home Visa Panoramic platforms. Viewpoints in Prague

Panoramic platforms. Viewpoints in Prague

Getting lost in Roman alleys and wandering through ancient ruins is certainly an unforgettable experience, but the most amazing experience is seeing Rome from above, from a panoramic platform with a magnificent view of the entire Eternal City and even more!

So, below is a list of the most beautiful panoramic platforms in Rome:

Gianicolo

From this hill, on the right bank of the Tiber, from the observation deck near the Garibaldi monument, you can see a fascinating perspective on the historical center.

Terrazze del Vittoriano (Terraces of the Monument to Victor Emmanuel)

From the Terrazza delle Quadrighe, at the top of the monument (Complesso Vittoriano), you can enjoy a truly breathtaking panorama. Two panoramic elevators, opened in 2007, take you to the highest point of the complex, from where you can see Rome in 360°. The splendor of the Colosseum and the Imperial Forum, the cathedrals of the historical center, from the Tiber River to the Jewish Ghetto, from the Piazza del Campidoglio in the Quirinale and from the modern EUR district to the Roman Castles (Castelli Romani).

Pincio (Pincho)

From here, on the beautiful terrace of Piazza Napoleone I, you can appreciate one of the most beautiful views in the world. No one can remain indifferent to this magnificent panorama, which covers most of the historical center of Rome (including the dome of St. Peter's Basilica and Castel Sant'Angelo), and to see a truly picturesque sunset.

Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci)

At the top of one of the most beautiful hills in Rome, the Aventine, within the medieval walls, there is a beautiful park (Giardino degli Aranci), and in it a small rectangular garden. From here you can enjoy a wonderful view of Rome, which stretches from the Tiber River to St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.

Cupola di San Pietro (Dome of St. Peter's Basilica)

You need to walk 537 steps along a spiral staircase called the "Snail of St. Andrea" before reaching the panoramic platform at the dome of St. Peter's Basilica. From here you can also admire Rome in 360°: you will see monuments, villas, gardens, the Tiber and the Albanian Hills (Colli Albani).

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 cityscape 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 world’s tallest ice cream factory “Clean Line”, 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 Kyiv).

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.

One of the most popular views of the city among tourists - from the Vorobyovy Gory observation deck - is especially beautiful in clear weather and late in the evening, when the lanterns and lighting are turned on. You can spend hours looking for familiar buildings, and six Stalinist high-rise buildings are clearly visible. The seventh is behind you. An even more breathtaking panorama opens from the upper floors of the Moscow State University. The impressive collection of the Museum of Geosciences is located here, and on the last level there is a magnificently beautiful rotunda. You can get to the museum by appointment - 8 (495) 939 2976. By the way, you can look at the city in real time while sitting at 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 establishment, located on the 62nd floor of the Federation Tower. Anyone can afford a cup of coffee here. A nice bonus is an excellent panorama of the entire city.

What could be more beautiful than the view of a modern city with its towers, skyscrapers, night lights and neon advertising? Just the view from these very towers and skyscrapers, a view that will take your breath away. It is thanks to this view that the famous Sparrow Hills in Moscow have become so popular that in the evening there is simply no crowding around the parapet.

But there are places in Moscow from which an even more breathtaking panorama opens up than from the most popular observation deck in the capital. In many of these places, by the way, you can not only enjoy the stunning scenery, but also do it while sipping a refreshing cocktail or savoring a medium-rare steak. Restaurants with a view are becoming increasingly popular in our country.

So that our readers can enjoy the best views of the “best city on Earth,” we have collected 11 places that will simply take your breath away.

1. Museum of Geography of Moscow State University

The main building of Moscow State University on Vorobyovy Gory. Photo: www.russianlook.com

It was no coincidence that we mentioned the observation deck on Vorobyovy Gory at the beginning of the article. Hundreds and even thousands of people gather there, who do not suspect that literally a couple of hundred meters from them there is a place with an even more impressive view - the Museum of Geography of Moscow State University. This museum is located in one of the seven Stalinist skyscrapers, in the main building of Lomonosov Moscow State University. Not only is the museum, which occupies the top seven floors of the monumental building, worthy of attention in itself, but from its windows it also offers, according to the attendants, “the best view of the capital.” By the way, you shouldn’t rush to the highest available floor (31). It’s better to enjoy the view from the windows of the 28th floor - nothing will interfere with the view there, and people enjoying the panorama on Vorobyovy Gory will seem like tiny insects to you.

2. Russian Academy of Sciences

RAS building. Photo: www.russianlook.com

Not so far from Sparrow Hills is located one of the most unusual buildings in the capital - the Russian Academy of Sciences, crowned with a futuristic gold-colored metal crown. On the top floor of this building there is the Sky Lounge restaurant, from the windows of which one of the most stunning views of the capital at night opens. And there is also something to see from here during the day. The main thing is to book a table next to the window, otherwise the pleasure will be slightly spoiled. The main restaurant is located on the 22nd floor of the building. But there is an opportunity to go even higher - for an additional fee they are ready to provide you with an entire penthouse, which is located on the 23rd floor. In a room with an ideal panoramic view there will be only you and your company - no one will stop you from enjoying the view of Moscow.

