There are many sides to St Petersburg, but many parts are certainly indicative of past good times and a quiet decadence – it’s an interesting contrast to other parts of Russia. One place that is a good sunny afternoon excursion is the Summer Garden, the oldest park in St Petersburg and one of the most beautiful.

Peter the Great is responsible for setting it up back in 1704, and it’s especially famous for the dozens of Italian-made sculptures and statues around the park. It’s also home to the Summer Palace – the other-season option to the Winter Palace, which is now home to the Hermitage galleries.

The area’s open from 10am to 9pm daily, and I’d recommend a walk around there late in the afternoon of a hot summer day – it’s shady enough to be quite refreshing. Take enough time to check all the statues out if you’re interested in sculpture, because some are incredible.

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