Observation platforms in Moscow have become a favorite walking place for residents of the capital and tourists. Among the most visited are the Ostankino TV tower, the site on Vorobyovy Gory, the Patriarchal and Zhivopisny bridges. You will learn about the most popular observation platforms from this article.
Observation deck on Sparrow Hills (MSU)
Visitors can admire the beautiful panorama of the city, in the center of which is the Luzhniki Arena, and then the bell tower of the Novodevichy Convent, the Moscow City business center, the Ostankino and Shukhov TV towers, the building of the Russian Academy of Sciences and much more.
Photo 1. Observation deck on Sparrow Hills in Moscow
Observation platforms in Moscow City (Federation and Empire towers)
The first of them is represented by two high-rise buildings “West” and “East”, on which several observation platforms are equipped (at the 62nd level of the “West” tower (235 meters) and at the 89th level of the “East” tower (325 meters)).
Observation deck at the Empire Tower located at level 58 (238 meters above the ground).
- address of the site in Moscow City - Presnenskaya Embankment;
- how to get there - Vostochnaya and Mezhdunarodnaya metro stations (hereinafter - on foot).
Observation deck on the Ostankino Tower
- site address - Volkhonka, 15 (ХХС);
Observation deck at the Triumph Palace skyscraper
The Triumph Palace residential complex was included in the Guinness Book of Records due to the fact that it became the tallest residential building on the European continent. Its upper floors offer breathtaking views of the central part of Moscow. The building was designed in the spirit of monumentality characteristic of the architecture of the Stalin era, with decor appropriate to that time. The height of the building is just over 264 meters (including the spire).
The observation deck itself is located at an altitude of 200 meters above the ground. Unfortunately, getting here is not easy: only with the permission of the concierge or with the permission of a local resident.
- site address - Chapaevsky Lane, 3;
- how to get there - Sokol metro station or Airport.
Observation deck - Patriarchal Bridge
- site address - Volkhonka, 15 (behind KhHS);
- how to get there - Kropotkinskaya metro station.
Observation deck of the bar-restaurant “City Space Bar & Lounge”
This observation deck is located on the 34th level (height 140 meters) of the Red Hills Hotel. Panoramic window openings allow you to see Moscow from a bird's eye view, as well as have a great time in company, enjoying French and Japanese national cuisines.
One of the iconic sights of Moscow, which has become a must-see point on the maps of tourists coming to the capital. It is from here that the widest panorama of the city opens, accessible all year round, at any time of the day or night - and, by the way, absolutely free.
The height of the observation deck is about 80 meters above the level of the Moscow River (200 meters above sea level).
The high altitude is due to the peculiarities of the relief: the site is located at the highest point of the Sparrow Hills - a steep cliff of the Teplostanskaya Upland, forming the high right bank of the Moscow River. Thanks to this, the Vorobyovy Gory significantly rises above the city, and visitors to the observation deck are literally on the edge of a cliff, from which a magnificent view of the central part of Moscow opens.
Observation deck on Vorobyovy Gory, September 2018
It is worth noting that Vorobyovy Gory is popular not only among tourists. Following a long-standing city tradition, newlyweds often come here, and in the evenings Moscow bikers and street racers gather at the site.
Panorama of Moscow
The Vorobyovy Gory observation deck is rightfully considered the main observation deck in Moscow: it is the only publicly accessible place from which you can really get a feel for the scale of the city.
Thanks to its favorable location in the center of Moscow, it boasts the widest and most varied panorama of the capital: no other observation deck has so many visible attractions.
Panorama of Moscow from Sparrow Hills, September 2018
From here you can see almost all the iconic skyscrapers of the capital, 6 of 7 Stalinist high-rises (including the Moscow State University building behind the site), a number of architectural landmarks in the central part of the city (and even the Kremlin!), as well as the embankments of the Moscow River. And if you look closely at the construction cranes on the horizon, you can even look a little into the future of Moscow and imagine how the city landscape will change in the future. The city's panorama is changing rapidly, and in a few years it will be noticeably different from what can be seen today (just as today's panorama is different from what it was a few years ago).
