Discover the Ultimate Park for Every Season

summarizeEditor's Summary

I spent a week exploring this massive park and was blown away by its sheer size and impeccable upkeep. The views are simply stunning, with numerous water features and events to keep you entertained. Getting here is a breeze, with multiple transportation options available, but be prepared for crowds during peak season. The park's location on an island adds to its charm, with three bridges to choose from and a seagull named Chayka calling one of the bridges home. Whether you're looking for a relaxing stroll or an action-packed day out, this park has something for everyone.

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Kararİyi

HareketErişim9/10

BiletFiyatları8/10

DeğerVerimlilik8/10

Getting Here

The park is super easy to reach by metro. The nearest station is Krestovsky Island, which is on the purple line. From there, it's a direct route to the park gates. If you're coming from Old Town, you can also take the purple line – it's a bit further, but still pretty straightforward. Both stations have a direct route to the park gates, so you can't go wrong.

You can also catch buses 216A, 112, or 93 from Old Town if you prefer. The third entrance is only for pedestrians, drivers, or fans of Kamenny Island, which has a road leading to the third park gates. Keep in mind that there's no city transport there, so you can walk from Chernaya Rechka station instead. Since the park is on an island, you've got three bridges to choose from to get here from the mainland.

By the way, there's a seagull, Chayka, living under the bridge from Krestovsky Island – she's the younger sister of the seagull from Petropavlovskaya Krepost. You can even practice your money-throwing skills.

Each entrance has a ticket booth. Admission prices vary depending on the time of day, day of the week, and time of year. The park is open from 06:00 to 23:00. From Monday to Friday, entry is free. You'll need to pay on weekends, but there are free hours – they're a bit different depending on the season: When it comes to value for money, I've got to say that this place is pretty reasonable.

You can buy tickets online from the official website, which is super convenient.

Things to do in the park are a bit limited compared to Disney, but there's still plenty to keep you entertained.

Free and year-round:

One of the coolest things is that the park is open 24/7, and you can spot the animatronic beavers working as 'animators' all year round, no matter the season.

These birds are always ready to meet you, especially when it comes to feeding them nuts. In the winter, they're joined by some feathered souls who got left behind on their way to Bali. They've got their own diet, and it's not just about throwing them whatever you've got lying around. So, what's off-limits for these birds? 2. A small zoo in the western part of the island, where you'll find more birds who, like the ones on Bali, didn't quite get the memo. Colorful pheasants, turkeys, and chickens – they're all here, and they're all worth meeting.

I have to admit, seeing the raven cooped up in its enclosure (where else would you see it, right, but in the zoo?) didn't exactly fill me with excitement. You can also check out the rabbits, donkeys, and deer. Honestly, I found all this more pitiful than fascinating, so I wouldn't recommend it. 3. Walking along the trails and bridges (there are 15 of them on the island).

I spent a whole day exploring the local architectural landmarks and snapping photos in front of them. Cruising around on my bike at a safe speed was a real thrill. Unfortunately, electric scooters are not allowed anywhere, regardless of speed. Check out the full list of restrictions: I even stumbled upon some Tantsuyushiy les branches with Kurshskaya Kosa connections:

Seasonal entertainment.

Ice skating.

Winter is the perfect time to have fun. Here's what you can expect to pay:

By 9 am on a weekend, the place is already packed:

There's a whole food court complex right next door:

And the menu's not just your average street food - you can even grab some birdseed and bird food:

During the winter holidays, they even have ice shows on the rink - the performance itself is free, but you'll need to pay to get into the park:

Spring Tulip Festival. It's probably the highlight of the year, and it usually takes place in late May. The park's got several fields covered in tulips - it's a real treat.

It's a breeze to find them, as they're all located in the eastern part of the park. What sets this flower festival apart from others is that the blooms last for at least two weeks, whereas cut flowers at other festivals wilt quickly.

I'd recommend visiting in the morning. By lunchtime, there will be more people than flowers, and it'll be all about the photo shoots. Plus, the park still offers free morning hours during the festivals.

