Observation Decks - inevitable points of attraction and some of the most attractive places on the map of any big city and tourist center... They are visited by tourists, adored by newlyweds, favored by artists and poets - people of all ages come here to take a closer look at the city. Moscow is no exception: the capital is striking in scale, but how to discern it from the height of human growth?
Observation decks in Moscow allow you to feel the scale of the metropolis and enjoy its beauty and sights. The capital was really lucky in this regard: the hilly relief with elevation changes, the presence of river valleys and variable number of storeys of buildings led to the appearance in Moscow of a really large number of observation decks and observation points - and this is far from only Vorobyovy Gory, from which guidebooks are full of views. Bridges, hills, roofs of buildings and various structures - the capital has a place to show off the cityscape!
We invite you to familiarize yourself with the most famous viewpoints of the city, as well as little-known but interesting viewpoints. The list includes both free and paid sites. The indicated prices and opening hours are valid as of the date of publication of the material (December 17, 2018), before visiting we recommend checking them on the official websites.
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Landscape and technical structures |
Observation deck on Vorobyovy Gory
Vorobyovy Gory is the most famous observation deck in Moscow, which has become a truly iconic city landmark.
Ostankino Tower
The Ostankino TV Tower is a 540 meter high television and broadcasting tower, the tallest free-standing structure in Russia.
The tower has 2 observation decks at once: open and closed, located at an altitude of 337 and 340 meters, respectively.
Both observation decks offer excellent views of the surroundings and a large number of attractions: Museum-Estate Ostankino, TV Center "Ostankino", Ostankino ponds, the territory of VDNKh and the Main botanical garden RAS, Elk Island... In the distance you can see modern Moscow skyscrapers: MIBC "Moscow City" and "Triumph-Palace", you can also see Stalin's skyscrapers. For sweet things - the Moscow monorail, the railway tracks of the Savyolovsky and Oktyabrsky directions, views of the simple and not very Moscow areas: Ostankinsky, Butyrsky, Sokol, Otradnoye, Alekseevsky, Tushino, Marfino, Bibirevo, Altufevo and others.
The observation deck of the Ostankino tower is a place from which you can see the whole of Moscow, but not everything is visible due to the long distance and the specifics of the location.
The address: Academician Korolev street, 15k1, metro stations "VDNKh", "Timiryazevskaya".
Visiting mode: with a guided tour, by appointment.
Entrance fee: from 700 rubles and above (adult ticket, depending on route, day and session).
Business center "Moscow-City"
"Moscow City" is one of the newest sights of Moscow, a business district with glass towers and skyscrapers that have become very popular with tourists coming to Moscow.
Of course, such a place was not without an observation deck - and several of them appeared in the skyscrapers of "Moscow City" at once! Depending on which building and from which floor you look at the city, you can see a unique panorama of Moscow: the historical center (Kremlin, Cathedral of Christ the Savior and other attractions), Moskva River embankments, Kievsky railway station, White House, Moscow Zoo, Moskovsky the planetarium, the Ostankino tower, the "golden brains" of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Luzhniki stadium and much more. Moscow skyscrapers will appear at a glance: Stalinist (Hotel "Ukraine", buildings of Moscow State University and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a house on Kudrinskaya Square) and modern (House on Mosfilmovskaya, "Triumph-Palace"), and finally something can be viewed not only from the bottom up.
At the moment, the most popular viewing platforms of "Moscow City" are Panorama360 on the 89th floor of the Federation Tower (360 meters), Museum-observation deck Moscow-City on the 56th floor of the Empire Tower (215 meters) and HIGH PORT 354 on the roof of the OKO tower (354 meters).
The address: Presnenskaya embankment, MIBC "Moscow-City".
Panorama360 official website: pnr360.ru
Official website of the Moscow City Observation Museum: museum.citymoscow.ru
HIGH PORT 354 official website: smotrovaya.com
Cathedral of Christ the Savior
The Cathedral of Christ the Savior is located near the Prechistenskaya embankment of the Moskva River in the very center of the city - and it also has an equipped observation deck! It runs along the perimeter of the building - in fact, these are as many as 4 platforms located between its bell towers.