The view that opens up is very dynamic: if you look closely, you can see cars driving along the Third Ring Road and bright red Lastochka trains along the MCC.
And to make it even more interesting to admire the view of Moscow from Sparrow Hills, free viewing binoculars are installed on the site, thanks to which some buildings can be seen literally in detail.
Exactly opposite the observation deck is a noticeable round structure, the Luzhniki Grand Sports Arena. The Olympic Stadium, opened in 1956, makes a great base for exploring the city.
To the left of Luzhniki
At the very left point relative to Luzhniki, the eyes meet views of modern Moscow and the tallest Moscow skyscrapers: the Mirax Plaza business center, as well as residential complexes and the House on Begovaya. The business center "Nordstar Tower" on Begovaya Street is clearly visible on Krasnopresnenskaya embankment.
A little to the right - unexpectedly adjacent to the Ostankino TV tower and the pipes of CHPP-12, ("White House") and. In addition to the Ukraine Hotel, to the left of the Luzhniki you can see two more Stalinist skyscrapers: and. The view of the MFA skyscraper is impressive: from here it looks like a giant rock towering over the city. Between the Stalinist high-rises there are book-houses lined up in a row, and in front of them is the Novodevichy Convent and various residential buildings.
If you look a little more closely, you can also notice a 165-meter skyscraper, the silhouette of which tourists sometimes confuse with Stalin’s high-rise buildings.
The Vorobyovskaya and Luzhnetskaya embankments of the Moscow River are clearly visible, as well as the Berezhkovsky Bridge, connecting Novodevichy Embankment with Berezhkovskaya, and the Luzhnetsky Railway Bridge.
Center - "Luzhniki"
The Olympic sports complex "Luzhniki" is the undoubted dominant of local views: located exactly opposite the observation deck, the Large Sports Arena cannot be confused with anything or not seen.
Behind the dome of the arena you can see a number of iconic Moscow sights and simply noticeable places: St. Basil's Cathedral and the bell towers of the Kremlin cathedrals, the buildings of the Sechenov Moscow State Medical University, the Stalinist high-rise building on the Red Gate and the giant ("In commemoration of the 300th anniversary of the Russian fleet") by Zurab Tsereteli. The eye is especially drawn to the monument to Peter I - this is the tallest monument in Russia and one of the tallest in the world, its height is 98 meters.
Another interesting detail was the cable car, stretching between Sparrow Hills and Luzhniki over the Moscow River: from the observation deck you can see its stations and cabins moving over the water.
To the right of Luzhniki
On the right side of the panorama you can see another Stalinist high-rise -. Not far from the high-rise building is the building of the Swissotel Krasnye Holmy hotel, noticeable due to the design of its upper part: it looks like a flying saucer is parked on the roof. The Shukhov Radio Tower (Shabolovskaya Tower) stands apart: a unique hyperboloid structure peeks out from behind the green massif. The structure, erected in 1920-1922, is a recognized masterpiece of engineering, in no way inferior to the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
To the right of other notable objects is the 22-story building of the Presidium of the Russian Academy of Sciences, opened in the early 1990s. Muscovites liked the building of the Russian Academy of Sciences: for the unusual architectural forms on the roof they dubbed it “golden brains” and immediately invented many fantastic stories about their purpose - they say, these are antennas for communicating with extraterrestrial intelligence. "Golden Brains" has become one of the city's mysteries - perhaps it is for this building that Muscovites fell in love.
In front of the building of the Presidium of the Russian Academy of Sciences you can see a unique structure - the 2-level Luzhnetsky metro bridge, spanning the Moskva River between Luzhnetskaya and Vorobyovskaya/Andreevskaya embankments. On the lower tier there is the Vorobyovy Gory metro station (until 1999 - Leninskie Gory) - the world's first metro station located above the river: it opened in 1959. The upper tier of the bridge is given over to cars - a busy highway passes through it. In addition, on both sides of the bridge there are open pedestrian crossings through which you can cross the Moscow River without entering the station.
History of the observation deck
The observation deck was built simultaneously with the construction of the Moscow State University complex in 1949-1953.
The location for it was dictated by the relief itself: Vorobyovy Gory - the high right bank of the Moscow River, a steep cliff of the Teplostan Upland, washed away by the current. Construction over the cliff was unsafe due to the danger of a landslide: initially they wanted to build the main building of Moscow State University closer to the river, but this turned out to be impossible. The high-rise was built far from the cliff, and an observation deck was installed on its edge. Since its construction, the observation deck has changed little: these days, viewing binoculars have been installed on it, and an illuminated diagram of Moscow with the Moscow River has been built into the paving; otherwise, it has remained the same.
Various organizations have repeatedly had plans to build or install monuments on the Vorobyovy Gory observation deck (in particular, the city authorities considered the possibility of installing them here), but fortunately none of them came true.
According to urban legends, in the past, the Sparrow Hills more than once became a viewing platform for conquerors: they say that the Crimean Khan Kazy Giray II (Gazy II Giray) and the Lithuanian Hetman Khodkevich looked at Moscow from here during their campaigns.
How to get there
You can get to the observation deck on Vorobyovy Gory on foot from the metro station "Sparrow Hills" Sokolnicheskaya Line, it is located on Kosygina Street in the area of University Square.
However, the path from the metro is not so obvious: to walk from the station to the site, you need to exit the lobby towards Kosygina Street, then walk under the bridge to the end of the alley below it and turn right - there a paved path with steps and a log road rises up the slope of the Vorobyovy Gory parapet. The trail ascends to Kosygina Street, where there are signs towards the site (one of them is located right at the end of the trail).
Trail to the Vorobyovy Gory observation deck
The observation deck on Vorobyovy Gory is accessible around the clock and free of charge.
The capital of our Motherland, Moscow, is beautiful from a bird's eye view. There are many observation platforms in the city, the most modern of which is located on the 56th floor of the Empire skyscraper in Moscow City. Numerous travel agencies offer excursions to the top, but you can get there on your own without booking an excursion. We will tell you how to get to the Moscow City observation deck in the next article.
Moscow City
Moscow City is a place that many people love for its high-tech style and the image of a modern metropolis. It’s true, being on the territory of this city of glass and concrete, you can’t believe that you are in Russia, and not in Chicago or Hong Kong. Social networks are full of photographs against the backdrop of Moscow skyscrapers. Many people think that when they go up to the observation deck of a skyscraper, they will see something special. But is it?
When can you get to the Moscow City observation deck?
You can get to the observation deck with a tour from the agency (prices from 1000 rubles) or come to the Empire Tower on your own and purchase a ticket to the observation deck for 700 rubles. If you arrive in the morning on the weekend, you can save money and rise to the heavens for only 500 rubles (check for details). This amount includes the excursion.
Before visiting the Moscow City observation deck, we recommend that you first study the opening hours of the observation deck.
You can get to the lookout on weekends from 10 to 22. On weekdays, the lookout is open from 18 to 22. The ascent at 22 is made without a guide. Tours run every hour. But it's better if you check the details on the official website of the observation deck in the City, you never know!
Moscow City. Schedule
How to find the Empire Tower, where the Moscow City observation deck is located
The observation deck in the City is located in the Empire Tower.
Finding it is quite easy.
The first thing we need is to get to the Vystavochnaya metro station or the Delovoy Tsentr metro station. Next, from the metro follow the signs to the Bagration Bridge. You don't need to go to the bridge itself, that is, we have to stay on this side of the river.
If you arrive by car, keep in mind that parking at the City is paid (100 rubles per hour, specific opening hours - on weekdays from 20-00, on weekends from 11 am). In general, you shouldn't come here by car.
This is the diagram posted on the official website. As you can see, you can reach the Empire Tower through the second floor of Avimola, but in our opinion it is easier to do this from the Bagration Bridge.
