The first thing I like to do when visiting a new place is go to a viewpoint to get oriented with where things are. Here are Riga’s best viewpoints!

Not many people visit Riga so you don’t need to pre-book a ticket to any of these viewpoints. Just rock up and pay in cash (euro).

Best viewpoints in Riga

View from St Peter’s Church

An ugly building from the front it’s impressive on the inside and has a spectacular view at the top (plus you can take a lift to the top!). I visited in the morning. Not sure about the sun positioning at other times of the year but during September is was perfect timing for this photo I wanted:

• Opening Times: Varies throughout the year
  • 1 May to 31 August = Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 – 19:00, Sunday 12:00 – 19:00
  • 1 Sept – 30 Apr = Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 – 18:00, Sunday: 12:00 – 18:00
• Price: 9 euro (includes taking the lift to the top)

Address: Reformācijas Laukums 1, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia

Latvian Academy of Sciences Building

Another great view was from the top of the Latvian Academy of Sciences Building. 360 degree and a clear unobstructed view in all directions.

I visited around 6pm in September which was a bit too early for sunset.

For being one of the best viewpoints in town is was deserted. We were the only ones up there and no one else arrived while we were up their either. One of the perks of visiting the Baltics – hardly anyone is there!

The viewpoint is open until 10pm however I’m not sure I’d visited late at night in some parts of Riga (particularly side alleys) felt a bit dodgy.

There is a lift that will take you up most of the way, you’ll need to climb a few flights of stairs after that to reach the top.

• Opening Times: Only open April to November
  • 10am – 10pm, every day of the week
• Price: 6 euro (includes taking the lift most of the way to the top)

Address: Zinātņu akadēmijas augstceltne, Akadēmijas iela 1, Latgales priekšpilsēta, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia – rather than typing all of that into Google Maps, just type in Latvian Academy of Sciences

National Library of Latvia

I was going to go here but didn’t end up getting there. I figured the view would be much the same as what you see from that side of the river and along the 2 bridges – it’d just be from a higher angle.

I’ve read that there’s no actual admission fee but you will need to pay to check in coats and tell the staff you’d like to go to the viewing level. Details are on the National Library’s website.

The triangle-ish shaped building is the National Library

SkyLine Bar

While researching viewpoints before going to Riga I read there’s a Bar called the Skyline Bar that has a good view. But since I don’t drink, have no interest in going to a bar and was happy with the view from the other places on this list, I skipped it.

Address: Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & SPA Hotel

Heading to Riga? Read my guide including where to stay, eat and what to do.

More Baltic Countries:

• Guide to visiting Tallin, Estonia
• Day trip to Lahemaa National Park from Tallin, Estonia

Planning your next trip? Use my travel planning spreadsheets!

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