12 best observation decks in Moscow

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

The capital has many great places to visit to enjoy the views. Every day, tourists move from one attraction to another, spending long hours on it. But no less a large crowd of people is observed at the observation decks, because this saves time and allows you to admire the city from a bird's eye view, admiring the amazing picture. There are both paid and free viewing points, where the entrance is open to anyone. Everyone knows about some of them, but there are places that few people are familiar with.

The editors have compiled a rating review of the 12 best viewing platforms in Moscow, from which the most stunning views open. It is worth visiting each one to freeze with delight and get a dose of unforgettable emotions.

Rating of the best viewing platforms in Moscow

Nomination	a place	Observation deck	rating
Rating of the best viewing platforms in Moscow	1	Museum Lookout 'Moscow City'	5.0
	2	PANORAMA360	4.9
	3	'Only love is higher'	4.8
	4	Ostankino Tower	4.7
	5	Sixty Restaurant	4.6
	6	City Space Restaurant	4.5
	7	Observation deck next to RAS	4.4
	8	Moscow State University Lomonosov	4.3
	9	Skyscraper 'Triumph Palace'	4.2
	10	'Sparrow Hills'	4.1
	11	'Central Children's Store'	4.0
	12	Cathedral of Christ the Savior	4.0

Museum Lookout 'Moscow City'

Rating: 5.0

The only museum of high-rise buildings invites guests not only to enjoy the breathtaking views of the capital, but also to see unique installations. It will be interesting for both adults and children, because it is allowed to touch everything. The highest point of 1867 is located on the fifty-sixth floor. At an altitude of two hundred and fifteen meters, visitors will learn how the city grew up and what utopian projects were created by Soviet architects, as well as see prototypes of modern Moscow skyscrapers.

Part of the exposition tells about the history of the creation of the famous 'Moscow City' complex. She introduces eighteen skyscrapers, their technical and architectural features; the authors of the project, future buildings and those that are destined to remain on paper. Sightseeing tours are held here, for example, for children with detective quests (30-40 minutes, every Saturday, ticket price – from 690 rubles), 'Through the eyes of Icarus' – VR flight (daily, ticket price – from 990 rubles), group walks complex – author's excursions (daily, ticket price – from 1200 rubles). The 'Voice of the City' project is very interesting, in which anyone who calls by retrotelephone will hear a story about the capital on behalf of a famous resident of the city. On weekends, children's master classes 'Build a Skyscraper' are held. A nice bonus is that kids up to six years old are free to enter.

Moscow, Presnenskaya embankment, 6, building 2, entrance 3. Opening hours: Mon: 16:00 to 22:00; Tue-Sun: from 10:00 to 22:00; December 13: from 16:00 to 22:00; December 31: from 10:00 to 20:00; January 1 from 12:00 to 22:00. Phone: +7 (495) 775-36-56. Website: museum.citymoscow.ru.

PANORAMA360

Rating: 4.9

The observation deck is located on the eighty-ninth floor of one of the Moscow City towers and is one of the highest points. In addition to the incredible city beauty that opens up, you can visit entertainment areas, for example, the Chistaya Liniya chocolate or ice cream factory. Visitors will be shown the production stages and will be offered to taste the prepared delicacy. The windows are up to six meters long, providing a 360 ° panoramic view. Until recently, only a few could get here, but now the doors are open to everyone. A separate adventure will be the ascent on a high-speed elevator that travels at a speed of eight meters per second.

Here they organize projection shows with a full immersion effect and an interactive guide, the guide tells about Moscow and the sights. Visitors can collect virtual 3D models of the complex's towers using a special application, as well as look into the photo zone to take beautiful pictures. You can dine at the eco-restaurant and have a snack at the cafe. The local gift shop sells cute designer items. Lovers are offered a service that allows them to arrange a romantic date, the price of which includes dinner in a restaurant, a table decorated with rose petals and candles, a fruit plate with drinks and a professional photo session.

Moscow, Presnenskaya embankment, 12, Moscow International Business Center 'Moscow-City', Tower 'Federation-East', 89th floor. Opening hours: Sun-Thu: from 10:00 to 23:00; Fri-Sat: from 10:00 to 00:00. Phone: +7 (495) 151-94-94. Website: pnr360.ru.

