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If you are in Latvia there are a number of destinations that you’d be hitting. Trip to Riga! Short or long, it is truly an incredible destination for a fun filled holiday.
Amble along with me as my Riga blog will help you find some of the top things to do in Riga.
An itinerary of 5 days is good to see the most popular tourist attractions in Riga. But if you can spare couple of days more that’s even better, you can take the sights more slowly. Here are the best things to see in Riga along with a list of the most interesting things to do in Riga:
1. House of the Black Heads
One of most elegant building in the central old town of Riga is the House of the Black Heads.
This meticulously built brick building flaunted the wealth and power of the merchants. It was built by and for the association of these wealthy merchants.
Quick Facts:
- The guild house was built somewhere around 14th century.
- The guild house houses the President.
- The guild house was opened on 1999.
- It doesn’t take an expert to see that it is built in a Baroque style.
- The place is accessible by guided tours only.
Address: Rātslaukums 7, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia
2. St. Peter’s Church
Don’t forget to pay a visit to St. Peter’s Church, which is regarded to be one of Riga’s most beautiful churches.
The cemetry is where the famous and powerful people of the Riga are buried. It is well worth to pay a small donation, as it goes towards supporting the ongoing upkeep of this piece of history.
Quick Facts:
- With a total height touching 123 m, the construction of the church was started in 1209.
- Some of the things St. Peter’s Church features include a high steeple.
- The church was built somewhere around 15th century.
A natural crowd puller, St. Peter’s Church is right up there in the list of best things to do in Riga.
Address: Reformācijas Laukums 1, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia
3. The Freedom Monument
Erected as a monument, The Freedom Monument is a beautifully sculpted statue in Riga.
Quick Facts:
- This 42 m tall structure was designed by Kārlis Zāle, Ernests Štālbergs.
- Easy to get to The Freedom Monument is located in Riga.
- The statue monument was opened on 18 November 1935.
- The statue monument is dedicated to Latvian War of Independence from 1918-1920.
Address: Central District, Riga, LV-1050, Latvia
4. Riga Central Market
Riga Central Market is a local marketplace with a variety of items on offer.
Be careful in the crowds, there is a risk of pickpockets here. This is just the right place to indulge in the art of photography.
Quick Facts:
- The market houses numerous 20th century buildings.
- The market was opened on 1930.
- The market follows the Art Deco style, easily evident to a person with keen eye.
An incredible sight, Riga Central Market scores high in the list of the best things to do in Riga.
Address: Nēģu iela 7, Latgales priekšpilsēta, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia
5. Riga Cathedral
Riga Cathedral is a beautiful Cathedral situated in Riga.
The insides are done with such painstaking detail that it is difficult to take it all in. One doesn’t need to be an art expert to appreciate the elaborate detail and artwork on the front façade.
Quick Facts:
- A fine example of Brick and Baroque style, the cathedral is a center of Lutheran faith.
- The cathedral was built somewhere around 13th century.
Address: Herdera laukums 6, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia
6. Riga Castle
Riga Castle is an age-old fortified structure sitting on a hilltop.
There are trails running around the castle which takes you through the woods and to a series of vantage points. Encapsulated within its walls are the unforgetable parts of Riga’s history.
Quick Facts:
- The castle is located on the banks of River Daugava.
- The castle was built somewhere around 1330.
With so much to offer, no wonder Riga Castle is one of the top things to do in Riga.
Address: Pils laukums 3, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia
7. The Ethnographic Open-Air Museum of Latvia
The Ethnographic Open-Air Museum of Latvia is a heritage village located on the outskirts of Riga.
If you wish to understand more about Latvia’s culture, this is a site that should not be missed.
There is also a café where you can have a meal that is representative of Latvia. The museum features old houses, but you will also see other building such as school, inn, watermills and farmyards.
Quick Facts:
- City bus No.1 is the nearest public transit access to it.
Address: Brīvdabas iela 21, Rīga, LV-1024, Latvia
8. Cat House
Cat House is a rustic old house with a long history.
Check out the stunningly decorated sitting room.
You can also take a tour of this beautiful house. The garden looks pretty and is generally well maintained.
Quick Facts:
- The old house was built somewhere around 1909.
- Built in Art Nouveau Architecture style, it is eye pleasingly pretty site to look at.
Without a doubt this wonderful old house is one amongst the top things to do in Riga.
Address: Meistaru iela 10/12, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia
9. Latvian National Museum of Art
Latvian National Museum of Art is a museum with works that range from medieval art pieces to the present century art.
The Latvian National Museum of Art includes several centuries of artwork from paintings to decorative objects.
In-fact, national art museum gives you an interesting insight into the nation’s culture heritage. Besides, the museum is located in a grand heritage building which is an attraction by itself.
Quick Facts:
- Some of the things Latvian National Museum of Art features include Baroque facade.
- Grab the audio guide on your way, it’s quite helpful.
Address: Jaņa Rozentāla laukums 1, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1010, Latvia
10. Albert Street
A lively street located in Riga, popular equally amongst locals and tourists.
