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.

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 impossible to list everything, much less get around it even in a week. A good solution in this case would be to visit observation platforms - a favorite place for travelers in any tourist city. After all, only from above can you take in this huge city with your gaze, admire the beautiful metropolitan panoramas and, of course, take a lot of stunning photographs.
Moscow is not only the capital, but also a city of contrasts, so there are many observation platforms here and each is impressive in its own way. One will be focused on the historical center, another on the urban environment, the third on individual interesting monuments, and the fourth will be able to cover the whole thing.

The list of Moscow inspection stations is quite impressive, because in addition to the official ones, there are many small-town ones known only to native Muscovites. In addition, it is constantly updated, because the number of observation platforms is only growing every year, and primarily this is due to the emergence of new architectural objects, on the top floors of which it is now customary to arrange a space for viewing the city. Below I will try to provide a list of the most interesting and diverse observation platforms in Moscow that definitely deserve attention.

Free viewing platforms

I will give the first place on the list of observation platforms lookout on Vorobyovy Gory.

Located on a fairly high bank of the Moscow River, not far from the red metro line, it is popular with both residents and guests of the city. The main reason is that next to the lookout there is a forested area and a long pedestrian embankment, ideal for relaxing, walking and riding a bicycle, which, by the way, can be rented right there in the park. Now, a cable car will open that will connect Vorobyovy Gory and Luzhniki - also quite an observation deck.

From a height of 80 meters - the natural height of the bank of the Moscow River - you will see the renovated Luzhniki Stadium, a 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 historical center of Moscow. (Attention! Recently, a fee for visiting the examination room has been 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 "Floating Bridge" in Zaryadye Park, located near Vasilyevsky Spusk near the metro and public transport stops "Kitay-Gorod".

It was opened only a year ago, but has already become the most popular place in Moscow. This interesting engineering structure has no analogues in the world yet, and it can only be called a bridge conditionally; rather, it is a console in the shape of the letter V, hanging over the Moskvoretskaya embankment. Thanks to this design, the bridge was given the name “Soaring”. Although the bridge is not high - only 15 meters above the river level, it offers good views of the Kremlin, St. Basil's Church, embankments, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building, GUM and of course Zaryadye Park itself. The only drawback of this observation deck is the large number of people even on weekdays.
Entrance to all of the above-mentioned observation platforms is absolutely free, and on Vorobyovy Gory there is not even a time limit, which will allow you to admire Moscow at night.
By the way, not only in Zaryadye there is a view bridge. Our favorite view of the Kremlin – Kamenny and Patriarchal bridges.

Observation platforms in Moscow City

The image of modern Moscow is formed by the relatively recently built business building on Presnenskaya embankment capital complex Moscow City. Consisting of ultra-modern skyscraper buildings, the complex dilutes and enlivens the city landscape of Moscow. It is not surprising that the upper floors of these buildings are equipped with observation decks, one of which has become the highest in Moscow and even in Europe. There are several of them here - they are located on the 58th (Empire Tower), 87th (Oko Tower) and 89th (East Federation 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 it has the lowest price, and there is a Moscow City Museum.

At Federation Tower East There is a restaurant on the observation deck, the highest ice cream factory in the world, “Clean Line,” and concerts and other events. 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 visiting is limited by weather conditions. There is also a restaurant here.
As you might guess, the views from here are stunning, 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 no longer familiar in the capital’s panorama of the towers of the business center.
Entrance to all viewing 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 platforms, Moscow City has many restaurants with panoramic views. But, as you understand, you can’t just go there and take pictures of Moscow; the prices for everything are high.

Other paid viewing platforms

The next row of observation decks is only accessible by purchasing a ticket or excursion that includes climbing to the observation deck. This is first and foremost observation deck from the bell tower of Ivan the Great, which occupies a place in the very heart of the capital - in the Moscow Kremlin.

