Top 15 Memorable Tours in Riga

With a population of nearly 650,000 residents, Riga serves as Latvia’s capital and stands as its most populated city, accommodating nearly a third of the nation’s inhabitants.

The city originated approximately 800 years ago and offers a captivating blend of historical heritage and modern attractions, which many visitors find intriguing.

A wide array of guided tours is available for those wishing to explore Riga and its surroundings, encompassing breathtaking natural landscapes, historical sites, contemporary museums, and chic restaurants that exhibit vibrant fusion cuisine.

Below are 15 of the most notable tours in Riga.

1. Food Tasting Tour of Central Market

Riga’s Central Market is typically bustling with tourists, shoppers, and vendors negotiating over various everyday goods.

This marketplace also stands as one of the city’s architectural marvels, constructed in the 1920s and 1930s in neoclassical and art deco designs.

Accompanied by their guide, participants will navigate the market’s narrow pathways while gaining insights into Latvian history, culture, and cuisine, along with sampling an array of traditional fresh and prepared food items, including cured meats, fruits, and cheeses.

Tours last approximately two hours and are offered at various times to suit diverse schedules.

2. Old Town Private Walking Tour

Walking tours provide an excellent opportunity to intimately experience a new area, allowing visitors to connect with local residents and attractions.

Riga’s Old Town is the historic hub of the city, characterized by its impressive architecture, distinct neighborhoods, and numerous monuments designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The tours convene at a central location, and guides are available in English, Russian, and German. Stops include significant landmarks such as St. Peter’s Cathedral and Town Hall Square, among others.

Attendees are encouraged to consult their guide for additional recommendations on places to visit after the tour concludes.

3. Jewish Heritage Private Guided Tour

While less known than cities like Krakow in Poland, Riga endured the loss of over 60,000 Jewish lives during World War II.

This cultural and historical tour emphasizes the experiences of Jews in Riga and Latvia during the Holocaust, highlighting locations such as the Museum of Jews in Latvia, the Zanis Lipke Memorial, and the Great Choral Synagogue Memorial.

Participants will benefit from their guide’s insights and historical context while viewing the museum’s moving exhibits, including photographs, firsthand accounts, and artifacts unearthed post-Nazi occupation.

Transportation and admission fees are included in the tour package.

4. Half-Day Natural Ecosystems Hike from Riga

Beyond its historical and cultural significance, Riga and its surroundings offer a rich variety of ecosystems and extensive areas of unspoiled natural beauty.

After a pick-up from their accommodations in Riga, visitors will journey to Piejūra Nature Park, embarking on a daylong hike through lakes, forests, river deltas, and stunning stretches of the pristine Baltic coastline.

Observing diverse wildlife is common along the route. The tour extends nearly ten miles, but it maintains a leisurely pace, making it suitable for families.

5. 3-Hour Soviet Walking Tour

Participation in this tour does not necessitate any particular political inclinations or symbols.

However, for those interested in exploring attractions that stray from the conventional path while learning about a unique segment of local history, this three-hour Soviet walking tour is an excellent option.

Tours commence in the mid-afternoon, led by a knowledgeable local guide, and cover various prominent Soviet-era attractions.

Guests will gain insight into the grassroots movements that paved the way for Latvian independence, complemented by a traditional Soviet buffet lunch.

6. Beer or Cider Bike Tour

Consuming beer and hard cider prior to a lengthy bike ride is generally not advisable; however, when the bike accommodates 15 seats and is piloted by a sober operator, it is entirely safe.

This distinctive and lively tour allows participants to explore the Old Town while enjoying beer, wine, and Prosecco, experiencing many of the city’s key landmarks from a novel perspective.

Depending on the demographics and interests of attendees, the tours can vary from an upbeat party atmosphere to a relaxed sightseeing experience.

Each excursion lasts approximately two hours and includes a meal upon completion.

7. Latvian Palaces and Medieval Castles Private Tour

A short drive from downtown Riga leads to an expanse where the countryside is adorned with numerous historical castles and palaces.

This eight-hour tour features round-trip transportation to and from accommodations in Riga, focusing on several noteworthy palaces and castles recognized for their architectural grandeur and historical importance.

Constructed in the 1700s, Rundāle Palace and Jelgava Castle served as lavish residences for royalty.

Participants will have ample opportunity to explore, engage with guides, and take photographs along the way; however, entrance fees and meals are not included.

