Saint Petersburg is home to some of the most beautiful parks and gardens in Russia, offering the perfect spots for a relaxing picnic. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat in nature, a place to enjoy a meal with friends or family, or simply a scenic backdrop for a leisurely afternoon, Saint Petersburg’s parks provide an ideal environment. With sprawling green lawns, beautiful lakes, lush trees, and historic pavilions, these parks are perfect for picnic lovers. Here’s a guide to the best parks in Saint Petersburg for enjoying a picnic.
1. Catherine Park, Tsarskoye Selo
Catherine Park, located near the Catherine Palace in Tsarskoye Selo, is one of the most picturesque parks in Saint Petersburg, offering a tranquil and elegant setting for a picnic. The park’s design combines natural beauty with royal grandeur, making it a perfect spot for those looking to relax in a royal garden.
Why It’s Great for Picnics:
- Lush Gardens: The park features well-maintained lawns, shady tree-lined paths, and plenty of space for picnics.
- Lake and Pavilions: The park is dotted with serene lakes and beautiful pavilions, including the Grotto Pavilion and the Cameron Gallery, offering plenty of scenic views for a peaceful picnic.
- Historical Atmosphere: The park’s rich history, tied to the Russian imperial family, creates a unique atmosphere for picnicking, with ornate structures and calm surroundings.
Best Spot for a Picnic:
Find a cozy spot by the lake near the Grotto Pavilion or the Chinese Village, where the surrounding nature adds a tranquil touch to your picnic experience.
2. Summer Garden (Letny Sad)
The Summer Garden, one of the oldest parks in Saint Petersburg, offers a serene setting for picnics with its classical design, impressive statues, and lush greenery. Located near the Neva River, it’s an ideal escape from the city’s bustle, perfect for a peaceful afternoon outdoors.
Why It’s Great for Picnics:
- Symmetrical Design: The park features geometric patterns, manicured lawns, and beautiful flower beds, making it a visually stunning place to picnic.
- Classical Statues: Over 90 marble statues are scattered throughout the park, adding a touch of classical elegance to the space.
- Peaceful Atmosphere: Despite its central location, the park offers a quiet and relaxing environment for a leisurely meal.
Best Spot for a Picnic:
The open lawns near the large fountains are perfect for laying out a picnic blanket, surrounded by beautiful trees and statues, offering a sense of calm and elegance.
3. Gorkovskaya Park
Gorkovskaya Park, a large park near the Neva River, is a popular destination for locals to enjoy outdoor activities, strolls, and, of course, picnics. The park features wide open spaces, walking paths, and beautiful flowerbeds, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing day out.
Why It’s Great for Picnics:
- Spacious Grounds: The park’s expansive lawns are perfect for spreading out a picnic blanket and enjoying a meal with friends or family.
- Greenery and Shade: There are plenty of shaded areas under the park’s trees, offering comfort and protection from the sun.
- Near the River: The park’s proximity to the Neva River provides stunning views, making it an excellent spot for those who love a scenic picnic by the water.
Best Spot for a Picnic:
Look for a spot near the water’s edge or under the large trees for a peaceful setting with scenic views, perfect for enjoying a picnic in nature.
4. Kirov Central Park (Kirovskiy Park)
Located in the southern part of Saint Petersburg, Kirov Central Park is a spacious and green area that offers a variety of recreational activities and beautiful natural surroundings. The park features expansive lawns, lakes, and plenty of benches and shaded areas, making it a great destination for a picnic.
Why It’s Great for Picnics:
- Beautiful Lakes: The park is home to several small lakes, which add a tranquil vibe to the environment and create a perfect setting for a picnic.
- Varied Spaces: From open grassy fields to more secluded spots by the water, the park offers plenty of places to relax and enjoy a meal outdoors.
- Family-Friendly: The park is popular with families and offers play areas, making it an ideal picnic spot for those with children.
Best Spot for a Picnic:
The areas near the lakes or the larger grassy meadows are ideal for a picnic, where you can enjoy both open space and scenic views of the water.
5. Kronshtadt Park (Kronshtadtsky Park)
Kronshtadt Park, located on Kotlin Island near the city, is a lesser-known gem in Saint Petersburg. The park offers stunning waterfront views, historical monuments, and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for picnics. It’s a great place to relax, surrounded by nature and history.
