's vast grounds efficiently. It's a popular way to see the sights!
🐿️ Feed the Squirrels
Bring nuts to delight the island's friendly squirrel residents. They're quite accustomed to visitors!
🧺 Picnic Paradise
Perfect spot for a picnic with beautiful natural surroundings. Pack your own food and enjoy.
📸 Capture the Views
The island offers lovely waterfront vistas and charming palace architecture for photos.
💰 Weekend Fee
Entry is free on weekdays, but there's a small fee on weekends and holidays.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Yelagin Island as an ideal spot for picnics, walks, and sports, praising its clean air and beautiful nature. Many highlight the joy of feeding the squirrels and the peaceful atmosphere. While weekdays offer free entry, weekends have a small fee, and some find cafes can be busy. Overall, it's considered a natural oasis perfect for family outings or a relaxing day.
"It is an ideal area to spend a nice day alone with your friends or family, with its clean air and beautiful nature, it is very suitable for picnics, walking, sports. entrance is free on weekdays and paid on weekends. There are many cafes and restaurants. You can rent scooter also from there. Don't forget to bring nuts to feed the squirrels.🐿💙"
Erman KARLI
"Very very nice garden. In my visit time, it was really nice. Beautiful creek, interesting ducks with their chicken and a mild wind has no other meaning else heaven garden."
Alireza Farahani
"Yelagin is a park island which consists of palace and beautiful gardens. It would be more beautiful in summer."
anilrai kandimalla
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Yelagin Island by public transport. Take the metro to Krestovsky Ostrov station and then walk or take a bus. Taxis are also readily available.
Yes, there is parking available on the island, but it can get busy, especially on weekends. Consider public transport for a more relaxed experience.
Walking is great for exploring specific areas, but renting a bicycle is highly recommended to cover the island's expanse efficiently.
Several bus routes serve the area around Yelagin Island, often connecting from nearby metro stations like Krestovsky Ostrov. Check local transport apps for the most current routes.
Yelagin Island is well-signposted, especially from major transport hubs. Using a GPS or map app on your phone will ensure you reach it without issues.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Yelagin Island is free on weekdays. On weekends and public holidays, there is a small admission fee.
The park is generally open year-round, but specific palace hours may vary. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information on park and palace access.
Advance ticket purchase is typically not necessary for general park entry, especially on weekdays. For special events or palace tours, it's advisable to check for booking options.
While weekdays offer free entry, specific discounts for groups or certain categories might be available. It's worth checking the official park information for details.
The weekend fee typically grants access to the park grounds. Access to the Yelagin Palace museum may require a separate ticket or be included in specific tour packages.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy walking, cycling, skating, picnicking, birdwatching, and visiting the Yelagin Palace museum. It's a great place for outdoor recreation.
Yes, there are cafes and restaurants on the island offering various food options. You can also bring your own food for a picnic.
Bicycle rentals are widely available on the island, making it easy to explore. Scooter rentals might also be an option.
Absolutely! It's a fantastic place for families, with plenty of open space for kids to run around, nature to explore, and friendly squirrels to spot.
While beautiful year-round, late spring (May) for the Tulip Festival and summer offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Winter can be magical with snow.
📸 📸 Photography
The Yelagin Palace, the waterfront promenades, the lush gardens, and the charming bridges offer excellent photographic opportunities.
Photography rules inside the Yelagin Palace museum may vary. It's best to check with the museum staff upon arrival for specific guidelines.
Drone usage is often restricted in parks and near historical sites. It's advisable to check local regulations or contact the park administration before flying a drone.
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) provides beautiful soft light for landscape and architectural photography. Midday sun can be harsh.
Yes, you can photograph the wildlife, but always maintain a respectful distance and avoid disturbing the animals. Feeding them is encouraged, but only with appropriate food like nuts.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting on a weekday to enjoy free entry and fewer crowds, making the experience more relaxed for everyone. The natural beauty and opportunities for wildlife spotting provide an engaging and educational outing for young visitors.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
Visiting on a weekday ensures a more secluded experience. Pack a book or simply enjoy the natural beauty and the charming architecture of Yelagin Palace. It's an ideal spot for a relaxing day away from the city's hustle.
👟 Active Enthusiasts
For those who enjoy a brisk walk, the island offers miles of beautiful trails. The fresh air and natural surroundings make any physical activity here particularly invigorating. Don't forget to wear comfortable athletic shoes!
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History: Yelagin Palace
The palace's architecture and historical significance make it a must-visit for history buffs and those interested in Russian imperial life. The surrounding parkland was also meticulously designed to complement the palace, creating a harmonious estate.
Nature's Oasis: Exploring the Island's Green Spaces
The island's natural beauty is a major draw, especially for locals seeking outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful walk, a place to jog, or a scenic spot for a picnic, Yelagin Island delivers. The presence of wildlife, like the famously friendly squirrels, adds an extra layer of charm to the experience.
Recreation and Activities on Yelagin Island
The island provides a fantastic opportunity to engage in outdoor pursuits in a beautiful setting. During specific seasons, events like the Tulip Festival add a unique attraction, drawing crowds to witness the vibrant floral displays. The island's amenities, including cafes and rental services, enhance the visitor experience, making it a well-rounded destination for a day out.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit