Riga, the capital and largest city of Latvia, stands out in the Baltics primarily for its magnificent buildings.
The city is located on the coast of the Baltic Sea, at the mouth of the Daugava River. Its history stretches back more than 800 years, when it was founded by German merchants in 1201. Particularly significant are the Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) architectural ensembles built at the turn of the 19th-20th centuries. These stand up to comparison with Vienna, Prague, or Budapest.
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Riga attractions
Old Town (Vecrīga)
The historic quarter stretching along the right bank of the Daugava River is the heart of the city, where medieval charm comes alive through the multitude of buildings constructed between the 13th and 19th centuries. The area, which has been part of the World Heritage since 1997, has retained its original street layout and architectural unity. The central element of the quarter is Town Hall Square, surrounded by imposing historic buildings.
Walking through the streets of the Old Town, visitors encounter iconic sights such as the Three Brothers house ensemble, the Swedish Gate, or the House of the Blackheads. The cobbled streets are dotted with cozy cafés, restaurants, and craft shops that create an authentic Baltic atmosphere. Due to the area’s size, it is easily walkable.
The Old Town also contains most of the remains of medieval fortifications, including the defensive structure called the Powder Tower. At night, the area exudes a particularly romantic atmosphere. UNESCO recognition is due to the fact that Riga’s Old Town is one of the best-preserved examples of Hanseatic cities in the Baltics.
St. Peter’s Church
The Gothic church built in the 13th century is Riga’s tallest church and one of the most emblematic structures in the city skyline.
The 123-meter-high tower received its current form in 1690, which has been rebuilt several times since due to war damage. The current tower was completed in 1973, and two observation terraces await visitors at a height of 72 meters.
The church’s interior captivates with its impressive Gothic vaults and imposing dimensions. It has undergone numerous transformations over the centuries but has retained its original character. Concerts and cultural events are regularly held in the church, where the excellent acoustics make the experience special.
An elevator takes you up the tower, from where a 360-degree panorama of the entire city, the Daugava River, and the modern suburbs unfolds. On clear days, you can see up to 50 kilometers from here. In the church courtyard, numerous medieval tombstones and monuments can be seen, preserving important figures from the city’s history. The tower spire is decorated with a gilded rooster, which has become one of Riga’s symbols.
Cathedral and Cathedral Square
The Baltic’s largest medieval church, whose foundation stone was laid in 1211. Over the centuries, it bears the marks of numerous architectural styles: from Romanesque foundations to Gothic and Baroque elements. The church’s specialty is the monumental organ with 6,718 pipes, built in 1884, which was the world’s largest organ at the time.
The church’s interior is breathtaking: the 25-meter-high vault, the stained glass windows, and the rich carvings all contribute to the building’s majestic atmosphere. The Cathedral also houses the medieval collection of the Riga History and Navigation Museum. The cloister and courtyard colonnade date back to the 13th century, and walking among them transports one back to the Middle Ages.
Cathedral Square is one of Riga’s largest and liveliest squares, which in summer is the venue for concerts, fairs, and city events. The square is lined with elegant historic buildings, including the monumental neoclassical building of the Riga Stock Exchange. The square also features the House of the Blackheads, which was built in the 15th century and now operates as a museum. The area is full of cafés where you can take a pleasant break during sightseeing.
Three Brothers
The ensemble of three residential houses on Maza Pils Street is Riga’s most photographed medieval building group. The buildings’ name refers to the three brothers motif from Latvian folk tales.
The three buildings were constructed between the 15th and 17th centuries, and each represents the architectural style of a different era. The white house (No. 17) is the oldest, dating from the end of the 15th century, and shows the characteristics of Gothic style.
The middle, yellow building is from the mid-17th century, designed by Dutch masters in Mannerist style. The green house is the youngest, from the end of the 17th century, and already bears Baroque features. All three houses were originally built by craftsmen and merchants, with workshops and shops on the ground floor.
Freedom Monument
The monumental memorial unveiled in 1935 is one of Riga’s most important national symbols and an emblem of Latvian independence. The 42-meter-high statue stands in the modern center of the city, at the border between the Old Town and newer districts. At the top, a female figure holding three golden stars, Milda, symbolizes Latvian freedom and independence.
On the monument’s pedestal are numerous sculpture groups and reliefs depicting important moments in Latvian history and culture. More than 140 artists and craftsmen participated in the creation of the monument. An interesting historical detail is that during the Soviet period, plans to demolish the statue were raised several times, but it ultimately survived.
The area around the Freedom Monument is an important meeting point for locals, and many national holidays see events taking place here. An honor guard is stationed at the memorial, which changes every hour in a ceremonial procedure. The area around the statue leads to the city park, where pleasant promenades can be found along the Pilsētas canal.
