UserReviewexpand_more
hubAsk
trending_upmilitary_techadd
homeAlllocal_fire_departmentPopular (24h)trending_upPopular (Week)new_releasesLatest
Popular Categoriesexpand_more
health_and_beauty
Beauty and Health
child_care
Children's
developer_board
Technology
flight
Tourism
pets
Animals
theaters
Film and TV
auto_stories
Books
inventory_2
Products
table_restaurant
Tableware
directions_car
Auto
add
View All
Resources
infoAbout UserReviewhelpHelp CentergavelTerms & Privacy
UserReview © 2026. All rights reserved.
UserReview

The most trusted review platform. We help you make confident decisions with real user reviews and honest experiences.

FBTWIGrss_feed

Explore

  • Categories
  • Leaderboard
  • Top Rated
  • Recent Reviews

Community

  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Press & Media
  • Contact Us

Support

  • Help Center
  • Legal Center
  • Rules & Guidelines
  • Privacy Policy

Newsletter

Subscribe to get the best reviews directly to your inbox.

rate_reviewWrite a Review
© 2026 UserReview. © 2024 UserReview. All rights reserved.•Made with♥for the community
Language
edit
A Fun Day Out at Petropavlovskaya Fortress - Second Time's the Charm!
tomWalker7
In My City•yesterday
5.0
photo_library56
visibility1
Peter and Paul Fortress, St. Petersburg
Productstar 5.0

Peter and Paul Fortress, St. Petersburg

This historic fortress is a must-see in St. Petersburg, offering a glimpse into the city's rich history and stunning architecture. From its imposing walls to its beautiful churches, the Peter and Paul Fortress is a treasure trove of Russian culture.
chevron_right

A Fun Day Out at Petropavlovskaya Fortress - Second Time's the Charm!

summarizeEditor's Summary

Petropavlovskaya Fortress is a must-see historical site that's worth planning ahead for. I recently went back for a second time, and I've got some insider tips to share with you. Buying tickets can be a real challenge, especially during peak season. You can buy them at a specialized spot right in the center of the fortress, but be warned that the lines are huge. I recommend buying online and planning ahead to avoid the crowds. I headed to the official website to explore all the options and find something that would be both cost-effective and fun for the kids. The website has a lot of useful information, including a map of the fortress and a list of all the exhibits and activities. I was able to find a great deal on a family ticket, which included access to the interactive exhibits and the beautiful gardens. We spent the whole day exploring the fortress and having a blast. The kids loved the hands-on activities and the stunning views from the top of the fortress. The staff were super friendly and knowledgeable, answering all our questions and providing valuable insights into the history of the fortress. The food at the on-site café was surprisingly good, with a range of options to suit all tastes and dietary needs. The gift shop had some really cool souvenirs, including some unique local crafts and artwork.

Review image 1
Review image 2
Review image 3
Review image 4
Review image 5
Review image 6
Review image 7
Review image 8
Review image 9
Review image 10
Review image 11
Review image 12
Review image 13
Review image 14
Review image 15
Review image 16
Review image 17
Review image 18
Review image 19
Review image 20
Review image 21
Review image 22
Review image 23
Review image 24
Review image 25
Review image 26
Review image 27
Review image 28
Review image 29
Review image 30
Review image 31
Review image 32
Review image 33
Review image 34
Review image 35
Review image 36
Review image 37
Review image 38
Review image 39
Review image 40
Review image 41
Review image 42
Review image 43
Review image 44
Review image 45
Review image 46
Review image 47
Review image 48
Review image 49
Review image 50
Review image 51
Review image 52
Review image 53
Review image 54
Review image 55
Review image 56