Towards the City
As you move, you will see a security booth with the sign Empire Tower.
Security guard
We turn right and approach the skyscrapers. Visually, the Empire looks like this: oval and green. If you look up, your head may involuntarily spin.
Skyscrapers
On your right hand you will have the Evolution Tower, twisted in a spiral (you are in the wrong place), and on your left - the Empire Tower.
Empire Tower
Feel free to come in and go to the reception desk. This is where you can buy tickets for the climb. By the way, ticket prices are steep - adults cost 700 rubles, children 400 rubles. Children under 7 years old are free.
By the way, on the first floor of the Empire there is an interesting art object - a huge watering can camera. There are usually a lot of people wanting to take pictures.
Camera Leica
We are waiting for the group and take the high-speed elevator to the 56th floor. I recommend that you stock up on candy or chewing gum when you go up the elevator - it really hurts your ears.
What will we see on the City observation deck?
You've probably already rolled out your lip, took a selfie stick with you, and hope that your photos will get a lot of likes... But don't be fooled! The Empire Tower is surrounded on all sides by skyscrapers, so you can only see anything from one side of the Empire.
Entrance to the Observation Deck
All the beautiful photographs that are shown to us in the booklets were taken by professional photographers with a zoom of at least 200 mm.
Why are we paying this kind of money? Well, here's what: the guide will tell you about the construction of Moscow City, what the original idea for the complex was and what is happening now, and will demonstrate the features on the model. The story is interesting. They will tell you a little about what is to the left and right of the skyscraper.
Moscow City is fashionable. There is practically no one here over 45 years old.
Moscow City layout
So-so layout, only children like it.
Observation tower Moscow City
At the lookout
The rest of the time you will walk around the unfinished room with concrete ceilings and, if you are lucky, you will see some small exhibition at the top.
Moscow City observation deck
There are skyscrapers all around, you can even see the sunset like this.
Or like this.
As in the famous song “Skyscrapers, skyscrapers, and I’m so small.”
Skyscrapers
Skyscrapers
Skyscrapers
People are trying to photograph something.
At the Moscow City observation deck
Photographers with telephoto lenses have the best luck here. Here's what you can see and zoom in on.
Moscow State University building
View from the Moscow City observation deck
View from the Moscow City observation deck
Luzhniki
Observation tower Moscow City
Alternative views of Moscow City
In our opinion, a much more picturesque observation deck on the City is located on the opposite bank. Of course, you won’t see Moscow from a bird’s eye view, but the view of the skyscraper complex is fabulous. Particularly spectacular shots can be taken in the evening or morning. It's always crowded here, but there's enough space for everyone.
Moscow City in the evening
Moscow City in the evening
Perhaps it makes sense to go up to the Moscow City observation deck once to form your own opinion. But we noticed a more interesting pastime for ourselves on Presnenskaya Embankment - a boat trip, the pier of which is located near the same Bagration Bridge. Tickets are sold in the lobby at the entrance to the bridge from the City side; one of the ticket offices is located near the Tree of Life sculpture.
Personally, I like the view of the City better than the view from it!
Observation platforms in Moscow allow you to enjoy fantastically beautiful views of the capital from a bird's eye view: skyscrapers, Stalinist high-rise buildings, ancient monuments of the Kremlin, etc. Let's consider the most popular objects that have conditions for a panoramic view.
Free observation decks in Moscow
1. Observation deck on Sparrow Hills
Probably the most famous and traditional observation deck in the capital, and therefore the most beloved. Just take the metro to the Vorobyovy Gory station, climb the paths towards Moscow State University, and you can already admire the opening views of the city: the Moscow River, the Luzhniki sports complex, Moscow City skyscrapers, the Ostankino TV tower, etc. In the distance you can see the Temple Christ the Savior, some of the many modern multi-storey business centers.