'Only love is higher'

Rating: 4.8

On the roof of the Oko skyscraper there is the highest observation point in Europe – three hundred and fifty-four meters, which is higher than the Eiffel Tower and the platform on Ostankinskaya. Thanks to its location in the city center, you can contemplate all the beauty of Moscow. Everything for a comfortable pastime is prepared here: warm blankets, romantic music, photo robots, free binoculars, a telescope with a six-fold magnification, WI-FI, WC. There is also a souvenir shop, photographer, bar. After the visit, none of the guests will remain indifferent.

Every day and seven days a week, there are educational excursions with a professional guide in Russian, English and German. He will tell you about the stages of construction of 'Moscow City', about the owners and architects, world records, famous visitors, curious facts, and will also show all the city sights. Each visitor is entitled to a delicious compliment included in the price. It is worth booking a seat in advance and buying a ticket, as the number is limited. It is better to do this through the site, then you will be guaranteed a visit at the selected time. An adult ticket costs 1,500 rubles, and a child ticket costs 750 rubles. Very young, under six years old, are not allowed on the observation deck, and children under sixteen only accompanied by adults.

Moscow, 1st Krasnogvardeisky proezd, 21, building 2. Working hours: weekdays: from 12:00 to 23:30; weekends and holidays: from 10:00 to 23:30. Phone: +7 (495) 015-03-54. Website: www.smotrovaya.com.

Ostankino Tower

Rating: 4.7

There are three platforms in the TV tower – two open and one closed. Each of them is unique in its own way. The first is located on a technical balcony, at a height of eighty-five meters. Previously, only meteorologists were allowed here, but in 2017, when it was the fiftieth anniversary of the building, they decided to open access to everyone, but only in excursion groups. There is an excursion 'The Tower from the Inside', where you can get acquainted with the operation of the meteorological complex and see the equipment: sensors for measuring wind strength and direction, humidity level, temperature, atmospheric pressure. The second is at an altitude of three hundred and forty meters. The visit is open only from May to October and subject to favorable weather. The third, closed, is the most popular and is located at an altitude of three hundred and thirty-seven meters. Here guests can walk on the glass floor and even jump on it, as it withstands enormous loads. There is an opportunity to look into the famous restaurant '7 SKY' and buy souvenirs in the shop. Powerful panoramic telescopes are installed here, allowing you to see all the sights and even see the Moscow region.

An experienced guide will tell you fascinatingly about the history of the TV tower, engineering and design features, innovations of a unique structure. Everyone will take a ride on the high-speed elevator, which delivers to the place in just seven seconds, which will especially appeal to children. Adult tickets cost 900 and 1200 rubles, discounted tickets – 600 and 800 rubles. An electronic ticket is exchanged for a pass directly at the ticket office and guarantees a visit out of turn. Children over six years of age are allowed on the observation deck. You must have an identity document with you.

Moscow, Academician Korolev, 15, building 2 (excursion building of the Ostankino TV tower). Opening hours: Mon-Thu: from 10:00 to 23:00; Fri-Sun: from 10:00 to 23:00. Phone: +7 (495) 926-61-11. Website: tvtower.ru.

Sixty Restaurant

Rating: 4.6

The highest restaurant in Europe allows you to eat deliciously, feel the festive atmosphere, have a great time and enjoy the panorama of the capital. Located on the sixty-second floor of one of the Moscow-City towers. Visitors wishing to admire the beauty of the city book tables by the large windows. Given that the place is popular, there are often not enough places, so it is worth booking in advance.

The interior of the establishment combines modern and bright style of the sixties, simplicity and irony. Despite the high cost, there are always a lot of people here, because many people want to dine at such an altitude, admiring the city. From here it is especially interesting to watch the sunset and sunrise. The uniqueness of the place is the original system of opening windows, which makes you feel like you are in the open air.

At the head of the kitchen is Sergey Kondakov, an intern at Mario and subordinate to Flaviano Biazatti. It was from him that he learned the basics of Italian cuisine: the secrets of delicious dressings and sauces, techniques for making risotto and pasta, and the features of classic desserts. After that, there was experience as a sous-chef at Tatler Club, an internship in Monaco, a brand-chef position at Chips, BOK and Barashka. And most recently, in 2019, Kondakov took over as a chef at Sixty.

