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Tourist Places to Visit in Riga
Latvia

Must See Tourist Attractions and Best Things to Do in Riga

Mustafa Natalwala 2999 Views 0 Comments

Riga is capital of Latvia and also the largest city in the nation. Riga is situated along the coast of Gulf of Riga where river Daugava meets the ocean. Daugava river divides the city is two almost equal halves and has a few small islands close to the mouth of the river. These islands offers some of the top things to do in Riga. The Latvian capital is known for historical places to visit in Riga as well as beautiful architecture. The old town area of Riga is among UNESCO world heritage site. There are over 500 Riga tourist attractions in the old town which are exemplary for various architecture styles. The old town is among the best places for Riga sightseeing, especially for those who admire architecture. You will see Riga attractions featuring baroque, gothic, and art nouveau styles of architecture. There are also several museums among things to see in Riga in the old town area. Some of Riga must see attractions in the Old Town include St. Peter’s Church, Three Brothers houses, Rozana Street, Dome Square and the Riga Cathedral. The last one is the largest medieval cathedral in all of Baltic region. Other Riga top attractions include House of Blackheads, Freedom Monument, Swedish Gate, Latvian National Opera, Art Nouveau Museum, Cat House, Nativity of Christ Cathedral and more.

Among best things to do in Riga is shopping for a variety of items ranging from lifestyle items to souvenirs. In fact, Riga Central Market is the largest of its kind in entire Europe. It is a great place to show for unique local produce as well as for some tasty street food treats. Besides the malls and shopping centers there a few streets to explore when you visit Riga for shopping. These include the old town market, Terbatas street and Barona street. The shops on these streets are among the most popular places to visit in Riga for shopping as well as window shopping.

The nightlife is incredibly happening in Riga, which makes partying among top things to do in Riga at night. There are several clubs, pubs, bars, and lounges to have a fun evening during Riga travel. There are also a few themed restaurants and clubs among Riga top attractions. But, it’s the frequent music festivals and extravaganzas which make it more interesting and add to best things to do in Riga at night. Many of these festivals also take place at one of the many Riga beaches. Though some of these are not strictly a part of the city, they are no more than 20-30 minutes away. You would also be able to explore a few places to see in Riga on the way to these beaches. Some of the most popular Riga beaches are Seaside Peninsula, Vecaku Pludmale, Kipsala, Lukavsala and Vakarbulli. Among these Kipsala and Lukavsala are island beaches located in Daugava river.

There are numerous popular destinations from Riga day trips. The Jurmala town and its beach is arguably the most visited day trip destination from Riga by tourists and locals alike. You can also go to for Kemeri National Park or Gauja National Park to explore nature and other fun things to do in Riga. Cesis and Sigulda are traditional Latvian towns only a few hours away from Riga. The Castle of Sigulda makes it an especially popular destination for Riga day trips. You can just travel along the coast of Latvia in any direction and come across great destinations worth making day trips from Riga.

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Explore The Best Tourist Places in Riga in 3 Days (Trip Itinerary)

This section provides a day by day breakdown of things to see in Riga. The tourist places in this list are included based on their popularity as well as proximity to one another. This way you can make the most of your Riga travel.

Day 1

1. Bastion Hill Park (Bastejkalns Park) & Freedom Monument

This park is known for its beautiful gardens, canals and bridges. The park has a quiet romantic feel to it. One of the biggest Riga tourist attractions by the name of Freedom Monument can also be seen in this park. You would need 30 to 45 minutes for Bastion Park.

Bastejkalns Park
Freedom Monument

2. Riga Old Town (Vecrīga)

The old town seems like a world within itself. It is one of the most popular districts to explore during Riga sightseeing. Kalku Street and Smiles Street are most explored by tourists in this area. You would need at least an hour to explore Riga’s Old Town.

Riga Old Town

3. Livu Square

This square is an important historical location in the city. This square is surrounded by several iconic Riga attractions including Small Guild, Great Guild, Cat House and Mikhail Chekhov Russian Theatre. You would need 15 to 20 minutes at this square.

