What to see in Moscow City: observation decks, towers, restaurants, and walks
Moscow City is not just a business district. In recent years, it has become one of the top tourist destinations in Moscow: observation decks at heights of 327–354 meters, unique skyscraper architecture, panoramic restaurants, the Bagration Bridge, and scenic embankments. In this guide, you’ll find everything about Moscow City: what to see, where to go, where to walk, and what might interest every visitor — from tourists to business travelers.
Observation Decks in Moscow City
The main reason tourists come to Moscow City is the panoramic views from great heights. There are several observation decks in the business district, each with its own unique features.
Panorama 360 — Federation Tower, 89th Floor
Panorama 360 is located on the 89th floor of the East Tower of the Federation complex — at a height of 327 meters. It is one of the most famous observation decks in Moscow City and in Russia. The observation deck is open daily from 10:00 to 22:00. The ticket price for adults is around 2,490 RUB.
Panoramic glazing around the entire perimeter provides a 360-degree view. From here, you can see the Kremlin, Moscow State University, Victory Park, Novodevichy Convent, Ostankino Tower, and the endless cityscape stretching to the horizon.
“Only Love Above” — OKO Tower, 92nd Floor
The open-air observation deck “Only Love Above” is located on the roof of the OKO Tower at the 92nd floor — a height of 354 meters. It is the highest open-air observation deck in Moscow City. It offers a 360-degree view without glass, a romantic atmosphere, and blankets in cold weather. Inside the tower, there is also an indoor observation deck at a height of 337 meters with a glass floor.
Imperia Tower Observation Deck, 56th Floor
A less well-known but достойная (тут я адаптировал) observation deck is located in the Imperia Tower on the 56th floor — a height of 215 meters. From here, you can see other skyscrapers of Moscow City, the Expocentre, and historic districts of the city. It is suitable for those who want to view the complex from the inside while staying within the district.
Bagration Bridge — Viewing Terrace Over the River
The Bagration Bridge connects the main territory of Moscow City with Tower 2000 on the opposite bank of the river. On the upper level, there is an open viewing terrace with views of the embankments, skyscrapers, and the river. Entry is free, making it one of the best photo spots in Moscow City.
Tower Architecture: What to See from the Outside
Each tower of Moscow City is a unique architectural landmark. Walking around the complex allows you to see them up close and appreciate their scale.
Federation Tower — two sail-shaped skyscrapers, the second tallest building in Europe (374 meters). Winner of the International Property Awards 2019 in the category “Best Property in the World”. On floors 93–95 of the East Tower is the F-375 office penthouse — the highest office in Europe under a glass dome 14 meters high.
Evolution Tower — a unique skyscraper 255 meters high, twisted around its axis. Each floor is rotated relative to the one below, creating a DNA spiral effect. Architect Tony Kettle was inspired by Rodin’s sculpture “The Kiss”.
City of Capitals Complex — two skyscrapers, Moscow and Saint Petersburg, composed of giant cube modules. The Moscow tower is included in the top 10 skyscrapers in the world according to Emporis.
Mercury Tower — a golden-orange skyscraper 340 meters high, resembling an intergalactic spaceship. One of the most photographed buildings in Moscow City.
North Tower — recognizable by its A-shaped metal structures on the facade. Inside is one of the tallest atriums in Europe with a glass dome.
AFIMALL City — Shopping Center Inside the Business District
AFIMALL City is a multi-level shopping and entertainment center located within Moscow City. It features shops, restaurants, cafes, a cinema, and children’s entertainment. AFIMALL is connected by underground passages to all major towers of the complex.
For tourists, it is important that you can walk from the Delovoy Tsentr metro station to all towers through AFIMALL without going outside, which is especially convenient in winter and bad weather.
Where to Walk in Moscow City
Presnenskaya Embankment
The Presnenskaya Embankment along the Moscow River is the main walking area of the business district. From here, you get scenic views of the towers at ground level. The embankment is well-maintained, with benches, cafes, and bike paths. The best time for a walk is in the evening when the towers are illuminated.
Taras Shevchenko Embankment
THE EMBANKMENT ON THE OPPOSITE BANK OF THE RIVER IS THE BEST SPOT FOR PHOTOGRAPHING THE ENTIRE MOSCOW CITY COMPLEX. FROM HERE, YOU CAN SEE ALL THE SKYSCRAPERS AT ONCE AGAINST THE SKYLINE. YOU CAN REACH THE EMBANKMENT BY WALKING ACROSS THE BAGRATION BRIDGE OR BY TAKING THE METRO TO KUTUZOVSKAYA STATION.
Bagration Bridge
A PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE FEATURING GLASS-ENCLOSED GALLERIES AND AN OPEN UPPER TERRACE. IT CONNECTS THE MAIN MOSCOW CITY AREA WITH TOWER 2000 AND THE TARAS SHEVCHENKO EMBANKMENT. WALKING ACROSS THE BRIDGE IS AN EXPERIENCE IN ITSELF, OFFERING STUNNING VIEWS OF BOTH THE RIVER AND THE SKYSCRAPERS SIMULTANEOUSLY.