The platform located in the first tier of the bell is only 25 meters high, so you shouldn’t expect wide panoramas, but the view of the interior of the Kremlin’s architectural ensemble is very educational. From here, from a bird's eye view, all the cathedrals and towers of the Moscow Kremlin are perfectly visible.
To climb the bell tower you need to pay 250 RUB, and you also need to purchase a ticket to the Kremlin separately. The site is open from May 15 to September 30; tickets are sold at the Alexander Garden box office no later than 45 minutes before the start of the tour. Visitors are allowed per session in groups of 10 people. However, in order to get to the bell tower in time, it is better to come when the box office opens, since there are not many sessions per 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 particularly high - only 40 meters, but its favorable location allows you to see an interesting panorama of Moscow. Kremlin, Arbat, Poklonnaya Gora, Pushkin Museum im. Pushkin and other main attractions of Moscow. The ascent 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 oldest observation platforms is located in the building of Moscow State University on Vorobyovy Gory.

I wrote about the free observation deck above; the same platform on the 32nd floor of an educational building attracts not only with stunning views of the whole of Moscow, but from here the entire capital is “in full view” - historical buildings, mansions and churches, residential areas and green forest parks, wide avenues and narrow streets - this entire metropolitan panorama can be taken in with your gaze from the observation deck, but also with its special atmosphere and history. The building, built in the mid-20th century, still preserves the indescribable atmosphere of an educational institution, known to us from Soviet films. Therefore, the excursion, and most often it is with it that access to the observation deck is possible, will leave only the most positive impressions. In addition to the site, you will be able to wander through the main halls and halls, look at the sculptural busts of scientists, look into classrooms, and, in general, get acquainted with an interesting page of history. The cost of the excursion is 600 – 800 rubles.
The well-known observation deck is located on the tallest structure in Europe - Ostankino TV tower, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.

The TV tower is located at the address known to many from childhood, st. Akademika Korolev, 15, next to the station of the same name in the Leningrad direction.
The observation deck is located at a level of 85 meters. Although the tower is removed from the main central streets, in good weather from here you can see literally the whole of Moscow and even the surrounding villages near Moscow. A ticket to the observation deck costs 700 RUB on weekdays and 1,100 on weekends; it is better to buy them in advance on the tower’s website, choosing early sessions to avoid excessive crowds. However, children under 7 years old are not allowed, and due to the design features, also people with disabilities. It is possible to take a tour “The 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.

From a height of 18 meters there is a panoramic view of the park, as well as a view of the Vorobyovy Gory, Shukhov Tower, New Arbat, Neskuchny Garden, the high-rise buildings of Moscow State University and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

I would include observation rooms located in high-rise hotel buildings into a separate group. For example, this should include two hotels located almost in the city center - Swissotel Krasnye Holmy (metro Paveletskaya) and "Radisson Royal", former Ukraine (metro Kievskaya).

In the first hotel, the observation room 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 - the 29th and 30th, the premises of which are occupied by an Italian restaurant. The restaurant’s huge panoramic windows on the closed terrace allow you to enjoy views of the historical center of Moscow, metropolitan architecture, and church domes without leaving your tables.
In general, Moscow observation towers not only help you get to know the capital better and examine historical monuments, but are also interesting objects of architecture and urban planning in themselves. All that remains is to find the most attractive place for yourself and enjoy the views from there.

• on the territory of the Moscow Kremlin will reward those who have mastered the 137 steps with a beautiful view of the historical buildings of old Moscow.
• Observation deck at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior– the best place to explore the central part of the city, and there is an elevator.
• Highest observation deck- on the Ostankino TV tower. The height here literally takes your breath away!
• Skyscrapers of Moscow City, as well as the Red Hills Hotel - a great place to enjoy dinner overlooking the evening city.
• Sparrow Hills and the building of Moscow University is the most popular way to look around the whole city.