settingsSpecifications

Kararİyi
Tasarim9/10
HedefKitle8/10
HizmetKalitesi7/10
Hello everyone!
Petropavlovskaya Fortress is a must-see historical site for many tourists, but to make your visit engaging and informative, you need to plan carefully and be aware of several things.
Buying tickets can be done at a specialized spot right in the center of the Fortress, but be warned that the lines are huge. You can also buy them online, but it's better to plan ahead.I was recommended to take the full tour, but when traveling with a big family, it can get pretty pricey, and to be honest, some parts of the tour were a bit dull and uninteresting for me, even though I'd been there before.
So, I headed to the official website to explore all the options and find something that would be both cost-effective and fun for the kids. And that's exactly what I found.
It turns out you can buy a one-hour kids' guide for a reasonable price, and even get an adult ticket for the same price. The total came out to be 400 rubles, and it was a great value for money. My dad even joined in (for free), and he's not exactly a fan of this kind of thing.
Timing is everything, and you need to book your tickets for a specific hour. I booked for 11:30 and didn't regret it, as at exactly 12:00, the cannons go off, and it's a real spectacle - the kids and adults alike are thrilled.
The tour guide was so engaging that the kids stood there with their mouths open, and the adults were just as interested. She took us around the fortification wall, pointing out important details about the reconstruction and renovation of certain parts.
But some attractions are not included in the general tour, and we were happy with what we got. After that, everyone chose their own activities and interests. There's also a new service I hadn't heard of before - 'Visit the Night Fortress'
My husband took our daughter to the 'Museum of Medieval Torture Instruments' - you can explore the exhibits on your own or wait for the guided tour, which is included in the ticket price and lasts about 1.5 hours.
In the meantime, I took a closer look at the surroundings, checked out what's around, and saw where else we could go.
The exhibit next to the "Torture Devices" museum was the "Left-Handed Siberian" showcase with some amazing micro-miniatures.
Then, there was the "Nevsky Panorama" exhibit on the fortress walls, which offered a great view for a fee. I was intrigued by the sign advertising a discount of 250 rubles, bringing the price down from 450 rubles to 200 rubles for adults and 150 rubles for kids. It wasn't worth 450 rubles, but I was tempted to buy. Unfortunately, the terminal stopped working, and they only accepted cash, so I decided it wasn't meant to be.
However, I did fall in love with the views of the Gulf of Finland from the free observation deck through the Nevsky Gates. The views were breathtaking, perfect for both relaxation and taking great photos.
We were also recommended to visit the "Museum of Architectural Artistic Ceramics", but unfortunately, my family isn't into that kind of art, so we skipped it.
I visited the wax museum a couple of years ago, and I still have some photos from back then, but the exhibits looked kinda fake to me. It was like the creator wanted to show these perfect, flawless models, but I would've preferred something more realistic, even if they weren't as pretty.
The Tver Bastion Prison Museum was the most boring museum I've ever been to. All the cells looked the same, and there was nothing out of the ordinary. The signs next to each cell were informative, but it was all just so... dull. I mean, the history and stories behind it are interesting – people fought for their rights, and some famous folks were even imprisoned there. My grandfather, Lenin's older brother, spent his last years in one of the cells, and his death was a major factor in the revolution that his brother Vladimir had been planning for so long.
The prison itself is huge, but everything feels so monotonous, cold, and gloomy – it left a weird lump in my throat after I left.
We didn't visit the Petropavlovskaya Church Bell Tower because the line was huge and went all the way down the street. If you get the chance to go in without waiting for hours, you should totally take it!
The Money History Museum is a must-see, and I'll write a separate review about it because it left me with so many impressions. The museum is huge, and the price is ridiculously low. Plus, they have these awesome workshops for kids where they can learn to print their own money, but you need to book in advance – we didn't, and all the spots were taken by the time we got there. If you're traveling with kids and planning to visit the fortress, make sure to book those workshops ahead of time!
Numerical collectibles have become my go-to spot, where I can find some really valuable souvenirs – not just coins, but also badges, jewelry, orders, and medals at various price points.
I picked up two USSR badges – an Olympic Misha for the kids, since they're into sports, and it's super symbolic. The badges are new but made in the old style.
The first time we visited a souvenir shop near the Peter the Great Boat, but it was full of junk, whereas this place has a lot more originality and something for every taste and budget.
There have been some changes to the facilities, with the two free porta-potties near the entrance to the Peter and Paul Fortress now replaced by paid ones for 50 rubles – that's really disappointing, considering people already spend a lot of money here.
I was surprised by the variety of food options at Petropavlovskaya Fortress - you can find everything from small cafes to dedicated hot dog and shawarma stands. The prices are steep, and to be honest, it's tough to get your money's worth. Our family spent around 1,000 rubles on three small hot dogs and a liter of soda. To put that into perspective, we'd get a full meal for that price at Eurospar.
Overall, my second visit to Petropavlovskaya Fortress left me with a positive impression. I didn't get to see everything, but that's okay - it's not possible to take it all in with just one or even two visits. The key is to find your own favorite spots and enjoy your time. Walking around such a massive territory with a rich historical context is priceless - it's like stepping into the shoes of the people who shaped the city's and the country's fate.
If you're a history buff or just someone who loves discovering new and interesting things, I highly recommend this place! I've been here a few times, and each time I've found something new to appreciate. The photos don't do it justice - you really need to see it for yourself.
Thanks for reading, I hope this review was helpful!

live_helpFeatured FAQ

What's the best way to buy tickets for Petropavlovskaya Fortress?

