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While Peterhof may be the most elegant of the Imperial Palaces around St. Petersburg, Tsarskoe Selo is undoubtedly the richest and most varies in terms of architecture and historical interest. To fully explore the two palaces, the ample parkland, and the other sights of the town of Pushkin would require considerably more than a single day. In the summer, when there are regularly over 7000 visitors a day, queuing for the Catherine Palace can further cut into your time, so arriving early is strongly recommended.
To get to Pushkin from St. Petersburg, you can take a suburban train from the Vitebsk Station to Pushkin Station, and then take buses 371 or 382 to the park gates. Alternatively, numerous marshrutka minibuses (K-286, K-287, K-299, K-342) run from Moskovskaya Ploshchad, next to Moskovskaya Metro Station. Tsarskoe Selo is 25km south of St. Petersburg, and journey time is a little under 30 minutes. Bear in mind that, during rush hour, the road to Pushkin regularly suffers appalling traffic jams.
If your time in St. Petersburg is limited - and if you have the energy - it is worth considering combining Tsarskoe Selo and Pavlovsk into one trip. While there is far more to see and do at Tsarskoe Selo, Pavlovsk is an ideal place to spend a relaxed summer evening. To travel between the two towns, use minibuses K-545 or K-299.
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