Lakhta Center

The Lakhta Center welcomes visitors: your essential guide to getting there 

The Lakhta Center in Saint Petersburg is now opening its public spaces, inviting locals and tourists to explore its architectural marvels. A standout feature is Europe's highest observation deck, providing stunning panoramic views of the city and the Gulf of Finland. Guided tour tickets are available exclusively on the official website, offering a chance to experience this remarkable landmark.

How to get to the Lakhta Center?

The most efficient and comfortable way to reach the Lakhta Center is by booking a ride with St. Petersburg Taxi. Depending on the time of day and traffic conditions, the journey from the city center typically takes between 30 minutes to an hour, ensuring a hassle-free trip directly to your destination. 

For those who prefer a more economical option, public transport is a reliable alternative. You can take a bus, tram, or metro, all of which are well-connected and offer convenient routes to the area. While public transport may take much longer due to transfers or waiting times, it provides an affordable and practical way to explore the city while heading to the iconic Lakhta Center.

Which areas of the Lakhta Center are currently accessible to visitors?

Visitors can now access public areas on the 3rd and 4th floors of the Lakhta Center, along with two observation decks on the 83rd floor (345 meters) and the 86th floor (365 meters), the latter being the highest in Europe. Currently, entry is only permitted through guided tours, with no individual visits offered at this time.

How do I get on an excursion to the Lakhta Center?

Admission is only granted with tickets purchased exclusively through the official Lakhta Center website for a specific date and time, as on-site purchases are not available. Beware of fraudulent sellers, as no other websites are authorized to sell tickets. The guided tours running every 30 minutes from 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Each time slot accommodates 15 visitors, and additional tours may be added in the future.

What is the price of a ticket for a tour of the Lakhta Center?

A ticket for the Lakhta Center costs 1,700 rubles on weekends and 1,500 rubles on weekdays, with discounts available for eligible visitors. Tickets can only be purchased after registering on the official website, with a maximum of five per person. Each ticket is valid solely for the selected date and time, and copying or reselling is strictly prohibited. Visitors must bring their passport and, if applicable, proof of eligibility for a discount.

Where is the starting point of the tour, and what is the itinerary?

The tour lasts approximately 90 minutes, beginning on the third floor of the skyscraper, just beyond the turnstiles. Each visitor receives a receiver with an earpiece, allowing them to move freely for photos while still listening to the guide. The starting point is accessible via Entrance No. 13, located on the Vysotnaya Street side. Guests can either ascend the stylobate directly to the skyscraper or enter through Entrance No. 1, take the elevator or spiral staircase to the second floor, exit through Entrance No. 12, and walk a short distance to Entrance No. 13. Before the tour begins, visitors can use the wardrobe and restrooms.

How are the public areas within the Lakhta Center arranged?

On the 3rd floor of the skyscraper, visitors can explore a model showcasing the 462-meter tower alongside two futuristic high-rises, 703 and 555 meters tall. The guide will explain how the Lakhta ensemble perfectly aligns with Peter I’s vision. Ascending to the 4th floor, you'll be captivated by walls adorned with white marble mosaics and smooth, wave-like curves. The panoramic windows offer breathtaking views of the Gulf of Finland and the cast-iron St. Peter's Chapel, which also serves as a lighthouse.

How can you reach the observation deck of the Lakhta Center?

The high-speed elevator will take you to the first level of the observation deck, the 83rd floor, in just over a minute. Despite the quick pace, the ascent is smooth, though you might experience some ear pressure. The elevator cabin is opaque, but a multimedia panel on the wall provides a view from the tower.

While it's possible to reach the observation deck on foot, it would take the average person about two hours. This option is not available for visitors, but the skyscraper hosts vertical races where athletes compete in speed ascents.From the 83rd to the 86th floor, a glass-enclosed elevator transports you. As you rise, the futuristic capsule offers a unique perspective, with the earth receding further and the clouds coming closer.