From the observation platforms of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, located at an altitude of 40 meters, a unique panorama of the Kremlin and a view of the Moscow River (Prechistenskaya, Kremlin, Bersenevskaya and a number of other embankments) opens. In the immediate vicinity of the temple there are the House on the Embankment, the complex of buildings of the "Red October" factory, the building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other attractions. historic center cities that appear before the visitors of the site from an unusual perspective.
The address: Volkhonka, 15, metro station "Kropotkinskaya".
Visiting mode: with a guided tour.
Visit cost: paid, the exact amount is unknown.
Bell tower "Ivan the Great"
The Ivan the Great Bell Tower (sometimes called the Ivan the Great Bell Tower) is located on the territory of the Moscow Kremlin and boasts a glorious past: until the 18th century it was the most tall building in Russia - a whole 81 meters! Today this record is a thing of the past, however, the bell tower is still the tallest building in the Kremlin.
The observation deck of the bell tower is the most central observation deck in Moscow. It is located in an open gallery of the first bell tier at a height of 25 meters: you cannot see the city landscapes stretching into the distance from here, but it offers an excellent view of Cathedral Square and the architectural ensemble of the Kremlin, the Moskva River and Zamoskvorechye. This is the only place from where you can look at the Kremlin from the inside from above.
The address: Moscow Kremlin, Okhotny Ryad metro station, Lenin Library, Alexandrovsky Garden, Borovitskaya.
Working hours: by sessions, depending on weather conditions and time of year.
Entrance fee: 250 rubles.
Arch of the central entrance to Gorky Park
Observation deck near "Tower 2000"
Tower 2000 is one of the buildings of the Moscow City business center, located on the right bank of the Moskva River (on the other side of the main part of the complex).
A small observation deck is located next to the building: there is no smell of wide city landscapes here, but a beautiful view of Moscow City, the Mirax Plaza business center and a number of the nearest embankments of the Moskva River opens up from here. prized primarily for the views of the "Moscow City": skyscrapers from here are in full view, so Muscovites and tourists often come here to take spectacular photos against the backdrop of the business center.
Fans of modern high-rise architecture will appreciate this place.
The address: Taras Shevchenko embankment, next to the Tower 2000 business center (23A Taras Shevchenko embankment), Vystavochnaya, Delovoy Tsentr, Mezhdunarodnaya metro stations.
Working hours: around the clock.
A chamber and little-known place on the high bank of the Moskva River near the Bogdan Khmelnitsky Bridge.
The site boasts views of Europe Square and Kievsky Railway Station, the House of the Government of the Russian Federation ("White House"), MIBC "Moscow City" (one of the most attractive vistas) and Berezhkovskaya embankment of the Moscow River. The observation deck has a considerable length - in fact, it is a well-maintained path with a side along the slope, thanks to which one and the same city objects can be viewed from different sides.
The address: Rostovskaya embankment, opposite building 5, metro stations "Kievskaya", "Smolenskaya".
Working hours: around the clock.
Entrance fee: free.
("Kievsky pedestrian bridge") is located near the Kievskaya metro station and Kievsky railway station.
From the open viewing platforms located on both sides of the bridge, you can see a number of Moscow embankments (Rostovskaya, Taras Shevchenko, Berezhkovskaya, Savvinskaya) and the adjacent landmarks: the Government House, the Ukraine Hotel, the Foreign Ministry building, the house on Kudrinskaya Square, the main building Moscow State University and the Novodevichy Convent.
The address: between Berezhkovskaya and Rostovskaya embankments near Kievsky railway station, Kievskaya metro station.
Working hours: around the clock.
Entrance fee: free.
Pushkin pedestrian bridge
The Pushkinskiy (Andreevskiy) pedestrian bridge is located in the very center of the capital: it connects the Frunzenskaya and Pushkinskaya embankments.
The views are fully consistent with the location: from the open viewing platforms of the Pushkin pedestrian bridge you can see an excellent panorama of the embankments of the Moskva River, Gorky Park (by the way, an excellent view of the sculpture "Diver-Lighthouse"!), Vorobyovy Gory and Neskuchny Garden, the Moscow State University high-rise and "golden brains "RAS, as well as the Cathedral of Christ the Savior and the Kremlin towers.
In winter, the outdoor areas are closed, but the views can be admired from the covered part.
