Ostankino TV Tower
Europe's tallest TV tower offering stunning Moscow panoramas from its observation decks and a revolving restaurant.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best chance for unobstructed views
Ostankino TV Tower
Best Time
Best chance for unobstructed views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Europe's tallest TV tower offering stunning Moscow panoramas from its observation decks and a revolving restaurant.
"The view up there is beautiful. And once you reached the top level. There is another level to go up and also there is revolving restaurant below."
🛂 Passport is Essential
You absolutely need your passport to enter the tower. No exceptions!
☁️ Check the Weather
Fog can ruin the view. Try to visit on a clear day for the best experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Moscow Views
Observation Decks
Breathtaking 360-degree vistas of Moscow, especially stunning at sunset.
Glass Floor Thrills
Observation Decks
Experience a unique perspective on the city through a glass floor section.
Revolving Restaurants
Silver Lounge
Dine with a slowly changing panorama of Moscow. Gold lounge may be closed.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead & Pack Light
Weather Watch is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🛂 Passport is Essential
You absolutely need your passport to enter the tower. No exceptions!
☁️ Check the Weather
Fog can ruin the view. Try to visit on a clear day for the best experience.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Tickets can sell out, especially for specific times. Book in advance if possible.
🎒 Pack Light
Strict security checks mean you can't bring in water bottles or large bags.
Tips
from all over the internet
🛂 Passport is Essential
You absolutely need your passport to enter the tower. No exceptions!
☁️ Check the Weather
Fog can ruin the view. Try to visit on a clear day for the best experience.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Tickets can sell out, especially for specific times. Book in advance if possible.
🎒 Pack Light
Strict security checks mean you can't bring in water bottles or large bags.
🍽️ Restaurant Reservations
The Gold restaurant might be closed. Book ahead for the Silver restaurant.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking panoramic views from the Ostankino TV Tower, especially during sunset, and the unique experience of the glass floor. However, the strict security, mandatory passport requirement, and occasional closures of the Gold restaurant are noted drawbacks. Some also found the food at the Silver restaurant to be average.
"It was amazing experience. To be honest after several attempts i reached there . Due to fog and unstable weather conditions it is not easy to get good view. The view is perfect. I liked and it is enough high. There are restaurants. Gold one was closed. Silver restaurant was not bad . Service was good I didn’t like food. But it worth to go there at least to drink 🍵 there is screen at the entrance before you enter tower you may check what is view then you can book. If you find available ticket of course
Ticket to tower is 1200ruble"
Arzu Kamzaevi
"I had been to many tv towers around the world and this had to the most difficult tower to get in. With high security checks just like in a airport. You couldn’t bring bottle water in and you need a passport to go through.
The view up there is beautiful. And once you reached the top level. There is another level to go up and also there is revolving restaurant below.
Very unfortunate that the gold lounge is not open. Only managed to sit at the silver lounge to enjoy the view and food"
Adrian Yeong
"A tour to the top is worth taking. It costs about 1200 ₽ but there is also a student discount.
There is an interesting interactive gallery inside. A lift to the top is every few minutes. Time you spend on the top is not limited.
There is also a cafe and a restaurant on the viewpoint.
Viewpoint itself has two levels - one internal and one external on the fresh air. There is a glass floor with breathtaking perspective.
The view is magnificent.
Don’t forget your passport otherwise you won’t be allowed to enter"
Jakub
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Ostankino TV Tower is accessible via public transport. Metro stations like VDNKh are nearby, followed by a walk or a short bus ride.
While there might be parking options in the vicinity, public transport is generally recommended due to potential traffic and parking availability.
Taking the metro to VDNKh station and then walking or taking a local bus is a common and efficient route.
The tower itself offers guided tours to the observation decks, but transport to the tower is usually self-arranged.
Opening hours can vary, and it's best to check the official website or ticketing platforms for the most up-to-date information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices are around 1200 rubles, with potential student discounts available. Prices can vary, so check current rates.
It is highly recommended to book tickets in advance, as they can sell out, especially for popular times.
Expect airport-like security checks. You'll need your passport and cannot bring in items like water bottles.
Yes, a passport is mandatory for entry. You will not be allowed in without it.
There's a screen at the entrance that might show current view conditions, helping you decide if it's worth booking.
🎫 🏙️ Onsite Experience
You'll get panoramic views of Moscow, including iconic landmarks. The view is described as magnificent and breathtaking.
Yes, there are typically two levels: an internal viewing area and an external open-air deck for a more immersive experience.
Indeed, there is a glass floor section on one of the viewing levels, offering a thrilling perspective.
There is no time limit for your stay at the top observation decks, allowing you to soak in the views at your own pace.
Completed in 1967, it was the tallest structure in the world and remains the tallest TV tower in Europe. It experienced a major fire in 2000.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are restaurants, including the Silver Lounge. The Gold Lounge may be closed.
You can enjoy food and drinks at the Silver Lounge, though some visitors found the food quality to be average.
Prior booking is generally required for the restaurant.
Yes, there is a cafe where you can grab snacks and drinks.
Reviews suggest the food might not be the main highlight, but it's worth visiting for a drink and the view.
📸 📸 Photography
The observation decks offer incredible panoramic shots of Moscow. Consider visiting during sunset for dramatic lighting.
Absolutely! Photography is encouraged to capture the stunning cityscape.
While general photography is allowed, be mindful of any specific signage or staff instructions.
The glass floor provides unique, albeit slightly obscured, perspectives for dramatic downward shots.
Yes, the tower's imposing structure is a sight in itself, and various angles around the base offer great external photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during daylight hours for clearer views, and be prepared for potential queues, especially during peak times. While the restaurants offer a unique dining experience, the cafe might be a more practical option for younger children.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't forget to capture the tower's imposing brutalist architecture from the outside as well.
Consider visiting on a clear day to maximize visibility, but even on a slightly hazy day, the atmospheric shots can be quite compelling. ✈️ Day-Trippers
Prioritize booking your tickets online to save time and ensure entry.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvel and History
+1 It held this title for many years and remains the tallest TV tower in Europe. Its distinctive rocket-like shape is an iconic part of the Moscow skyline. The tower's history is not without its challenges. A significant fire in August 2000 caused extensive damage and tragically resulted in fatalities, highlighting the inherent risks associated with such colossal structures.
Following the incident, stringent safety upgrades and renovations were implemented to ensure its continued operation and visitor safety. Today, the Ostankino TV Tower serves not only as a vital broadcasting hub but also as a major tourist attraction, offering unparalleled views of Moscow. Its blend of historical significance and modern functionality makes it a compelling destination for visitors interested in architecture and engineering marvels.
+1Experiencing the Views from Above
A unique feature for thrill-seekers is the glass floor section on one of the viewing levels. While it offers a dramatic view straight down, some visitors note that the glass can be quite scratched, slightly diminishing the feeling of being suspended hundreds of meters in the air.
Unlike some towers with time limits, visitors are generally allowed to spend as much time as they wish at the top, allowing ample opportunity to absorb the vast cityscape and identify landmarks.
Dining and Amenities
In addition to the restaurant, a cafe is available for visitors to grab snacks and drinks.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit