tour montparnasse billet

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Tour Montparnasse

Tour Montparnasse (Montparnasse Tower) stands 689 ft (210 m) tall. It has one of the best observation decks of Paris. From its terrace visitors will be able to see the most important monuments of the city.

Past and Present

Opened in 1973, the Tour Montparnasse was the first office building to be built in the center of Paris. It was the subject of great controversy as many Parisians believed that the skyscraper clashed with the rest of the city’s architecture.

Presently, nearly 5,000 people work on one of the building’s 53 floors , while over 750,000 travelers climb to its observation decks on the 56 and 59 floors to enjoy some of the best views of Paris.

Stunning Bird’s Eye View of Paris

After having taken a lift in Europe’s fastest elevator, visitors will get off on the 56th floor to see a stunning bird’s eye view of the city, protected by the building’s large windows. As well as enjoying the panoramic views, you can find out some curious facts about the city through multimedia apps or else travel back in time and visit Paris years ago during the exhibition of old photographs of the capital.

The best photos of the city can be taken three floors up, on the 59th floor. From this observation terrace, you’ll see Paris as if it were miniature.

One of Montparnasse’s great advantages is that it provides great views of the Eiffel Tower , something impossible to see if you climb up this monument to see the scenery.

Buy tickets for the Montparnasse Tower

If you plan to visit the Montparnasse Tower, we recommend buying tickets in advance. This way you'll make sure to reserve your spot and even get a small discount. You can buy them through the web at the following link:

• Montparnasse Tower ticket

Avenue du Maine, 33

1 April – 30 September : 9:30 am – 11:30 pm 1 October – 31 March : Sunday – Thursday: 9:30 am – 10:30 pm Friday – Saturday and eve of public holidays: 9:30 am – 11 pm

Adults: € 21 ( US$ 22.40) Youth (12-17 years old) and students: € 16 ( US$ 17.10) Children (4-11 years old): € 9.50 ( US$ 10.20) Free entry with the Paris Pass .

Montparnasse Tower Ticket € 20 ( US$ 21.40)

Metro : Montparnasse-Bienvenüe , lines 4, 6, 12 and 13. Bus : Lines 28, 58, 82, 88, 89, 91, 92, 94, 95 and 96.

Nearby places

Catacombs of Paris (1.2 km) Jardin du Luxembourg (1.2 km) Church of Saint-Sulpice (1.3 km) Musée Rodin (1.5 km) Les Invalides (1.6 km)

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• The Montparnasse Tower

Montparnasse Tower tickets and tours

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Montparnasse tower 56th floor tickets

Book your ticket for the Tour Montparnasse and go up to the 56th floor of the tower to enjoy the best panoramic view of Paris!

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Enjoy an audio-guided tour of Montparnasse, the heart of Parisian artistic and intellectual life in the first half of the 20th century.

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Visit Montmartre, Montparnasse and the Street Art district at your own pace and customize your itinerary as you wish with this audio-guided tour on your smartphone!

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With the Go City® All-Inclusive Paris Pass enjoy access to many sites, art galleries and monuments, hop-on hop-off bus and sightseeing tours.

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The inside story

The Montparnasse tower is the tallest skyscraper in Paris, and probably the most beautiful viewpoint of the capital. This unique view overlooking Paris is located at 200 meters above sea level and offers a 360° view of the capital up to 40 km away when the weather is favorable. It is even possible to see the planes takingoff from the Orly airport!

Entirely renovated in 2005 and then in 2011, the site offers two levels of visit:

• The 56th floor, covered, with many facilities to better understand the city and its history: interactive terminals and panoramas, historical photo exhibition of Paris. This level also offers a bar and a souvenir shop.
• The open-air terrace of 8611 sq ft has been designed to make the most of the unobstructed view of Paris via large windows. A champagne bar is open during the summer.

How to get there

Paris Attraction Tickets

Montparnasse tower.

Everyone knows the Eiffel tower. And almost every tourist wants to see the Eiffel tower. But no one like queueing up to get into the Eiffel tower.

If only there were a way to not queue like lemmings and still get a royal view of the Eiffel tower. Well, the Montparnasse tower (Tour Montparnasse) it the answer!

At 210 meters tall, the Montparnasse tower offers a stunning view of the city of love. And if that isn't romantic enough then feast your taste buds at the Ciel de Paris restaurant 3 floors below to top floor. But, if you're going with your loved ones, please take the elevator and avoid following in the footsteps of French urban climber Alain "Spiderman" Robert who climbed the building twice using only his bare hands and feet and with no safety devices of any kind.

Note that it's unlikely you'll find another building like it in Paris any time soon. The public was so appalled by its out-of-place design that upon its completion a new law was written, banning buildings larger than 7 stories high in the city centre.

Tickets for Montparnasse Tower

Montparnasse Tower Observatory Deck: Entry ticket + Rooftop Access

• Entrance to Tour Montparnasse with 360° view over Paris from the 56th floor
• Direct access to the elevators
• Access to the rooftop
• Paris Time Travel experience in virtual reality
• Cinematic experience

Montparnasse Tower + Seine River Cruise by Bateaux Mouches

Experience the dazzling allure of Paris from two unique perspectives. Soar to breathtaking heights with the Montparnasse Tower Observatory Deck ticket, offering exquisite 360° city views and access to the highest restaurant in the city, Le Ciel de Paris.

Then, immerse yourself in the romantic essence of the city with a scenic Seine River Cruise by Bateaux Mouches, providing an unforgettable journey past iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral, complete with insightful commentary.

Don't miss out on this comprehensive package to truly savor the enchanting City of Lights!

