Latvian Academy of Sciences Observation Deck (Panorama Riga)

The basics

To reach the Latvian Academy of Sciences Observation Deck on the 17th floor, you’ll need to take the elevator to the 15th floor and climb two flights. On the walls of the observation deck, you’ll see information boards explaining the different landmarks in view. About 15 minutes at the observation deck should be plenty of time, after which you can continue to the Riga Ghetto and Latvian Holocaust Museum and also the Spikeri Creative District.

Things to know before you go

• It can be chilly and windy on the 17th-floor observation deck, so wear a coat when visiting any time but in summer.

• As the elevator does not operate to the observation deck, this is not a wheelchair-accessible viewpoint.

• You can only pay the entrance fee with cash at the venue.

• There is a restroom on the 17th floor.

How to get there

The Latvian Academy of Sciences building is a short walk from the Riga Central Market and the Riga Ghetto and also the Latvian Holocaust Museum. While you can walk over from the Old Town in roughly 20 minutes, it’s easier to take the No. 3, 4, or 15 bus to the Centrāltirgus bus stop just around the corner.

When to get there

Visiting hours for the Latvian Academy of Sciences Observation Deck are daily from morning until the evening. Thanks to its orientation, you can enjoy city views at any hour without the sun being an issue. Don’t overlook the opportunity to visit at night, as Riga looks pretty when illuminated.

Other Soviet attractions in Riga

While the medieval landmarks in the Riga Old Town draw a lot of attention, the city has its fair share of attractions from its period under communism other than the Latvian Academy of Sciences. Travelers can visit the Corner House, which served as the headquarters of the Soviet KGB, and the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, which repurposed a Soviet building to tell the story of Latvia’s search for independence.