Moscow, Presnenskaya embankment, 12 Federation Tower, 62nd floor. Opening hours: Mon-Sun: from 12:00 until the last guest. Phone: +7 (495) 653-83-69; +7 (915) 240-60-60. Website: sixtyrestaurant.ru.

City Space Restaurant

Rating: 4.5

The place is located on the thirty-fourth floor of the hotel. Of course, this is far from the highest point, but it is ideal for observing the endless metropolitan landscapes, because in order to see everything you do not need special devices. The restaurant is known not only for its panoramic view, but also for its bar list, thanks to which the restaurant has been included in the list of the best for several times. It offers over two hundred and fifty cocktails, including signature ones.

Large windows offer a view of three hundred and sixty degrees, so even sophisticated tourists will have something to be surprised at. Add to this high-quality service, delicious European and Japanese cuisine, a cozy atmosphere and an interesting interior, then you will understand that even a high average check (from 2500 rubles) is not an obstacle to visiting the institution.

Moscow, Kosmodamianskaya embankment, 52, building 6, 34th floor, Swissotel 'Krasnye Holmy'. Opening hours: daily, from 18:00 to 3:00. Phone: +7 (495) 221-53-57. Website: cityspacebar.com.

Observation deck next to RAS

Rating: 4.4

Free viewing is available to everyone at any time of the day or night. A magical view of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the monument to Gagarin, Frunzenskaya embankment, the Andreevsky monastery, the spire of Moscow State University, the Moscow City skyscrapers, the domes of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, the Kremlin towers and other sights opens from here. The site is often called 'lower', comparing it to Vorobyovy Gory. But it has a clear advantage – here you will not meet crowds of visitors and tourists, since the place is not so famous and promoted, so you can admire the capital in peace. There is, of course, a minus, but not critical – dense buildings.

The observation deck is located near the new building of the Russian Academy of Sciences, at a height of sixty meters. Some objects are seen better than from Vorobyovy Gory, so many interesting pictures can be taken. It's easy to get to the place, just walk about seven hundred meters from the Leninsky Prospekt metro station towards the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Leninsky prospect, 32 A, building 1.

Moscow State University Lomonosov

Rating: 4.3

The building together with the spire has a height of two hundred and forty meters, and without it – one hundred and eighty. It is under the spire that the observation deck and the Museum of Geosciences are located. From here you can see a view of the historic center, a huge vacant lot, the arboretum and the Luzhniki stadium, as well as a garage cooperative, where any work is prohibited, since under it is a secret metro line-2. There are guided tours, for example, 'Seven Legends of the Stalinist Skyscraper'.

The designer Lev Rudnev laid several sites at the design stage. Among the open ones, it is worth highlighting the balcony located on the thirty-second floor and on the twenty-fourth floor. Today the second one is more comfortable and open for visiting. Recently it was equipped with everything necessary for a safe and comfortable pastime of guests. There are a few more points, but they are not accessible to everyone: balconies from the seventeenth to twenty-second floors. Most of them lie in the hostel zone; there are decorative balconies that can only be accessed through a window. They are possessed by students living in the clock tower, and the entrance is closed to outsiders.

Having got on the excursion 'With exit to the observation deck', you can see Moscow from all sides, which cannot be done at every observation deck. The ticket costs from 1000 rubles. The price includes the excursion 'Seven Legends of the Stalinist Skyscraper', passing through some points inside the main building and ascent to the thirty-second floor, accompanied by a guide's story about the capital. The program lasts an hour and a half. You can sign up by phone or through the form on the official website.

Leninskie Gory, 1. Opening hours: any time by agreement. Phone: +7 (495) 741-9-744. Website: smotrismgu.ru.

Skyscraper 'Triumph Palace'

Rating: 4.2

The residential building has a height of two hundred and sixty meters and is located in the city center. In 2003, it was entered in the Guinness Book of Records as the highest in Europe. The residential skyscraper is made in the architectural style of the fifties, so it is often confused with the famous Stalinist skyscrapers and even given the name 'eighth sister'. The forty-five-storey building from the eleventh to the thirty-eighth is inhabited by ordinary people, and above, on the last three, there is a boutique hotel, which is popular not only for its beautiful views of Moscow, but also for the original design of the rooms – each represents one of the cities in the world.