There are points from which the most spectacular views open in any metropolis. Moscow can also surprise you with them, and in all their diversity. You can admire the capital of Russia from high picturesque embankments, from the walls of historical monuments, and modern high-rise buildings. Almost all of these observation platforms are open to everyone. Some of them are part of museum complexes, others are located in Moscow skyscrapers, and others are part of the Moscow landscape.

This viewpoint may be number one on your list. It is located on Cathedral Square (Kremlin, Cathedral Square, entrance by ticket). This bell tower is one of the Kremlin museums. You can climb to a height of 25 meters, and on the way explore the exhibition dedicated to the history of the Kremlin’s architecture. The reward for your diligence will be a stunning view of historical central Moscow. In past centuries, when buildings were not so multi-story and dense, from the bell tower one could see the surrounding area within a radius of 25-30 km. Thanks to this, the bell tower was the main lookout point for the city's defense. Today, due to tall buildings, it is no longer possible to look so far, but this does not prevent the bell tower from remaining one of the best observation platforms in the city. The bell tower received its final form at the beginning of the 17th century. under Tsar Boris Godunov - at that time it was built to a height of 81 meters.

Remember that to climb to the observation deck you need to overcome 137 steps, which not everyone can do.

Cathedral of Christ the Savior

Another observation deck in the center of Moscow (Volkhonka St., 15, entrance by ticket). on this site it was originally built according to the design of the architect A. Ton in the middle of the 19th century, blown up and dismantled to the ground by the Bolsheviks in 1931, and then restored in the 1990s. This vantage point has an advantage over the Ivan the Great Bell Tower: from it you can see the Kremlin panorama. In this case, you don’t have to “climb the heights” at all: the Cathedral of Christ the Savior has elevators, so climbing to the observation decks will be easy.

The height of the observation platforms, which are located in the corners of the cathedral (under the bell towers), is 40 m, and they offer an overview of the entire city center. This site is the most convenient option for those who want to combine the opportunity to enjoy picturesque views with a cultural program. You can explore the Cathedral of Christ the Savior itself, and look into the museum at the temple to learn the history of its construction and restoration.

Ostankino Tower

The highest observation deck in the city is located on one of the top floors (Akademika Koroleva St., 15, entrance by ticket). Today it is the tallest building in Europe and the tenth tallest in the world. The Ostankino TV tower was built in 1960-1967. according to the designs of designer N. Nikitin and architects L. Batalov and D. Budin. They say that the idea for this stable structure was formalized into a project literally overnight: in a moment of insight, Nikitin proposed giving the base of the tower the shape of a lily leaf. The height of the tower spire is 540 meters, and the amplitude of its vibrations can reach 3 meters. The building houses many TV channels and radio stations.

There are two publicly accessible observation platforms on the Ostankino Tower: an open one - at an altitude of 340 m, which can only be reached in the warm season, and a closed one - at an altitude of 337 m. Such a huge height allows you to see the whole of Moscow and even the nearest Moscow region. It's truly breathtaking here, especially in some places where the floor is deliberately made transparent. Here you can also take a ride on high-speed elevators and see a small exhibition dedicated to the history of the construction of the tower.

Skyscrapers of Moscow

Another viewpoint that has appeared in the city relatively recently is Moscow City, an island of modern skyscrapers in the city center. Observation deck on the 58th floor Empire Towers» – the best option: this is the only place from where the business center itself does not block the view (Presnenskaya embankment, 6, building 2, entrance by ticket). The tower is a modern business building with fast elevators (their speed is 7 m/s). The complex is located in the center of Moscow, just four kilometers from the Kremlin, and is very convenient in terms of transport accessibility. The panoramas of Moscow City in the evening are incredibly beautiful - from here you can watch the sunset.

If you want to combine pleasant things with even more pleasant things, then there, in Moscow City, in tower "Federation" on the 64th floor there is the restaurant “Sixty” (Presnenskaya embankment, 12). It belongs to the category of expensive establishments, but the prices are justified by the amazing views: the main thing is to grab a table by the window. The restaurant claims to be the highest in Europe. The quality of the cuisine is also rated quite highly by visitors.

Another good vantage point located in the city center is the City Space bar in hotel "Red Hills"(Kosmodamianskaya embankment, 52, p. 6). Its visitors can not only have a pleasant time in the elegant bar, but also enjoy a beautiful panorama of the city - with a 360-degree view. This platform makes it possible to see the Kremlin from a fairly close distance, as well as to see the famous ones - they are always easy to recognize even against the backdrop of modern buildings.

Sparrow Hills and the building of Moscow University

There are also several observation platforms in Moscow that appeared thanks to the natural topography, and you can visit them completely free of charge. One of the most beloved observation decks by residents and guests of the city is located on Sparrow Hills near the Moscow River (Kosygina St., 18). It offers a view of almost the entire city, including all the Stalinist skyscrapers. At the same time, to consider the latter, you will have to look back - the observation deck is located directly in front of the Main building of the Moscow State University named after M.V. Lomonosov. The site is surrounded by a large park belonging to the university, and the University Botanical Garden is nearby. Newlyweds often come to this viewpoint to walk and take photos. In the evenings, bikers and sports car enthusiasts gather here.

A walk along the Sparrow Hills can be combined with an educational event: by appointment you can get to the Museum of Geography of Moscow State University(metro University, Leninskie Gory, 1A). It is located on the 24-31 floors of the Main Building, and this provides an opportunity to get to another observation point. Thus, visitors will be able not only to examine the famous Stalinist high-rise building inside and get acquainted with the museum exhibition, but also to admire a bird's eye view of Moscow. Not only the city center is clearly visible, but also a large section of the Moscow River with new residential areas beyond it.

Poklonnaya Gora and the city center

Another viewpoint is located next to the station metro station "Park Pobedy". Perhaps the view from it is not very wide, but this place is interesting as a monument to the military history of Russia. Here you can visit

The observation deck on Vorobyovy Gory is perhaps the most famous observation deck from where you can look at the panorama of the capital. This is what many guests of the city do and the residents of Moscow do not lag behind - the views from here are truly worthy of attention. Especially when you know where and what to look at, all the most iconic points of the city emerge into a whole exciting story.

The site is part of a sightseeing tour of the city, a favorite place for wedding photographers, a walking alley for students of Moscow University (whose main building is very close), mothers with strollers, romantic couples, and even a long-standing meeting place for bikers.

The Sparrow Hills (in Soviet times they were called Lenin Hills for a long time, and only in 1999 the historical name was returned) is considered to be the right side of the Moscow River in the southwest of the city. Geographically, this area is located quite high (it is considered one of the seven hills on which, as you know, Moscow stands). The winding river washes away the high hilly bank and feeds the beautiful forest around, making this place one of the most picturesque areas of the city.

The observation deck was designed during the construction of the university complex and was built together with it from 1949 to 1953. The project was led by Vitaly Ivanovich Dolganov, a famous Soviet architect who took an active part in the landscaping of Moscow and the creation of the city's landscape and park culture.

Muscovites love this place on major holidays, when fireworks roar over the city. On the Sparrow Hills there is a “mission control center” - the main headquarters, from where all fireworks in the city are commanded. Here you can clearly see not only the “local” fireworks, but also a multidimensional picture when you simultaneously watch fireworks throughout the city. Photographers and videographers come here for this opportunity.

In recent years, the observation deck has become even more comfortable than before. Coffee shops on wheels and snack machines appeared. The site is beautifully lit at night. The territory is patrolled by police, but do not turn off your vigilance - the multimillion-dollar city attracts a variety of “characters”.

Attractions

It makes sense to go to Vorobyovy Gory for at least two reasons: to see the sights of Moscow from a flying height and to relax in nature.

Cable car on Vorobyovy Gory

From the observation deck you can clearly see several embankments - Novodevichy and Berezhkovskaya, Vorobyovskaya and Luzhnetskaya, and the bridges connecting them.