• Musée Bourdelle → 265 meters
• Musée Zadkine → 888 meters
• Musée du Luxembourg → 1.1 kilometer
• Musée de la Libération de Paris - Musée du Général Leclerc - Musée Jean Moulin → 1.1 kilometer
• Musée Rodin → 1.5 kilometer
• École Militaire → 1.6 kilometer
• Napoleon's Tomb → 1.6 kilometer
• Musée de l’Armée → 1.6 kilometer
• Panthéon → 1.8 kilometer
• Grand Palais Éphémère → 1.8 kilometer
• Musée d’Orsay → 2 kilometer

© Alberto Zamorano/Shutterstock

Tour Montparnasse

Spectacular views unfold from this 210m-high smoked-glass-and-steel office block, built in 1973. A speedy elevator whisks visitors up in 38 seconds to the indoor observatory on the 56th floor, with multimedia displays. Finish with a hike up the stairs to the 59th-floor open-air terrace (with a sheltered walkway) and bubbly at the terrace's Champagne bar. This venerable building is undergoing a makeover – major renovation works started in early 2020 and are due for completion in 2024.

The tower also houses the city’s highest restaurant, Ciel de Paris .

33 av du Maine, 15e

Get In Touch

https://www.tourmontparnasse56.com

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Montparnasse Tower – tickets, prices, observation decks, views

The Montparnasse Tower, also known as Tour Montparnasse, is a tall skyscraper located in the French capital.

Montparnasse Tower has two observation decks – on the 56th and 59th floors and offers sweeping views of Paris.

The viewing platform is at the height of 210 meters (690 feet), and one of the highlights is the opportunity to travel in the fastest elevator in Europe.

Often referred to as Tour Montparnasse, this Parisian attraction is a massive hit with both adults and kids. 

This article covers everything you must know before booking tickets for the Montparnasse Tower.

Top Montparnasse Tower Tickets

# Montparnasse Tower: 56th Floor # Montparnasse Tickets

Table of contents

What to expect at montparnasse tower, where to book tickets , how do online tickets work, montparnasse tower ticket prices, montparnasse tower tickets, how to reach montparnasse tower, opening hours of montparnasse tower, how long does the tour take, best time to visit montparnasse tower, 56th-floor deck, 59th-floor terrace, view from tour montparnasse, montparnasse tower at night, rooftop bar on 59th floor, montparnasse tower’s restaurant, faqs about montparnasse tower.

When you book Montparnasse Tower tickets online, you avoid the queue and go straight through security. 

After clearing security, you get into the fastest lift in Europe, and 38 seconds later, you are at the top of the Montparnasse Tower.

Yes, that’s right – 56 floors in 38 seconds!

After taking in 360-degree views of Paris and spotting all the landmarks, including Eiffel Tower, you go up further – to the 59th floor. 

The 59th floor of Montparnasse Tower doesn’t have an elevator, but climbing the steps is worth it because it is the highest rooftop and open-air observation deck in Paris. 

This floor has a hot chocolate machine, a bar, and exciting events happen all around to entertain the visitors.

Back to Top

Tickets for the Montparnasse Tower are available online and at the attraction. 

Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the venue.

When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the attraction’s ticket counters.

When you book early, you also get your preferred time slot.

Because some attractions sell a limited number of tickets, during peak days they may sell out. Booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointments.

Go to the Montparnasse Tower booking page and choose your desired date and time and the number of tickets. 

Once you purchase Montparnasse Tower tickets, they get delivered to your email address. 

There is no need to get printouts of the ticket. 

You can show the e-ticket on your smartphone when you visit the attraction.

Bring your official IDs.

The tickets for Montparnasse Tower are priced at €19 for all adults aged 18 years and above.

Guests between 12 to 17 years old can get the ticket at €15.

A child ticket costs €10 for those between the age group of four to 11 years.

Infants under three years get free entry to the observatory.

With this ticket, travel in Europe’s fastest elevators, which will transport you right on the 56th-floor observatory in just 38 seconds.

Visitors get access to both, the 56th floor and the open-air panoramic terrace.

Ticket Prices

Adult Ticket (18+ years): €19 Youth Ticket (12 to 17 years): €15 Child Ticket (4 to 11 years): €10 Infant Ticket (up to 3 years): Free

Discount Alert! When you book Paris Merveilles Lido Evening Show and Montparnasse Tower together, you get an 8% discount . 

The Montparnasse Tower Observatory is in the 15th arrondissement of Paris. 

Address: 33 Av. du Maine, 75015 Paris, France. Get Directions

You can reach the observatory by using public transport or personal vehicle.

Bus numbers 28, 58, 82, 88, 89, 91, 92, 94, 95, and 96 can also drop you close to the Tower.

Montparnasse-Bienvenüe , serviced by Lines 4, 6, 12, and 13, is the closest Metro station.

The station is only 100 meters (330 feet) from the Parisian observatory tower, and you can walk the distance in less than two minutes.  

The Gare Montparnasse (The Montparnasse Train Station) is just two minutes walk away.

If you’re traveling by car, turn on Google Maps and get started.

The Montparnasse Tower provides paid car parking facility.

From April to September, Montparnasse Tower opens at 9.30 am and closes at 11.30 pm daily. 

During the lean period of October to March, the observation deck opens at 9.30 am every day, but its closing time varies. 

Sunday to Thursday the Tower closes at 10.30 pm, and on Friday and Saturday, it closes at 11 pm. 

The last admission is half an hour before closure. 

Most visitors spend an hour at Montparnasse Tower.

Visitors spend around half an hour on the 56th floor, taking in the fantastic sights of Paris, and then go up to the 59th floor for light snacks, drinks, activities, and even better views.

Montparnasse Tower tickets don’t have any time limit, which means you can stay on for as long as you want. 

Not long ago, Montparnasse district was the heart of Parisian artistic and intellectual life. Explore it better with an audio-guide tour on your smartphone .

The best time to visit Montparnasse Tower is during sunset.

You must reach the attraction half an hour before sunset to give yourself enough time to reach the top of the observation area.

Besides stunning sunset views, you also get to enjoy the Paris skyline in daylight and after the lights come on.

However, the sunset hours are pretty busy with lots of visitors and even longer waiting lines. 

If you are looking for quiet time and want to avoid the crowd, visit the Parisian observation deck as soon as they open at 9.30 am. 

If you can’t visit in the morning, the next best time to avoid the crowd is after 8 pm.

Montparnasse Tower’s observation deck

The Tour Montparnasse’s Observation deck has two viewing levels – the indoors 56th floor and the panoramic terrace on the 59th floor.

The regular Tour Montparnasse ticket gets you access to both the viewing platforms. 

