Latvia: 12 Attractions in Riga

Are you looking for a city trip destination that offers an interesting mix of history and modernity, and isn't overrun by tourists?
Great, then a trip to the largest metropolis in the Baltics, the Latvian capital Riga, might be just the thing for you.
With its well-preserved old town, characterized by impressive buildings in Brick Gothic style, Art Nouveau, and charming 19th-century wooden houses, this former Hanseatic city is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In this post, you’ll discover what you absolutely shouldn’t miss on your trip to Riga, the exciting places to explore, and what else the city has to offer.

1. A WALK THROUGH RIGA'S HISTORIC OLD TOWN

Vecrīga (meaning "Old Riga" in Latvian) – that's what Latvians call their historic old town.
Stroll through the cobbled streets and let yourself be drawn in by the beautiful Baroque buildings as well as typical Classical and Modernist structures, most of which are listed as historic monuments! While wandering, you'll automatically come across famous sights such as the "Three Brothers" – three small, connected Renaissance houses from the 15th century, some of the oldest buildings in the city, as well as Riga Cathedral, St. Peter's Church, and many more attractions.

The streets and squares of the old town are filled with countless restaurants, bars, and cafes for every taste.

Hotel tip: If you're looking for central and comfortable accommodations, we highly recommend the Rixwell Konventa Seta Design Hotel.
We stayed there during our trip, and it’s the perfect starting point for exploring Riga with ease.

Our tip: Every day at noon, you have the chance to join a free walking tour in front of St. Peter's Church and experience the city from a new perspective.
The tour lasts 2.5 hours and is highly recommended, regardless of the weather. Although the tour is called "free", the guides can only continue their work if you give them an appropriate tip at the end of the tour.

More tips and information, including on transportation in and around the city, can be found in our post "Riga: 9 Tips & Information for the Latvian Capital".

THE HOUSE OF THE BLACKHEADS

The splendid building you shouldn't miss on your city tour is located in the heart of Riga’s old town.
For over 700 years, this house, created by the Brotherhood of Blackheads, has been a symbol of the city.
The Blackheads were cheerful, unmarried merchants known for organizing celebrations and cultural events.
Even today, the grand rooms of the house are used for various special occasions.

From Thursday to Sunday, between 10 am and 5 pm, you have the opportunity to view the historical rooms. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance.

RIGA CATHEDRAL

Riga Cathedral is the largest Evangelical Lutheran church in the Baltics and was founded in 1211.
Between the 14th and 15th centuries, it was transformed into the basilica we know today.In addition to regular services, the church also serves as a venue for cultural events, such as concerts at Riga Cathedral.

ST. PETER'S CHURCH

St. Peter's Church (Latvian: Svētā Pētera baznīca) is also located in the heart of the old town.
For tourists, the historical and at the same time tallest church tower in Riga is the main attraction.
It collapsed in 1666, was rebuilt in 1721 but struck by lightning and completely burned down, and was fully destroyed during World War II.
In 1967, the 123.25-meter-high church tower was reconstructed and hopefully will remain undamaged for a few decades.

An elevator takes you up 72 meters to the observation platform, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view over the red roofs of the old town and the surrounding Riga area.

Behind the Gothic brick church, you'll find four old friends from Bremen waiting for you.
As a gift, the German Hanseatic city of Bremen gave its sister city Riga a replica of the Four Musicians of Bremen.
The iron-gated animals are a popular photo motif for tourists from all over the world.

The St. Peter’s Church tower is open from Tuesday to Sunday between 10 am and 7 pm. Tickets for the elevator can be purchased directly at the entrance.

RIGA’S FREEDOM MONUMENT

For almost 100 years, since November 18, 1935 to be exact, the nearly 43-meter-high Freedom Monument, which is significant to Latvians, has risen into the sky.
Construction of the Freedom Monument took four years, designed by Latvian sculptor Kārlis Zāle.
The monument, made of granite and copper, symbolizes the independence and freedom of the Latvian people following Soviet occupation.
The three stars in the statue’s hands represent the cultural and historical regions: Kurzeme, Vidzeme, and Latgale.
Inscribed at the base of the monument are the words, "For Fatherland and Freedom"!You’ll often see wreaths of flowers laid here in memory of those who fought and, in some cases, gave their lives for Latvia’s independence.

RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL OF THE NATIVITY

Another impressive building is the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of the Nativity.
After surviving two world wars unscathed, it was repurposed during Soviet times as a planetarium and restaurant called the "House of Knowledge".
After the Soviet occupation, the church was extensively restored and transformed into Riga's largest Orthodox place of worship. Regular Orthodox services still take place here today.

OUR RESTAURANT TIP FOR THE OLD TOWN

Are you looking for a traditional restaurant in the old town? Then Folkklubs ALA pagrabs is the perfect place for you.
Here you’ll find not only hearty, traditional dishes and Latvian beer but also lively Latvian folk music every evening, with dancing and laughter.
If you'd prefer just to watch, be prepared for spontaneous invitations to join in, as the welcoming Latvians often encourage both locals and tourists to participate.

‍Don’t worry: Even without prior knowledge, the simple dance steps will be quickly taught to you with patience and good humor. It’s recommended to reserve a table by email or phone.

2. RIGA, THE CITY OF ART NOUVEAU

From the old town, head to the neighboring new town, renowned well beyond Latvia's borders for its impressive Art Nouveau architecture.
More than 800 buildings, constructed between the 19th and 20th centuries, adorn the streets with magnificent facades richly decorated with floral ornaments, human figures, and striking sculptures. This architectural heritage is now part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
The epicenter of Riga’s Art Nouveau district is Alberta Street and Elizabetes Street – two streets you shouldn’t miss during your visit.

Our recommendation: At Alberta Street 12, you can look behind the facade of one of these buildings.
There, you’ll find the Art Nouveau Museum, which showcases a historical apartment furnished in authentic Art Nouveau style, giving visitors a glimpse into that period’s lifestyle.
The museum is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. Tickets can be purchased on-site.

3. SAMPLE YOUR WAY THROUGH THE CENTRAL MARKET (CENTRĀLTIRGUS)

You must not miss Riga’s largest and most important food market during your visit.
It’s only a 15-minute walk from the old town to the Central Market (Latvian: Centrāltirgus).
The market is housed in a total of five former Zeppelin hangars along the banks of the Daugava River.
Each hall has its own focus, like fish, vegetables, meat, dairy products, etc. At numerous market stalls, you’ll find everything your heart desires – all fresh and of the highest quality.
Plus, you’ll have the chance to sample some delicious treats at certain stands.

The market halls are connected not only above ground but also by underground tunnels, which are usually off-limits to the public. However, if you locate the doors, you can walk through them without issue (there are no prohibition signs) and catch glimpses of the smokehouses and other back areas of the central market.

Outside the halls, in the old warehouse district, you’ll find additional market stalls selling flowers, fruits, and vegetables, as well as stands offering various items like clothing and household goods.
The Centrāltirgus is open daily from 7:30 am to 6 pm.

4. OBSERVATION DECK AT THE LATVIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

In Riga’s flat old town, there are only a few viewpoints offering spectacular views over the city.
Among the most popular are the tower of St. Peter’s Church and the observation deck at the Latvian Academy of Sciences.
This striking building, characterized by its Stalinist Classicism architecture – sometimes mockingly referred to as "sugar style" – was built on the orders of Josef Stalin.
Locals fondly call it "Stalin’s Birthday Cake". This massive structure is hard to miss during your city tour.

An elevator takes you to the observation deck on the 15th floor, after which a few more steps lead to the 17th floor. At a height of 65 meters, you’ll be treated to a stunning panoramic view over Riga’s old town and the Daugava River – definitely one of our Riga highlights! It’s particularly beautiful here at sunset when the golden light casts a warm glow over the city.

The observation deck of the Latvian Academy of Sciences is open daily from 8:30 am to 10 pm. Tickets for the elevator can only be purchased in cash at the site.

OUR TIP FOR ANOTHER GREAT VIEW

On the rooftop of the Galleria Riga shopping center, you’ll find the Herbarijs Bar.
Besides the stylish interior and delicious, though slightly pricey, cocktails, you’ll get a great view over the rooftops of the city. It’s especially atmospheric here in the evening hours.

5. THE WOODEN HOUSES IN THE KALNCIEMA QUARTER

Another must-see during your stay in Riga is the wooden house district of Kalnciema, located on the other side of the Daugava River.
By tram, it takes only about 20 minutes to reach this district.

Out of approximately 12,000 houses built in the 19th century, about 4,000 have survived fires, wars, and other hardships.
While some of the buildings are showing their age, local initiatives and projects are gradually restoring the area and its fascinating houses to their former glory.

In addition to the wooden houses, the culture of the district is undergoing an exciting transformation.
The owners of these homes allow visitors to see inside some of them, stroll through trendy markets, and sample the delicious culinary offerings of Latvia.

Our tip: Every Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm, there is a small, authentic market with regional specialties and handicrafts at Kalnciema Street 35.
Many items sold here are unique to Riga, such as pine cones in syrup, which are said to help with coughs. Maybe you’ll find an original souvenir or two to bring back with you!?

6. THE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF LATVIA

Across from the old town, on the other side of the Daugava River, stands the futuristic building of the National Library of Latvia.
Opened in August 2014, this structure, also known as the "Castle of Light", is visible from afar.

Inside, it houses an impressive collection of over four million books, comprising both national and international literature, accessible to everyone.

For opening hours and more information, visit the official website: www.lnb.lv.

7. THE BALTIC SEA BEACH AT JŪRMALA

The benefits of a city trip to a city practically on the sea are obvious: It takes only about 35 minutes by train from Riga’s main station to reach Jūrmala, a Latvian seaside resort on the Baltic Sea.

Upon arriving at Jūrmala station (Majori), most tourists first stroll along the long promenade lined with restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops, and other stores.We can only imagine the bustling atmosphere here in the summer. During our visit in late March, it was still quite peaceful.

The promenade also leads to the beautifulresidential area of the seaside town, with charming, colorful wooden houses and villas.
We could have wandered here forever. Unlike the wooden houses in the Kalnciema Quarter, the houses and gardens in Jūrmala are generally well-kept.

Beyond the residential area, there are several access points to the 25-kilometer-long and very wide, golden-yellow sandy beach.

In summer, Jūrmala beach is probably a great spot for swimming. But since the fresh temperatures during our visit weren’t suitable for swimming, we opted for a leisurely stroll along the firm sand instead.

The fresh sea breeze and the sound of seagulls were just what we needed after a morning of sightseeing in Latvia’s capital, making it a must-do during your trip to Riga.
By the way, cycling along the beach is also allowed.

8. SHOPPING IN RIGA

If you come to Riga for shopping, you’ll certainly find what you’re looking for.
Right in the city center, in addition to many small shops, there are three large shopping centers just a few hundred meters apart: Galerija Centrs, Galerija Riga, and Origo Shopping Center.
A bit outside the city center, there are other shopping centers like Riga Plaza, Domina Shopping, and TC Spice. Most stores are open daily from 10 am to 8 pm.

9. MORE THINGS TO DO IN RIGA:

• Try Riga’s traditional herbal liqueur “Black Balsam”. It also makes for a unique souvenir.
• Enjoy tea at the cozy Apsara Tea House on the edge of Vērmanes dārzs Park.
• Sip coffee at the trendy Rocket Bean Roastery.
• Rent a boat from one of the providers along the city canal (Latvian: Pilsētas kanāls) and row out to the Daugava River. It’s especially beautiful during the summer evenings.
• Try Latvia’s own chocolate “Laima”. You can find it in Laima cafes or local supermarkets.

USEFUL LINKS & RECOMMENDED TRAVEL GUIDES FOR YOU

• Find affordable rental cars at rentalcars.com‍
• Find affordable flights at skyscanner.com‍
• Discover the best accommodations‍
• The best Travel Guides for Riga
• Unique Excursions to Experience in Riga

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