3. Ostankino TV tower

Ostankino tower. Photo: www.globallookpress.com

Continuing excursions to observation platforms located in Soviet-era buildings, it is impossible to ignore the Ostankino TV Tower, which can be seen from almost anywhere in Moscow. Consequently, from this 540-meter-high tower you can see every corner of the capital. The tower is the eighth tallest structure on the planet. For a long time after the fire, the entrance was closed. And there could be no question of continuing the work of the famous restaurant “Seventh Heaven”, which was previously located inside. But not so long ago, excursions to the Ostankino Tower resumed. And now every Muscovite and guest of the capital can enjoy the view of the city from its highest point.

4. Hotel "Ukraine"

Hotel "Ukraine". Photo: www.russianlook.com

In total, seven Stalinist high-rise buildings were built in Moscow during Soviet times. And the main building of Moscow State University is not the only one from which anyone can admire stunning views of the city from the upper floors. The second is the building of the Ukraina Hotel. The hotel still operates in the main building, and one of the wings of the building is reserved for apartments. But you don’t have to rent a hotel room to enjoy the view. Simply visit one of the restaurants located on the upper floors of the hotel. The highest of them is the Italian restaurant Buono. The procedure is standard: we book a table next to the window, come, order food and drinks to taste and enjoy the view. The price tag on the menu, of course, is not the most modest, but the view from the restaurant is worth it.

5. Ferris wheel

Ferris wheel at VDNKh. Photo: RIA Novosti / Anton Denisov

In total, in Moscow there are 7 such popular attractions in our country as the Ferris wheel. But the most famous, of course, is the 73-meter giant located on the territory of VDNH. It still remains the highest attraction of its kind in the former Soviet Union and throughout Eastern Europe. From its height there is an excellent view of the entire surrounding area. In recent years, it has become possible to use closed cabins that are not blown by the wind. Of course, with such a choice there will be more comfort, but real thrills can only be achieved in open chairs. And the quality of the view will be much better in this case - neither glare nor scratches on the glass will interfere.

6. Beijing Hotel

Beijing Hotel (right). Photo: AiF/ Eduard Kudryavitsky

The famous hotel, which immediately catches your eye when you exit the Mayakovskaya metro station, is designed in almost the same style as Stalin’s high-rise buildings. It is an architectural monument and is protected by the state. True, unlike the famous high-rise buildings, this hotel cannot boast of its size - only 15 floors. But from this hotel, thanks to the wide Garden Ring, which offers views of the horizon, you can watch simply stunning scenes of Moscow sunsets. The main thing is to have time to take a seat at a table near the parapet and order a tonic drink at the Time Out bar, located on the 12th and 13th floors of the hotel.

"Child's world". Photo: AiF/ Eduard Kudryavitsky

Everyone knows this powerful corner building on Lubyanka, Detsky Mir. True, these days, having opened after a long reconstruction, the shopping center has changed its name. Despite this, the building continues to attract thousands of Muscovites and guests of the capital, and not only with its shops. Many people come to the updated “Children’s World” not for shopping. The observation deck that appeared after the reconstruction immediately gained enormous popularity, from which it offers an impressive view of the heart of the Russian capital.

8. Ritz-Carlton Hotel

Hotel "Ritz-Carlton Moscow". Photo: www.russianlook.com

Another Moscow building that reminds not even of Soviet, but of pre-revolutionary times is the 11-story Ritz-Carlton hotel, located at the very beginning of Tverskaya Street. However, do not be deceived by the design of the building, because the construction of the hotel was completed only in 2007. Before this, a glass box of the Intourist Hotel stood in its place. Now the open veranda of the O2 Lounge restaurant, located almost on the roof of the hotel, offers the best view of the Moscow Kremlin and Red Square. You can spend money on a not-so-cheap lunch in a restaurant just for this view. You have never seen the heart of Moscow like this before.

Cathedral of Christ the Savior. Photo: AiF/ Eduard Kudryavitsky

Few people know, but in the main temple of Russia, the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, rebuilt on its historical site, there is also an observation deck from which you can admire Moscow from a height of 40 meters. Entrance to the temple is, of course, free. But it’s impossible to just go to the observation deck. Her visit is included in the price of the excursion. For Russian citizens, the price of one ticket with the right to enter the site is 200 rubles.

10. Red Hills Hotel

Red Hills Hotel. Photo: www.russianlook.com

The Red Hills Hotel, located on an island between the Moscow River and the Vodootvodny Canal, was opened in 2005. From the 34th floor of this hotel there is a magnificent view of the capital. It’s just that you won’t be able to enjoy it just like that. To do this, you need to book a table in advance at the City Space bar. We advise you to choose a seat near the window - unforgettable emotions are guaranteed. By the way, in this bar you can enjoy not only the view, but also the cuisine; it’s not for nothing that it was recognized as one of the ten best bars in the world in 2008.

11. "Moscow City"

"Moscow City". Photo: Commons.wikimedia.org

Finally, we got to one of the main attractions of the modern Russian capital - the Moscow City skyscraper complex. In 2014, an observation deck was opened in the Empire Tower on the 58th floor, which can be visited by anyone. It offers an unforgettable panorama of the capital, Moscow State University, the Academy of Sciences, the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, the Ostankino TV Tower and other areas of Moscow. True, this pleasure is not free - you won’t be able to get to the site without a guide. The entrance ticket can be purchased directly on the spot. It costs 600 rubles. But we advise you to sign up for a tour in advance, since there are many people who want to look down on Moscow, and you risk standing in line for a significant amount of time.