The 56th-floor observation deck is at 196 meters (643 feet) and is also known as the Panoramic Floor. 

The Tower’sTower’s elevator, the fastest in Europe, gets you to this height in just 38 seconds. 

This deck is surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows, which offer uninterrupted views in all directions. 

This floor also has interactive kiosks and touch-sensitive orientation tables, which help you discover the city’s famous landmarks.

The Montparnasse Tower’s outdoor terrace on the 59th floor is airy, with beautiful views of Paris. It also has a modern sheltered walking area.

This observation deck has a hot chocolate machine, a bar, and comfortable seating for visitors to hang around. 

Montparnasse Tower is the best place to take in the incredible panoramic views of Paris and its iconic monuments.

The Tower’s location – right in the city center – is just perfect for taking in 360-degree views of the city by day or by night.

From a height of 210 meters, visitors can see up to 40 kilometers (25 miles) in all directions.

Some of the monuments you can see from Tour Montparnasse are The Louvre Museum, Les Invalides, the Sacré-Cœur, Notre-Dame cathedral, Montmartre, the Panthéon, etc. 

From April to September, Montparnasse Tower is open till 11.30 pm, and the rest of the year, it welcomes visitors till 10.30 pm.

Many tourists prefer to stroll through the city’s enchanting lights and then go up Montparnasse Tower’s observation deck to take in the beautiful views of Paris all lit up.

Even after dark, Eiffel Tower continues to be the city’s main attraction, and tourists love to see it sparkling from the Tower.

When you purchase the Montparnasse Tower tickets , you don’t select a time of visit. This means you can visit whenever you want – night or day. 

Download the Magnicity app for Android or iOS to enhance your visit to Montparnasse Tower. During your visit, open the app and point your smartphone’s camera towards the horizon to get interesting information about various Parisian landmarks.

‘Guinguette On Top’ on the 59th floor of Tour Montparnasse is the highest rooftop bar in Paris. 

This summer bar is open from July to September, and visitors must have Montparnasse Tower tickets to access it. 

On weekdays Montparnasse Tower’s bar opens at 4 pm, and on weekends the service starts at noon. 

The last order gets taken at 10.45 pm.

Guinguette On Top offers flavor, atmosphere, and breathtaking views of the world’s most romantic city. 

If you want to combine a lunch or dinner with your visit to Montparnasse Tower, you have two options – Ciel de Paris or the 360 Cafe.

Ciel de Paris (the Paris Sky) is a gourmet restaurant offering flavourful, imaginative, and seasonal cuisine. 

To book a table near the windows, call +33 (0)1 40 64 77 64.

The 360 Cafe doesn’t need any reservations and serves sandwiches, salads, croque-monsieurs, cold and hot drinks, desserts, etc.

Here are a few questions visitors usually ask before visiting the Montparnasse Tower in Paris.

Yes, the tower tickets are timed which means visitors should be at the observatory as per time mentioned on the ticket. It is advisable to reach the attraction 15 to 20 minutes before the scheduled time.

The ticket booth is located at the foot of Montparnasse Tower, on the Rue de l’Arrivée side.

The last entry to the tower is 30 minutes before the closing time.

The skyscraper has 59 floors in total.

To get to the 59th floor (terrace) you must take stairs from the 56th floor as there is no elevator facility.

From the rooftop of the tower guests can see the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum.

Yes, the tower has “Le Ciel de Paris” restaurant located on the 56th floor.

Sources # Tourmontparnasse56.com # Wikipedia.org The travel specialists at TheBetterVacation.com use only high-quality sources while researching & writing their articles. We make every attempt to keep our content current, reliable and trustworthy .

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This article was researched & written by

Deeksha Anand

Deeksha loves to explore diverse cultures and cuisines. She is always looking forward to learn what different countries have to offer. She is not too worried about the holiday destination as long as it is different from her last one. She loves roaming around the streets with no timelines to adhere. Favorite Cities: New York, Barcelona, London, Paris, Rome

Edited by Rekha Rajan & fact checked by Jamshed V Rajan

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Montparnasse Tower Ticket

• 8.50 / 10 795 reviews | 14,634 travellers The guide did it in a friendly and friendly way. 10 Manuel Ricart

Want an incredible  360º view of Paris?  View the French capital from the top of Montparnasse Tower, 200 metres from the ground and right in the city centre.

Description

Located in the 15th Arrondissement in Paris,  Tour Montparnasse  is one of the best viewpoints from which to see the whole city.

Ride one of the tower's super-fast lifts  (officially the fastest in Europe) up to the 56th floor, where you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the city . You'll see the Eiffel Tower, the Arc du Triomphe, the Louvre and Paris' wide avenues amongst other monuments and famous sights.

The panoramic observatory also boasts multimedia exhibitions including touch screens and virtual reality kiosks   to teach you everything you ever wanted to know about the French capital.

Your ticket also allows you to access the 59th-floor roof terrace . From here you can look out over Paris as if it were a scale model.  The city as you've never seen it before!

Opening times

The Montparnasse Tower is open from Monday to Sunday at the following times:

• January 1 - March 31  &  October 1 - December 31 : 9:30 am - 10:30 pm from Sunday - Thursday, and until 11 pm on Fridays, Saturdays & the eve of public holidays
• April 1-30 : 10 am - 11:30 pm (last admission at 11 pm)
• May 1 - September 30 : 9:30 am - 11:30 pm (last admission at 11 pm)  

Please note that on all days the last access will be 30 minutes before closing time.

Montparnasse Tower is accessible for persons of reduced mobility up to the 56th floor . From this level, the 59th floor is only accessible using stairs (3 flights).

More Information

Admission to the Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck

When to book?

You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Accessibility

Only some areas are accessible.

Sustainability

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code .

Our providers commit to:

• Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle.
• Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
• Uphold fair employment standards.
• Foster the growth of local communities.
• Preserve the integrity of local culture.
• Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
• Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
• Operate with honesty and transparency.
• Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

• No printing of documentation required.

Tour Montparnasse Show more

Corporate name: OPTM SAS

Not permitted.