The address: between the Frunzenskaya and Pushkinskaya embankments of the Moskva River near the Golitsyn ponds (Gorky Park), the Frunzenskaya and Shabolovskaya metro stations.
Working hours: around the clock.
Entrance fee: free.
Patriarshy Bridge
A wide pedestrian bridge across the Moskva River and the Vodootvodny Canal opposite the Cathedral of Christ the Savior.
The location in the very center of Moscow provides excellent views: the viewer has access to panoramas of the Kremlin and the embankments of the Moskva River, a view of the "Red October", the House on the embankment and the monument to Peter I, as well as an excellent view of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior itself, at the foot of which the bridge is located ...
The address: in front of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior (Volkhonka, 15), metro station "Kropotkinskaya".
Working hours: around the clock.
Entrance fee: free.
Big Stone Bridge
Situated right next to the walls of the Kremlin, and although it was not originally conceived as an observation deck, the excellent views invariably bring cityscape lovers here.
The sidewalks of the bridge offer a magnificent view of the Kremlin embankment and a panorama of the southern fortress wall of the Moscow Kremlin with towers: from Vodovzvodnaya to Beklemishevskaya. Behind the walls you can see the Big Kremlin Palace and the domes of cathedrals, and from other sides a good view of the House on the embankment and the Cathedral of Christ the Savior opens up.
The address: between the Kremlin and Sofiyskaya embankments of the Moskva River near the Vodovzvodnaya Tower of the Kremlin, Borovitskaya metro stations, Lenin Library, Alexandrovsky Garden.
Working hours: around the clock.
Entrance fee: free.
Gagarinsky tunnel
The Gagarinsky tunnel is a unique engineering structure located on a slope Sparrow Hills next to the building of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
The place where the bridge thrown across the Moskva River turns into a tunnel could become a full-fledged observation deck: an excellent view of the Moscow-City MIBC, the Mirax Plaza business center, the main building of Moscow State University and other Stalinist skyscrapers, the Luzhniki sports complex opens up. , Novodevichy Convent, Ostankino TV Tower, Soviet buildings on the Frunzenskaya Embankment and other attractions. The Third Transport Ring - at a glance! The dynamics of the metropolis as it is.
The address: above the entrance to the tunnel from the side of Andreevsky Bridge, Leninsky Prospekt metro station.
Working hours: around the clock.
Entrance fee: free.
Skhodnensky bucket slope
Skhodnensky ladle (Tushino bowl) is a huge depression in the ground, a unique natural monument in the South Tushino region.
From the high slope of the "pit" you can see the sleeping areas located around (South Tushino, Pokrovskoe-Streshnevo) and a number of attractions: the Otkrytie Arena (Spartak) stadium, Zhivopisny bridge, the towers of the Moscow City business center, the Triumph residential complex. Palace and Scarlet Sails, as well as the high-rise of Moscow State University. In addition, the view of the Skhodnensky bucket is impressive in itself - even if no other sights were visible from it.
The address: near Yana Rainis boulevard and Svetlogorskiy proezd, Skhodnenskaya metro station.
Working hours: around the clock.
Entrance fee: free.
What could be prettier than view modern city with its towers, skyscrapers, night lights and neon advertisements? Only the view from these very towers and skyscrapers, the view from which is breathtaking. It is thanks to the opening view that the famous Sparrow Hills in Moscow have become so popular that in the evening the parapet simply cannot be crowded.
But there are places in Moscow from which an even more breathtaking panorama opens than from the most popular observation deck in the capital. In many of these places, by the way, you can not only enjoy the stunning scenery, but also sip on some refreshing cocktail or savor a medium-rare steak. Restaurants with a view are becoming more and more popular in our country.
So that our readers can also enjoy the best views of the " best city Lands ”, we have collected 11 places from which you will simply take your breath away.
