One of the most popular views of the city among tourists - from the observation deck of the Sparrow Hills - is especially beautiful in clear weather and late in the evening, when the lights and lights 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. Here is an impressive collection of the Museum of Earth Science, and on the last level - the magnificent beauty of the rotunda. You can get into the museum by appointment - 8 (495) 939 2976. By the way, you can look at the city in real time while sitting at your computer. Using the link, you can control a special webcam installed on the 13th floor. The camera can zoom in on objects and rotate.
The 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.
The capital of our Motherland - Moscow is beautiful from a bird's eye view. There are many viewing 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 loved by many for its hi-tech style and the image of a modern metropolis. It's true, being in 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 media are full of photographs against the backdrop of Moscow skyscrapers. Many people think that going up to the observation deck of a skyscraper, they will see something special. But is it?
When can I 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 independently come to the Empire tower and purchase a ticket to the observation deck for 700 rubles. If you arrive in the morning on a weekend, you can save money and go up to heaven for only 500 rubles (specify). This price includes an excursion.
Before visiting the Moscow City lookout, we recommend that you first study the opening hours of the lookout.
You can get to the observation deck on weekends from 10 am to 10 pm. On weekdays, the observation deck is open from 6 pm to 10 pm. The rise at 22 is made without a guide. Tours run every hour. But it's better if you specify 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 her is pretty easy.
The first thing we need is to get to the Vystavochnaya metro station or metro Business center. Further, from the metro, follow the signs to the Bagration bridge. You do not need to go to the bridge itself, that is, we must stay on this side of the river.
If you arrive by car, keep in mind that parking near the City is paid (100 rubles per hour, specific opening hours - on weekdays from 20-00, on weekends from 11 am). In general, you should not go here by car.
Here is a diagram posted on the official website. As you can see, it is possible to reach the Empire Tower through the second floor of Avimol, but in our opinion it is easier to do it from the Bagration Bridge.
towards the city
Along the way, you will see a guard's booth with the inscription 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 don’t go there), and on the left - the Empire tower.
empire tower
Feel free to come in and go to the reception desk. This is where you can buy lift tickets. By the way, ticket prices bite - an adult costs 700 rubles, a child 400 rubles. Children under 7 years 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 who want to take a picture.
Lake's camera
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 at the time of the lift on the elevator - it really fills your ears.
What will we see at the observation deck of the City
You've probably rolled out your lip already, brought a selfie stick with you, hoping that your photos will collect a lot of likes... But don't flatter yourself! The empire tower is surrounded on all sides by skyscrapers, so you can only see something from one side of the empire.
Entrance to the observation deck
All beautiful pictures, which are shown to us in the booklets, are taken by professional photographers with a zoom of at least 200 mm.
Why are we paying so much money? Yes, here's what: the guide will tell you about the construction of Moscow City, what was the original idea of the complex and what is being done now, will demonstrate the features on the layout. The story is interesting. They will also tell you a little about what is to the left and right of the skyscraper.
Moscow city is fashionable. There is practically no one over 45 years old.
Model Moscow City
So-so layout, only children like it.
Lookout Moscow City
On the lookout
For the rest of the time, you'll be walking around the unfinished concrete-ceilinged space, and if you're lucky, you'll see a small exhibition upstairs.
Observation deck Moscow City
There are skyscrapers all around, you will 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 take pictures.
On the lookout Moscow city
The most lucky here are photographers with telephoto lenses. Here's what you can see and approach.
Moscow State University building
View from the Moscow-City lookout
View from the Moscow-City lookout
Luzhniki
Lookout 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 complex of skyscrapers is fabulous. Particularly spectacular shots can be taken in the evening or morning. It is always crowded, but there is enough space for everyone.
Moscow City in the evening
Moscow City in the evening
Perhaps it makes sense to climb the Moscow City observation deck once to form your opinion. But we noticed for ourselves a more interesting pastime 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 near the Tree of Life sculpture.
Personally, I like the view of the City more than the view from it!
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 - you can’t list everything, and even more so you can’t get around even in a week. A good way out in this case would be to visit observation platforms - a favorite place for travelers in any tourist city. After all, only from a height can one grasp this large city gaze, admire the beautiful metropolitan panoramas and, of course, take a lot of amazing photos.
Moscow is not only the capital, but also a city of contrasts, so there are many viewing platforms here and each one 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 be able to cover everything in its entirety.
The list of observation points in Moscow 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 viewing platforms is only growing every year, and this is primarily due to the emergence of new architectural objects, on the top floors of which it is now customary to equip space for viewing the city. Below I will try to list the most interesting and diverse 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 Sparrow Hills.