Livu Square

4. Large Guild, Small Guild & Cat House

These three buildings are some of the finest examples of architecture among things to see in Riga. The great guild is one of the oldest buildings in the city dating back to the 14th century. The small guild is known for its gothic style architecture and its history of association with master craftsmen and architects. The cat house is a prime example of Riga’s unique art nouveau architecture. You can take an hour to explore these three iconic landmarks.

Large Guild
Small Guild
Cat House

5. St. Peter’s Church (Svētā Pētera Evaņģēliski luteriskā baznīca)

This is the tallest church in the city and its tower can be seen from quite a distance. As incredible as this church looks from outside, the interiors can be consider its most outstanding feature. You will need about an hour and a half to explore this church.

St. Peter’s Church

6. Bremen Town Musicians

This sculpture came from the city of Bremen as a gift and is based one of fairytales from Brothers Grimm. It is one of the most photographed things to see in Riga. Though you don’t need more than a couple of minutes here.

Bremen Town Musicians

7. Riga Dome Cathedral

The cathedral was first constructed during the 1200s, making it one of the oldest structures in all of Baltics. The cathedral also has a very ornate interiors and also features one of the largest organs in Europe made of 6,718 pipes. You would need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this cathedral.

Riga Dome Cathedral

8. Art Museum Riga Bourse (Mākslas muzejs Rīgas Birža)

This museum has a grand collection of world art from different time periods. You can see several paintings, historical artifacts, sculptures and art installations in the museum. It would take you at least 2 hours to explore the museum entirely.

Art Museum Riga Bourse

Day 2

1. Three Brothers (Trīs brāļi)

These three adjoined multistory houses are the oldest residential buildings in Riga. Each building exhibits a different design and architecture style. Though it shouldn’t take you more than 15 to 20 minutes to admire the Three Brothers.

Three Brothers

2. Swedish Gate (Zviedru vārti)

This gate used to be part of the city’s fortification during medieval times. There isn’t much to see here except the gate, so you don’t need any more than a few minutes here.

Swedish Gate

3. House of the Blackheads (Melngalvju nams)

This buildings is one of the most iconic places to visit in Riga. It is architecturally unique and has a rich history of craftsmanship associated with it. It was built by a guild of craftsmen known as the Blackheads. There is also a museum inside the building telling its story. You would need an hour at the House of Blackheads.

House of the Blackheads

4. Riga Central Market (Rīgas Centrāltirgus)

This lively market is an important part of the city’s culture and lifestyle. You can check out the local produce and even try some regional food items at this market. It will take you an hour and half to explore this market.

Riga Central Market

5. Riga Ghetto and Latvian Holocaust Museum

This museum tells the story of Nazi occupation of Riga and the atrocities faced by the people of the city during those years. It will take 1 hour to go through all the exhibits of this museum.

Riga Ghetto and Latvian Holocaust Museum

6. Latvian Academy of Sciences (Latvijas Zinātņu akadēmija)

It is not the academy which people come for when they visit Riga, it’s the tall tower with the observation deck. You get a breathtaking view of the city from this observation deck and some of the best pictures of Riga as well. You would need 30 minutes of your time during Riga travel for this observation deck.

Latvian Academy of Sciences

7. Nativity of Christ Cathedral (Kristus Piedzimšanas pareizticīgo katedrāle)

This Russian Orthodox Church sits in Esplanade Park. It stands out among art nouveau churches in the city. The painted icons inside the church are counted among popular things to see in Riga.

Nativity of Christ Cathedral

Day 3

1. Riga Castle (Rīgas pils)

On the banks of Rive Daugava stands Riga Castle, one of oldest and most important historical places to visit in Riga. The castle has been attacked and destroyed several times. It has also undergone multiple renovations. The castle also houses Latvian Museum of National History. This castle packs 700 years of history within its walls and you will need 2 to 3 hours to explore the castle and the museum within.