Frequently asked questions

Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

A - At Civitatis we only offer tickets at official prices, with transparency and exclusive advantages for our users. More information

Q - How to book?

A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Cancellations

Meeting point.

Torre Montparnasse

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Visit and climb Tour Montparnasse in Paris? All info + book your skip the line tickets

Skip the line tickets for your visit to tour montparnasse, tour montparnasse: facts & figures, restaurant ciel de paris and observation deck, paris' ugliest buildings.

The endlessly repeated joke is that the tower offers the best views in the city because it is the only place from which you cannot see it.” It appears on lists of the world’s ugliest buildings with depressing regularity.

Renovation of the Tour Montparnasse

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Best hotels nearby: where to stay in paris, other sights in the area, the paris catacombs, musée rodin, the panthéon, musee d'orsay, les invalides, sainte chapelle, video: what is the view like from tour montparnasse.

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Discover the stunning view from Tour Montparnasse

Last Updated:  17 April 2024

The Tour Montparnasse (Montparnasse Tower) is a high-rise building overlooking the district of Montparnasse in the 15th arrondissement and borders the 6th and 14th arrondissements. Its panoramic terrace offers one of the most beautiful views over Paris .

Description of Tour Montparnasse

The Tour Montparnasse was inaugurated in 1973 and was France’s tallest skyscraper until 2011 when the Tour First in La Défense was completed.

The tower was designed by architects Eugène Beaudouin, Urbain Cassan and Louis Hoym de Marien and built from 1969 to 1972 by Campenon Bernard on the site of the former Montparnasse railway station. Its base is an almond shape of 50 m by 32 m.

The presence of the tower in central Paris has been very controversial since its construction and has been criticised for being at odds with Paris’ skyline. Following its inauguration, the municipality ruled it impossible for buildings over seven floors high to be built in the centre of Paris (“intra-muros”).

Today, the Tour Montparnasse has become a true Parisian landmark with over 5,000 people working in the offices located in the tower.

At the foot of the tower, there is a vast shopping mall and a busy metro station connected to the Gare Montparnasse where trains head off to the French Atlantic Coast and Spain.

Dimensions of the tower

The Tour Montparnasse is one of France’s tallest skyscrapers and, as of June 2021, is ranked the 13th tallest building in the European Union.

In France, the tower is the country’s second tallest building:

• Tour First ( La Défense ): 231 m (Antenna spire)
• Tour Montparnasse (Paris): 210 m (Roof terrace)
• and Tour Total ( La Défense ): 190 m

In the near future, two planned towers will overtake the height of the Tour Montparnasse:

– the two Hermitage Plaza Towers ( La Défense ): 323 m (2025?)

Fun facts about the Montparnasse Tower

• The tower has a total of 7,200 windows,
• The structure weighs 130,000 tons,
• There are 6 underground levels,
• Its foundations are 70 metres deep.

The Panoramic Terraces of Tour Montparnasse

The visit of Tour Montparnasse may seem odd when suggested to tourists but the magnificent view from the top is one of Paris’ most impressive panoramas and attracts 1,2 million visitors each year. Visitors access the 56th floor with one of Europe’s fastest lifts.

The 56th floor

The 56th floor , called the “Panoramic Floor”, allows the visitor to admire the breathtaking view protected from the wind and rain. The space is heated in the winter and air-conditioned in the summer. It is accessible from the bottom floor of the tower by one of the fastest lifts in Europe (38 seconds at speeds reaching 60km per hour). The floor features interactive terminals and quizzes on Paris, a photographic exhibition on Paris, a souvenir shop and a café.

The 59th floor

The 59th floor is actually the outdoor roof terrace which, at 210 metres high, offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of Paris. In clear weather, the view extends up to 40 kilometres from the Yvelines to Charles-de-Gaulle and Orly airports and the Eastern suburbs of Val de Marne and Seine-et-Marne.

The 59th floor is only accessible by stairs from the 56th floor.

The terrace has telescopes and interesting orientation tables that help locate the famous monuments and landmarks of Paris.

In 2011, the terrace was entirely renovated with curved panes of glass surrounding the viewing point.

Get your tickets to the tower’s terrace!

Get your Tour de Montparnasse tickets for 360° views over the City of Lights!

With these tickets, get an amazing view of Paris that includes the Eiffel Tower and many of the city’s other top landmarks.

Day Panoramic View

The panoramic view from the roof-top terrace of the Tour Montparnasse stretches over 40 km. Most of Paris’ famous monuments and landmarks can be seen from there:

The Eiffel Tower

The great perspective leading to the Grande Arche of La Défense through the École Militaire, the Champ de Mars, the Eiffel Tower , and the Trocadéro.

The curved Unesco headquarters can also be seen to the left of the École Militaire.

The Invalids

The gilded dome of the Church at the Invalides looks like a gem in the sky of Paris…

The view reaches the Esplanade des Invalides, the Pont Alexandre III and the Petit and Grand Palais .

To the right lies the Garden of the Champs-Élysées and then the Place de la Concorde .

The Arc de Triomphe

The view of the Louvre reveals how large the palace is! It extends onwards with the famous Tuileries Garden . Behind, on top of the Montmartre Hill , a sunbeam lights up the white façade of the Sacré-Cœur basilica .

A closer look at the Samaritaine department store:

The Opéra Garnier, just above the Tuileries Garden:

Saint-Germain-des-Prés

The neighbourhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés is clearly recognisable thanks to the old bell tower of the church.

The Rue de Rennes looks like it cut Paris in half, leading to the Seine:

To the right of the rue de Rennes stands the Saint-Sulpice church:

The Luxembourg Palace

To the North-East, the view shows the Luxembourg Garden in the foreground along with the Luxembourg Palace.

Notre-Dame de Paris and Ile de la Cité

Behind lies Île de la Cité with Notre Dame de Paris . In the distance can be seen the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall of Paris).

The central districts of Paris

The latin quarter.

You’ll get a great view of the Pantheon, the Sorbonne and the Latin Quarter, particularly in the afternoon.

South-East of Paris

The view reveals the Val de Grace, Paris Observatory, the 13th arrondissement and, beyond these, the Bois de Vincennes.