Located on a fairly high bank of the Moskva River, not far from the red metro line, it is popular with both residents and guests of the city. main reason in the fact that next to the observation deck there is a forest park area and a long pedestrian embankment, well suited for relaxing, walking and cycling, which, by the way, can be rented right there in the park. Here, it will open cable car, which will connect Sparrow Hills and Luzhniki, is also quite an observation deck.
From a height of 80 meters - the natural height of the banks of the Moskva River - you will see the renovated Luzhniki stadium, the panorama of Moscow City against the background of water, and even the city center.
Another nearby observation deck near the unique building of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The entrance is free.
Not so long ago, after a long reconstruction, it was opened Central Children's World, which is located next to the metro stations - "Lubyanka" and "Kuznetsky Most". A free observation deck appeared on the top floor, from which you can see the historical center of Moscow. (Attention! Recently, a fee for visiting the observation deck 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 "Soaring Bridge" in Zaryadye Park, located not far from Vasilyevsky Spusk near the metro and bus stops public transport"China town".
It was opened only a year ago, but has already become the most popular place Moscow. An 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 form 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 building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, GUM and, of course, Zaryadye Park itself. The only negative of this observation deck is a large number of people even on weekdays.
Entrance to all of the above viewing platforms absolutely free, and there is not even a time limit on Sparrow Hills, 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 - Bridges Stone and Patriarchy.
Observation decks in Moscow City
The image of modern Moscow is a relatively recently erected on the Presnenskaya embankment business complex of the capital Moscow-City. Consisting of ultra-modern skyscraper buildings, the complex dilutes and enlivens the Moscow cityscape. It is not surprising that observation decks 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 the 58th (Empire tower), 87th (Oko tower) and 89th (Vostok 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 sights. But she has the most low price, the Moscow City Museum is open.
In the Federation Tower East there is a restaurant on the observation deck, the world's highest ice cream factory "Clean Line", 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 Oko tower there is an open observation deck, so its visit is limited by weather conditions. There is also a restaurant here.
The views, as you might guess, are amazing 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 business center towers familiar in the metropolitan panorama.
Entrance to all viewing points is paid, its cost varies from 600 to 1500 RUB, depending on the time of day and the chosen height.
In addition to the official viewing platforms in Moscow City, there are many reatorans with panoramic view. 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 available only with the purchase of a ticket or an excursion that includes an ascent to the observation deck. This is first of all lookout from Ivan the Great Bell Tower, which occupies a place in the 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 interior 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 the best possible view.
For climbing the bell tower you need to pay 250 RUB, while a ticket to the Kremlin is also purchased separately. The site is open from May 15 to September 30, tickets are sold at the box 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 people. However, in order to have time to get to the bell tower, it is better to come to the very opening of the box office, since there are not so many sessions a day - only five or six.
Another well-known site in the center of the capital is located in the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. It is located near the metro station Kropotkinskaya.
The observation deck is not very high - only 40 meters, but its good location allows you to see an interesting panorama of Moscow. Kremlin, Arbat, Poklonnaya Gora, Pushkin Museum im. Pushkin and other main sights of Moscow. The rise is carried out in an organized manner, as part of 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 Sparrow Hills.
I wrote about the free observation deck above, the same platform 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 “at a glance” - historical buildings, mansions and churches, sleeping areas and green forest parks, wide avenues and narrow streets - this entire metropolitan panorama can be captured by the eye, being on the lookout, but also with its special atmosphere and history. The building, built in the middle of the 20th century, still keeps the indescribable atmosphere of the educational institution, known to us from Soviet films. Therefore, the tour, and most often with it it is possible to go to the observation deck, will leave only the most positive impressions. In addition to the site, it will be possible to wander through the main halls and halls, look at the sculptural busts of scientists, look into the classrooms, in general, get acquainted with a curious page of history. The cost of the tour is 600 - 800 rubles.
The observation deck known to everyone is located on the highest building in Europe - Ostankino television tower recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.
The TV tower is located at the address known to many since childhood, st. Academician Koroleva, 15, next to the station of the same name in the Leningrad direction.
The observation deck is at the level of 85 meters. Although the tower is far from the main central streets, in good weather from here you can literally see the whole of Moscow and even the surrounding villages near Moscow. A ticket to the observation deck costs 700 RUB on weekdays and 1100 on weekends, it is better to buy them in advance on the tower's website, while 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 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, a panorama of the park opens up, as well as a view of the Sparrow Hills, the Shukhov Tower, Novy Arbat, the Neskuchny Garden, the skyscrapers of Moscow State University and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In a separate group, I would include observation towers located in the buildings of high-rise hotels. For example, this should include two hotels located almost in the center of the city - Swissotel Krasnye Holmy (Paveletskaya metro station) and Radisson Royal, former Ukraine(m. Kyiv).
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 - the 29th and 30th, the premises of which are occupied by an Italian restaurant. The huge panoramic windows of the restaurant on the closed terrace allow you to enjoy the views historical center Moscow, metropolitan architecture, domes of churches, without getting up from the tables.