Riga Castle

2. Laima Clock (Laimas pulkstenis)

The clock is named after a well known Latvian Chocolate Brand. It is again a popular and highly photographed monument in Riga. You don’t need more than a couple of minutes for this clock.

Laima Clock

3. Museum of the Occupation of Latvia (Latvijas Okupācijas muzejs)

This museum depicts history of Riga between the Second World War and the fall of Soviet Union. It covers several dark years in the country’s history being including Nazi occupation and Soviet rule. You would need 1 hour for the Museum of Occupation.

Museum of the Occupation of Latvia

4. Corner House / KGB Museum (Stūra māja)

Residing inside the Corner House, this museum depicts the history of KGB during Soviet occupation of Latvia. You will need an hour and half for this museum.

Corner House / KGB Museum

5. Alberta Street, Elizabetes Street, Antonijas Street and Strelniku Street

These 4 streets are explored by tourists on Riga sightseeing for Art Nouveau architecture. It is frequented by artists and architects especially. You can spend a couple of hours exploring these streets and the wonderful buildings here.

Alberta Street
Elizabetes Street
Antonijas Street
Strelniku Street
If you are staying in Riga for more than 3 days, do check out our exhaustive list of all the places to visit and things to do in Riga below.

Things to do in Riga, Latvia

 

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Riga

  1. House of Black Heads
  2. St. Peter’s Church
  3. The Freedom Monument
  4. Three Brothers Complex
  5. Riga Cathedral
  6. Riga Castle
  7. Ethnographic Open Air Museum of Latvia
  8. Museum of Occupation of Latvia
  9. Latvian National Museum of Art
  10. Riga Nativity of Christ Cathedral
  11. Riga Motor Museum
  12. The Swedish Gate
  13. Powder Tower
  14. Riga Jugendstila Centres
  15. The Small Guild
  16. The Corner House
  17. Museum of Foreign Art in Riga
  18. Latvian War Museum
  19. Museum of History and Navigation
  20. Bremen Town Musicians Monument
  21. St. Jacob Catholic Cathedral
  22. Riga Ghetto & Latvian Holocaust Museum
  23. St. John’s Church
  24. Paul Stradins Museum of History of Medicine
  25. Laima Chocolate Museum
  26. Museum of Decorative Arts & Design
  27. National History Museum of Latvia
  28. Riga Aviation Museum
  29. Salaspils Memorials
  30. Zanis Lipke Memorial
  31. St. Gertrude Old Church
  32. Mentzendorff House Museum
  33. Orthodox Church
  34. Latvian Museum of Natural History
  35. Bikernieki Memorial
  36. World of Hat Ethnic Museum
  37. Jurmala Open Air Museum
  38. Rumbala Forest Memorial
  39. Riga Porcelain Museum
  40. National Library of Latvia
  41. Riga Synagogue
  42. Our Lady of Sorrows Church
  43. Riga Film Museum

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Riga

  1. Ragakapa Nature Park
  2. Kisezers Lake
  3. Bikerneiki Forest
  4. Doles Sala Peninsula
  5. Piejura Nature Park

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Riga

  1. Cat House
  2. Latvian National Opera
  3. Riga National Zoological Garden
  4. Livu Akvaparks
  5. Kipsala Island
  6. Latvian Academy of Sciences
  7. Latvian University Botanical Garden
  8. Arsenals Fine Art Gallery
  9. Culture Palace
  10. Kanepes Cultural Center
  11. Lucavsala Island
  12. Spikeri Complex
  13. Riga Circus
  14. Zakusala Island
  15. Cosmos Illusion Museum
  16. Zinoo Children’s Amusement Center
  17. Illusion Rooms
  18. NOASS Arts Center
  19. National Botanical Gardens