The view extends beyond the hill of Montmartre with the basilica of Saint-Denis, the Stade de France, the airports of Le Bourget and Charles de Gaulle. In the far distance, you can also see the countryside!

And street life in the Montparnasse district…

From the top of the tower, the Montparnasse cemetery reveals its great size.

The railway lines that start from the Montparnasse Train Station lead to the French Atlantic Coast (Brittany, Poitou-Charentes, Pays de la Loire, Aquitaine) and Spain.

The aerial part of métro line 6:

The stunning rooftops of Paris in the 7th arrondissement:

The view offers amazing sights of street life in Paris (here Boulevard du Montparnasse and Boulevard de Port-Royal)

Night Panoramic View

Visiting the roof-terrace of the Tour Montparnasse at sunset offers one of the most enchanting views over the City of Light. Little by little, the lights are lit, revealing the famous monuments of Paris.

One of the best spots to enjoy the Eiffel Tower glittering is from the top terrace of the Montparnasse Tower, aligned perfectly with the Eiffel Tower, with the skyline of La Défense in the background. The “light show” takes place every hour for ‘5 minutes précieuses’ from nightfall until 1.00 am, on the hour.

The gilded Dôme des Invalides is lit up like a gem, and behind it stretches the vast esplanade that leads to Pont Alexandre III:

At Christmas time, you can clearly see the Big Wheel at the Tuileries and Place de la Concorde, in between the two dark areas of the Champs-Élysées and the Tuileries Gardens.

The length of Rue de Rennes winds its way through the 6th arrondissement leading to the Church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. To the right, the St. Sulpice Church reveals its classical façade.

The Louvre  is seen in its entirety surmounted by the Montmartre Hill  and the Sacré-Cœur basilica .

Check out blogger Mark Wyld’s article on Montparnasse Tower. His post is illustrated with many of his photos taken from the top terrace!

English-French Vocabulary

(f) for  féminin , (m) for  masculin and (v) for verbs

• building = immeuble (m)
• to inaugurate = inaugurer (v)
• intra-muros = within the city limits of Paris
• lift = ascenseur (m)
• office building = immeuble de bureau (m)
• orientation table = table d’orientation (f)
• panoramic terrace = terrasse panoramique (f)
• railway station = gare ferroviaire (f)
• shopping mall = centre commercial (m)
• to show = montrer (v)
• skyscraper = gratte-ciel (m)
• stair = escalier (m)
• to stretch = s’étendre (v)
• terrace = terrasse (f)
• tower = tour (f)
• view = vue (f)
• viewing point = point de vue (m)

About the author

Pierre is a French/Australian who is passionate about France and its culture. He grew up in France and Germany and has also lived in Australia and England. He has a background teaching French, Economics and Current Affairs, and holds a Master of Translating and Interpreting English-French with the degree of Master of International Relations, and a degree of Economics and Management. Pierre is the author of Discovery Courses and books about France.

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Agree entirely! The Montparnasse Tower is an ugly blot on the landscape, but the views from the top of the tower are magnificent. I look forward to returning one day.

And make sure you climb on a sunny afternoon (the best time of the day to see all of central and eastern Paris!)

These are wonderful photos, Pierre – thank you! I always say the best thing about the Tour Montparnasse is being in it so you can’t see it! I’m going to choose a clear day when I’m in Paris to go to the top.

Merci Ellen – and choose a sunny afternoon to have the central and eastern districts of Paris in plain sight (not against-the-light)! 🙂

I’ve been there, once at day- and once at nighttime. Indeed very beautiful.

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24 PLACES TO SEE IN FRANCE

• The Montparnasse Tower Panoramic Observation Deck
• What to see and do
• Museums and monuments

Description

Community facilities, accessibility.

Perched on the 56th floor , at an altitude of 210 meters , the Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck is the ideal place to get a panoramic view over the whole city. There are two parts to the visit: the 56th floor interior area, and the terrace with panoramic views , where you can see Paris spread out before you, and enjoy its beauty both in the daytime, or when it is lit up at night.

A unique panorama

After barely 38 seconds spent inside the fastest lift in Europe , you reach the summit. In this luminous space entirely surrounded by windows, discover the capital with the help of telescopes, interactive terminals and touch-screen tables for orienting you. 185 archival photos and a film about the architectural symbolism of towers throughout the world will have you delving deeper into the world of skyscrapers. On the same floor, the Café à 360 is on hand for a meal or refreshments .

An uninterrupted view of Paris’ major monuments also awaits you on the large panoramic terrace surrounded by windows . In the foreground, you’ll see the Montparnasse cemetery , and further away, the Eiffel Tower , the Arc de Triomphe , the Louvre , as well as the Notre-Dame Cathedral , and further still, the La Défense neighbourhood… For a truly magical treat when the weather is fine, head to the Champagne Bar to soak in the view, a glass in hand.

The best views of Paris are on top of the city's monuments

Access and contact

• https://www.tourmontparnasse56.com/en/

Metro: Station: Montparnasse-Bienvenüe (lines 4, 6,12,13) Bus: lines 28, 58, 82, 88, 89, 91, 92, 94, 95, 96 SNCF: Montparnasse station

Days and opening hours

From 01/04 to 30 ⁄ 09 , daily between 9.30 AM and 11.30 PM. From 01/10 to 31 ⁄ 03 , daily between 9.30 AM and 10.30 PM. Fridays and Saturdays + the day before public holidays: open untill 11pm. Last lift 30 minutes before closure.

• From 17 ⁄ 07 to 30/09/2023 Adult: 21 € Child : 9.50 € (from 4 to 11 years old included) Student: 16 € (Young people (aged 12-17) and students). From 01/10 to 31/12/2023 Adult: 19 € Child : 9.50 € Student: 14.50 € (Young people (aged 12-17) and students). Free entry for children < 4 years. Child entry valid for 4 - 11 years.
• Orientation board
• Pay car park
• Ticketing in number

Spoken languages

Guided tour languages, documentation languages (home), bulletin board languages, single mean time tour, single services tour.