1. Museum of Geosciences of Moscow State University
The main building of Moscow State University on Sparrow Hills. Photo: www.russianlook.com
We mentioned the observation deck on Vorobyovy Gory at the beginning of the article for a reason. Hundreds and even thousands of people gather on it, who do not suspect that literally a couple of hundred meters from them there is a place with an even more impressive view - the Museum of Geosciences of Moscow State University. This museum is located in one of the seven Stalinist skyscrapers, in the main building of the Lomonosov Moscow State University. Not only is the museum, which occupies the seven upper floors of the monumental building, is itself worthy of attention, but from its windows also opens, according to the ministers, “the most best view to the capital ". By the way, do not rush to the highest available floor (31). It is better to enjoy the view from the windows of the 28th floor - nothing will interfere with the view, and people enjoying the panorama of the Sparrow Hills will seem like tiny insects to you.
2. Russian Academy of Sciences
RAS building. Photo: www.russianlook.com
Not so far from the Sparrow Hills is one of the most unusual buildings in the capital - the Russian Academy of Sciences, topped with a futuristic gold-colored metal crown. The Sky Lounge restaurant is located on the top floor of this building, which offers one of the most stunning views of the night capital. And during the day, there is also something to see from here. The main thing is to book a table next to the window, otherwise the pleasure will be slightly spoiled. The main restaurant is located on the 22nd floor of the building. But there is an opportunity to rise even higher - for a fee, we are ready to provide you with a whole penthouse, which is located on the 23rd floor. Only you and your company will be in a room with an ideal panoramic view - no one will stop you from enjoying the view of Moscow.
3. Ostankino TV tower
Ostankino tower. Photo: www.globallookpress.com
Continuing the excursions to the observation platforms located in the buildings of the Soviet era, it is impossible to bypass the Ostankino TV tower, which can be seen from almost anywhere in Moscow. Consequently, every corner of the capital can be seen from this tower, 540 meters high. The tower is the eighth tallest structure on the planet. For a long time after the fire, the entrance was closed. And the continuation of the work of the famous restaurant "Seventh Heaven", which was previously located inside, was out of the question. But not so long ago, excursions to the Ostankino tower were resumed. And now every Muscovite and guest of the capital can enjoy the view of the city from its highest point.
4. Hotel "Ukraine"
Hotel "Ukraine". Photo: www.russianlook.com
In total, seven Stalinist skyscrapers were built in Moscow in Soviet times. And the main building of Moscow State University is not the only one, from the upper floors of which anyone can admire the stunning views of the city. The second is the building of the hotel "Ukraine". The hotel still functions in the main building, and one of the wings of the building is reserved for apartments. But you don't have to rent a hotel room to enjoy the view. All you have to do is visit one of the restaurants located on the upper floors of the hotel. The "tallest" of them is the Italian restaurant Buono. The scheme of actions is standard: we book a table next to the window, arrive, order food and drinks to taste and enjoy the view. The price tag on the menu, of course, is not the most modest, but the view from the restaurant is worth it.
5. Ferris wheel
Ferris wheel at VDNKh. Photo: RIA Novosti / Anton Denisov
In total, there are 7 such popular attractions in our country as the Ferris wheel in Moscow. But the most famous, of course, is the 73-meter giant located on the territory of VDNKh. It still remains the tallest attraction of its kind in the former Soviet Union and throughout Eastern Europe. An excellent view of all the surroundings opens up from its height. In recent years, it has become possible to use closed booths that are not blown by the wind. There will be more comfort, of course, with this choice, but the real acuity of sensations can be obtained only on open chairs. And the quality of the view will be much better in this case - neither glare nor scratches on the glass will interfere.
6. Hotel "Beijing"
Beijing Hotel (right). Photo: AiF / Edward Kudryavitsky
The famous hotel, which immediately catches the eye when leaving the Mayakovskaya metro station, is made in almost the same style as the Stalinist skyscrapers. It is an architectural monument and is protected by the state. However, unlike the famous skyscrapers, this hotel cannot boast of its size - only 15 floors. But from this hotel, thanks to the wide Garden Ring, which overlooks the horizon, you can watch simply stunning scenes of Moscow sunsets. The main thing is to have time to take a seat at the table near the parapet and order a tonic drink in the Time Out bar located on the 12th and 13th floors of the hotel.
"Child's world". Photo: AiF / Edward Kudryavitsky
Everyone knows this powerful corner building on Lubyanka, Detsky Mir. True, these days, having opened after a long reconstruction, shopping center changed his name. Despite this, the building continues to attract thousands of Muscovites and guests of the capital, and not only with its shops. Many people come to the renewed Children's World not for shopping. Immediately, the observation deck that appeared after the reconstruction gained immense popularity, from which impressive view in the heart of the Russian capital.
