This article will show you the 8 best observation platforms that you need to visit to get the best view of Lviv during your trip.
Observation platform at the Town Hall. This is the central observation deck in Lviv. It is located at the top of the tower of the administration building where the city council is based. The building was built in 1835 and is a UNESCO heritage site. In 1836, a Vienna clock was installed on the tower, weighing 2.5 tons. At the top of the tower there are bells that announce the time. The tower has a height of 65 meters and to reach the observation deck you need to climb 4 floors of the administrative building and then 364 wooden steps. The whole process takes 15 minutes and you will not regret it. At the top of the tower you will have an incredible view of Lviv and its old city, where you can see the roofs of buildings and churches.
Ratusha is mentioned in my list of the best things to do in Lviv.
Address: Sq. Rynok, 1
Schedule : daily from 10:00 to 20:00 (summer schedule) and from 10:00 to 18:00 (winter schedule).
Price: for adults – 40 UAH per person, for children (up to 14 years) – 20 UAH.
This is the highest observation deck in Lviv. The park was named after the remains of the fortress on its land. The park was founded in 1835 and has two terraces. On the upper terrace an observation deck was made, 413 meters above sea level. Spiral stairs lead to the highest viewing platform of Lviv, which will take from 15 to 30 minutes. I recommend stocking up on water and wearing comfortable shoes. At the top of the mountain you will find benches where you can savor and enjoy the magnificent views of Lviv.
Address: Zamkova str.
Schedule: 24 hours
Price: Free
Observation platform of St. Olga and Elizabeth Church. It is the only observation deck located on the tower of the church. The construction of the Greek Catholic Church of St. Olga and Elizabeth was completed in 1912. Construction took 4 years and 4 more for the decorations. The church was built in honor of Empress Elizabeth of Bavaria (Habsburg), known as Sisi by her husband Franz Joseph I. The church building is the tallest building in Lviv (90 m) and is located near the train station. You can get to the observation deck by going through the main entrance and on the left side of the church through the small door, paying UAH 20. A spiral metal staircase leads to the observation deck. The view from this observation deck is well worth the effort. You will have a panoramic view of the city and the church.
In my opinion, this location has the best view of Lviv, and it’s further away from all the crowds.
Read more: The Best Souvenirs From Lviv
Address: Sq. Kropyvnytskyi, 1
Schedule : Monday – Saturday from 12:00 to 17:00, Sunday from 13:30 to 17:00.
Price: 20 UAH
Not far from the center of the city there is a beautiful historical hotel “Swiss”. In 2006 the Swiss hotel underwent a full restoration and opened its doors again for the guests of the city. Along with the new look, the hotel gained a new rooftop terrace. This terrace is a part of Valentino restaurant that is located in the hotel, so you don’t need to be a guest of the hotel to be able to visit this terrace.
As you already guessed the rooftop terrace at Valentino restaurant has an amazing view of Lviv. The best time to visit this spot is during the golden hours; the photos come out truly magical.
Address: Ostapa Nyzhankivs’koho St, 20, Lviv, Lviv Oblast, 79005
Schedule : Monday-Sunday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Price: an order at the restaurant
Lviv is a place that has a large cafe society. You can find restaurants and cafes on every corner of the city. People here head to cafes at all times of the day to enjoy delicious coffee, beer, or food. But it isn’t just the food that attracts people to spend their time, but the view as well. There are a few restaurants that have an amazing view from their rooftops. And although Lviv is a very popular city with tourists there is not a lot of information on subjects like this. You can sometimes visit a place and never know that it has an amazing rooftop.
One of these places is 36Po. This place is located in the very heart of Lviv, Rynok square, and it has a beautiful interior. Inside the restaurant there is a two story fish tank full of beautiful fish and sharks. Of course, when you visit a place like that you probably will want to sit as close as possible to the aquarium, since it is relaxing and very romantic sitting by the water. That is actually what I usually did in this place, until I learned that 36Po has a great rooftop with an amazing view on the main square.
The rooftop is quite big and it has two floors itself. To get there you can do so by taking the elevator on the first floor of the restaurant. This is the perfect place to relax with a glass of beer or a cup of coffee, especially during golden hour and sunset, and enjoy the view of the old city of Lviv.
Address: Rynok Square, 36, Lviv, Lviv Oblast, 79008.
Schedule : every day from 10 AM to 10 PM.
Price: an order at the restaurant
Another hidden gem with a great view is the restaurant Pretty High Kitchen. This is an interesting place that is located on the attic of one of the central buildings in Lviv. The restaurant’s interior is quite amazing and it’s worth visiting just to see how great it looks. The food is pretty amazing as well by the way, the restaurant doesn’t have a menu (the chef will just come to you to ask your preferences and then prepare something great).
But this is not the only interesting thing about this place. This restaurant has a great small terrace with a nice view of the city. You can have your meal in one of the “bubbles” or walk out there and take some nice pictures and enjoy the view. There are a few tables on the terrace that you can sit at and have lunch or a dinner, but I do recommend making a booking, since that is a very desirable location and most likely those tables will be reserved.
Address: пл. Ринок, 14 (стрих, Lviv, Lviv Oblast, 79000
Schedule : Monday-Friday from 4 PM to 12:00 AM, Saturday to Sunday from 1 PM to 12 AM.
Price: an order at the restaurant
Recently, in the center of the city, a small mall opened with a few stores and a top roof. Everyone is welcome to visit the terrace of the mall. To get there you just need to walk inside the mall, take the elevator to the 5th floor, and walk up the stairs on the roof. The terrace offers a great view of the Lviv Ratusha (bell tower) and one of the oldest churches in the city.
The terrace is not that big and I don’t think it will be comfortable there for more than 10 people, but I do think you need to visit it if you are looking for an interesting angle for pictures.
Address: Shevska Street, 12, Lviv, Lviv Oblast, 79007
Schedule : every day from 10 AM to 10 PM;
Price: Free.
Probably one of my favorite places in Lviv is the Lviv Chocolate Factory which is located in the center of the city in an old Austrian house. The place itself looks like you entered Christmas or a candy store from a Harry Potter movie. The chocolate is everywhere in that building.
Read more: Lviv Treats
There are a few stories with a shop which you can find anything you ever wanted and then there are two upper floors with cafes. Over the cafe area there is a top roof where you can also be served hot melted chocolate, cakes, sweet drinks, or just enjoy the majestic view of the city.
The whole place looks very rustic and old and the view of the old roofs and old churches makes it look even older and more romantic.
Lviv has a special atmosphere that makes time go slower and helps people to relax and enjoy every small detail of this city.
Address: Serbska St, 3, Lviv, Lviv Oblast, 79000
Schedule : every day from 10 AM to 9 PM;
Price: an order at the restaurant
Lviv is famous for its culinary scene. Many famous Ukrainian chefs work in this city…
March 15, 2024Lviv is known as the cultural capital of Ukraine, but it is so much more…
February 20, 2024