Anichkov Palace

Lonely Planet review

Occupying an entire block between pl Ostrovskogo and the Fontanka River, the Anichkov Palace was built between 1741 and 1750, with input from a slew of architects, including Rastrelli and Rossi. The palace was twice a generous gift for services rendered: Empress Elizabeth gave it to her favourite Count Razumovsky and later Catherine the Great presented it to Potemkin.

This was also Tsar Nicholas II's favourite place to stay in St Petersburg - he far preferred the cosy interiors to the vastness of the Winter Palace.

The Anichkov Palace became the city's largest Pioneer Club headquarters after 1936 and to this day it houses more than 100 after-school clubs for over 10,000 children. Today there's a small museum inside, but it is only open sporadically for tours. Call to find out the specific times and dates.

Otherwise, the palace, as a children's club, is off-limits to casual tourists. There is a hokey wax figures exhibition in the courtyard if you are looking for something to do.