In the central sector of the complex, a fifty-meter spire is installed, at the base of which there is an octagonal structure. It is in it that the observation deck is located, once on which, anyone can take their breath away. Unfortunately, general access to the site is not provided, as well as excursions. But there is a way to get here – you need to agree with the concierge or walk with one of the tenants, also explaining your purpose. If one of the methods works, then you will be the lucky one who does not have to pay for the passage, as is the case in most lookouts.

Chapaevsky lane, 3.

'Sparrow Hills'

Rating: 4.1

Another free site that needs no introduction. The first water supply began here, in the past there were Peter, Chaliapin and many other historical figures, and now there is Moscow State University – the main university of the country. Although the word 'mountains' is present, in fact it is not. In fact, this is a river bank, indented by landslides and cliffs. Springs are pouring out of the ground here. Once upon a time there was a sea here, and later a village about which little is known. This name was received, according to one of the legends, a large number of sparrows that lived here.

Residents and guests of the capital came here to relax, walk and drink tea in the fresh air. After the construction of the Moscow State University, a landscaped area with a ski jump appeared, offering a gorgeous panoramic view. Now it is a nature reserve with separate waste collection, a falcon family, information signs and picnic areas. From here you can see all the main symbols of the city: the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the White House, Stalin's skyscrapers, houses on Novy Arbat, the Ostankino TV tower, a monument to Peter I and many others. Recently, free binoculars with 10x magnification were installed here. Of the minuses, it is worth noting a large crowd of people – all tourists first of all go to Vorobyovy Gory, so it is almost never empty here.

Lenin Hills, ow. 1. Site: park-gorkogo.com/vg.

'Central Children's Store'

Rating: 4.0

The observation deck is located on the top floor and opened not so long ago, after the reconstruction of the store, but has already won the title of one of the best points for viewing the capital's beauty. All this became possible thanks to the location in the heart of the city, from where the most significant sights are visible. The main feature is free admission. Guests only need to go up to the seventh floor. True, finding a place is not easy if you do not know exactly where it is. You need to go up to the sixth floor, go around the cafe, heading to the atrium. Next to it, find a small door and a staircase leading to the Museum of Childhood and a viewing room.

The site is zoned: from one you can see the Lubyanka and the Polytechnic Museum, and from the other – the Kremlin. The two sides are connected by a long passage. You can take children here without worrying about their safety, since the perimeter is fenced off by a rather high glass fence. Telescopic pipes are installed here, allowing you to see in detail all objects, the architecture of buildings. The observation deck does not compete with the same Sparrow Hills, but few will refuse to enjoy the free view of the historic center, especially in the company with their children.

Teatralny proezd, 5/1, 7th floor.

Cathedral of Christ the Savior

Rating: 4.0

Guests have access to four observation points at once, located between the bell towers, at a height of forty meters. From there a beautiful view of the capital and all architectural and not only sights opens up. It is worth visiting not only those wishing to admire the panorama, but also those interested in history. The Temple has a long and difficult journey, so the place has a special charm. The first construction lasted for forty years, but was destroyed by the Bolsheviks, and in its place it was planned to build a Palace of Soviets, but the idea remained unrealized due to the outbreak of the war. Twenty years later, the foundations were used for the construction of the largest swimming pool in Europe, 'Moscow', and only during the years of perestroika they decided to return the Temple to its original place.

The Ivan the Great Bell Tower became the first skyscraper in the city when the superstructure was completed. The height was eighty-one meters and until the beginning of the seventeenth century it remained the tallest building in the country. The observation deck was opened in 2009, after restoration. Here, from a height of twenty-five meters, you can contemplate the streets of Zamoskvorechye and the Kremlin. You will have to climb up the stairs, as there is no lift. The observation deck is open from April to October. An excursion, including a visit to the site, costs 500 rubles. Children under the age of twelve are not allowed, even if accompanied by an adult.

Volkhonka, 15. Opening hours: by agreement. Phone: +7 (495) 637-12-76. Website: xxc.ru.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.