Why It’s Great for Picnics:
- Coastal Views: The park offers incredible views of the Gulf of Finland, with calm waters and expansive lawns for a perfect picnic by the coast.
- Quiet and Secluded: Unlike some of the city’s busier parks, Kronshtadt Park is more tranquil and less crowded, offering a peaceful environment for a relaxing day outdoors.
- Historical Significance: The park is located near the Peter and Paul Cathedral, adding a touch of historical grandeur to your picnic.
Best Spot for a Picnic:
Choose a spot along the waterfront for panoramic views of the gulf, or relax near the historical monuments, where the serene atmosphere will make your picnic experience even more special.
6. Yelagin Island Park
Yelagin Island is one of the most beautiful and peaceful spots in Saint Petersburg, offering a perfect place to enjoy a picnic surrounded by lush nature. The park is home to several pavilions, lakes, and scenic walking paths, making it a great place to relax and connect with nature.
Why It’s Great for Picnics:
- Green Oasis: The park’s wide lawns, tree-lined avenues, and natural beauty create an ideal atmosphere for a picnic, away from the city’s noise.
- Lakes and Pavilions: Yelagin Island features lovely lakes and pavilions, providing beautiful and serene settings for a picnic.
- Tranquil Ambience: The park is known for its calm and quiet atmosphere, perfect for anyone seeking a peaceful escape in nature.
Best Spot for a Picnic:
The large lawns near the lake or close to the Yelagin Palace are ideal locations for a picnic, offering scenic views and the perfect spot to relax in the middle of nature.
7. Mikhailovsky Garden (Field of Mars)
Mikhailovsky Garden, located near the Russian Museum, is a beautiful and peaceful park with lush greenery and a variety of trees. The park has been a popular spot for picnics for centuries, offering a tranquil environment for those looking to enjoy a quiet afternoon.
Why It’s Great for Picnics:
- Calm Atmosphere: Despite being centrally located, the park has a peaceful vibe and is perfect for a relaxing picnic.
- Shaded Spots: The park is filled with tall trees, offering plenty of shaded areas to enjoy a meal without the direct sun.
- Proximity to Museums: After a picnic, visitors can easily explore the nearby Russian Museum or take a stroll along the nearby Neva River.
Best Spot for a Picnic:
Look for a spot under the tall trees, where you can enjoy the park’s serene atmosphere while being shaded from the sun.
8. Victory Park (Park Pobedy)
Victory Park, located in the southwestern part of Saint Petersburg, is a large park dedicated to the memory of those who fought in World War II. The park is beautifully landscaped and offers plenty of space for outdoor activities, making it a great spot for picnics.
Why It’s Great for Picnics:
- Expansive Green Spaces: The park features vast open lawns and well-maintained walking paths, providing plenty of space for picnickers.
- Lakes and Fountains: The park is home to several lakes and fountains, adding to the serene ambiance and offering a picturesque setting for a picnic.
- Monuments and Memorials: The park’s historical significance, with monuments and memorials scattered throughout, provides a poignant backdrop for a picnic.
Best Spot for a Picnic:
Set up your picnic by one of the park’s lakes or fountains, where you can enjoy both the peaceful natural surroundings and the historical atmosphere.
9. Sosnovka Park
Sosnovka Park, located on the outskirts of Saint Petersburg, is known for its vast pine forests and quiet atmosphere. The park offers a more rustic, natural setting, making it perfect for those who enjoy a picnic in the woods.
Why It’s Great for Picnics:
- Pine Forests: The park is home to expansive pine forests, which provide both shade and a peaceful atmosphere for picnics.
- Secluded Areas: There are plenty of secluded spots in the park, where you can enjoy nature and have a private picnic away from the crowds.
- Wildlife and Tranquility: The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, adding an element of natural beauty and serenity to your picnic experience.
Best Spot for a Picnic:
Look for a spot in one of the park’s quieter forested areas, where the sounds of nature create a peaceful ambiance for your picnic.
Conclusion
Saint Petersburg is home to a wealth of beautiful parks and gardens that provide the perfect setting for picnics. Whether you’re visiting grand royal gardens like Catherine Park or enjoying the peaceful forest atmosphere of Sosnovka Park, the city offers something for every picnic lover. The combination of lush greenery, historical landmarks, and serene settings makes these parks the ideal locations for anyone looking to enjoy nature and relax in one of Russia’s most beautiful cities.