8. Ghost Walking Tour and Balsam Tasting

For individuals intrigued by the eeriness and macabre, nighttime tours provide an excellent way to experience thrilling adventures after a long day.

This two-hour ghost walk combined with balsam tasting leads guests to parts of the city that many travelers typically avoid.

Tour highlights include an ancient prison, narrow alleys in shadowy neighborhoods, and various sites along the city’s imposing walls purportedly inhabited by the spirits of individuals lost to history.

Every tour concludes with a delightful balsam tasting experience.

9. Art Nouveau Architecture Walking Tour

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the art nouveau movement gained prominence across Europe.

Now, over a century later, many of the city’s most notable sites exemplify art nouveau architecture, conveniently accessible within this brief tour.

Tour participants will learn about the movement’s history, its significant influence in Riga, and will have the opportunity to admire some of the city’s most striking structures.

The tours last two hours, are offered in English and German, and include pick-up from accommodations if located in Old Town.

10. Turaida Reserve and Deer Safari Winter Tour

Departing from Riga’s city center, participants and their guide will travel to the Turaida Reserve located in the Vidzeme region.

This area, renowned for its beauty and historical significance, transforms in winter into a landscape of snow-laden pines, bracing winds, and numerous majestic reindeer.

Tour participants will have the opportunity to engage with and feed the deer, gaining insight into their lives in the wild while fully experiencing Latvia’s natural surroundings.

Given the chilling conditions during winter safaris, it is advisable to wear warm footwear and dress in layers.

All expenses are covered except for lunch.

11. 3-Hour Old Town and Farmers Market Detective Tour

For those who consider themselves amateur detectives like Sherlock Holmes or Hercule Poirot, there is a standout option among the tours in Riga.

Beginning at Liberty Monument, participants and their guide will embark on an engaging exploration of the city’s most notable attractions, including the Powder Tower, Riga Castle, and the Palace of Peter the Great.

Throughout the journey, they will leverage their reasoning skills to solve riddles and navigate clues, each leading to the subsequent site while providing unique insights into the city’s history, legends, and culture.

This type of tour is particularly appealing for active visitors traveling with inquisitive children.

12. Sigulda Hiking Tour in the Switzerland of Latvia

The region surrounding Sigulda is often referred to as the Switzerland of Latvia, renowned for its picturesque valleys, cliffs, forests, and mountains that echo the landscape of its namesake nation.

During this full-day hiking tour, physically able guests will traverse this stunning area on a nine-mile hike, exploring a range of breathtaking natural landscapes.

The hiking pace can be adjusted to suit the guests’ abilities and preferences, and there will be ample time for breaks and exploration throughout the route.

All necessary elements are included, aside from gratuities, meals, and beverages.

13. Self-Guided Old Town Tour

While professional tour guides enhance the experience for travelers seeking to maximize their limited vacation time, self-guided tours are increasingly popular among those who wish to explore at their own pace.

Utilizing a smartphone as a navigational device, participants can commence their tour at their convenience, focusing on attractions that pique their interest while bypassing those that do not.

The application provides a list of potential sites, succinct descriptions of each, and guidance on how to reach them.

Self-guided tours are also notably more economical than traditional tours, making them particularly appealing to families.

14. Latvian Genealogical Ancestry Tour

Do you have 12 hours to spare and a desire to trace the genealogy of your Latvian ancestors?

If so, this guided ancestry tour offers a valuable and educational opportunity to explore the country and its heritage with the assistance of a knowledgeable local guide and genealogist.

Tours can include multiple town visits, depending on the guests’ knowledge of their family background, along with stops at museums, cemeteries, and opportunities to engage with locals, as well as access historical records and directories.

Should researching ancestry not be within your skill set, worry not—your guide is trained in genealogical research and is proficient in multiple languages.

15. Kemeri National Park Nature Trail from Riga

Kemeri National Park is Latvia’s third-largest park. For individuals fatigued by Riga’s historical attractions and urban life, it provides an excellent opportunity to immerse oneself in nature away from the crowds.

Although the park encompasses rugged natural areas, much of it is easily navigated via the elevated boardwalk that stretches for miles through various picturesque environments.

Along the journey, participants will enjoy their guide’s insights while observing ponds, streams, bogs, and forests teeming with an array of wildlife.

The tours involve moderate physical activity but are suitable for participants of various ages.