8. The Ritz-Carlton
The Ritz-Carlton Moscow Hotel. Photo: www.russianlook.com
Another Moscow building that recalls not even Soviet, but pre-revolutionary times is the 11-storey Ritz-Carlton Hotel, located at the very beginning of Tverskaya Street. However, do not be fooled by the design of the building, because the construction of the hotel was completed only in 2007. Before that, a glass box of the Intourist hotel stood in its place. Now, from the open veranda of the O2 Lounge restaurant, located almost on the roof of the hotel, the best view of the Moscow Kremlin and Red Square opens up. You can spend money on not the cheapest lunch in a restaurant just for the sake of this kind. You have never seen the heart of Moscow like this.
Cathedral of Christ the Savior. Photo: AiF / Edward Kudryavitsky
Few people know, but in the main cathedral of Russia, the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, built anew on its own historical site, there is also an observation deck from which you can admire Moscow from a height of 40 meters. The entrance to the temple is, of course, free. But it's impossible to get to the observation deck just like that. Her visit is included in the tour price. For Russian citizens, the price of one ticket with the right to enter the site is 200 rubles.
10. Hotel "Krasnye Holmy"
Hotel "Krasnye Holmy". Photo: www.russianlook.com
The Krasnye Holmy Hotel, located on an island between the Moskva River and the Vodootvodny Canal, was opened in 2005. The 34th floor of this hotel offers a gorgeous view of the capital. But you won't be able to enjoy it just like that. To do this, you must book a table in advance at the City Space Bar. We advise you to choose a seat near the window - unforgettable emotions are guaranteed. By the way, in this bar you can enjoy not only the view, but also the cuisine, it is not for nothing that it was recognized as one of ten best bars in the world in 2008.
11. "Moscow City"
"Moscow City". Photo: Commons.wikimedia.org
Finally, we got to one of the main attractions of the modern Russian capital - the Moscow City skyscraper complex. In 2014, an observation deck was opened in the Empire Tower on the 58th floor, which anyone can visit. It offers an unforgettable panorama of the capital, Moscow State University, the Academy of Sciences, the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, the Ostankino TV tower and other districts of Moscow. True, this pleasure is not free - you cannot get to the site without a guide. Entrance ticket can be bought on the spot. It costs 600 rubles. But we advise you to sign up for an excursion in advance, as there are many people who want to look down on Moscow from above, and you risk standing in line for a significant amount of time.
© Photo: Alexey Vitvitsky
© Photo: Alexey Vitvitsky
© Photo: Alexey Vitvitsky
© Photo: Alexey Vitvitsky
© Photo: Alexey Vitvitsky
© Photo: Alexey Vitvitsky
© Photo: Alexey Vitvitsky
PANORAMA360 is located on the 89th floor of the Federation-Vostok tower of the Moscow City complex and, according to the Russian Book of Records, is considered the highest observation deck in the country. Here you can admire incredible views of Moscow, visit an ice cream or chocolate factory, as well as look into other entertainment areas.
emb. Presnenskaya, 12, Moscow International Business Center "Moscow-City", Tower "Federation-East", floor 89.Museum-Observation Moscow-City 0+
Now, to look at the capital's skyscrapers, you don't have to lift your head as high as possible. There is an amazing museum in Moscow City that will tell you about the skyscrapers of the capital. And also a beautiful view of the city opens from here from a height of 344 meters above sea level.
Presnenskaya emb., 6, bldg. 2, 3rd entrance, Empire Tower, southern lobbyDating area on the 60th floor of Moscow City 16+
On the 60th floor of Moscow City there is a platform specially equipped for unforgettable dates. The room will be decorated by decorators, creating a romantic setting for any occasion. A table with drinks, fruits and any exquisite dishes from the menu will be served for you. You can use the services of a photographer or a professional musician, as well as order a bouquet of flowers.
Presnenskaya emb., 6Observation deck "Only Love Above" 6+
In one of the skyscrapers of the business center there is a unique observation deck - "Only Love Above", a romantic place and the most high point in Europe, open to tourists. Here you can admire the circular panorama of the city from a height of 354 meters, see familiar places from an unusual angle and get unforgettable emotions.