The famous street is one of the first sites you’ll see when you arrive in Riga. There are numerous businesses thriving on the street – antique shops, galleries, bookshops, patisseries and more.
Quick Facts:
- The highlight of the place includes Art Nouveau buildings that line this wonderful street.
- The street traces its origin back to 1901.
- The street stretches for a length of around 255 m.
- The street is named after Bishop Albert.
11. Latvian National Opera
Latvian National Opera is an opera house, a theater of performing art with long history.
But in order to acquire a seat, you need to plan in little advance. The auditorium is a visual delight too, decorated with paintings, stuccowork and sculptures.
Quick Facts:
- The opera theater was built somewhere around 19th-century.
Add it to your Riga trip if you have time.
12. Riga Nativity of Christ Cathedral
Riga Nativity of Christ Cathedral is a charming old Cathedral located in the city of Riga, Latvia.
The Basilica’s front façade looks stunning, adorned with sculptures of the twelve Apostles and Jesus. Classical music concerts and organ recitals are held on a regular basis within the Basilica.
Quick Facts:
- Brought to life by the architect Robert Pflug, cathedral is a classic example of fine Byzantine Revival architecture.
- Some of the things Riga Nativity of Christ Cathedral features include the golden domes.
- The cathedral was built somewhere around 19th century.
- The cathedral was opened on 1876.
- The cathedral belongs to the Orthodox faith, but is visited by others too.
Address: Brīvības bulvāris 23, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia
13. Powder Tower
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Riga trip.
Address: Smilšu iela 20, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia
14. Art Nouveau architecture in Riga
A great chance to indulge yourself in the thrill of driving off-road.
By the end of it your ATV might be covered in dust and mud and so might you, but don’t worry that’s the part of the deal! The rough terrain makes the ATV drive even more fun.
Quick Facts:
- Easy to get to Art Nouveau architecture in Riga is located in central Riga.
Address: Alberta iela 13, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1010, Latvia
15. Riga Zoo
A nice city zoo sheltering a myriad of animals.
Visiting Riga Zoo is a fun and educational day out for the whole family. If you’re someone who believes that animal attractions should be ethical, the Riga Zoo will fulfill your expectations.
Quick Facts:
- Spread over an area of 16-hectare, the zoo is located in Mežaparks.
- Some of the things Riga Zoo features include variety of wildlife.
- The zoo houses 500 species and nearly 4000 animals.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Riga trip.
Address: Meža prospekts 1, Ziemeļu rajons, Rīga, LV-1014, Latvia
16. Swedish Gate
Quick Facts:
- The old gate was built somewhere around 17th-century.
Address: Atgriežu iela, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia
17. Riga Motor Museum
Riga Motor Museum is a car museum with an interesting collection of heritage vehicles.
Goes without saying, it is a must visit museum for car enthusiasts.
Quick Facts:
- The highlight of the place includes display of rolls royce.
- It was in 1989 when it was established.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Riga trip.
Address: Sergeja Eizenšteina iela 8, Vidzemes priekšpilsēta, Rīga, LV-1079, Latvia
18. Vērmane Garden
Vērmane Garden is a large landscaped park, an oasis of greenery, located in Riga.
Take a walk through this lovely park and simply enjoy the outdoors.
Spring is the season when hundreds of flowers are on full blossom. After a whirlwind tour of the city’s big attractions, the park is almost a necessary stop to take a breather.
Quick Facts:
- Spread over an area of 5 hectares, it is difficult to take-in all in one go.
- Some of the things Vērmane Garden features include the freedom monument.
- The park is located on bastion hill.
- The park was built somewhere around 19th century.
Address: Tērbatas iela 2D, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia
19. Latvian War Museum
For anyone interested in military history of the region, Latvian War Museum is a good place to start.
I find medals & documents to be quite an interesting thing to observe. There are exhibits in the large outdoor area as well. Some of these include armoured vehicles and anti aircraft guns.
Quick Facts:
- It was in 15 October 1916 when it was established.
Add it to your Riga trip if you have time.
Address: Smilšu iela 20, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia
20. Bastejkalna park
Bastejkalna park is a beautifully landscaped park spread over a large area in Riga.
It will not be wrong to say that Bastejkalna park is truly an icon of landscape architecture.
Filled with lush green grass, a variety of plants and flowers and some marvelous bodies of water. One of my favorite thing to do here is simply grabbing a book, and lying down on the lap of green.
Address: Central District, Riga, LV-1050, Latvia Pending review
21. Riga Old town
Located in the heart of the city is the charming old town of Riga.
Bars and restaurants line the cobblestone streets that wind around the city’s central square. Additionally, if you have got a sweet tooth gelato parlors have myriad of flavors to offer.
Add it to your Riga trip if you have time.
Thanks for reading this travel blog, hope now you know plenty of must see places in Riga. All in all, whether you are a backpacker, a solo traveler, slow traveler, a female traveler or a couple there are plenty of interesting things to do in Riga for everyone.
And it’s not difficult to create an itinerary that includes some of the best tourist attractions in Riga. If you have any questions or suggestions on sightseeing in Riga, I would love to hear them in the comments section below.