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St. Petersburg City Duma Tower Tour
Step into the world of St. Petersburg's iconic landmarks with our guided tour of the City Duma Tower. You'll get a unique behind-the-scenes look at this stunning structure and uncover its fascinating history. Our knowledgeable guides will share insider stories and insights, giving you a deeper appreciation for this architectural gem. Whether you're a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or just looking for a unique experience, this tour is sure to delight.
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A Unique Perspective on St. Petersburg's Bustling Heart
summarizeEditor's Summary
I thought I'd explored all the must-see spots in St. Petersburg's city center, but the Duma Tower observation deck proved me wrong. Located conveniently near the Nevsky Prospekt metro station, this tower offers a unique perspective on the city's landmarks. From here, you can easily walk to the city's most famous attractions. The admission price of 500 rubles without a guided tour is fair, considering the views you'll get. I recommend buying tickets online or directly at the location to avoid any issues. The Duma Tower is a great starting point for your visit, with easy access to the city's most famous attractions. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned local, the Duma Tower is a must-see destination in St. Petersburg's bustling heart.
settingsSpecifications
Kararİyi
Hizmet8/10
Görünüm9/10
Kullanışlılık7/10
I thought I'd already explored all the must-see spots in St. Petersburg's city center, but it turns out there's more to discover.
The Duma Tower offers a unique perspective on the city's landmarks, and I was excited to check it out.
I started my visit with the Duma Tower, which is conveniently located near the Nevsky Prospekt metro station. From there, you can easily walk to the city's most famous attractions.
Address:
Nevsky Prospekt, 33
Opening hours:
Every day from 10:00 to 22:00
Admission costs 500 rubles without a guided tour. You can buy tickets online or directly at the location. We didn't encounter any issues and purchased our tickets at the counter before heading to the viewing platform.
The ticket with a guided tour costs 800 rubles and includes a specific schedule and time slot. You'll need to plan your visit in advance.
Before entering the tower, we received a brief briefing – don't get too close to the railing, don't lean against it, and don't stick your head out, or your visit will be over immediately.
The tower stands at about 45 meters high, equivalent to a 15-story building. In the event of a fall, there's no chance of survival.
As you climb the spiral staircase, you'll need to use the low but deep steps, which can be quite challenging. Luckily, there are exhibits to look at along the way, so you can take a break and catch your breath.
There were chairs set up along the way for small breaks.
Along with the stunning views, you can also catch a glimpse of the clock tower's inner workings. The clock is wound by hand every week, and its accuracy is regulated by a contract. If it's off by more than 30 seconds, there are penalties.
The views from the observation deck of the Duma Tower are so breathtaking that you can easily lose track of time. But the clock chimes will keep you on schedule. Every 15 minutes, they remind you that time is moving forward and not slowing down.
Being next to the clock was almost surreal – it's so massive, and you can hear the mechanisms working. There are no audio guides in the tower.
The clock is connected to the bells, and you can see them through the windows. They're also functional – the large bell rings every hour, and the smaller one chimes every 15 minutes. I recommend waiting for the right moment, as it's estimated that a free visit will take around 30 minutes. But of course, nobody was rushing us, and there were no crowds on the stairs in the tower.
The final stretch up the stairs is the toughest part – it's hard to tell which floor you're on and how much further you've got to go. And to make matters worse, you might even get a little dizzy.
At the end of the stairs, you'll find a metal staircase, which is the final push before you reach the viewing platform.
As we climbed the stairs, there weren't too many people around, but the viewing platform was a different story – it was packed, and sometimes it was hard to get a spot to take in the view.
One thing that did surprise me was the high railings with perils all along the edge, plus the exposed rebar outside. I have to admit, I was expecting a clearer view, but all the photos I'd seen showed the rebar, and I guess it's there for safety reasons. Still, it's a bit of a bummer.
Despite the heat and sunshine, the wind on the viewing platform was intense – it was blowing so hard it felt like it was going to knock me off my feet, not to mention the fact that my hair was a mess from the gusts.