• Unguided individual tours available permanently
• Physical disability
• Accessible for wheelchairs with assistance
• Lift (80 x 130 cm) and door >= 77 cm
• WC + grab handle + adequate space to move
• Copyright image:

Expired session

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The Tour Montparnasse Has the Best Views in Paris

Sometimes I need a little divergence from street photography and my regular “Paris Vignettes.” Recently as I walked to the Bourdelle museum after the Sunday get-together at La Coupole with Terrance Gelenter, I passed the massive Tour Montparnasse and while looking up I thought, “today is a perfect day to go to the top after 25+ years of regularly visiting Paris.” A bit expensive at 21 euros, it is worth doing, especially after morning rains have cleared the sky and fluffy clouds are dotting the horizon.

I found the correct entrance, took the elevator to the indoor area on the 56th floor in 38 seconds, paid my fee and the climbed the last three flights of stairs to the observation deck. Leaving the last step, you are overwhelmed with the unobstructed view of Paris. A very well designed deck with glass wind protectors that have slices in them where you can snap clear photos. On top of that there are chairs to sit back and relax and absorb the beauty.

Looking around, you start to identify all the famous landmarks like Montmartre, the Tuileries, Invalides, the nearby Montparnasse cemetery, above ground metro lines, the Grand and Petit Palais, but the most striking is the view of the Eiffel Tower punctuating the skyline. It made me want to return one day for some night photos!

Practical Information

Cost: 21 euros (though varies on time of year) Hours: From April 1st to September 30th, 9:30 am to 11:30 pm 360 Café is open all year round along with a gift shop

More details at: https://www.tourmontparnasse56.com/en/

Tour Montparnasse .Photo credit: William O’Such

Top of Tour Montparnasse. Photo credit: William O’Such

View of Montmartre from Tour Montparnasse. Photo credit: William O’Such

View of trains from Tour Montparnasse. Photo Credit: William O’Such

View of the Jardin des Tuileries from Tour Montparnasse. Photo credit: William O’Such

View of Samaritaine from Tour Montparnasse. Photo Credit: William O’Such

View of Invalides from Tour Montparnasse. Photo credit: William O’Such

View of Cimetière Montparnasse from Tour Montparnasse. Photo credit: William O’Such

Le Metro as seen from Tour Montparnasse. Photo credit: William O’Such

Jardin du Luxembourg. Photo Credit: William O’Such

Les Palais as seen from Tour Montparnasse. Photo credit: William O’Such

Rue de Rivoli. Photo credit: William O’Such

Aerial view of buildings near Montparnasse. Photo credit: William O’Such

Lead photo credit : Eiffel Tower. Photo: William O'Such

More in Eiffel Tower views in Paris , Montparnasse , Paris Vignettes , where to take photos in Paris

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By william osuch.

William was introduced to silver halide photography by his father, Chester J. O’Such, via the family’s Ansco reflex camera and home darkroom. After college, William worked as a photographic engineer at Eastman Kodak, where he began to learn the art of photography. With his first SLR, a Canon AE-1, he photographed his inaugural voyage to Paris in 1982. This early spark turned into full passion when William became a Kodak expatriate in Paris from 1995-99. Before returning to the USA, William and his future wife Ineke bought an apartment in the Marais district. Inspired by Bresson, William continues to visit Paris at least twice a year to wander the streets, camera in hand, looking for the next vignette. His photos are available for sale by visiting www.osuchphotography.com

• Montparnasse Tower Visitor Guide + Tips

By: Author Emily

Posted on Last updated: November 27, 2023

For some of the very best views of Paris, make your way to the top of the one and only skyscraper in the city, Montparnasse Tower. In this post, we’ll explain the basics of visiting this observation deck, share the views you can expect to see and then wrap up with our overall thoughts on this experience compared to others in Paris.

Ready? Let’s head to the top of Montparnasse Tower.

What is Montparnasse Tower?

Standing at 689 feet, Montparnasse Tower is the tallest building in Paris, France. It’s the second tallest structure in Paris after the Eiffel Tower. The building is primarily used as an office building, but has some commercial storefronts and an observation deck on the 56th floor.

Montparnasse Tower stands out against the Paris skyline like a sore thumb, because it’s the only skyscraper in all of Paris. The people of Paris hated it so much that two years after it was constructed in 1973, the city of Paris banned all buildings over 121 feet. (In 2010, the policy was revised to allow buildings as high as 590 feet in some areas, but none have since been built.)

While Montparnasse Tower might not be the most beautiful building to look at in Paris, it just might be the place for the best view  of Paris.

The lone skyscraper in Paris, Montparnasse Tower, stands out on the Paris skyline. (As seen here from the Eiffel Tower.)

Where is Montparnasse Tower?

Montparnasse Tower is located in the Montparnasse neighborhood in the 14th arrondissement of Paris. The building’s address is 33 Av. du Maine, 75015 Paris, France .

You can get to Montparnasse Tower on public transportation from the Montparnasse train stop, which serves the 4, 6, 12 and 13 Metro lines. You can also walk to Montparnasse Tower from Luxembourg Gardens, which is about 15 minutes away (less than 1 mile).

Can you go to the top of Montparnasse Tower?

Yes! There is an observation deck on the 56th floor of Montparnasse Tower and an open air roof deck on the 59th floor. There is an elevator to the 56th floor, but the rooftop terrace on the 59th floor is only accessible by stairs.

What can you see from the top of Montparnasse Tower?

Everything. You can see all of Paris from the observation deck at Montparnasse Tower. Expect views of Paris’ top attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Sacré-Cœur at the top of Montmartre, Notre Dame and more. You can see the tree-lined streets and green gardens and peep the closest skyscrapers just outside the city limits in La Défense.

Montparnasse Tower offers the highest views of Paris with the Eiffel Tower in the sightline. While you might be able to get better views of Paris from the top of the Eiffel Tower , if you want the best views of the Eiffel Tower you can’t beat Montparnasse Tower.

How much does Montparnasse Tower cost?

A ticket to the top of Montparnasse Tower is pretty reasonably priced relative to other popular Paris tourist attractions. There are two main ticket options and neither costs more than 25€ (as of 2022).

