The two highest paid observation decks in Moscow differ in height by ten meters: 327 meters at PANORAMA360 in "City" and 337 at the Ostankino TV tower. Everything else — the price, the view from the window, and even who is allowed in — is different.
Let's break down what you're buying in each case according to the official price lists. And the main thing right away: until September 6th, "City" is three times cheaper than usual.
Different picture, not different height
The skyscraper in the City stands in a dense cluster of similar skyscrapers. You look out from one of them, and the City itself, the very reason people often come here, ends up behind you and to the sides, not in the frame. But right in front of you is the bend of the river and the city center.
The Ostankino Tower stands alone. For kilometers around it, there's nothing comparable in height, so the panorama is truly circular: according to the TV tower's data, the view extends up to 70 kilometers—on a clear day. In bad weather, you pay the same price for a cloud.
And another detail that isn't in "City": at the 337-meter mark in Ostankino, there's a transparent floor. For some, it's the main attraction; for others, it's a reason not to go.
Ostankino: How much does it cost and what's included
Prices are valid from May 1 to December 31, 2026, and depend on the session time. Weekday mornings are the cheapest, while weekends and holidays are the most expensive.
Route #1 "Moscow Panorama 360°", self-guided - ascent to the observation deck at 337 meters. Adult: ₽1500 for morning sessions on weekdays (10:00 and 11:00), ₽1900 for standard weekday sessions from 12:00 to 22:00, ₽2300 on weekends and holidays. Child and discounted tickets: ₽1000, ₽1300, and ₽1500 respectively.
Family tickets are available only for standard and weekend sessions: 2+1 for 4600 and 5500 ₽, 2+2 for 5500 and 6500 ₽.
Route No. 2 "Tower from the Inside" - guided tour, including a visit to the technical level at an altitude of 85 meters. Adult: 2200, 2600, and 2900 ₽.
Route #3 adds a chef's tasting menu in the "Golden Hall" of the "Seventh Heaven" restaurant complex to the observation deck - ₽4950 on weekdays, ₽5450 on weekends. The cafe itself is located at an altitude of 331 meters.
From May to October, weather and equipment permitting, visitors will also be taken to the open observation deck at 340 meters. September falls within this period, but no one can give a guarantee.
Who won't be allowed into Ostankino
This is important to know before buying a ticket. Children under six years old and individuals with limited mobility are not allowed on the observation deck.
So, it's pointless to go here with a preschooler, even if they're ready and really want to. "The City" doesn't have such a restriction — and that's probably the most significant argument in its favor for a family with a young child.
PANORAMA360: Regular Price and This Week's Price
The observation deck is located on the 89th floor of the Federation Tower at Presnenskaya Embankment, 12. It is open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
The standard ticket costs 2900 ₽, which is more expensive than any "observation deck only" option at Ostankino.
But right now there's a promotion: from September 1st to 6th, tickets for select showtimes cost 1000 ₽. Pay attention to the wording - not all showtimes, but select ones, so you'll need to check the specific times on the calendar.
For a thousand rubles, this is the cheapest way to see Moscow from three hundred meters - even cheaper than a weekday morning ticket to Ostankino. The promotion ends on September 6th, along with City Day.
Tickets are sold only on the official website and at the ticket office on the second basement level of the tower. It's not worth buying through intermediaries: the price is different, and they don't participate in the promotion.
What to choose
Until September 6th — "City." With a price from 1000 ₽, the question is settled by arithmetic.
With a child under six years old, you can only go to "City." They won't let you into Ostankino.
What's needed is a view of the entire city - Ostankino. A solitary tower offers a circular panorama, which "City" by definition will not provide.
The weather is grim - best not to go anywhere. Both options are completely dependent on visibility, and they don't give refunds for clouds. On a day like this, nearby viewing spots work better: here's a breakdown of Zaryadye Park and Vorobyovy Gory, both of which are free.
Count every thousand. A weekday morning ticket to Ostankino for ₽1500 is the cheapest option outside of promotions.
How to get there
To reach "City" - take the metro to "Delovoy Tsentr," "Vystavochnaya," or "Mezhdunarodnaya," then follow signs to the Federation Tower. "Vostok." To reach Ostankino - take the metro to VDNKh or Timiryazevskaya, then take ground transportation.
If you don't use the Moscow Metro often, this guide to fares and transfers will be helpful. And if you're traveling with children, check out this selection of places they'll truly enjoy.
Photo: Ludvig14 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons, cropped. Prices and restrictions checked on September 1, 2026, on websites tvtower.ru and pnr360.ru.
