The Top Things to See and Do in Riga, Latvia
Riga is an increasingly popular destination for a city break. It boasts a world famous Old Town with intricate Hanseatic and Art Nouveau architecture, and a history stretching from the Middle Ages to the still palpable spectres of the Soviet Union. There is much to explore, so read on for our list of the top 10 things to do in Riga.
Admire the view from St Peter's church
Market
Riga has many churches and even a few cathedrals, but the view from St Peter’s spire is unbeatable. A flight of stairs and an old, sometimes crowded lift will take you to the top, where you can admire the red roofs and cobbled streets of the Old Town, and the beautiful, vivid blue of the Daugava river separating the city’s left and right banks. Go on a sunny, cloudless day and it won’t disappoint. Afterwards, go back down and wander through the church, where temporary art exhibitions are often held.
Latvian Ethnographic Open Air Museum
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People who enjoy countryside and history will definitely love this outdoor museum. Also, it is a great chance to get familiar with Latvian traditions and everyday lives of Latvian peasants and villagers. Recommended by Kasparas Asmonaitis.
Learn about Latvia's 20th-century history
Building, Memorial, Museum
Right next to some of Riga’s most famous architectural landmarks stands a big modern black building. This is the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, recalling the period from 1940 to 1991 when Latvia was occupied by Soviet Russia, then Nazi Germany, and then Soviet Russia again. This museum is thus a haunting memorial to the victims of the Holocaust and of Soviet repression. Further this visit by heading to the Riga Ghetto and Latvian Holocaust Museum. The staggering length of the list of victims gives an idea of how much suffering Latvia went through in the twentieth century.
Riga Zoo
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Anyone who loves animals must visit Riga Zoo and meet hundreds of different creatures from tigers to lions to flamingos. The entry costs only six euros so is definitely a bargain! Recommended by Kasparas Asmonaitis.
Nativity Cathedral
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Nativity Cathedral was converted from Orthodox to Lutheran during WWI but after the war, it came back to Orthodox. This stunning architectural masterpiece is without doubt a must-visit place in Riga, which will leave you amazed. Recommended by Kasparas Asmonaitis.
Riga Motor Museum
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Riga Motor Museum has more than 100 vintage automobiles and motorcycles. Every moto fan must find some time to visit this place and learn more about the history of vehicles in the Baltic States throughout the years. Recommended by Kasparas Asmonaitis.
Walk around the Art Nouveau district
Building, Museum
To the north of the Old Town lies the Art Nouveau district. There the red brick and grey stone of the Old Town is replaced by tall, colourful late 19th-century buildings with a wealth of sculptured details, often of Classical influence. The district is large and central and therefore a good place for a long, meandering stroll. The very heart of it is Albert Street, where every building is worth looking at. It’s also the location of the Art Nouveau Museum, which is worth entering if only to see one of the most impressive Art Nouveau staircases in Europe.
Drink Riga Black Balsam
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Riga’s traditional drink is a liqueur made with many different plants mixed in vodka. It is sometimes described as having a medicinal taste, and legend says Russian Empress Catherine II became ill while visiting Latvia and could only be cured by drinking Riga Black Balsam. Though the story’s veracity is rather doubtful, it would be a pity to leave Riga without experiencing this unique drink, which you can easily find in restaurants, bars, and shops all over Latvia. It can be drunk on its own or in cocktails, although be warned, it is very strong.
Latvian National Theater
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The Latvian National Theater is the biggest theater in Latvia, built between 1899-1902. Some of the most important cultural events take place here but even if you visit during the quiet hours, you will be amazed by the breathtaking beauty of the building itself. Recommended by Kasparas Asmonaitis.
Freedom Monument
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If Americans are proud of the Statue of Liberty, then Latvians has their Freedom Monument! This huge 42-meters tall monument is an iconic symbol of Latvia, built to honor soldiers who died during the Latvian War of Independence in 1918-1920. Your trip to Riga won’t be complete until you see it. Recommended by Kasparas Asmonaitis.
Go shopping at the Central Market
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It would be worth having a look at this market just to see the buildings that house it—five pavilions built upon old German Zeppelin hangars in Art Nouveau style. But there’s so much more to Riga Central Market, it’s the largest market in Europe so there’s a good chance you can hunt for and find unexpected treasures there. Not only is it a fascinating place for tourists but, unlike many markets in popular European cities, a real place of trade for many Latvians, who buy their groceries and everyday products there.
Enjoy the nightlife
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With reasonable prices, friendly locals and tourists, and many, many bars, Riga is now on the map as a party destination. To experience as many establishments as possible, many hostels organize bar crawls, for example Naughty Squirrel. Locals and tourists enjoy singing karaoke at the huge Rock Café. But it’s not always about loud partying. The popular bar I Love You is a good place to sit down for a drink, as is Chomsky. There are also clubs, catering to all tastes, like Nabaklab, and ONE ONE.
