Top 25 Must-See Attractions in Riga, Latvia

The capital of Latvia is the largest city among the three Baltic states and accommodates one-third of Latvia’s total population.

Riga exhibits a youthful energy reflected in its vibrant nightlife, contemporary dining hubs, and a flourishing alternative scene.

Riga has a captivating history as a member of the Medieval Hanseatic League, having experienced governance under Swedish, Polish, Russian Empire, Soviet, and Nazi regimes.

The old town, Vecrīga, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site characterized by winding streets, Medieval churches, and guild halls.

When Riga expanded beyond its Medieval walls at the onset of the 20th century, it witnessed an extraordinary surge of creativity, resulting in over 800 Art Nouveau buildings, more than any other city globally.

Let’s delve into the top attractions in Riga:

1. Vecrīga

The old center of Riga, located on the right bank of the Daugava River, is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Within these bustling cobblestone streets and lively squares lie Riga’s oldest residences and churches.

Vecrīga is replete with dining establishments, nightlife venues, art galleries, and museums.

At a café, do not miss ordering the famous Vecrīga dessert, a choux pastry filled with curd and vanilla cream, generously dusted with icing sugar.

Rozena iela is so narrow that you can reach out and touch both walls as you stroll, while the historic Skārņu Street features an arts and crafts market where tasteful souvenirs can be procured.

The Great and Small Guild Halls reflect Riga’s prosperous trading past as a Hanseatic city, linking trade across the Baltic and Northwest Europe.

Although Vecrīga lost a substantial portion of its historic buildings during World War II, many were restored after Latvia regained independence in 1990.

2. Art Nouveau Architecture

Riga is a veritable Art Nouveau paradise, boasting over 800 structures, accounting for one-third of the city’s architectural inventory, originating during the peak years of the movement in the early 20th century.

This city contains the world’s largest assemblage of Art Nouveau architecture, easily identifiable by its elegantly curved doorways and windows, intricate floral reliefs, female sculptures, fanciful gargoyles, and Romantic nationalist imagery.

The Art Nouveau boom arose from Riga’s economic expansion, necessitating stylish residences for a burgeoning bourgeoisie during this period.

Most of these residences are concentrated in the newer “Centrs” district, situated to the north and east of Vecrīga, outside the former city walls.

While several examples are included in this guide, one notable masterpiece is located at 10a and 10b Elizabetes Street, designed by “Riga’s Gaudí,” Mikhail Eisenstein.

3. Town Hall Square

Standing in Riga’s Town Hall Square, contemplating the Town Hall and House of the Blackheads, it is astonishing to realize that these edifices are scarcely over 20 years old.

The reconstruction has blended seamlessly, creating a plaza that embodies the grandeur befitting a capital.

Contrasting with the House of the Blackheads is a stark, squat 1970s Soviet building that until recently housed the Occupation Museum.

The Roland Statue, representing a mythical knight, serves as a hallmark of historical German towns, symbolizing the city’s Medieval privileges.

Additionally, keep an eye out for a modest stone marker on the ground, denoting the site of what is believed to be the world’s first decorated Christmas tree, erected by the Brotherhood of Blackheads in 1510.

4. House of the Blackheads

The centerpiece of Town Hall Square is undoubtedly the grand House of the Blackheads, which was initially constructed for an association of unmarried merchants and shipowners in the 1330s.

This richly adorned brick structure served as a hub for commerce and trade in Riga during the Hanseatic years.

As the members were bachelorettes, the Blackheads were recognized for enlivening Riga’s social scene, organizing celebrations and events.

The building underwent modifications in the 16th and 19th centuries, but was devastated during a German air raid in 1941. The restoration commenced only after the Soviet era and concluded in 1999. Visitors can explore the site from Tuesday to Sunday to discover more about the Blackheads and the building’s history.

The vaults located in the basement are original, dating back to the 14th century, while the remarkable Celebration Hall and an extensive collection of antique silver are highlights of any visit.

5. Albert Street

For those with limited time to explore Riga’s Art Nouveau treasures, numerous buildings are concentrated on Albert Street, which resembles an open-air gallery of architecture.

One intriguing aspect of Albert Street is the rapid construction of these buildings.

This thoroughfare took on its distinctive appearance within merely seven years, from 1901 to 1908, with eight of the structures designated as Latvian state monuments.

A significant portion of the street features the work of Russian architect Mikhail Eisenstein, with notable contributions from Konstantīns Pēkšēns and his protégé Eižens Laube.

Essential stops include the noted monuments located at 2, 2a, 4, 6, 8, 11, 12, and 13. Take your time appreciating the reliefs and sculptures adorning the facades, which prominently display Romantic Nationalist themes and mythological figures, characteristic of Art Nouveau.

