The Peterhof palace and gardens has been described as Russia’s Versailles. It’s a fitting nickname as the French palace inspired Peter the Great’s summer residence, an hour outside St. Petersburg. The entire complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, includes several different palaces. Monplaisir, the Hermitage and Marly all served as private retreats for the czars, but the Grand Palace should be your first stop. Second, tour the gardens with their Baroque fountains, including the famous cascade.