Best Views of Moscow: Observation Points Accessible with the Moscow Pass (2025–2026)

Introduction

Moscow offers some of the most spectacular urban panoramas in Europe, and the Moscow Pass now includes every major paid observation deck and viewpoint in the city – total regular ticket value over 5,500 rubles. Pass holders enjoy free entry to Sparrow Hills cable car, Moscow-City Empire Tower PANORAMA 360, Ostankino TV Tower (when reopened), Radisson Collection Hotel rooftop, Children’s World (Detsky Mir) terrace, Zaryadye floating bridge, and priority access to the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour observation ring. This ultimate guide ranks the best viewpoints, shows how to combine them efficiently, and helps you capture postcard-perfect photos in 2025–2026.

Why Moscow’s Viewpoints Are Worth the Moscow Pass Upgrade

From Stalin Skyscrapers to Modern Skyline

Moscow’s skyline dramatically mixes seven Stalin-era “Seven Sisters,” the futuristic Moscow-City cluster, golden domes, and the bend of the Moskva River. No other European capital offers such contrasting architecture in one glance. Moscow Pass 2025 data shows that 91% of users who activate the “viewpoints package” visit at least four decks in one trip – saving up to 5,800 rubles per person.

Year-Round Accessibility and Weather-Proof Options

Five of the eight viewpoints are indoor or semi-covered, making Moscow Pass ideal even in winter or rain. The card includes heated PANORAMA 360 at 89th floor and the climate-controlled Ostankino deck (reopening spring 2026 after renovation).

Perfect Golden Hour Timing

All major viewpoints face west or south-west – perfect for sunset photography between 16:00–20:00 in summer and 15:00–17:00 in winter.

Ranking the Top 8 Viewpoints Included with Moscow Pass

1. Sparrow Hills (Vorobyovy Gory) + Cable Car – The Classic Postcard View

The undisputed number-one panorama: Moscow State University in the foreground, Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow-City, Kremlin, and Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in one 180-degree sweep. Moscow Pass includes round-trip cable car ride across the river (regular price 1,000–1,400 rubles weekends). Best time: golden hour 30 minutes before sunset.

2. PANORAMA 360 – Moscow-City Empire Tower 89th Floor

World’s highest chocolate factory + observation deck at 327 metres. 360-degree indoor viewing with augmented-reality screens. Moscow Pass grants free entry and one free ice-cream from the factory (value 2,200 rubles). Open until 23:00 – perfect night view.

3. Cathedral of Christ the Saviour Observation Ring

Unique viewpoint between the golden domes at 40 metres height. Only accessible with guided groups – Moscow Pass includes the tour and priority lift access (regular 1,200 rubles). Best for seeing Red Square from above without crowds.

4. Zaryadye Park Floating Bridge

The famous “boomerang” bridge protruding over the Moskva River with direct Kremlin and St. Basil’s views. Completely free even without Pass, but Moscow Pass includes priority access during peak hours and the underground media centre with 5D film about Moscow.

5. Radisson Collection Hotel (ex-Ukraine Hotel) Rooftop – Stalin Skyscraper View

One of the Seven Sisters with a public rooftop bar at 120 metres. Moscow Pass includes free entry ticket to the observation area (regular 1,500 rubles). Sunset cocktails optional but recommended.

6. Children’s World (Detsky Mir) Terrace

Central rooftop right above Lubyanka with perfect Red Square and Bolshoi Theatre framing. Moscow Pass includes free lift access to the 7th-floor terrace and toy museum (regular 800 rubles).

7. Ostankino TV Tower (reopening spring 2026)

At 540 metres, the highest viewpoint in Europe. Moscow Pass will include fast-track entry and glass-floor section when reopened after major renovation. Booking opens January 2026.

8. Moscow-City Viewpoint at Vysotka on Kudrinskaya (Seasonal)

Summer-only rooftop on another Stalin skyscraper with 360-degree view. Included in Moscow Pass during June–September.

Perfect One-Day Viewpoint Itinerary with Moscow Pass

Morning to Sunset Route (Most Popular)

09:30 – Children’s World terrace (centre) 11:00 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour ring 13:00 – Zaryadye floating bridge + lunch 15:00 – Radisson Collection rooftop 17:00 – Sparrow Hills cable car for golden hour 19:30 – PANORAMA 360 for night city lights Total savings: 5,800+ rubles

Winter Alternative (Indoor-Focused)

Children’s World → Cathedral → PANORAMA 360 (stay until closing) → Radisson heated rooftop bar.

Photography Tips for Each Viewpoint

Sparrow Hills Golden Hour Magic

Arrive 45 minutes before sunset. Use cable car park level for foreground with university building.

PANORAMA 360 Night Shots

Tripods allowed after 21:00 when crowds thin. Use 14–24 mm lens for full 360 capture.

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Best light 11:00–13:00 when sun illuminates Red Square below.

Zaryadye Floating Bridge

Shoot from the far end looking back toward St. Basil’s – less crowded.

Practical Information and Moscow Pass Benefits

Booking and Timed Entry

PANORAMA 360 and Cathedral require free timed tickets via Moscow Pass app 72 hours in advance. All others are walk-in with Pass.

Weather and Opening Hours 2025–2026

Most decks open 10:00–22:00/23:00. Sparrow Hills cable car 11:00–23:00. Check app for wind closures.

无障碍环境

All viewpoints except Sparrow Hills platform are wheelchair accessible. Moscow Pass includes companion tickets where needed.

Conclusion and Final Recommendations

The Moscow Pass turns Moscow into a city of endless breathtaking views – eight world-class observation points worth over 5,500 rubles now completely free. Whether you chase golden-hour classics at Sparrow Hills or glittering night panoramas from PANORAMA 360, the card guarantees you see Moscow from every angle without spending extra on tickets.

Pro tip: start collecting viewpoints early in your trip – the panoramic perspective changes how you experience the city for the rest of your stay. Download the Moscow Pass app, reserve PANORAMA 360 and Cathedral slots first thing, and finish every day watching the city light up from a new height.