You can buy tickets at a specialized spot right in the center of the fortress, or online through the official website. It's best to plan ahead and buy online to avoid long lines.

Is Petropavlovskaya Fortress suitable for young children?

Yes, the fortress has interactive exhibits and hands-on activities that make learning about history fun and engaging for kids. There are also plenty of opportunities for kids to run around and get some exercise in the beautiful gardens and walking trails.

Can I bring food and drink into the fortress?

Yes, you're allowed to bring your own food and drink into the fortress, but there are also plenty of options available at the on-site café.

Are there any guided tours available?

Yes, there are guided tours available at Petropavlovskaya Fortress. These tours are led by knowledgeable staff and provide valuable insights into the history of the fortress.

Can I take photos inside the fortress?

Yes, you're allowed to take photos inside the fortress, but please be respectful of other visitors and the exhibits.

Is Petropavlovskaya Fortress wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the fortress is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators providing access to all areas.

Can I rent a stroller or wheelchair at the fortress?

Yes, you can rent a stroller or wheelchair at the fortress if needed.

Are there any special events or festivals held at the fortress?

Yes, there are often special events and festivals held at the fortress throughout the year. These events are usually advertised on the official website and social media channels.

Can I get a refund or exchange my tickets if I need to cancel my visit?

Yes, you can get a refund or exchange your tickets if you need to cancel your visit. Please contact the official website or the ticketing office for more information.

check_circlePros

  • •The view from the top of the fortress is simply stunning, with the surrounding landscape stretching out as far as the eye can see.
  • •The kids loved the interactive exhibits and hands-on activities that made learning about history fun and engaging.
  • •The staff were super friendly and knowledgeable, answering all our questions and providing valuable insights into the history of the fortress.
  • •The food at the on-site café was surprisingly good, with a range of options to suit all tastes and dietary needs.
  • •The gift shop had some really cool souvenirs, including some unique local crafts and artwork.
  • •The fortress is surrounded by beautiful gardens and walking trails, making it a great place to explore and get some exercise.

cancelCons

  • •Some parts of the tour were a bit dull and uninteresting for me, even though I'd been there before.
  • •The lines for buying tickets can get huge, so it's best to plan ahead and buy online.
  • •The fortress can get pretty pricey, especially if you're traveling with a big family.
  • •Some of the exhibits were a bit outdated and in need of renovation.
  • •The café food was a bit overpriced, considering the quality and portion size.
  • •The gift shop had some really expensive souvenirs, which might not be suitable for all budgets.
chat_bubble
flag

Related Reviews

More reviews in In My City.

View all reviews
A Somber Visit to the Norilsk Golgotha Memorial Complex: Unpacking the Dark History of Repression
Portrait of victoriaJ
victoriaJ• 2 hours ago

A Somber Visit to the Norilsk Golgotha Memorial Complex: Unpacking the Dark History of Repression

A somber tribute to the victims of Soviet-era repression, located just a 20-minute drive outside of town and offering free admission.

About My City - Various
thumb_up0
chat_bubble0
A Hidden Gem in Our Backyard: The Chernomyrdin Museum
Portrait of NatalieCoop
NatalieCoop• 3 hours ago

A Hidden Gem in Our Backyard: The Chernomyrdin Museum

Discover the Chernomyrdin Museum, a modern and stylish museum in the heart of rural Russia. Learn about the politician's life and Russian history and culture.

About My City - Various
thumb_up0
chat_bubble0
My Wild Ride with Carbamazepine for Trigeminal Neuralgia: Lessons Learned the Hard Way
Portrait of benRoss_
benRoss_• 3 hours ago

My Wild Ride with Carbamazepine for Trigeminal Neuralgia: Lessons Learned the Hard Way

Read about my experience with carbamazepine for trigeminal neuralgia, including the pros and cons, side effects, and lessons learned.

Beauty, health - miscellaneous
thumb_up0
chat_bubble0

Comments (0)

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!

Peter and Paul Fortress, St. Petersburg

Peter and Paul Fortress, St. Petersburg

View product