Viewpoints - City Guide by HOROSHO

VIEWPOINTS

Observation decks in St. Petersburg offering breathtaking views

Bird’s-eye views

A great opportunity to literally look around the entire city is to visit one of the observation decks of our lovely "open-air museum". The panoramic terraces of cathedrals, museums, restaurants, and hotels make it possible to combine walking and sightseeing.

Smolny Cathedral belfry

The bell tower of the Smolny Cathedral is the highest official viewing platform in St. Petersburg. It started operating back in the 90s. In 2001, during a hurricane, a 600-kilogram cross fell from the dome, and the building underwent global restoration. Belfries were re-opened only in the mid-noughties: first the southwest one with a view of the Nyenshants fortress excavations, Neva, Bolsheokhtinsky bridge and central districts of the city, later - the northwest one with a good view of Petrogradsky district and prison named "Crosses".
Special attention should be paid to the attic around the dome, where visitors move from one belfry to another. This part of the cathedral has been left virtually untouched because it has never been thoroughly restored. Height: 50 m. Price: 150 rub p/p.
Address: Ploshchad' Rastrelli, 1

Colonnade of St. Isaac’s Cathedral

From here you can get a great view of Vasilevsky Island with the Academy of Arts and the buildings of St. Petersburg State University, the Admiralty, the Winter Palace, the Senate and Synod buildings, and dozens of other architectural monuments that have become the face of St. Petersburg. Despite the fact that this is only the second highest official viewing platform, from it you can see almost all parts of the city. With the help of binoculars you can see even the suburbs. In addition, in summer time the observation deck also operates in the evening. An alternative viewing platform for the disabled is also available, located five meters below the colonnade. It is accessible via a special elevator and has its own 20-minute sightseeing program for visitors. Height: 43 m. Price: 200 rub p/p.
Address: St Isaac's Square, 4

"Krysha" space in the "Etazhi" loft

Already famous, this space combines a hostel, a contemporary art gallery, shops with rare goods, a café, and a beautiful observation deck. From there you’ll see the avenue itself – one of the city’s busiest streets, as well as the domes of Vladimirsky and St. Isaac’s cathedrals.
The large roof at a height of 27 meters, where the observation deck is equipped with special barriers to ensure the safety of visitors, there are poufs and mattresses on which you can relax and admire the magnificent view. Price: 150 rub p/p.
Address: Ligovsky Ave, 74

Karl Bulla Museum

The photo salon of the famous Russian master of the late 19th-early 20th century, who is often called the father of Russian photojournalism, became a museum. After the renovation, there is a photo salon here, also an exposition and a large viewing balcony from which you can see Sadovaya St., Nevsky Av. Alexandrinsky Theatre, Ostrovsky Square and the Russian National Library. A separate attraction for some visitors seems to be the roofs of buildings on Nevsky prospect. Price: 150 rub p/p.
Address: Nevsky Ave, 54, 4 floor

Roof of the Mariinsky Theater Second Stage

In summer, when buying tickets to a performance at the Mariinsky Theater Second Stage, you can visit the rooftop observation deck one hour before the start. The open terrace provides a great view of the historical center of St. Petersburg, in particular Theatre Square and St Nicholas Cathedral.
Address: Dekabristov street, 34

F11 Sky bar

The Azimut Sky bar has already become an acclaimed viewing platform in St. Petersburg. It is located on the 18th floor of Azimut Hotel (former Soviet Hotel), which in turn is located in one of the tallest buildings in the center of the city, on the Fontanka River bank. Such a location allows a bird's-eye view of the main sights of the city: the Peter and Paul Fortress, St. Isaac's Cathedral, Troitsky and Nikolsky Cathedrals, many old mansions, tenement houses and avenues. Somewhere in the distance you can see the TV tower.
In general Azimut Sky bar is a so called lounge-cafe. The background music is not loud and is chosen qualitatively. The lighting is low and guests sit at low glass tables on soft couches and wicker chairs with cushions. The bar opens its doors to the public from 6:00 p.m. to 24:00 p.m. A wonderful chance to enjoy the lights of evening St. Petersburg.
Address: Lermontovskiy Prospekt, 43/1

Museum of Savings

This is an observation deck in the heart of the city, and without the crowds of tourists. Museum in the tower - it's 233 steps leading to the very top of the famous building and a fascinating story (in Russian) about the history of banking in Russia. In order to visit the museum and the observation deck, pre-registration is required by phone. Tours are not held every day. Contact us to organise a visit here.
From this tower you will have a wonderful view of all the districts of downtown St. Petersburg. The domes of Kazan and St. Isaac's Cathedrals loom over the rooftops, the famous Singer Building is a few hundred meters away, and Nevsky Prospect stretches and flows beneath your feet, never stopping for a moment.
Address: Dumskaya Ulitsa, 1

Your local friend

We are a tour bureau "HOROSHO" that is based in St Petersburg, Russia. This city guide is created by our guides who are local experts with years of experience.
Our specialization is creating and realizing experiences focused on your specific guidelines or interests. Our high-quality services give you the flexibility to explore St Petersburg at the highest level of service that you deserve.

EXPLORE OUR CITY TOURS