6. Three Brothers

Located at 17, 19, and 21 Mazā Pils Street, the oldest cluster of houses in Riga dates back to the 15th century.

The oldest facade is number 17, showcasing a blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles evident in its crow-stepped gable and pointed arch doorway.

No. 19, painted a soft yellow, originates from the mid-17th century, harmonizing Renaissance design with Dutch Mannerism.

The distinguished Classical portal here is a more recent addition, constructed in 1746. This building now houses the Latvian Architecture Museum for those interested.

Finally, the slender no. 21 represents a Baroque residence from the late 17th century, featuring a graceful flowing gable.

7. Freedom Monument

Located east of Vecrīga, this poignant landmark commemorates the soldiers who perished while fighting Soviet forces during the Latvian War of Independence (1918-20). Rising 42 meters high, the Freedom Monument (1935) is constructed from red granite and travertine, topped with a copper sculpture of Liberty holding three golden stars.

This monument serves as the focal point for official remembrance ceremonies in the city.

As you approach the base, you will discover 13 groups of reliefs depicting national heroes, allegorical figures, elements of Latvian culture, and significant historical events, such as the Russian Revolution of 1905 and the War of Independence.

8. Bastejkalna Parks

The park surrounding the Freedom Monument spans both sides of the Pilsētas Kanāls (canal), which follows the path of Riga’s historical moat.

Until 1856, this elevated region served as Riga’s eastern fortifications, and the name translates to “Bastion Hill.” During the 19th century, a dignified boulevard, gas lamps, sculptures, manicured flowerbeds, and a constructed waterfall were established on the hill, complemented by charming wrought-iron bridges crossing the canal.

The magnificent structures adjacent to the park, such as the Latvian National Opera and University of Latvia, enhance the sense of celebration.

Savor the sunset from the hill and stroll along the canal to observe the ducks, swans, and beavers.

9. Riga Central Market

Part of Riga’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Riga Central Market is one of the largest and most frequented markets in Eastern Europe.

Approximately 100,000 shoppers enter its pavilions daily.

The market’s structure itself is an architectural marvel, constructed in the late 1920s by repurposing German zeppelin hangars into pavilions.

These colossal buildings are situated along the Daugava River, just south of Vecrīga, with each pavilion specializing in different products, including gourmet offerings, fish, meat, dairy, and fresh produce.

There are also outdoor stalls to browse, while the former warehouses (Spikeri) have been transformed into a modern arts and entertainment district.

Some unique items that may intrigue visitors include smoked eels, Rupjmaizes kārtojums (a layered dessert made from rye bread), and hemp paste.

10. Riga Cathedral

A lasting symbol of Riga, the “Dome Cathedral” serves as the episcopal seat of the Archbishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia.

This edifice has undergone numerous changes since its inception, built on the right bank of the Daugava River at the beginning of the 13th century.

Like all churches in Vecrīga, the cathedral features a weather vane shaped like a cockerel atop its spire, weighing 86 kg.

An older model is showcased in the cathedral’s delightful Romanesque cloister, one of the building’s oldest sections.

In the 16th century, the Dome Pipe Organ was renowned as the largest in the world, albeit destroyed in a fire in 1547. The existing instrument, housed in a beautifully carved wooden case, was installed by Walcker Orgelbau in the early 1880s and comprises 6,718 pipes.

11. Swedish Gate

During Medieval times, Riga was fortified by a formidable wall featuring 20 towers and a 90-meter-wide moat, which later became the Pilsētas Kanāls.

Of the eight gates that once regulated access to the city, only the Swedish Gate has survived.

This remnant persists into the 21st century as it was converted into an apartment following its obsolescence when the city’s bastions were constructed in the 17th century.

Its renter was the city executioner, who, by tradition, would place a red rose on the window sill on the day of an execution.

The wall section along Torņa Street has been restored during the Soviet period.

12. St Peter’s Church

The 123-meter tower of this Lutheran church is a defining feature of Vecrīga’s skyline.

Construction of St Peter’s Church commenced in the early 13th century, with additional phases taking place in the 15th and 17th centuries, resulting in a blend of architectural styles from Romanesque to Baroque.

While little remains of the original structure, traces can be found in the outer nave and some pillars.

The church’s tower has a tumultuous history: the original 15th-century Gothic tower collapsed in 1660, and its replacement from 1690 was brought down by lightning in 1721, followed by destruction during World War II, leading to renovation in the 1960s.

During the latest restoration, an elevator was added, offering access to the second gallery at a height of 72 meters, providing a stunning view of Vecrīga.