During the summer months, the park hosts a plethora of cultural events, which you can check out in the program. Additionally, there's a boat rental and a ropes course open for business.

When I visited the park, I was stoked to find a sports field and a volleyball court on the western side. Right next to it, there's an impromptu 'beach' area where people love to soak up the sun, and kids are splashing around in the water.

On the opposite side, you'll find yachts, which gives the whole area a super chill, seaside resort vibe.

Autumn is definitely the highlight of the year in this park, and the main attraction during this time is the fall foliage photography.

If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the golden autumn colors. Mid-October is when you can spot some lovely fields in bloom.

Main architectural highlights of Elagin Island are located in the eastern part, offering a huge space for photo shoots any time of the year.

The crown jewel is the Elagin (or Elaginostrovsky) Palace.

It's hard to miss when entering the park from the Kamenny Island side. Now it's a museum, hosting exhibitions and guided tours.There are a few standalone buildings around it.

The Orangery building houses the Museum of Art Glass.

The Stable building also hosts exhibitions.

Ticket prices for the various exhibitions range from 50 to 250 rubles.

There are also several pavilions on the park's territory. One of them is the Music Pavilion with an open rotunda and colonnade:

Services for satisfying your natural needs:

Food. There are food stalls scattered throughout the territory with street food menus:

Restrooms. On the island, they're paid, but it's just 10 rubles. Wi-Fi. We've got that too:

In the end, I'd recommend this place anytime of the year for walks and relaxation, as well as educational excursions.

live_helpFeatured FAQ

What are the best ways to get to the park?

The park is easily accessible by metro, with the nearest station being Krestovsky Island on the purple line. You can also take buses 216A, 112, or 93 from Old Town. Additionally, there are three bridges connecting the mainland to the island, making it easy to get here by car or on foot.

What are the park's operating hours?

The park is open daily from 9am to 9pm, with extended hours during peak season. It's best to check the park's website or social media for the most up-to-date information on operating hours.

What are the park's rules and regulations?

The park has a set of rules and regulations that visitors must follow. These include no smoking, no littering, and no pets. It's also worth noting that the park has a strict dress code, with no athletic wear or beachwear allowed.

What are the park's food and drink options?

The park has a variety of food and drink options available, including restaurants, cafes, and snack stands. However, the options can be limited during off-peak season, so it's best to plan ahead and bring your own snacks and drinks.

What are the park's restrooms like?

The park's restrooms can be dirty and understaffed, especially during peak season. It's best to use the restrooms near the park's entrance or in the more populated areas of the park.

Can I bring my pet to the park?

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed in the park, with the exception of service animals. This is to ensure the safety and well-being of both visitors and wildlife.

Are there any events or activities for kids?

Yes, the park offers a variety of events and activities for kids, including face painting, balloon twisting, and a petting zoo. It's best to check the park's website or social media for the most up-to-date information on kid-friendly activities.

Can I rent a bike or other equipment in the park?

Yes, the park offers bike rentals and other equipment rentals, including kayaks and paddleboats. It's best to check the park's website or social media for the most up-to-date information on equipment rentals.

check_circlePros

•The park's massive size and well-manicured lawns make it a joy to explore.
•The numerous water features, including lakes and canals, add to the park's natural beauty.
•The variety of events and activities ensures there's always something to see or do.
•Getting to the park is easy, with multiple transportation options available.
•The park's location on an island adds to its charm, with three bridges to choose from.
•The seagull named Chayka living under one of the bridges is a fun and quirky touch.
•The park offers a range of amenities, including restaurants, cafes, and snack stands.
•The park's scenic views and peaceful atmosphere make it perfect for a relaxing day out.

cancelCons

•Be prepared for crowds during peak season, especially on weekends and holidays.
•Some areas of the park can be quite crowded, making it difficult to find a quiet spot.
•The park's location on an island can make it difficult to get around, especially for those with mobility issues.
•The park's rules and regulations can be confusing, especially for visitors who don't speak Russian.
•The park's food and drink options can be limited, especially during off-peak season.
•The park's restrooms can be dirty and understaffed, especially during peak season.