Peter and Paul fortress
Why locals love it
Some love it for original exhibitions and awesome concerts, other for possibility to have a delightful picnic or sunbathing at the very heart of the city and I love this place for that incredible feeling of peace that I gain every time chilling on the beach and looking at all those people rushing somewhere on the other side of the Neva river.
Why you should visit it
Have a look at the most controversial statue of Peter the Great, peek at the all-season sun lovers (the strongest ones come for a sunbath even in February), try to hit the hare by Ioannovsky bridge with a coin for good luck and hear traditional cannon shot at midday (on summer Saturdays you can also observe change of guards right after that).
Special tip
The island is open from 6 am till 10 pm, all the museum parts close at approximately 5 pm, but you can still walk around the fortress.