13. Latvian National Opera and Ballet

Best appreciated when the auditorium is filled for evening performances, the Latvian National Opera and Ballet is a Neoclassical theater that opened in 1863. This venue predates the establishment of the Latvian National Opera, founded in 1912, which had to wait until after World War I to present its inaugural performance, Wagner’s “Flying Dutchman” in 1919. The opulent interiors were crafted by the studio of August Volz, who also designed the Roland Statue and the allegorical sculptures adorning the façade of the House of the Blackheads.

Cultural enthusiasts will not want to miss an evening of “Faust,” “Die Fledermaus,” or “Madame Butterfly,” so be sure to check the listings while in town and join the elegantly dressed audience.

An interesting piece of trivia is that Wagner served as the music director of the Deutsches Theater, the predecessor of the National Opera, during the late 1830s.

14. Art Nouveau Museum

Konstantīns Pēkšēns, a prominent figure in Riga’s Art Nouveau movement, both designed and resided in this building on Albert Street around the turn of the 20th century.

In 2009, the interior of his apartment was restored to its 1903 layout and decoration.

On the façade, watch for whimsical motifs drawn from local fauna, such as pine cones, needles, and squirrels.

The spiral staircase is a visual delight, showcasing mesmerizing ceiling paintings created by Latvia’s eminent artist, Janis Rozentāls.

Within the apartment, visitors can wander through the plush drawing room, decorated in floral patterns, and the dining room lined with wooden panels.

Exquisite furniture with flowing contours, delicate stained glass windows, and beautiful tile work, best observed on the kitchen floor, can also be admired.

15. Riga Motor Museum

Reopening in 2016 following a three-year refurbishment, the state-owned Riga Motor Museum is a must-visit for automobile enthusiasts or those intrigued by Soviet-era artifacts.

The collections include models from the Soviet era, including Volga, Moskvich, and Zigouli, as well as a ZIS-115 armored car designed for Josef Stalin and a Lincoln Continental 53A Town Car, which was a gift from Nixon to Leonid Brezhnev in the early 1970s.

Look out for the replica of the Auto Union Racing Car Type D, built by the company that would later become Audi.

Additionally, from the West, you can admire a Jaguar Mk. 2, Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith, and Mercedes-Benz 220 SE, all in excellent restoration condition.

16. Cat House

A noteworthy building to observe while exploring Vecrīga, the Cat House is a Medieval-inspired Art Nouveau residence located on Meistaru Street.

Architect Friedrich Scheffel designed the house for a wealthy Latvian merchant, which features charming copper cats perched upon the corner turrets.

Legend has it that these cats were designed facing away from Riga’s House of the Great Guild due to a grudge held by the Latvian owner for not being allowed entry to the predominantly German guild.

Following a court case, the cats were turned around, and the owner was subsequently admitted to the guild.

17. Vērmanes Garden

East of Bastejkalna Parks and adjacent to the main building of the University of Latvia, Vērmanes Garden is the second public park in Riga.

The garden is named after Anna Gertrud Wöhrmann, a Prussian widow who donated the land and funds for its development in the 1810s.

This area was previously scorched as a precaution against an attack by Napoleon that ultimately did not materialize.

A solemn obelisk in her honor stands alongside an elegant fountain symbolizing the four seasons and a series of stone lions.

The garden features well-maintained flowerbeds and exotic trees, a play area for children, seasonal cafes, chess enthusiasts, and an outdoor stage for music and dance performances during the summer months.

18. Nativity of Christ Cathedral

This striking neo-Byzantine structure serves as the cathedral for Riga’s Orthodox community and commenced construction in 1876, during Latvia’s inclusion in the Russian Empire.

The cathedral is marked by its grand golden central dome, which is impossible to overlook.

Tsar Alexander II contributed 12 bells to the cathedral, necessitating the construction of a separate belfry.

However, these bells were melted down during the early 1960s under Soviet rule when the cathedral became the Republic House of Knowledge.

During this period, the dome served as a planetarium, while crucifixes were removed and valuable iconostasis was desecrated.

Restoration efforts initiated in the late 1990s are ongoing, aiming to restore the iconostasis and interior to their former glory.

19. Museum of the Occupation

As of the publication date, the Museum of the Occupation, regarded as one of Riga’s premier cultural attractions, was temporarily housed in the former US Embassy building on Raiņa Bulvāris.

This museum houses an extensive audiovisual archive and a collection of artifacts documenting the often harrowing history from 1940-1991, when Latvia was subjugated first by the USSR, then the Nazis during World War II, and again by the USSR.

Visitors can access poignant yet informative narrations of the struggles faced in Siberian gulags, purges of Latvian nationalists post-World War II, and the deportation and murder of Jews during the Holocaust.

