St. Peter's Church - During a long weekend in Rome we visited the Vatican
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St. Peter's Church

4.6
·8k reviews·Rīga, Latvia

Ascend Riga's iconic 123m medieval steeple for breathtaking panoramic city views. A must-visit landmark in the heart of the Old Town.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, better tower access

CrowdLow
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St. Peter's Church - During a long weekend in Rome we visited the Vatican

St. Peter's Church

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, better tower access

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Ascend Riga's iconic 123m medieval steeple for breathtaking panoramic city views. A must-visit landmark in the heart of the Old Town.

4.6
(8k reviews)

"The panoramic view of the city from the top was amazing but the entrance fees and procedures need a serious review."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Tower View is the Star

Many find the church interior less remarkable than the tower's panoramic city views. Prioritize the tower for the best experience.

🎟️ Ticket Options

Entry to the church is free, but the tower requires a ticket. Consider combined tickets if you plan to see both.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic City Views

Panoramic City Views

Tower

Ascend the 123m steeple for breathtaking, unobstructed views of Riga's Old Town and beyond.

Imposing Medieval Architecture

Imposing Medieval Architecture

Church Interior

Marvel at the grandeur of this 15th-century church, a significant landmark in Riga's historic heart.

Elevator Ride to the Top

Elevator Ride to the Top

Tower Entrance

An exhilarating, albeit sometimes shaky, elevator journey to the observation deck.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds for Tower Views

To experience the panoramic city views from St. Peter's Church tower without long waits, aim for early mornings or late afternoons. The elevator can get crowded, so arriving outside peak hours is key. Consider visiting on a weekday if possible.

Tower Ticket Strategy

While the church interior is free to admire, the tower climb requires a separate ticket. Be aware of the combined ticket options and potential queues for the single elevator. Some visitors suggest the view is the main draw, so weigh the cost against your priorities.

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better tower access
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoon
Why
Golden hour views, thinning crowds
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Tips for St. Peter’s Basilica

🎯 Tower View is the Star

Many find the church interior less remarkable than the tower's panoramic city views. Prioritize the tower for the best experience. Reddit

🎟️ Ticket Options

Entry to the church is free, but the tower requires a ticket. Consider combined tickets if you plan to see both. Reddit

reddit.com

St Peter’s basilica and dome, which to do first?

reddit.com

St Peter’s- How early to go?

⬆️ Elevator Queues

Be prepared for potential queues for the single elevator to the tower, especially during peak times. Reddit

💨 Windy at the Top

The outdoor observation deck can be windy, so dress accordingly. Reddit

reddit.com

How does the 7€ booking for St Peter's Basilica work?

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Tower View is the Star

Many find the church interior less remarkable than the tower's panoramic city views. Prioritize the tower for the best experience. Reddit

🎟️ Ticket Options

Entry to the church is free, but the tower requires a ticket. Consider combined tickets if you plan to see both. Reddit

⬆️ Elevator Queues

Be prepared for potential queues for the single elevator to the tower, especially during peak times. Reddit

💨 Windy at the Top

The outdoor observation deck can be windy, so dress accordingly. Reddit

🤝 Ukrainian Discount

A lovely gesture: Ukrainian visitors may receive a 50% discount with proof of ID. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(8k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking panoramic views from St. Peter's Church tower, calling it a must-do for its stunning vistas of Riga. While the church interior is appreciated for its historical significance, the tower experience is the undeniable highlight. Some find the ticket prices and elevator procedures could be improved, but the overall consensus is that the views are well worth the visit.

"Really beautiful church, well worth stopping by even if not religious.

The building is stunning & the architecture is immense.

You can pay extra to go up in the tower, which is an incredible experience. You get panoramic views of the whole city, including the river. It's a bit scary at first as the lift opens directly out onto the tower, but definitely power through!"

Tyler Lovatt

"Beautiful church right in the heart of Riga’s Old Town. St. Peter’s Church is an impressively restored building, with restoration work still ongoing.

A highlight is the elevator ride up the tower – the elevator may feel a little shaky, but it takes you safely to the top.
From there you get a fantastic view over Riga and the Old Town. Definitely a worthwhile stop on a city walk."

Yo Lo

"The only thing I liked was the panoramic view of the city from the top. Entrance fee is high. You pay 8 euro to see the church only. And 13 to see the tower. There is a girl who works inside the lift (in this heat). Her job is to collect the tickets. She can’t leave the lift while it gets stuffed with people all the time in that hot weather. I suggest finding another way in collecting tickets and not inside the lift! So overall the view from the top was amazing but the entrance fees and procedures need a serious review"

Zina ALHARTHI

What People Like

Incredible city views
Iconic steeple
Historical architecture

What People Dislike

High entrance fees
Elevator queues
Windy observation deck

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

St. Peter's Church is centrally located in Riga's Old Town, making it easily accessible on foot from most hotels. If arriving by public transport, numerous bus and tram lines stop nearby. Taxis are also readily available. Reddit

Yes, St. Peter's Church is situated in the heart of Riga's Old Town, putting it within walking distance of many other historical sites, charming streets, and the Daugava River. Reddit

The primary way to reach the tower observation deck is via a dedicated elevator. Be aware that there is only one elevator in operation, which can lead to queues. Reddit

No, the only access to the tower observation deck is by elevator. The elevator is designed to be a quick and safe way to ascend to the top. Reddit