Right behind the stadium, the multi-colored domes of St. Basil's Cathedral stand out, and part of the bell towers are visible Kremlin, power Cathedral of Christ the Savior. Here you can also see another landmark of modern Moscow - the huge figure of Peter I, installed on the Red October Spit, a very odious work by Zurab Tsereteli. Right there in the gap is the third “Stalinist skyscraper” - near the Red Gate, and the famous Sechenov Medical University.

If you move from the central part of the panorama to the right, you can immediately see the fourth “high-rise” - the house on Kotelnicheskaya, the oldest residential complex on the embankment, living in which in the middle of the last century was a sign of special elitism. The house is familiar to many - it played an important role in the popular Soviet film “Moscow Doesn’t Believe in Tears.”

If you look further, it's hard to miss Shukhov TV tower- an engineering project of incredible courage and implementation, created in the 20s of the last century. At the moment, the tower is practically not used for its intended purpose and is left as a historical monument.

Even further to the right you can find in the panorama the Presidium of the Academy of Sciences - a 22-story high-rise building built in the 1990s.

In a word, it’s difficult to even name another place other than the observation deck on Sparrow Hills, from where you can see so many of the capital’s attractions at once and understand how they relate to each other.

Panoramic view of Moscow from the observation deck on Sparrow Hills - Google Maps

Sights of Sparrow Hills

If you get to the observation deck, be sure to check out the interesting places around. First of all, of course, the territory of Moscow State University - still the main stronghold of science and classical education in Russia. The main building of Moscow State University (it’s hard to miss, it dominates the entire space around) has its own observation deck. The site is located at an altitude of 200 meters (24th floor). True, you won’t be able to get there for free - access is only allowed as part of an excursion group.

For nature lovers, the territory of the Sparrow Hills is almost ideal: there is a botanical garden of Moscow University, the Moscow River embankment, Andreevsky Pond, many pleasant paths and routes: no matter which direction you go, there is great walking everywhere.

How to get to the observation deck

The landmark for getting to the Vorobyovy Gory observation deck can be considered Kosygina Street. Entrance to the site is absolutely free from anywhere on the street - free of charge and around the clock. Even binoculars here that provide 15x magnification are available completely free of charge, which is a rarity these days.

View of the observation deck from Kosygina Street - panorama Yandex Maps

How to get there

The main landmark for the observation deck is the main building of Moscow State University (this is University Square). There is very little public transport directly near the University. A trolleybus can take you directly to the place (route No. T7), which follows Kosygina Street. You can get off at the “Observation Deck” or “University Square” stops. There is also a bus stop on the square near the main building of Moscow State University. № 111. From here you will need to walk about 500 meters to the observation deck. For more details, see the Mosgortrans company website.

A funicular will soon open on Vorobyovy Gory, which will take you up from the embankment. It will start from the Luzhniki Arena and include 3 stations (one on the left bank, one on the right, and one at the top).

Trolleybus stop near the observation deck - Yandex Maps panorama

Metro to Vorobyovy Gory

The most guaranteed way to travel around Moscow (from the point of view of calculating travel time) is the metro. The Vorobyovy Gory observation deck is located near the Sokolnicheskaya Line metro station of the same name. When leaving the metro, follow the signs - you need to exit towards the embankment.

From the metro to the observation deck it is about 1.5 kilometers - you can easily walk there. It is more convenient to do this not along the main road, but to take a “shortcut” by going along an eco-trail. It's difficult to get lost here - there are signs along the road.

Coordinates of the observation deck for the navigator: 55.709315, 37.542163.

You can also get to the observation deck on Sparrow Hills by taxi. There are plenty of opportunities for this in the capital. There are mobile applications for calling a taxi, such as Yandex. Taxi, Uber, Gett, Maxim, Rutaxi. Also, if you drive, you can use the car sharing system (car rental service) - Delimobil, Anytime, YouDrive and others.

Video: Sparrow Hills from above (drone filming), review