ATTRACTIONS NEAR MOSCOW CITY
VICTORY PARK AND POKLONNAYA HILL — A 10–15 MINUTE DRIVE FROM THE CITY. A MEMORIAL COMPLEX AND THE MUSEUM OF THE GREAT PATRIOTIC WAR, OFFERING PANORAMIC CITY VIEWS.
SPARROW HILLS AND MSU (MOSCOW STATE UNIVERSITY) — AN OBSERVATION PLATFORM ON THE HIGH BANK OF THE RIVER WITH DISTANT VIEWS OF MOSCOW CITY. A CABLE CAR CONNECTS SPARROW HILLS TO THE LUZHNIKI STADIUM.
THE GOVERNMENT HOUSE OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION ("THE WHITE HOUSE") — AN ICONIC BUILDING IN RUSSIAN POLITICS, LOCATED JUST A 5-MINUTE WALK ALONG THE EMBANKMENT FROM THE FEDERATION TOWER.
NOVODEVICHY CONVENT — A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE AND ONE OF MOSCOW'S MOST BEAUTIFUL MONASTERIES, VISIBLE FROM THE MOSCOW CITY TOWERS.
Answers to frequently asked questions
What to see in Moscow City in one day?
FOR A ONE-DAY VISIT TO MOSCOW CITY, IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO VISIT THE PANORAMA 360 OBSERVATION DECK ON THE 89TH FLOOR OF THE FEDERATION TOWER (327 METERS), WALK ACROSS THE BAGRATION BRIDGE FOR RIVER VIEWS, STROLL ALONG THE PRESNENSKAYA EMBANKMENT, AND GO SHOPPING AT AFIMALL. IF YOU HAVE EXTRA TIME, GO UP TO THE "ONLY LOVE IS HIGHER" OPEN-AIR OBSERVATION ROOFTOP IN THE OKO TOWER (354 METERS).
Which observation deck is the best in Moscow City?
THE HIGHEST OPEN-AIR OBSERVATION ROOFTOP IS "ONLY LOVE IS HIGHER" IN THE OKO TOWER, 92ND FLOOR, 354 METERS. THE MOST POPULAR INDOOR DECK IS PANORAMA 360 IN THE FEDERATION TOWER, 89TH FLOOR, 327 METERS. IF YOU WANT GLASS-FREE PHOTOGRAPHY, CHOOSE OKO; FOR COMFORT IN ANY WEATHER, CHOOSE PANORAMA 360.
How much does it cost to visit the Moscow City observation decks?
A TICKET TO PANORAMA 360 (FEDERATION TOWER, 89TH FLOOR) COSTS AROUND 2,490 RUBLES FOR ADULTS. FOR THE OBSERVATION ROOFTOP IN THE OKO TOWER, THE PRICE DEPENDS ON TICKET TYPE AND VISITING HOURS. ACCESS TO THE BAGRATION BRIDGE AND ITS OBSERVATION TERRACE IS FREE OF CHARGE.
Can you walk around Moscow City for free?
YES. STROLLING ALONG THE PRESNENSKAYA EMBANKMENT, VIEWING THE SKYSCRAPERS FROM THE OUTSIDE, WALKING ACROSS THE BAGRATION BRIDGE, AND ENJOYING THE SKYLINE FROM THE TARAS SHEVCHENKO EMBANKMENT ARE ALL COMPLETELY FREE. ENTRY TO AFIMALL CITY IS ALSO FREE OF CHARGE.
What are the best things to do in Moscow City with kids?
WHEN VISITING MOSCOW CITY WITH CHILDREN, PANORAMA 360 IS A MUST-VISIT — IT FEATURES A LEGO ZONE AND AN ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAM FOR KIDS. AFIMALL CITY OFFERS VARIOUS FAMILY-FRIENDLY STORES AND CAFES. A WALK ACROSS THE BAGRATION BRIDGE TO SEE THE RIVER AND SKYSCRAPERS IS ALSO A HIT WITH CHILDREN.
When is the best time to visit Moscow City?
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT MOSCOW CITY IS IN THE EVENING WHEN THE SKYSCRAPERS ARE ILLUMINATED. FOR THE BEST EMBANKMENT PHOTOGRAPHY, AIM FOR THE GOLDEN HOUR JUST BEFORE SUNSET. THE OBSERVATION DECKS ARE OPEN UNTIL 10:00 PM (22:00), MAKING EVENING VISITS FULLY ACCESSIBLE YEAR-ROUND.
In Short: What to See in Moscow City
- Panorama 360 — observation deck at 327 meters with 360° views
- “Only Love Above” — open-air observation deck at 354 meters
- Evolution Tower — unique spiral skyscraper
- Bagration Bridge — pedestrian bridge with a viewing terrace (free)
- Presnenskaya Embankment — walking area with tower views
- Taras Shevchenko Embankment one of the best photo spots
- AFIMALL City — shopping and entertainment center
- the F-375 office penthouse — the highest office in Europe
