Edged by canals, and covering an area of 7.6 hectares, New Holland Island was created in the time of Peter the Great as a center for shipbuilding. Over succeeding centuries, it has served as a naval prison, been home to a naval radio station and during Soviet times accommodated high-security naval and military facilities. 

Today this is the place dedicated to the pursuit of fun, art and outdoor activities. Children can frolic and play in the wooden playground in the form of a historic frigate called Peter and Paul. A stage hosts musical performances, theatrical troupes and movies. During the summer months visitors lie on the grass, walk around the green zone, play frisbee, petanque and badminton and enjoy picnics on chairs resembling those found in the Luxembourg Garden in Paris. When it’s cold outside, you can warm up by hitting the ice skating rink.

Aside from food stalls and kiosks, there is also Kuznya (The Foundry), the island’s first proper sit down restaurant by day and happening club on the weekends. The “heart” of the island’s social and cultural activity, Kuznya is the kind of place that can easily become a second home for its regulars. In the same building there’s Volkonsky Deli Cafe, a great place to grab a coffee and a pastry or something a little more substantial.

Also don't forget to check the famous Bottle. The first floor of this former naval is dedicated to food and everything associated with it. Here you will find small streetfood cafes, restaurants and coffeshops. The second floor is dedicated to fashion and design with great concept stores. There is also a big bookshop there. The third floor contains services connected to health and beauty, offering ballet classes, yoga studios, a fighting slub, a cycling studio and more.