1st Krasnogvardeisky pr-d, 21/2Sparrow Hills 0+
It is believed that this observation deck is located on one of the seven hills of Moscow. Its height is 80 meters above the city level. An excellent view opens from the Sparrow Hills: the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, "Moscow City", the bell tower Novodevichy Convent, The Ostankino tower, the Luzhniki sports arena and the beautiful bend of the Moskva River.
Lenin Hills, ow. oneMoscow State University Lomonosov 0+
The total height of the MSU building is 180 meters, and with the spire - 240. Now, under the spire of the university there is the Museum of Geosciences of the Moscow State University, from where you can see a panoramic view of the Luzhniki stadium, the arboretum, a huge vacant lot and a garage cooperative, where any construction work is prohibited. One of the secret metro-2 lines passes under it.
Lenin Hills, 1RAS Observation Deck 0+
The view from here is similar to that which opens from the observation deck of Vorobyovy Gory. But the essential difference is that you can spend time contemplating Moscow calmly and without fuss, since few of the crowds of tourists visiting the Russian capital know about this place.
Leninsky prospect, 32, lit. A, p. 1Cathedral of Christ the Savior 0+
The temple has four viewing platforms located between the bell towers. From there, from a height of 40 meters, you can admire Moscow and appreciate the architectural merits of the cathedral with close range... A club of Orthodox youth operates at the temple, a social service and a Sunday school are organized. You can read more about the work of these organizations on the church website.
st. Volkhonka, 15Observation deck of the Ostankino TV tower 12+
Do you know how beautiful Moscow is from a bird's eye view? If you go up to the observation deck of the Ostankino tower, you can see the bright face of the heart of Russia in all its glory. By the way, there are two viewing platforms in Ostankino: one glazed - 337 meters (the floor there is also glass), the second open - 340 meters.
st. Academician Koroleva, 15The site on the top floor of the Children's Store on Lubyanka opened not so long ago, but has already managed to win the status of one of the most popular in the capital. The secret is simple: most of the observation points are located at some distance from the city center, here you can also see the panorama from the very heart of the capital.
Teatralny pr-d, 5/1
Ivan the Great Bell Tower 16+
The bell tower is 25 meters high. Not so much, but quite enough to see all the most Beautiful places Moscow. The church is located on the Cathedral Square of the Moscow Kremlin. The bell tower was built on the model of Italian religious architecture, in which it was customary to erect belfries separately from temples.
Kremlin, Cathedral SquareHotel "Ukraine"
On the 29th and 30th floors of one of the most famous skyscrapers of the capital, there is a restaurant of classic Italian cuisine Buono ("Buono"). The organizers have installed most of the tables along the huge panoramic windows. The covered terrace is decorated with a huge number of green plants.
Kutuzovsky prospect, 2, building 1Observation deck of Gorky Park 0+
The building of the main entrance to Gorky Park was opened after a large-scale restoration. The architects not only returned the arch to its historical appearance, but also presented the Muscovites with an unexpected gift. An observation deck appeared on the roof of the main entrance, from which a wonderful view of the park and its surroundings opens.
One of the most popular views of the city among tourists - from the observation deck of Vorobyovy Gory - is especially beautiful in clear weather and late in the evening, when lights and illumination are turned on. You can spend hours looking for familiar buildings, and six Stalinist skyscrapers - at a glance. The seventh is behind you. An even more breathtaking panorama opens up from the upper floors of the Moscow State University. The impressive collection of the Geosciences Museum is located here, and on the last level is the magnificently beautiful rotunda. You can get to the museum by appointment - 8 (495) 939 2976. By the way, you can look at the city in real time while sitting at the computer. The link allows you to control a special webcam installed on the 13th floor. The camera can zoom in on objects and rotate.
Ginza Project, located on the 62nd floor of the Federation Tower. Anyone can afford a cup of coffee here. A nice bonus is a great panorama of the whole city.
There are so many interesting and unusual things in Moscow that it is difficult to choose where to go. Museums, art galleries, parks, the Kremlin with Red Square, churches and estates - it's hard to list everything, and even more so not to get around even in a week. A good way out in this case would be to visit observation decks - a favorite place for travelers in any tourist city. After all, only from a height can one take a look at this huge city, admire the beautiful metropolitan panoramas and, of course, take a lot of stunning photos.