Parking in Riga's Old Town can be challenging and expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transport or walk if staying nearby. There are paid parking lots a short distance from the church. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the main church interior is free. However, there is a separate fee to ascend the tower for panoramic views. Reddit

The entrance fee for the church is around 8 euros, and the fee to access the tower is approximately 13 euros. Combined tickets may offer a slight discount. Reddit

While not explicitly mentioned in all reviews, purchasing tickets on-site is the standard method. It's advisable to check their official website for any online booking options to save time. Reddit

Yes, Ukrainian visitors can receive a 50% discount on admission by showing proof of identification. Reddit

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official St. Peter's Church website for the most up-to-date information on operating hours for both the church and the tower. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Inside, you'll find impressive medieval architecture. While some visitors find it less remarkable than the tower views, it's still a significant historical structure worth a brief look. Reddit

Some visitors describe the elevator ride as a bit shaky or scary, especially as it opens directly onto the tower. However, it's generally considered safe and efficient. Reddit

The view from the tower is consistently praised as fantastic, offering panoramic vistas of Riga's Old Town, the river, and the surrounding city. It's considered a highlight by many visitors. Reddit

If you're just visiting the church interior, a short visit of 30 minutes might suffice. However, to enjoy the tower views and account for potential queues, plan for at least 1-2 hours. Reddit

The main church area is generally accessible. However, reaching the tower observation deck is solely via elevator, and the platform itself is outdoors, which might pose challenges for some. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The most iconic photos will be taken from the tower, offering sweeping cityscapes. The church's exterior, especially its tall steeple, also makes for striking photographs from street level. Reddit

Yes, photography is permitted from the tower observation deck. The panoramic views provide excellent opportunities for capturing memorable shots of Riga. Reddit

Generally, photography is allowed inside the church, but it's always good practice to be respectful and avoid flash photography, especially during services. Reddit

Late afternoon, during the 'golden hour,' often provides beautiful lighting for city views. Early mornings can also be good for fewer crowds and softer light. Reddit

Absolutely. The steeple is a dominant feature. You can get great shots from various angles in the Old Town, especially from the surrounding squares. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

St. Peter's Church offers a unique experience for families, primarily through the exciting elevator ride and the incredible views from the tower. The elevator ascent can be a thrilling adventure for children, and the panoramic vistas provide a fantastic opportunity to spot landmarks from above. While the church interior is historically significant, the tower experience is likely to be the main highlight for younger visitors. Be mindful that the outdoor observation deck can be windy, so ensure children are dressed warmly. Consider visiting during off-peak hours to minimize wait times for the elevator. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, St. Peter's Church offers a way to experience a significant landmark without a high cost. Entry to the church itself is free, allowing you to appreciate its medieval architecture. If your budget is tight, you might choose to forgo the tower ticket, as some visitors feel the interior is less compelling than the views. However, if the panoramic city views are a must-see, the tower ticket price (around 13 euros) is often considered worthwhile for the experience and photo opportunities. Look out for potential discounts, such as the one for Ukrainian visitors. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

St. Peter's Church is a photographer's dream, especially from its tower. The 123-meter-high observation deck provides unparalleled opportunities for capturing sweeping panoramic shots of Riga's Old Town, the Daugava River, and the surrounding urban landscape. The 'golden hour' during late afternoon or early morning offers the most dramatic lighting. Don't forget to capture the striking exterior of the church, particularly its iconic steeple, from various angles in the Old Town. Be prepared for wind on the observation deck, which can affect stability for long exposures. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Iconic Steeple and Tower Views

St. Peter's Church is instantly recognizable by its towering, 123-meter-high steeple, a prominent feature of the Riga skyline. This imposing structure dates back to the 15th century and has been rebuilt and restored multiple times throughout history. The real draw for many visitors, however, is the opportunity to ascend this steeple via a dedicated elevator. The ride itself is an experience, described by some as a bit shaky but ultimately safe and efficient. Upon reaching the observation deck, you're rewarded with truly spectacular panoramic views of Riga's Old Town, the Daugava River, and the wider cityscape. It's an unparalleled vantage point for appreciating the city's layout and historical architecture. Reddit

Many reviewers emphasize that the tower experience is the primary reason to visit, with some suggesting the church interior itself is less remarkable. The outdoor platform at the top can be windy, so visitors are advised to dress accordingly. Despite potential queues for the single elevator, especially during peak season, the breathtaking vistas make the wait worthwhile for most. The views are particularly stunning during the 'golden hour' of late afternoon or early morning, offering beautiful light for photography. Reddit

Navigating Tickets and Entry

Understanding the ticketing system at St. Peter's Church is crucial for a smooth visit. While entry to the main church area is free, allowing visitors to admire its medieval architecture, a separate ticket is required to access the tower. The cost for the church is typically around 8 euros, with the tower access costing an additional 13 euros. Combined tickets are often available and can offer a slight saving if you intend to experience both. Reddit

It's important to be prepared for potential queues, particularly for the elevator to the tower. As there is only one elevator in operation, it can become a bottleneck, especially during busy periods. Some visitors have noted that the ticket collection process inside the elevator could be improved to streamline the flow. A positive note is the 50% discount offered to Ukrainian visitors upon presentation of identification, a gesture appreciated by many. Reddit

While online booking options might exist, purchasing tickets on-site appears to be the most common method. It's always recommended to check the official St. Peter's Church website for the most current pricing, operating hours, and any potential online booking facilities to ensure a hassle-free experience. Reddit

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