Getting a bird's-eye view of the city was my top priority, and this camera delivered. The weather was perfect – sunny skies made it easy to spot all the main attractions from a distance.
Even the iconic Church of the Savior on Blood, which has been under renovation for years, was visible from up high.From this vantage point, I could see Peter and Paul Fortress and a sliver of the Petrogradsky Island.New developments like Lakhta and the Gazprom Arena were also visible on the horizon. Lakhta even has a viewing platform, but it's a lot pricier – maybe I'll get there someday.I was blown away by the view of the Nevsky Prospekt, including the historic Zinger House and the dome of the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood in the distance. The Column on Palace Square was also visible from up high.
I love watching the endless stream of cars and people rushing by. The pace is fast, and every second something's changing.
It's probably worth coming back in the evening to see how beautiful it looks with all the Christmas lights and evening lights.
We walked around the observation deck twice, and I'd say it's definitely worth a visit, even if the ticket price is a bit steep. I love looking out over the city from up high – in those moments, I feel like I fall in love with it all over again. I've been to St. Petersburg many times, and I know I'll be back.
The Admiralty Building and a tiny piece of the Neva River.
The Vorontsov Palace.
The endless rooftops of St. Petersburg.
I took some amazing photos of St. Isaac's Cathedral with my smartphone – the quality was surprisingly good, especially with the telephoto lens. I could've even captured some of the city's farther buildings if I wanted to.
The City Hall Tower is a must-visit for two reasons: its ancient clock mechanism and the breathtaking views of the city. Beauty is always just around the corner!
Best lookout spots in St. Petersburg:
The Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg (The Karl Bulla Historical Photography Fund
A nighttime tour of the colonnade at St. Isaac's Cathedral
live_helpFeatured FAQ
What are the opening hours of the Duma Tower?
The Duma Tower is open every day from 10:00 to 22:00.
How much does it cost to visit the Duma Tower?
The admission price is 500 rubles without a guided tour, and 800 rubles with a guided tour.
Can I buy tickets online?
Yes, you can buy tickets online or directly at the location.
Is the Duma Tower suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, the Duma Tower is not suitable for people with mobility issues, due to the stairs.
Can I take a guided tour?
Yes, you can take a guided tour, which costs 800 rubles and includes a specific schedule and time slot.
What are the benefits of visiting the Duma Tower?
The Duma Tower offers a unique perspective on the city's landmarks, and is a great starting point for your visit.
Can I take photos?
Yes, you can take photos, but please be respectful of other visitors.
Is the Duma Tower open during bad weather?
Yes, the Duma Tower is open during bad weather, but the views might not be as impressive.
How long does it take to get to the observation deck?
It takes about 10-15 minutes to get to the observation deck from the entrance.
check_circlePros
- •The views from the observation deck are stunning, with a unique perspective on the city's landmarks.
- •The Duma Tower is conveniently located near the Nevsky Prospekt metro station, making it easy to get to.
- •The admission price is fair, considering the views you'll get.
- •You can buy tickets online or directly at the location, which is super convenient.
- •The observation deck is a great starting point for your visit, with easy access to the city's most famous attractions.
- •The staff is friendly and helpful, making the experience even better.
- •The views are especially impressive during sunset or at night when the city is all lit up.
- •The observation deck is a great spot to take some amazing photos to remember your trip by.
cancelCons
- •The ticket prices are a bit steep, especially if you're on a tight budget.
- •The observation deck can get crowded, especially during peak season.
- •The views might not be as impressive during bad weather.
- •The stairs to the observation deck can be a bit steep for some people.
- •The guided tour might not be worth the extra cost, depending on your interests.
- •The Duma Tower is not suitable for people with mobility issues, due to the stairs.
- •The observation deck can be a bit windy, so hold onto your hat!
- •The lines for tickets can be a bit long, but it's worth the wait.
