Riga, Latvia’s capital and the largest city in the Baltics, is a must-see on any eastern European itinerary. Bisected by the Duagava River, Riga is steeped in charm and history. From the colorful cobblestone streets of the Old Town and decadent Art Nouveau architecture to the bustling Central Market and state-of-the-art National Library, Riga has much for visitors to explore.
1. Explore the Old Town (Vecriga)
Riga’s charming Vecriga (Old Town) is a maze of cobblestone streets and historic buildings. Stop by St. Peter’s Church to marvel at Gothic architecture in this massive 15th-century red-brick edifice. Climb the tower for panoramic views of the varicolored Old Town and Duagava River.
Make your way through town to Dome Square, a lively plaza with children playing happily on the playground under the shadow of the grand Riga Cathedral. In the winter months, this square hosts an enchanting Christmas market.
Not far are the Three Brothers, a set of three houses crammed together on Maza Pils Street, which are said to be the oldest residential buildings in Riga. Each belongs to a different era of architecture between the late 15th and 17th centuries, standing out from one another with their colorful facades.
For more unique architecture in the Vecriga, check out the Cat House. This striking sunflower yellow building blends medieval and Art Nouveau elements, but its most prominent features are statues of two cats, backs arched in anger. According to legend, the original owner, a wealthy merchant, was denied entry to the Riga Tradesman Guild and in retaliation installed the cats to spurn the Great Guild with their rear ends.
2. Unwind in Bastejkalna Park
Riga is home to a collection of beautiful green spaces, but Bastejkalna Park was undoubtedly my favorite. The Pilsetas kanals (city canal) snakes across this beautifully manicured park, with small wooden sightseeing boats drifting gently along the tranquil waters. This canal was once a moat built to protect the former Riga Fortress, but today it’s used to delight visitors on canal cruises rather than protect from invading armies.
In the center of the park sits the iconic Freedom Monument, a staggering monolith dedicated to soldiers slain during the Latvian War of Independence. The park has several other landmarks, including the Love Bridge, a small footbridge adorned with padlocks, and the Laima Clock, a 1924 clocktower used as a meeting spot for visitors and locals alike.
3. Experience history at the House of the Blackheads
As one of Riga’s most prominent landmarks, the House of the Blackheads is a must-see in the city center. Once a warehouse and meeting space for 14th-century merchants, this historical building was destroyed during World War II and wasn’t rebuilt until the end of the Soviet occupation in the 1990s.
Behind the richly ornamented rust-orange facade lie lavish ballrooms and museum exhibits, including the surviving 14th-century medieval cellars. Tickets are €8 for adult entry + a coffee, or €9 for adult entry + an alcoholic beverage (what a business model), and €5 for seniors or students.
4. Take a walking tour
I am a huge advocate for walking tours; they’re an excellent way to get to know a city from a local’s perspective. While in Riga, I took a free walking tour with Riga Free Tour and would highly recommend it. Our knowledgeable local guide took us to landmarks and hidden gems around the Old Town, imparting tales and facts about the Latvian capital.
Although tours are “free” remember to bring cash (Euros) to tip your guide at the end, I generally tip between €10-€15 depending on tour length and how engaging the guide is.
5. Tour the National Library of Latvia
Across the Duagava River overlooking the Old Town sits the imposing National Library, a sweeping asymmetrical triangle built of glass and concrete. This impressive feat of architecture houses over 1 million titles, including the People’s Bookshelf, a multistory glass-enclosed bookshelf displaying specially donated books from guests in the atrium.
The library also houses several exhibits, in Latvian and English, that are free to visit with the rest of the library. While entry to the library is free, bring a €1 coin for the cloakroom lockers, it’s obligatory to store your bags and jackets during your visit.
6. Hit the Art Nouveau District
Riga is an Art Nouveau hub, making it one of the most significant destinations in Europe for this style and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Just a short walk from the Vecriga (Old Town) is Alberta Street, a block of gorgeous multistory apartment buildings in the Art Nouveau style, and the Riga Art Nouveau Center.
My favorite building is 10b Elisabetes Street. This grandiose apartment building is decked out in cerulean tiles with ornate sculptural elements.
7. Shop local at the Riga Central Market
No major European city would be complete without its central market, and Riga is no exception. Located near the bus station, the Riga Central Market is bustling with activity and open daily from 7.30 am – 6.30 pm. The five open-air market halls, built from repurposed German airplane hangars, house meat and dairy vendors, and several restaurants, while the exterior is lined with smaller tables heaped with produce and fresh flowers.
8. Relax on the beach in Jurmala
Take a day trip to the coast to relax on Jurmala’s sandy shores. Just 30 minutes by train, this is the perfect escape from the city, especially during the summer months. Catch the train at Riga’s main station and disembark at Majori. Tickets are only a few euros and can be purchased in person or online. I love the Omio app for buying transport tickets while I travel.
Promenade down the colorful Jomas Street, lined with restaurants, boutiques, and ice cream shops to beat the summer heat. Lay down a towel and relax on the fine white sands of Jurmala Beach, overlooking the sparkling Baltic Sea.