Bremen Town Musicians
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Bremen Town Musicians is a quirky statue of the legendary fairytale. It is located in Riga Old Town and is one of the most touristic spots as people come here to tell their children lovely stories and take nice photos. Recommended by Kasparas Asmonaitis.
Pērkons Saule Daugava
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This is a must-visit for people who enjoy street art. Pērkons Saule Daugava is the biggest graffiti in the Baltic States, created by famous Latvian street artists, Rudens Stencil and Kiwie. More than 1,500 spray cans were used to make this 800 square meters graffiti! Recommended by Kasparas Asmonaitis.
Skyline Bar
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Skyline Bar is the perfect place for people to grab a drink and see Riga from high above. It is one of the fanciest bars in Riga so if you want to have a romantic evening, make sure to book a table a couple of days before. Recommended by Kasparas Asmonaitis.
Noass
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Noass is a contemporary culture center, located on floating platforms in the Daugava River. The entrance is free of charge and there are plenty of beautiful exhibits to visit. Also, a lot of cultural events take place in Noass. On top of that, you get the best panoramic views of Riga as a bonus, so make sure to pack your camera! Recommended by Kasparas Asmonaitis.
Vērmanes Garden
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Vērmanes Garden is the oldest park in Riga and one of the locals’ favorite places to run from the fast pace of city life. There are a lot of different events happening in the park every day and you can also meet friendly locals. All you need to bring is a good mood and maybe a blanket to sit. Recommended by Kasparas Asmonaitis.
Go on a day trip to Jūrmala
Resort
A beautiful seaside resort a half-hour from Riga proper and fifteen minutes from the airport, Jūrmala has been a choice destination for Eastern European holidaymakers for over a century, even high ranking Communist officials often liked to relax there. The main attraction is of course the beach, a 33km long stretch covered with white quartz sand. But there are also many green spaces, in particular the lovely Dzintari Forest Park, and wooden architecture in Art Nouveau style. To get to Jūrmala, take a train from Riga’s Central Station.
Explore Kalnciema Quarter
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An ensemble of 19th-century buildings in a quiet part of Riga is located half an hour away from the center, Kalnciema Quarter. In the quarter can be found open air or inside concerts, outdoor markets, art exhibitions, and movie nights. There is always something happening but the best moment to visit is between April and September, when the weather is nice and there are more open air events. It is also a good place for a meal or to buy a nice bottle of wine.
St. Alexander Nevsky Church
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St. Alexander Nevsky Church is a wonderful Orthodox church in Riga. No matter if you believe in God or not, you should visit this church and appreciate all the hard work which went into making this magnificent building. The church is stunning both inside and outside so make sure to take your time and explore it fully. Recommended by Kasparas Asmonaitis.
Victory Park
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Victory Park is a small and beautiful park in Riga, with a huge Soviet monument in the middle. Even though the monument was created to celebrate the victory against Nazis in WWII, a lot of Latvians don’t fancy it because it reminds them too much of the Soviet Union. Recommended by Kasparas Asmonaitis.
Latvian Railway History Museum
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Latvian Railway History Museum is one of the hidden gems in Riga, which you should definitely visit, especially if you like trains. There are a lot of old locomotives, railway equipment, tools, and other interesting exhibits in this museum. Recommended by Kasparas Asmonaitis.
Laima Clock
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Laima Clock is located close to Monument of Freedom and is definitely one of the most important spots in Riga. It used to be the meeting point for couples many years ago, so it still has a very romantic vibe. Recommended by Kasparas Asmonaitis.
Miera Iela
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Miera Iela is the hippest place in Latvia, where many local pubs and clubs are located. If you do have at least a little bit of hipster inside of you, you will love Miera Iela and all the crazy people in it! Recommended by Kasparas Asmonaitis.
National Library of Latvia
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The National Library of Latvia is one of the most beautiful buildings in the country, considered to be an architectural phenomenon by many locals. After you enjoy the building, you might enjoy the inside of it even more! There are thousands of books about everything in the National Library, so if you want to learn Latvian history, you should definitely spend some time here. Recommended by Kasparas Asmonaitis.
Riga Synagogue
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Riga Synagogue is the only functioning synagogue in Riga so it is a must-visit for people who are close to Jewish culture and want to learn a little bit more about the lives of Latvian Jews throughout the years. Recommended by Kasparas Asmonaitis.
About the author
Valentine is a journalism student at City, University of London and the former deputy editor of Novastan.org. She's spent too much time on night trains in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
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