A standard ticket to the top of Montparnasse Tower includes one visit to the observation deck. You can stay as long as you like and may freely move between the indoor space and the rooftop terrace. At the time this post was published, the exact ticket prices are as follows:

• Adults : 20€ (19€ if purchased online in advance)
• Youth (12-17) and students : 15€
• Children (4-11) : 8€
• Young Children (under 4) : free (ticket required)

You can also pre-purchase a drink (beer or Champagne) with a standard ticket when you buy online in advance. This ticket option will save you 1€ on beer or 3€ on Champagne compared to purchasing the items separately on site.

The Night and Day ticket gives you the chance to visit the observation deck twice, ideally once during the day and again at night. This ticket is valid for two entries within a 48-hour period. The clock starts when you use your ticket to enter the first time.

The day/night visiting times are recommended, but not at all required or enforced. Your two visits can be at any time during a 48 hour period, so you could visit twice at night or twice during the day if you preferred.

At the time this post was published, the Night and Day ticket prices are as follows:

• Adults : 25€
• Youth (12-17) and students : 19€
• Children (4-11) : 12€

How to buy Montparnasse Tower Tickets

You can buy tickets to the Montparnasse Tower observation deck online in advance or onsite at the ticket office.

If you buy your ticket online in advance, you will save 1€ for adult and youth standard tickets. It will also save you time as you can skip the queue at the ticket office and go straight in. Tickets do not typically sell out at Montparnasse Tower, but in the rare case they do, an online ticket will guarantee your entry. Mobile tickets can be scanned from your phone and do not need to be printed.

You can also purchase tickets onsite at Montparnasse Tower. The ticket office is located on the 56th floor.

When you approach the building from the northwest side, follow signs to the observation deck. You will go through security and will then be directed to the elevator to the top. After you get off the elevator, there will be an entrance for ticket holders and a queue for the ticket office.

When is the best time to visit Montparnasse Tower?

Montparnasse Tower is open everyday from 9:30 AM to 11:30 PM. The only exception is Bastille Day (July 14th) when the tower closes early (usually 6 PM) for a ticketed event.

This means that you can see Paris from Montparnasse Tower by day or night. In daylight you’ll be able to spot all of your favorite landmarks in detail and by night you can see the City of Lights earn its name, including a stunning view of the twinkling Eiffel Tower.

You can’t go wrong with either and the Night and Day ticket option allows you to visit twice and see the view at both times. However, if you’re interested in both views, we recommend going at sunset instead.

The best time to go to Montparnasse Tower is about one hour before sunset. Grab a drink from the open-air rooftop bar and watch the sun set over Paris. You will save a few bucks just buying a standard ticket, and you won’t have to make the trek out to the building twice.

We also suggest visiting Montparnasse Tower during the summer. The rooftop terrace is open all year, but can be quite windy. That makes it quite cold in cooler seasons, but helps keep it very pleasant in the summer. Even during a heat wave, with the breeze and the shade, we found the terrace to be quite comfortable in the summer.

Things to do at Montparnasse Tower

It’s easy to spend a couple hours at Montparnasse Tower.

The views are the main attraction and there are two levels see them. The indoor observation deck is on the 56th floor and is served by direct elevator access. The observation deck covers most of the floor so you can look out to Paris from all angles.

Inside there is a gift shop and a small cafe. There are some posted placards with information about the city, but for a completely interactive virtual tour you’ll want to download the free Magnicity app. There is also free wifi available.

The real highlight of Montparnasse Tower is the outdoor observation deck on the rooftop. You need to take three flights of stairs to get to the rooftop, and unfortunately there is not an elevator. The rooftop terrace is included with admission, and you don’t want to miss it.

There are seasonal activities on the Montparnasse Tower roof deck. In the winter time, they have an entire skating rink up there. In the summer, there are games, photo ops, yoga events and more.

A portion of the roof deck is shaded, which is nice in the hot summer. There’s a rooftop bar that serves beer and champagne, and there’s plenty of seating.

There’s also a fine dining restaurant at Montparnasse Tower, Le Ciel de Paris, that boasts the title of highest panoramic restaurant in Paris. Reservations are recommend and you can book online here .

Photos at Montparnasse Tower

The rooftop terrace at Montparnasse Tower is open air but enclosed by a metal rail fence and glass panes. The panes are separated in a way that allows you to take photos between the panes. It’s nice to not have glare or fencing in all of your photos of the view.

We’ve been to many skyscraper observation decks, and most of them take some sort of green screen photo that is usually really bad and ridiculously expensive. At Montparnasse Tower, they do things a bit differently and offer photos through a tool called Smiler.

There are dedicated photographers available for quick, no-obligation photoshoots. They snap a handful of photos and take your phone number. They’ll send you a text later that day with a link and you can view your photos. You can buy digital downloads or hard prints if you wish. It’s free to take the photos and there is no obligation to buy.

I really liked my photos but wasn’t sure if I wanted to purchase them all or just one. I ended up putting it off a few days and eventually they sent me a 30% off coupon code. It’s worth giving that a shot if you’re on the fence.

Is Montparnasse Tower worth it?

Yes! Montparnasse Tower was such a great, relaxing way to see Paris from above. The views are incredible, the crowds are light and the price is reasonable. I’d recommend spending an entire evening at Montparnasse watching the sun set and sipping champagne on the rooftop to just about anyone.

Very light crowds at Montparnasse Tower observation deck

Is Montparnasse Tower better than the Eiffel Tower?

This is tough. I came into it expecting to recommend Montparnasse Tower over the Eiffel Tower. That’s how much I loved the Montparnasse Tower rooftop terrace. But then I went to the top of the Eiffel Tower, and there is just something about being at the top of that iconic tower that just hit a special chord.

I’ll say this. If you’re only going to do one observation deck and you have any urge to go to the Eiffel Tower, you should go to the Eiffel Tower. It’s a pain, but if you plan your Eiffel Tower visit well it can be very pleasant. I don’t think you’ll regret it.

But if you don’t have strong feelings about the Eiffel Tower and want the best view the easiest possible way, we’d recommend Montparnasse Tower instead. We went to Paris multiple times before we actually made it to the Eiffel Tower, but I would have visited Montparnasse Tower during those visits if I realized how pleasant it was.