Shopping in Riga

  1. Riga Central Market
  2. Bergs Bazaar
  3. Old Town Market
  4. Terbatas Street
  5. Barona Street
  6. Galerija Centrs
  7. Stockmann Shopping Center
  8. Mols Shopping Center
  9. Alfa Mall
  10. Spice Shopping Mall
  11. Sky & More Shopping Center
  12. Riga Plaza
  13. Kalnciema Street Quarter

Beaches & Island in Riga

  1. Riga Seaside Peninsula
  2. Vecaku Pludmale Beach
  3. Kipsala Beach
  4. Lukavsala Beach
  5. Vakarbulli Beach

Offbeat Places & Adventure Things to Do in Riga

  1. Tarzans Adventure Park

Sightseeing in Riga

  1. Vermane Garden
  2. Albert Street
  3. Art Nouveau Buildings
  4. Riga Radio & TV Tower
  5. Bastejkalna Park
  6. Riga Town Hall Square
  7. Ratslaukums Square
  8. Dome Square
  9. Livu Square
  10. Victory Park
  11. Esplanade Park
  12. Kronvalda Park
  13. Vansu Bridge
  14. Laima Clock
  15. Dzintaru Mezaparks
  16. Dzeguzkalns Park
  17. Arcadia Park
  18. Jacob’s Barracks
  19. Bastion Hill Park
  20. Jugenda Stila Nami Building
  21. Riga Stone Bridge

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Riga

  1. Domini Canes
  2. MIIT
  3. Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs
  4. RIITS
  5. 3 Pavaru Restorans
  6. Pagalms
  7. Melnie Muki
  8. Cafe Leningrad
  9. Rozengrals
  10. Terapija
  11. Austrumu Robeza
  12. La Kanna
  13. Fat Pumpkin
  14. Rocket Bean Rostery
  15. Makonis
  16. Innocent Cafe
  17. Uncle Vanya
  18. Muusu
  19. Easy Wine
  20. Gallery Istaba

Custom Tours Package in Riga

 

How to Reach Riga?

By Air

The city’s international airport is the best option to facilitate Riga travel for you. There are several airlines serving Riga International Airport. Some of the popular airlines to visit Riga include Air Baltic, Ryanair, and Wizz Air. These three airlines are responsible for connecting several cities to Riga. Other airlines serving this airport have only but few destinations. You can get direct flights for Riga travel from Vilnius, Helsinki, Oslo, London, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Stockholm, Amsterdam, Warsaw, Minsk, Berlin, Moscow, Dublin, Saint Petersburg, Vienna, Lisbon, Munich, Zurich, Barcelona, Paris, Rome, Manchester, Athens and many more. Air Baltic alone connects about 70 destinations to visit Riga.

You have the option of bus and cab to reach the best places to visit in Riga. Bus number 22 and express number 322 are the popular choices for Riga travel from the airport. If you are traveling as a group you can also book a minibus to explore the top things to do in Riga, Latvia. As for cabs, you can get a cab from the airport or you can use cab-hailing mobile apps to pick you up. The cabs are more convenient if you are planning to directly go for Riga sightseeing. You can also get cabs to make Riga day trips from the airport as well.

By Road

Traveling by land to visit Riga you can take a bus, a train or drive by road. There are several buses running international routes for Riga travel. Ecolines buses primarily connect Riga with several major European cities. There are also buses connecting Riga with Saint Petersburg in Russia. You can get direct trains to visit Riga from Russia, Belarus and Estonia. If you are traveling by road, routes A10, A8, A6 and A2 will take you to Riga. Routes A4 & A5 are entry routes to the city and form outskirts of Riga. You will get to enjoy several top things to do in Riga along the way. Route A10 is popular for Riga day trips to Jurmala town and beach. The route also runs along the coast the coast and is great for Riga sightseeing.

By Water

Riga port sits in the Gulf of Riga. You can get a ferry to and from Stockholm to visit Riga. The 17 hour ferry is also popular for Riga day trips.

Image Reference

Mustafa Natalwala

Mustafa is a content writer and digital marketing expert at WideWorldTrips.com His mainly interests are into travelling, photography, film-making

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