What can you see from the observation decks of the Lakhta Center?

From the windows on the 83rd floor, you can see the flagpoles, the 300th Anniversary Park, and the Gazprom Arena stadium, along with views of the Neva River delta and the reclaimed land of Vasilievsky Island. On clear days, the spire of the Peter and Paul Fortress is also visible. On the opposite side, you'll enjoy panoramic views of the Primorsky District and Lake Lakhtinsky Razliv. 

The vast expanse of the Gulf of Finland is also visible, adding to the scenery. The guide will point out where the two new towers will be built, as well as the location where the Thunder Stone, now the pedestal for the Bronze Horseman, was brought from. On sunny days, it's advisable to bring sunglasses, as the sunlight feels much more intense at such a high altitude.

For the best photos by the panoramic windows, head to the 83rd floor, as the unique design of the 86th floor means you won't always be able to get close to the glass. However, on the 86th floor, there’s a telescope to observe people strolling along the Gulf of Finland. Additionally, visitors can take advantage of the "Russian Post" station on this floor, where each tour guest can choose and send a postcard from a height of 365 meters, free of charge.

What will the tour guide share during the excursion?

During the tour, visitors will learn about the Lakhta Center’s numerous records, such as being the tallest building in Europe and the northernmost skyscraper in the world, as well as the various awards it has received. The guide will also highlight the unique engineering and architectural innovations that went into its construction. 

The guide will explain how this extraordinary building operates and is maintained, revealing secrets like where the lighting is hidden that turned the Lakhta Center into the world’s largest Christmas tree, how the glass facade—equivalent in size to Nevsky Prospect—is cleaned, and how to tell if you're at the top of the tower (spoiler: pay attention to the columns). Visitors will also discover why the top of the spire remains unglazed, and where the replica of the angel sculpture from the Alexander Column is concealed.

What about the restaurant in the Lakhta Center?

In the elevator, along with the button for the 83rd floor, there is also a button for the 75th floor, where a panoramic restaurant is planned to open. However, it will not be operational when the tours begin. Currently, there are no dining options in the other public areas of the tower, but visitors can grab a snack at the café located on the second floor near Entrance No. 12 in the archway.

How will the public spaces of the Lakhta Center evolve?

In the future, the Lakhta Center will feature even more public spaces. For instance, a multifunctional building connected to the skyscraper will house a planetarium with a state-of-the-art star machine and a versatile concert hall. Its atrium will also be open to the public. Nearby, a cultural and historical center named "Poltava" will be built, complete with a replica of the famous ship of the same name.

Welcome to the Lakhta Center!

An excursion to the Lakhta Center offers an immersive experience into the world of modern architecture, with stunning views from its observation decks, fascinating insights into its construction, and a chance to explore one of the tallest and most innovative buildings in Europe.

• 462 m

The dominant structure of the Lakhta Center stands at a remarkable height of 462 meters, making it the tallest building in Russia and Europe.

• Innovations

The Lakhta Center incorporates over 100 unique technologies and solutions, blending cutting-edge innovation with sustainable design to create a truly exceptional architectural masterpiece.

• Guinness World Record

The construction of the Lakhta Center involved an impressive 49 hours of continuous concrete pouring, a testament to the scale and complexity of the project.

• No. 1

The Lakhta Center was recognized as the world's best skyscraper by the prestigious Emporis Skyscraper Awards, highlighting its exceptional design, innovation, and architectural excellence.

• Prizes and awards

The Lakhta Center was a four-time winner at the CTBUH Awards in 2021, earning recognition for its outstanding architectural achievements, engineering innovation, and environmental sustainability.

• Environmental friendliness

The Lakhta Center ranks among the top five most eco-friendly tall buildings in the world, thanks to its sustainable design, energy-efficient systems, and commitment to minimizing environmental impact.

Don't miss your chance to be among the first to explore this iconic landmark. Book your taxi now and prepare for an unforgettable journey to the skies!