Lakhta Center has finally opened to the public, allowing visitors to experience breathtaking views of Saint Petersburg from a whole new perspective. Tickets are already on sale, but access is only available as part of a guided tour — individual visits are not yet permitted.
Guests can explore public spaces on the third and fourth floors, as well as two observation decks. One is located on the 83rd floor at an altitude of 345 meters (1,132 feet), while the other, on the 86th floor, stands at 365 meters (1,197 feet), making it the highest observation point in Europe. Tickets must be purchased in advance through the official Lakhta Center website , as they are not available on-site. It’s also important to beware of scams — no other websites sell official tickets.
View from the observation deck towards the Gazprom Arena stadium
The first tours are scheduled for February 7. They will run every 30 minutes from morning until evening, with organizers planning to increase their frequency over time. Each group consists of no more than 15 people. Tickets cost 1,500 rubles on weekdays and 1,700 rubles on weekends, with discounts available for eligible visitors. However, a valid ID or document confirming the discount must be presented. Tickets are issued for a specific date and time and cannot be transferred or resold.
The tour begins on the third floor of the skyscraper. After passing through the turnstiles, visitors receive a headset so they can hear the guide even if they step away to take photos. To reach the starting point, guests enter through Entrance #13 on Vysotnaya Street. There are two ways to get there: by walking up the stylobate directly to the skyscraper or by entering through Entrance #1, taking the elevator or spiral staircase to the second floor, exiting through Entrance #12, and walking a short distance outside to Entrance #13. After a security check, visitors can leave their belongings in the coatroom and use the restroom before the tour begins.
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There’s plenty to see in Lakhta Center’s public areas. On the third floor, a model showcases the future architectural ensemble, which will include two new skyscrapers standing at 703 and 555 meters (2,306 and 1,821 feet), respectively. The guide explains how this ensemble aligns with Peter the Great’s vision for the city. On the fourth floor, visitors can admire walls adorned with white marble mosaics and flowing lines reminiscent of ocean waves. A panoramic window offers stunning views of the Gulf of Finland and the historic Chapel of Saint Peter, which also serves as a lighthouse.
The Chapel of Saint Peter
Visitors reach the observation deck via a high-speed elevator that whisks them up to the 83rd floor in just over a minute. Despite its speed, the ride is smooth, though passengers may experience slight ear pressure. The elevator cabin is not transparent, but a multimedia panel on the wall simulates the view outside. To reach the 86th floor, guests transfer to a glass-walled elevator, where they can watch as the city fades below and the clouds draw closer.
The views from the top are nothing short of spectacular. On a clear day, visitors can see landmarks such as the 300th Anniversary Park, Gazprom Arena stadium , the Neva River Delta, and even the spire of the Peter and Paul Fortress.
Gazprom Arena stadium
The panorama also includes the Primorsky District, Lakhta Bay, and the vast expanse of the Gulf of Finland. The guide points out the planned locations of the two future skyscrapers and tells the story of the Thunder Stone, which became the pedestal for the Bronze Horseman monument. Since sunlight is much stronger at high altitudes, sunglasses are recommended on bright days.
The best place for photography is the 83rd floor, as the design of the 86th floor makes it difficult to get right up to the glass in some areas. However, the upper deck features a telescope for observing people strolling along the bay. There’s also a unique post office where every visitor can send a postcard from 365 meters above the ground — completely free of charge.
The tour guide shares fascinating details about the skyscraper’s engineering innovations and record-breaking achievements. Lakhta Center is not only the tallest building in Europe but also the northernmost skyscraper in the world. Visitors learn how the building’s lighting system turned it into a giant New Year’s tree, how its glass façade — covering an area comparable to Nevsky Prospekt — is cleaned, and how to recognize when they are inside the tower’s spire. The guide also explains why the upper section of the spire remains unglazed and where to find a hidden angel figure — a replica of the sculpture from the Alexander Column.
Inside the elevator, there’s a button for the 75th floor, where a panoramic restaurant is planned. However, it won’t be open when tours begin. No dining options are currently available in the public areas of the tower, but visitors can grab a coffee at a café located in the arch near Entrance #12.
Lakhta Center’s public spaces will continue to evolve in the future. Plans include a state-of-the-art planetarium, a transforming concert hall with a public atrium, and a cultural and historical center featuring a replica of the legendary ship Poltava.
The legendary ship Poltava (replica)
