Top 10 Things To Do In Riga, Latvia
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Riga is the capital of Latvia and the largest city in the Baltic countries, including Estonia and Lithuania. Riga is an increasingly popular city break destination that offers a mix of incredible historic buildings and lively cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy fine dining. It exudes a youthful vibe and emphasizes the arts and innovation.
This beautiful city has around 600,000 inhabitants, an old city center with a UNESCO World Heritage Site and many museums, parks and stunning architectural gems. Its Art Nouveau architectural richness is particularly remarkable.
Riga was occupied by the USSR for almost 50 years, but the city flourished after regaining its independence in the early 1990s.
You can explore Riga's medieval cathedrals and churches, charming wooden houses and Art Nouveau buildings, such as the House of the Cat and the House of the Blackheads. Stroll through the picturesque streets and squares of the old town and enjoy a peaceful ambience in the beautiful city gardens.
You can attend Latvian National Opera and Ballet events to see top performers or explore the amazing Latvian National Art Museum to see masterpieces by sculptors and painters Baltics.
Take a walking tour of Riga's Central Market to taste and buy delicious Latvian food. And if you reach the 17th floor of the Latvian Academy of Sciences building, you can enjoy a breathtaking view from the observation deck.
Riga is also ideal for day trips to Sigulda, a natural paradise in the Vidzeme region, and Jurmala, the most famous resort in the Baltics.
Heading to Riga? Book your tickets and skip the lines at these top Riga attractions.
Here are the top 10 things to do in Riga.
The Old Town or Vecriga is the historic center of Riga, located on the east bank of the Daugava River. It is known for its cathedrals and old churches, cobbled pedestrian streets, and several museums, such as Riga Castle, Latvian Architecture Museum, and Riga Film Museum. Thanks to its historical significance, the Old Town of Riga has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You can walk around parts of the medieval town and through the Swedish Gate, the only remaining entrance to Old Riga.
The buildings "The Three Brothers" are also located in the Old Town of Riga. These houses represent different architectural periods and styles, with Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements.
Many restaurants, bars and clubs are located in the old town, so it's also perfect for enjoying the city's nightlife.
2. Explore Riga SquareMany historical events have taken place in the town hall square. It was once an economic and administrative center of the city, but was demolished during World War II. In the post-war years, many buildings were rebuilt.
The Maison des Têtes Noires dominates the town hall square. This beautifully decorated building was built in the 14th century but was destroyed by the Germans in 1941.
It was rebuilt in 1999 and now hosts luxury events, such as classical music concerts, balls and state ceremonies.
Go World Travel is supported by readers and may earn a commission on purchases made through the links in this article.
Riga is the capital of Latvia and the largest city in the Baltic countries, including Estonia and Lithuania. Riga is an increasingly popular city break destination that offers a mix of incredible historic buildings and lively cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy fine dining. It exudes a youthful vibe and emphasizes the arts and innovation.
This beautiful city has around 600,000 inhabitants, an old city center with a UNESCO World Heritage Site and many museums, parks and stunning architectural gems. Its Art Nouveau architectural richness is particularly remarkable.
Riga was occupied by the USSR for almost 50 years, but the city flourished after regaining its independence in the early 1990s.
You can explore Riga's medieval cathedrals and churches, charming wooden houses and Art Nouveau buildings, such as the House of the Cat and the House of the Blackheads. Stroll through the picturesque streets and squares of the old town and enjoy a peaceful ambience in the beautiful city gardens.
You can attend Latvian National Opera and Ballet events to see top performers or explore the amazing Latvian National Art Museum to see masterpieces by sculptors and painters Baltics.
Take a walking tour of Riga's Central Market to taste and buy delicious Latvian food. And if you reach the 17th floor of the Latvian Academy of Sciences building, you can enjoy a breathtaking view from the observation deck.
Riga is also ideal for day trips to Sigulda, a natural paradise in the Vidzeme region, and Jurmala, the most famous resort in the Baltics.
Heading to Riga? Book your tickets and skip the lines at these top Riga attractions.
Here are the top 10 things to do in Riga.
The Old Town or Vecriga is the historic center of Riga, located on the east bank of the Daugava River. It is known for its cathedrals and old churches, cobbled pedestrian streets, and several museums, such as Riga Castle, Latvian Architecture Museum, and Riga Film Museum. Thanks to its historical significance, the Old Town of Riga has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You can walk around parts of the medieval town and through the Swedish Gate, the only remaining entrance to Old Riga.
The buildings "The Three Brothers" are also located in the Old Town of Riga. These houses represent different architectural periods and styles, with Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements.
Many restaurants, bars and clubs are located in the old town, so it's also perfect for enjoying the city's nightlife.
2. Explore Riga SquareMany historical events have taken place in the town hall square. It was once an economic and administrative center of the city, but was demolished during World War II. In the post-war years, many buildings were rebuilt.
The Maison des Têtes Noires dominates the town hall square. This beautifully decorated building was built in the 14th century but was destroyed by the Germans in 1941.
It was rebuilt in 1999 and now hosts luxury events, such as classical music concerts, balls and state ceremonies.
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