Moscow is not only a capital, but also a city of contrasts, so there are many viewing platforms and each is impressive in its own way. One will be focused on the historical center, the other on the urban environment, the third on individual interesting monuments, and the fourth will generally be able to cover everything entirely.
The list of observation points in Moscow is quite impressive, because in addition to the official ones, there are many shtetl, known only to native Muscovites. In addition, it is constantly updated, because the number of viewing platforms is only growing every year, and this is primarily due to the emergence of new architectural objects, on the last floors of which it is now customary to equip a space for observing the city. Below I will try to give a list of the most interesting and varied viewing platforms in Moscow, which definitely deserve attention.
Free viewing platforms
I will give the first place in the list of observation decks lookout on Vorobyovy Gory.
Located on a rather high bank of the Moskva River, not far from the red metro line, it is popular with both residents and guests of the city. The main reason is that there is a forest park area and an extended pedestrian embankment, well suited for recreation, walking and cycling, which, by the way, can be rented right there in the park. Here, here it will open cable car, which will connect Vorobyovy Gory and Luzhniki, is also quite an observation deck.
From a height of 80 meters - the natural height of the bank of the Moskva River, you will see the renovated Luzhniki Stadium, the panorama of Moscow City against the backdrop of water and even the city center.
There is another one nearby. observation deck near the unique building of the Russian Academy of Sciences... The entrance is free.
Not so long ago, after a lengthy reconstruction, it was opened Central Children's World, which is located next to the metro stations - "Lubyanka" and " Kuznetsky Most". A free observation deck has appeared on the top floor, from which you can view the historic center of Moscow. (Attention! Recently, a fee for visiting the viewing room was introduced)
And there is also the Museum of Childhood, which we talked about here.
The role of the youngest and most unusual observation deck rightfully belongs to To the Soaring Bridge in Zaryadye Park located near Vasilievsky Spusk near the metro and stops public transport"China town".
It was opened only a year ago, but it has already become the most popular place Moscow. An interesting engineering structure so far has no analogues in the world, and it can only be called a bridge conditionally, rather it is a V-shaped console hanging over the Moskvoretskaya embankment. Thanks to this design, the bridge was named "Soaring". Although the bridge is not high - only 15 meters above the level of the river, it offers good views of the Kremlin, St. Basil's Church, embankments, the Foreign Ministry building, GUM and, of course, the Zaryadye Park itself. The only drawback of this observation deck is the large number of people even on weekdays.
Admission to all of the above observation decks is absolutely free, and there is even no time limit on Vorobyovy Gory, which will allow you to admire Moscow at night.
By the way, there is a view bridge not only in Zaryadye. Our favorite view of the Kremlin - Kamenny and Patriarch bridges.
Observation Decks in Moscow City
The image of modern Moscow is made up of a relatively recently erected business complex of the capital Moscow-City... Consisting of ultra-modern skyscraper buildings, the complex dilutes and enlivens the cityscape of Moscow. It is not surprising that observation platforms are equipped on the upper floors of these buildings, one of which has become the highest in Moscow and even in Europe. There are several of them here - they are located on floors 58 (Empire Tower), 87 (Oko Tower) and 89 (Federation East Tower) floors of three adjacent buildings. Each of them has its own chips. In the Empire tower the observation deck appeared earlier than others. The view from it is limited by other towers, but you will see the main attractions. But she has the most low price, the Moscow-City Museum works.
In Federation Tower East there is a restaurant on the observation deck, the highest ice cream factory in the world "Chistaya Liniya", concerts and other events are held. The site is closed, as in the Empire, but it offers a 360-degree panorama of Moscow.
In the Tower of the Eye there is an open observation deck, so visits to it are limited weather conditions... There is also a restaurant here.
The views, as you might guess, are stunning from here, especially in the evening, when the capital, immersed in darkness, flashes with bright lights. The only annoyance is that it is clear that the views from here are already without the towers of the business center, which are usual in the metropolitan panorama.
Entrance to all observation points is paid, its cost varies from 600 to 1500 RUB depending on the time of day and the chosen altitude.