In general, Moscow's observation towers not only help to get to know the capital better, to see 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 from there.
The observation deck on Sparrow Hills is perhaps the most famous observation deck from where you can look at the panorama of the capital. This is what numerous guests of the city do, and the residents of Moscow do not lag behind - the views from here are really worthy of attention. Especially when you know where and what to look at, all the most iconic points of the city appear in a whole exciting story.
The site is part of sightseeing tour through the city, a favorite place for wedding photographers, a walking alley for students of Moscow University (whose main building is very close by), mothers with prams, romantic couples, and even an old meeting place for bikers.
Sparrow Hills (in Soviet times they were called Leninsky for a long time, and only in 1999 the historical name returned) is considered the right side of the Moskva River in the south-west 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 meandering river washes away the high hilly bank, nourishes the beautiful forest around, which makes 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 along with it from 1949 to 1953. The project was led by Vitaly Ivanovich Dolganov, a well-known Soviet architect who took an active part in the greening of Moscow and the creation of the landscape and park culture of the city.
Muscovites adore this place on the days of big holidays, when fireworks rumble over the city. On Sparrow Hills there is a "mission control center" - the main headquarters, from where they command all the fireworks of the city. Here you can clearly see not only the “local” fireworks, but also a multidimensional picture when you simultaneously observe fireworks throughout the city. For the sake of this opportunity, photographers and video operators come here.
In recent years, the observation deck has become even more comfortable than before. There were coffee houses on wheels, snack machines. The site is beautifully lit at night. The territory is patrolled by a squad of police, however, do not turn off your vigilance - the city of many millions attracts a variety of "characters".
Attractions
It makes sense to go to Sparrow Hills for at least two reasons: to look at the sights of Moscow from a height of flight and relax in nature.
Cable car on Sparrow Hills
From the observation deck you can clearly see several embankments - Novodevichy and Berezhkovskaya, Vorobyovskaya and Luzhnetskaya, connecting them with bridges.
Directly behind the stadium, the multi-colored domes of St. Basil's Cathedral stand out, you can see part of the Kremlin bell towers, the power of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. Here you can also see another landmark of modern Moscow - a huge figure of Peter I, installed on the arrow of the "Red October", a very odious work of Zurab Tsereteli. Right there in the gap - the third "Stalin skyscraper" - near the Red Gates, 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 elite. The house is familiar to many - he played an important role in the popular Soviet film "Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears".
If you move your eyes further, it is difficult to miss the 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 more to the right can be found in the panorama of the Presidium of the Academy of Sciences - a high-rise building with 22 floors, built in the 1990s.
In a word, it is difficult even to name another place, in addition to the observation deck on Sparrow Hills, from where you can see so many sights of the capital at once and understand how they relate to each other.
Panoramic view of Moscow from the observation deck on Sparrow Hills - Google Maps
Attractions Sparrow Hills
If you have reached the observation deck, be sure to look interesting places around. First of all, of course, the territory of the Moscow state university- until now 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, it will no longer be possible to get there for free - access is allowed only as part of an excursion group.
For connoisseurs of nature, the territory of Vorobyovy Gory is almost ideal: there is a botanical garden of Moscow University, the embankment of the Moscow River, Andreevsky Pond, many pleasant trails and routes: no matter which way you go, it’s great walking everywhere.
How to get to the observation deck
Kosygina Street can be considered a landmark for getting to the observation deck of the Sparrow Hills. Entrance to the site is absolutely free from anywhere in the street - free of charge and around the clock. Even binoculars here, giving 15x magnification, are available completely free of charge, which is a rarity these days.
View of the observation deck from Kosygin 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 Universitetskaya Square). Very little public transport passes directly near the University. A trolleybus (route No. T7), which follows Kosygin Street, can take you right to the place. You can get off at the "Observation deck" or "Universitetskaya square" stops. Also on the square near the main building of Moscow State University, bus number 111 stops. From here you will need to walk about 500 meters to the observation deck. For more information, see the Mosgortrans website.
A funicular will soon open on Sparrow Hills, where you can climb 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 on top).
Trolleybus stop near the observation deck — Yandex Maps panorama
Metro to Vorobyovy Gory
The most guaranteed way to get around Moscow (in terms of calculating travel time) is the metro. The observation deck of Sparrow Hills is located near the Sokolnicheskaya Vetka metro station of the same name. Leaving the metro, follow the signs - you need to exit towards the embankment.
From the metro to the observation deck is about 1.5 kilometers - you can easily walk them. It is more convenient to do this not along the main road, but to “cut off” the path by walking along the eco-trail. It is difficult to get lost here - there are signs along the way.
The 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 to call 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: Vorobyovy Gory from a height (drone shooting), review