Located on Brīvības Street is a related attraction that addresses the history of KGB operations in Latvia, situated within a former KGB building complete with intact prison cells.

20. Latvian National Museum of Art

For an enlightening exploration of 19th and 20th-century Latvian art, the newly refurbished Latvian National Art Museum is a must-visit.

Completed in 1905, this striking Historicist building was designed by Baltic German architect Wilhelm Neumann and represents the first purpose-built museum in the Baltic States.

Closed for much of this decade, the museum has become a cultural landmark in Riga since its reopening.

Visitors can explore two floors showcasing the works of notable Latvian artists, including Expressionist Johans Valters, Art Nouveau artist Janis Rozentāls, and landscape painter Janis Rozentāls.

Temporary exhibitions are presented in the basement, and the rooftop terrace offers panoramic views of the city.

21. Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation

The chapter house of the Dome Cathedral serves as the site for Latvia’s oldest museum, which began its collection in the mid-18th century under the supervision of Riga physician Nikolaus von Himsel.

Following his premature death, his possessions were bequeathed to the city by his mother in 1773, finding a permanent exhibition space within the chapter house.

The architecture of this monument dates back to the 13th century, featuring a groin-vaulted gallery, while the COLUMN HALL originated in 1778. The collection has been expanded over the years, chronicling Riga’s history, from its time as a Hanseatic port in the Middle Ages to the Swedish and Polish occupations in the 16th and 17th centuries.

Among the many intriguing artifacts are historic maps, navigational instruments, attire, various everyday items, porcelain, silver, and antique engravings depicting the city.

22. Ethnographic Open Air Museum

This skansen-style museum is located on the eastern shore of Lake Jugla, approximately 30 minutes by car from the city center.

It is an essential stop for those wishing to deepen their knowledge of Latvian culture.

A total of 118 traditional buildings from the four Latvian provinces have been transported here and meticulously reconstructed.

The oldest structures date back to the 1600s, with the most recent additions from the 1930s.

The museum offers a unique opportunity to contrast the cultural distinctions between the provinces of Kurzeme, Latgale, Vidzeme, and Zemgale.

Within these buildings, visitors can learn about historical self-care practices in saunas, witness traditional weaving, explore a collection of tools for historical trades, create pottery, mint coins, sample local cuisine, and discover Latvian seasonal festivities.

Established in 1824, the museum spans 87 hectares of pine forest and features cross-country skiing trails during the winter months.

23. Town Musicians of Bremen

A whimsical attraction on Skārņu Street is the sculpture commemorating the Brothers Grimm fairytale, the “Town Musicians of Bremen.” The story features four aging domestic animals: a donkey, dog, cat, and rooster, embarking on a journey to Bremen in pursuit of a new life as musicians.

However, they never reach their destination, as they cleverly outsmart a band of robbers they encounter along the way.

This monument in Riga, gifted by Bremen in 1990, is believed to carry political implications as a nod to Gorbachev’s Perestroika.

It is said to bring good luck to visitors who touch each animal’s face in succession; the polished bronze surface illustrates the countless hands that have done so over the past 28 years.

24. Jūrmala

During the summer months, you can take a commuter train from Riga Central Station to the seaside resort of Jūrmala.

Trains depart every 30 minutes on the Riga-Tukums line and take about 30 minutes to reach their destination.

You will quickly understand the merits of the trip upon arrival.

Jūrmala boasts a beach that extends 33 kilometers, featuring pristine white quartz sand, occasionally lined with wooden Art Nouveau structures.

Each year, six of Jūrmala’s bathing areas are awarded the Blue Flag, bordered by a landscape of mixed birch and pine forests.

Visiting outside the summer months is advantageous for collecting pieces of amber washed ashore during spring and autumn.

Historically, Jūrmala was a favored retreat for the Communist elite in the mid-20th century, with notable visits from Nikita Khrushchev and Leonid Brezhnev.

25. Riga Black Balsam

If there is a quintessential Latvian souvenir, it would be Black Balsam, a herbal liqueur noted for its bitter yet subtly sweet profile, established in oak barrels.

Production reaches up to two million bottles annually, with distribution to 30 countries.

This distinctive beverage originated in 1752, when pharmacist Abraham Kunze formulated it as a restorative tonic.

Each ceramic bottle of Black Balsam incorporates a total of 24 berries, roots, herbs, flowers, and essential oils, and it is available in an impressive variety of concoctions.

Commonly, it is enjoyed in cocktails or served as a mix with vodka, schnapps, or aquavit.

Additionally, it can be enjoyed with coffee, tea, soft beverages, or even as a topping on desserts like ice cream.