In addition to the official observation decks, Moscow City has many panoramic viewpoints. But, as you know, you just can't come there and take pictures of Moscow, the prices for everything are high.
Other paid observation decks
The next row of observation decks is available only with the purchase of a ticket or an excursion that includes an ascent to the observation deck. This is first and foremost observation deck from the bell tower of Ivan the Great, which takes place in the very heart of the capital - in the Moscow Kremlin.
The platform, located in the first tier of the ringing, has a height of only 25 meters, so you should not expect wide panoramas, but here is a view of the inner space architectural ensemble The Kremlin is very informative. From here, from a bird's eye view, all the cathedrals and towers of the Moscow Kremlin are best seen.
To climb the bell tower, you need to pay 250 RUB, while a separate ticket to the Kremlin is purchased. The site is open from May 15 to September 30, tickets are sold at the ticket office of the Alexander Garden no later than 45 minutes before the start of the tour. Visitors are allowed in sessions in groups of 10. However, in order to have time to get to the bell tower, it is better to come to the very opening of the ticket office, since there are not so many sessions a day - only five or six.
Another famous site in the center of the capital is in the Cathedral of Christ the Savior... It is located near the Kropotkinskaya metro station.
The observation deck is not very high - only 40 meters, but the good location allows you to see an interesting panorama of Moscow. Kremlin, Arbat, Poklonnaya mountain, Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts Pushkin and other main sights of Moscow. The rise is carried out in an organized manner, as part of an excursion group, the current cost is 450 rubles.
One of the most interesting and at the same time the oldest observation decks is located in the building of Moscow State University on Vorobyovy Gory.
I wrote about the free observation deck above, the same site on the 32nd floor of the educational building attracts not only with stunning views of the whole of Moscow, but from here the whole capital is "in full view" - historical buildings, mansions and churches, sleeping areas and green forest parks, wide avenues and narrow streets - this whole metropolitan panorama can be captured with a gaze, being on the observation deck, but also with its special atmosphere and history. The building, built in the middle of the 20th century, still retains the indescribable atmosphere of an educational institution, known to us from Soviet films. Therefore, the excursion, and most often it is with it that the passage to the observation deck is possible, will leave only the most positive impressions. In addition to the site, it will be possible to wander through the ceremonial halls and halls, examine the sculptural busts of scientists, look into the classrooms, in general, get acquainted with a curious page of history. The cost of the excursion is 600 - 800 rubles.
The well-known observation deck is located on the highest structure in Europe - Ostankino TV tower
, recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.
The TV tower is located at the address known to many since childhood. Academician Korolev, 15, next to the station of the same name in the Leningrad direction.
The observation deck is at 85 meters. Although the tower is removed from the main central streets, in good weather you can see literally all of Moscow and even the surrounding villages near Moscow. A ticket to the observation deck costs RUB 700 on weekdays and RUB 1100 on weekends, it is better to buy them in advance on the tower's website, choosing early sessions to avoid excessive crowds. At the same time, children under 7 years old are not allowed, and due to the design features, also people with disabilities. There is an opportunity to visit the excursion "Tower from the Inside", the cost is from 1100 to 1600 rubles.
In Gorky Park you can climb to the roof of the main gate.
A panorama of the park opens from a height of 18 meters, as well as a view of the Sparrow Hills, the Shukhov Tower, Novy Arbat, Neskuchny Garden, the skyscrapers of Moscow State University and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In a separate group, I would include the observation decks located in the buildings of high-rise hotels. For example, this should include two hotels located practically in the center of the city - Swissotel Krasnye Holmy (metro Paveletskaya) and Radisson Royal, the former Ukraine (metro Kievskaya).
In the first hotel, the observation deck is located on the 34th floor along a 360-degree trajectory. In another hotel, a 120-meter-high platform is located on two floors at once - 29th and 30th, the premises of which are occupied by an Italian restaurant. Huge panoramic windows of the restaurant on a closed terrace allow you to enjoy views of the historical center of Moscow, capital architecture, church domes, without getting up from the tables.
In general, observation points in Moscow not only help to get to know the capital better, to view historical monuments, but in itself is already interesting objects architecture and urban planning. It remains to find the most attractive place for yourself and enjoy the views that open from there.