I think the Eiffel Tower is a once-in-a-lifetime thing, while Montparnasse Tower could easily be an every-trip-to-Paris thing.

Tips for Visiting Montparnasse Tower

• Go before Sunset. We suggest arriving about 1 hour before sunset for the best views of Paris by day and night. You will save some money on the Night & Day ticket, but mostly you’ll save the transit time if you only have to go out to the tower once.
• Stay for a drink. If you’re looking for drinks with a view, it doesn’t get much better than the Montparnasse roof deck. Grab a beer or glass of Champagne and enjoy it on a lounge chair looking out over the Eiffel Tower. It’s the perfect night out in Paris.
• Download the interactive app . The interactive Magnicity app is a fun way for you to learn more about the buildings and monuments you see from the top of the tower. You can actually download and use the app anytime, so you can take the view home with you.
• Snap a few photos with Smiler. If the photographers are out, take them up on their offer to take a few group photos. It just takes a few moments and there is literally no pressure from anyone to buy them. I just did it for research, but loved my photos so much I purchased them all.
• Take the Metro . There are a few things to do in the Montparnasse neighborhood, but most people won’t be staying in that area. It’s easy to get to the tower via public transit from most anywhere in the city as several Metro lines stop nearby.

Other Great Views of Paris

Paris is not short on places to go for great views. If you’re looking for more beautiful views of the city, these are three of our other favorite spots.

Eiffel Tower

The top of the Eiffel Tower is the highest observation deck in Paris. The views are the best in the city, but unfortunately there’s no view of the Eiffel Tower when you’re on it. While romantic and beautiful, it is known to be quite crowded, summit tickets can sell out and it’s also expensive. So be sure to plan accordingly. (Psst! We have a great Eiffel Tower planning guide if you’re heading that way.)

Arc de Triomphe

If you’re looking for a great view of the Eiffel Tower at a reasonable price, walk on down Champs-Élysées to Arc de Triomphe. It’s lower than other viewpoints, but it’s central location provides an epic view of central Paris, including the Eiffel Tower.

A visit to Paris just isn’t complete without making a journey to Montmarte. Go to see the beautiful Sacré-Cœur, but stay for the sweeping views of Paris from the steps (bonus points if you enjoy the view while eating crepes). The only downside is that the Eiffel Tower is not in the sightline.

That bi building in the distance on the right is Montparnasse Tower

Closing Thoughts

We visited Montparnasse Tower with our toddler and had the best time. It was easy to get to, not crowded and offered some of the best open air (and air conditioned) views of Paris.

We visited during a record heat wave and really wanted something fun indoors. It was a convenient perk that the roof deck was also reasonably cool, especially in the shade. We got to spent time in both areas and it was a fantastic family evening.

That said, I was expected to easily recommend Montparnasse Tower as the definitive alternative to the Eiffel Tower, but after seeing both I’m less confident in that assessment. I loved them both, but they’re very different experiences. Honestly, both are worth a visit if you can swing it.

Have you been to the top of Montparnasse Tower? What was your experience like? Would you recommend it? Let us know in the comments.

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Tuesday 6th of June 2023

Very well written article! Thank you for the crystal clear info 😊 I am going to visit here month end.

The best view of Paris

Explore paris from new heights.

Observation Deck

The Montparnasse Tower observatory, located on the 56th floor, offers a panoramic view of Paris.

Paris Time Travel

Discover Paris through time in virtual reality. An experience that celebrates the rich history and timeless beauty of Paris.

Discover the most impressive rooftop in Paris. See and feel the city like never before.

Private Events

Organize an exceptional event in the Montparnasse Tower observatory. It's the perfect place to celebrate any occasion.​

Save time and money by booking your visit online! Admire Paris with a drink or discover the city day and night.

Visit ticket + champagne

Enjoy a drink at the top.

• 360° view of Paris
• Rooftop access
• Paris Time Travel VR experience
• 1 glass of champagne

Standard Ticket

See paris' best view.

Day & Night Ticket

Visit 2 times.

• Paris Time Travel VR Experience
• Ticket valid for 1 person, for 2 visits in 48h

360° Rooftop view

Looking for an incredible panoramic view of the Eiffel Tower and all the other iconic Parisian monuments? The rooftop terrace of Paris Montparnasse Observatory offers a unique and breathtaking view like no other.

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Montparnasse Tower 33 Avenue du Maine 75015 Paris

Discover exciting opportunities for you to grow your career at Paris Montparnasse.

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HOURS AND VISIT

Open every day, from 9:30 am

• From 01/10 to 31/03: at 10:30 pm on weekdays, at 11 pm on weekends & public holidays.
• From 01/04 to 30/09: at 11:30 pm.

Last lift 30 minutes before closing.  

Interested in working at the top of Paris? 

• Preplanned tours
• Daytrips out of Moscow
• Themed tours
• Customized tours
• St. Petersburg

Moscow Metro

The Moscow Metro Tour is included in most guided tours’ itineraries. Opened in 1935, under Stalin’s regime, the metro was not only meant to solve transport problems, but also was hailed as “a people’s palace”. Every station you will see during your Moscow metro tour looks like a palace room. There are bright paintings, mosaics, stained glass, bronze statues… Our Moscow metro tour includes the most impressive stations best architects and designers worked at - Ploshchad Revolutsii, Mayakovskaya, Komsomolskaya, Kievskaya, Novoslobodskaya and some others.

What is the kremlin in russia?

The guide will not only help you navigate the metro, but will also provide you with fascinating background tales for the images you see and a history of each station.

And there some stories to be told during the Moscow metro tour! The deepest station - Park Pobedy - is 84 metres under the ground with the world longest escalator of 140 meters. Parts of the so-called Metro-2, a secret strategic system of underground tunnels, was used for its construction.

During the Second World War the metro itself became a strategic asset: it was turned into the city's biggest bomb-shelter and one of the stations even became a library. 217 children were born here in 1941-1942! The metro is the most effective means of transport in the capital.

There are almost 200 stations 196 at the moment and trains run every 90 seconds! The guide of your Moscow metro tour can explain to you how to buy tickets and find your way if you plan to get around by yourself.