Looking for a European city break somewhere new? Riga, the handsome capital of Latvia, is a perfect place for a couple of days of exploring. It is a small city, whose centre is very charming and walkable. It isn’t overrun by tourism, either, so it is one of the few capitals in Europe where you can explore the hotspots without hordes of tourists.
Things to do in Riga
If you’re into architecture or Art Nouveau design, you’re in for a treat because Riga’s city centre has the highest concentration of Art Nouveau architecture in the world. In this post, we’ll run through the top things to do in Riga.
Traveling to Riga? Consider an Art Nouveau walking tour with a local guide. Latvia’s capital has many facades covered in gargoyles, dragons, and wolves. 40 percent of all the buildings in central Riga were built in the Art Nouveau style, making it beautiful and unique.
1. Wander Riga’s Old Town
Wandering the cobbled streets of the old town is one of the best things to do in Riga. Every street is a delight, so don’t just stick to the main street of Brivibas iela, or the busy Livu Square; get lost and enjoy your stroll. Don’t miss walking the smallest street in Old Town. Rozena iela is so narrow that you can touch the opposite walls at the same time!
Some of the top Riga attractions in Old Town include:
- Church of St Peter, which has a dizzyingly high steeple (122m). You can take a lift to a viewing platform 72 metres up.
- Cathedral square, which contains Riga’s huge gothic Cathedral.
- The Swedish Gate, the only gate left in the old town’s walls.
- The Cat House, a yellow building with two iron cats peering over the edge of the roof.
2. House of the Blackheads
Arguably the most spectacular building, the House of the Blackheads is the star of the Town Hall Square. Founded as a merchant’s society in the 13th Century, it was designed as a meeting place for a guild of unmarried businessmen known as the Brotherhood of Blackheads. It is famous for being known as where the first public Christmas tree was displayed in 1510.
Riga at Night
If you are looking for things to do at night in Riga, there are plenty of bars and restaurants in the old town. While you may encounter the odd stag or hen parties, Riga isn’t spoiled by rowdy, drunk tourist groups in the way that some Eastern European capitals are—this is a good reason to choose Riga for your city break! Riga’s Old Town is pedestrian-only, making it easy to walk around and enjoy its bars and nightclubs.
3. Visit the Art Nouveau Museum
Due to the concentration of Art Nouveau buildings, Riga is the Art Nouveau Architecture capital of the world. Thus, you should definitely consider an Art Nouveau walking tour of Riga to see the best examples of architecture around the city.
The Art Nouveau Museum is a unique experience in Riga. The museum is essentially an apartment in an Art Nouveau-style building, constructed in 1903 as the residence of architect Konstantins Pekšens. The apartment has been preserved in its original decor and furniture, acting as a time capsule providing a glimpse into life in the early 20th Century. The stunning spiral staircase, with intricately painted ceilings, is worth the entry price!
4. Take a Boat Ride on the Canal and River
One of the greatest things to do in Riga is to enjoy a boat ride along the canal and the Daugava River. You can pick up a boat on the canal banks near the bridge where the main street, Brivibas laukums, crosses the canal. Take a Canal Tour for the best sightseeing in Riga. This will cruise along the Daugava River and Riga City Canal, allowing you to see popular sights including the Freedom Monument and Latvian National Theatre.
The small wooden boats ferry you along the picturesque canal, past grand buildings in Baroque and Art Nouveau styles. The canal leads into the expansive Daugava River, allowing for breathtaking views as you pass the old town and Riga Castle on your right before returning to the canal system.
Where to Eat in Riga after your Tour
This serene boat ride is a fantastic way to spend an hour. If you need some refreshments afterward, there’s a restaurant called Kolonade near the drop-off point, complete with a small outside terrace where you can relax with a drink or a bite to eat.
5. Marvel at the Stunning Cathedral of the Nativity of Christ
Visiting the gold-domed Cathedral of the Nativity of Christ is a must. Located on the east side of Esplanade Park, this Orthodox church is arguably the most spectacular in Riga. Built in the 19th century when Latvia was part of the Russian Empire, it is designed in the Neo-Byzantine style. After being repurposed as a planetarium during the USSR, it was restored to a place of worship upon Latvia’s independence.
While regular services are held inside, admire the intricate dome roofs plated in gold from the outside—they glisten brightly on sunny days. If you are looking for a place to eat afterward, consider Lido Vermanitis nearby on Elizabetes iela.
6. Recognize the Past at the Freedom Monument
Outside the old town, just beyond the canal, you can’t miss the tall Freedom Monument standing proudly in the middle of a pedestrianized plaza. Standing 42 metres high, the statue at the top holds three stars defiantly above her head. Designed to honor the Latvians who gave their lives during the Latvian War of Independence (1918-1920), it has become a symbol of national identity and pride over the years.
7. Learn of the Occupation of Latvia
To broaden your understanding of Latvian history, visit the Occupation Museum after observing the Freedom Monument. This museum provides insights into the periods of occupation by Nazis and Soviets. Additionally, the Museum of the Riga Ghetto and Holocaust in Latvia honors the Jewish victims of WWII.
8. Enjoy One of the Many Peaceful Parks
Riga boasts several lovely green areas that impart a fresh and light feel to the city. If you’re seeking outdoor activities, strolling through one of these parks is highly recommended.
Esplanade Park
Esplanade Park is one of the best parks in Riga. This shaded area contains the Latvian Museum of Art, the Art Academy of Latvia, and the Orthodox Cathedral. It’s dotted with benches among the trees and features statues commemorating renowned Latvian cultural figures such as Rainis and Oskars Kalpaks.
Canal Park
The park surrounding the city canal is truly idyllic. Willow trees line the grassy banks, creating a tranquil environment. It’s an ideal spot to relax and enjoy a moment of stillness amidst your explorations, making you forget you’re in the center of a capital city!
9. Cross the River for a Stunning City View
Most attractions are on the right bank of the River Daugava, but for a different view, walk to the left bank. Cross the Akmens tilts (Stone Bridge), which stretches across the wide river.
As you cross, you’ll encounter the modern asymmetrical National Library of Latvia, known as the Castle of Light, which opened in 2014. The contrast between the modern architecture and the historic structures across the river underscores Riga’s vibrant nature as a modern capital.
Upon reaching the left bank, walk to the river’s edge to catch a stunning skyline view of the old town, complete with the proud spires of numerous cathedrals and churches.
10. Admire the Castle
A castle has stood on this site since 1330, though it has undergone several reconstructions over the centuries. Most of the current buildings date back to the 17th Century.
The castle serves as the official residence of the President of Latvia, meaning that while you cannot explore the interior, you can still appreciate its impressive exterior.
Where is Riga?
Riga is located in Latvia, one of the Baltic states, situated on the east coast of Latvia by the Baltic Sea at the mouth of the River Daugava. It is bordered by Russia to the east, Estonia to the north, and Lithuania and Belarus to the south.
When is the Best Time to Visit Riga?
As a northern European city by the Baltic Sea, Riga experiences cooler temperatures than much of continental Europe. Thus, the best times to visit are from April to September when the weather is warm enough to explore comfortably on foot. Moreover, since Riga is less popular than other European cities, there are fewer crowds during high season.
- Summertime is optimal, particularly from mid-June to the end of August, though evenings can be chilly, so pack a sweater or jacket.
- Autumn is also beautiful, but be prepared for varied weather as winter typically arrives by mid-November, bringing colder temperatures.
These recommendations will undoubtedly help you enjoy your time in Riga. So, what are you waiting for? Make plans to visit Riga soon!