2. Observation deck next to the Russian Academy of Sciences
Not far from the observation deck on, literally a 20-30 minute walk from it, there is a lesser-known observation deck - near the building of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Here we can see the same thing as from the site on Vorobyovy Gory, only from a different angle. From here you have a beautiful view of Moscow State University and. The historical center of the city is clearly visible, as well as the Vorobyovy Gory station itself. The only negative is the rather dense construction, due to which the view is a little limited.
3. Observation deck on the roof of the Central Children's House
This observation deck appeared not so long ago, after the reconstruction of the Central Children's Store, and is located on its roof. The store building is 8-storey, so from it you can see only the upper part of the nearest attractions and the towering towers of the Kremlin, the bell towers of churches and cathedrals, the Stalinist high-rise on Kotelnicheskaya Embankment, Lubyanka Square and the FSB building are clearly visible, and of course, there is a beautiful view of the roofs of the nearest ones stretching into the distance buildings in the city center.
There are special binoculars installed at the observation deck, through which you can view the surrounding area, but due to the high number of visitors, it is quite difficult to get to them.
The store is open daily from 10:00 to 22:00. It's best to come after lunch, because... at this time the sun will shine in the back, which will allow you to take good photographs.
Store address: Teatralny pr-d, 5/1, metro station - Lubyanka.
The store has underground parking, the cost is from 100 to 200 rubles per hour.
4.
This is a pedestrian bridge located near the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, which connects Prechistenskaya and Bersenyevskaya embankments. It offers a beautiful view of the Kremlin, the chambers of Averky Kirillov, the famous House on the Embankment and the no less famous art cluster “Red October”. You can get here from the station. Kropotkinskaya metro station.
5. Observation deck of the Triumph Palace skyscraper
"Triumph Palace" is a residential complex, which in 2003 was included in the Guinness Book of Records as the tallest residential building in Europe. Its height with its spire is more than 260 m. Externally, the Triumph Palace is similar to the famous Moscow Stalinist high-rise buildings, but it is still clearly noticeable that this is a remake.
The observation deck is equipped at an altitude of 200 m. It offers a breathtaking view of the northern and northwestern parts of the city, and the sights of the capital’s center are clearly visible.
The main disadvantage is that, because... This is an elite residential complex equipped with a checkpoint; it is almost impossible for an outsider to get here, only through acquaintance, or somehow negotiate with the concierge.
Paid observation decks in Moscow
1. Ostankino TV tower
The observation deck is equipped with binoculars so that you can examine objects of interest in detail.
The cost of visiting is 300 rubles. The price includes viewing the museum's exhibition and access to the observation deck. Opening hours: from 10:00 to 22:00.
4. Bell tower of Ivan the Great in the Kremlin
The tallest building in the Kremlin, the Ivan the Great Bell Tower, was erected in the 16th century during the reign of Boris Godunov. The observation deck is located in the first bell tier at a height of 25 m above the ground. In order to climb it, you need to overcome 137 steps of a steep staircase. From this height there is a view of Cathedral Square, cathedrals, ancient streets of Zamoskvorechye, .
Excursions to the observation deck are held strictly according to the schedule: 10:15, 11:15, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, from May 15 to September 30 there is a session at 17:00, Thursday is a day off . Those wishing to see the panorama of the Kremlin ensemble must pay entrance to the Kremlin territory - 500 rubles, and purchase a separate ticket to visit the bell tower - 250 rubles. The number of tickets is limited.
The height of the bell tower is 25 m, children under 14 years old are not allowed. Tourists can take advantage of an audio guide. The audio-guided tour lasts 45 minutes.
5. Observation deck at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior
Observation deck on Zhivopisny Bridge
Separately, we can mention the observation deck. Currently it is not functioning because... not all construction work has been completed. The opening is planned for 2016, authorities said.
The Zhivopisny Bridge in Serebryany Bor is a complex screw-pylon structure with a total length of more than one kilometer. Its highlight will be the glass observation deck installed at its highest point. The platform, reminiscent of a flying saucer, offers panoramic views of the Moscow River, Grebnoy Canal, and the Krylatskoye district. The site will be available only to newlyweds, since a registry office is planned to open here in the near future.
