The top floor of the Soviet-era Azimut Hotel, one of the city's biggest eyesores, is also home to the Sky Bar, quite simply the best place to get a bird's-eye view of the city. Taking up much of the 18th floor, the bar has plenty of space to sit back and enjoy the incredible view of the historic centre through its vast floor-to-ceiling windows. In addition to cocktails and coffee, there's also a full food menu.
Even the nearest metro is some distance away, however, so it's best to wander here along the Fontanka from the centre.