Alberta Street
An unparalleled collection of Art Nouveau architecture is found on this special street, which forms one of Europe’s most concentrated art nouveau quarters.
Most of the houses built between 1901 and 1908 were designed by Mikhail Eisenstein, who was the greatest master of Riga’s Art Nouveau style. The street contains 13 art nouveau buildings, each a unique artistic creation.
The building facades are covered with rich stucco decorations, mythological figures, stylized plant motifs, and fantastical symbolic elements. The buildings at Alberta Street 2a, 4, 6, 8, and 13 are particularly impressive, where all the characteristic features of Art Nouveau appear. The facade colors are also varied: from sky blue to pale yellow.
The street is part of a larger Art Nouveau quarter that includes additional parallel streets. It’s worth paying attention to the details: the balconies, windows, and doors are all decorated with unique wrought iron work. At Alberta Street 12, there is the Riga Art Nouveau Museum, where period apartment furnishings can be viewed. It became part of UNESCO World Heritage in 1997, recognizing Riga’s exceptional architectural heritage.
Central Market
One of Europe’s largest and liveliest covered markets operates in five huge Zeppelin hangars built during World War I.
The market, which opened in 1930, offers fresh food, local specialties, and craft products over 72,000 square meters. Each hangar is dedicated to a different product category: vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, and dairy products.
The building complex was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1998 as an industrial architectural monument. The hangars’ imposing steel and glass structure is still impressive today and is a perfect example of 1920s functionalist architecture. The market is an excellent place for visitors to taste Baltic cuisine and gain insight into the daily lives of local people. It’s busiest in the morning when locals come to shop.
Riga Radio and TV Tower
Latvia’s most famous modern structure and one of Riga’s symbols. Standing on the banks of the Daugava, the tower, at 368.5 meters high, is among the European Union’s tallest towers.
Built between 1979 and 1986, primarily for broadcasting purposes, it is also a significant tourist attraction. Its structure rests on three inclined legs that embrace a central trunk. From the observation levels, on clear days, you can see far over Riga and the surrounding landscapes.
The tower is an emblematic legacy of Latvian engineering prowess and the Soviet era’s technical ambitions. It also played an important role during Latvia’s period of independence, when the protection of communications was strategically significant.
Latvian National Opera House
The monumental building opened in 1863 is the Baltic’s oldest operating opera house and one of Riga’s most elegant classicist structures. Originally designed by German architect Ludwig Bohnstedt as the German Theatre, it has been home to the Latvian National Opera since 1919. The building’s facade is neoclassical style, decorated with columns and sculptures.
The three-tiered auditorium can accommodate 946 people and dazzles the audience with magnificent gilded decorations and red velvet seats. The building has undergone several renovations over the decades, the most recent completed in 2001, when the technical equipment was also upgraded. The opera house has its own ballet company and orchestra and regularly presents classical and modern operas.
Near the building is Vērmanes Park, which offers a pleasant resting place before or after performances. The opera house also operates a smaller chamber hall, where chamber concerts and experimental performances take place. Richard Wagner also conducted here between 1837 and 1839, before becoming world-famous.
Riga Castle
The imposing building complex standing on the banks of the Daugava River has guarded the gates of Riga since 1330, and today it is the official residence of the President of Latvia. The castle was built by the Teutonic Order, but over the centuries it was rebuilt and expanded several times. The current form is the result of 16th-19th century modifications, which combine medieval, Renaissance, and classicist elements.
The castle is a three-wing building with an inner courtyard, whose walls have retained their medieval authenticity. In the southern wing is the Three Stars House, which now serves museum functions. The castle also houses the Latvian History Museum and the Foreign Art Museum, which have valuable collections.
Throughout its history, the building complex has been damaged in wars several times, but it was always rebuilt. Between 2012 and 2018, it underwent a major renovation, during which it regained its original splendor. The area around the castle is a popular walking spot, especially the riverside promenade, from which there is a beautiful view of the opposite bank. The castle’s towers and bastions still preserve the atmosphere of medieval fortifications.
Livu Square and House of the Blackheads
The picturesque Livu Square is one of the Old Town’s most beautiful and atmospheric spots, surrounded by elegant historic buildings. The square’s name comes from the Livs, the indigenous Finno-Ugric people who were the area’s first inhabitants.
The House of the Blackheads on the square was first mentioned in 1334, but the current beautiful Gothic-Renaissance building was rebuilt in 1999 based on the original destroyed in World War II. The facade features rich decorations, sculptures, and the original natural stone. The building now serves as a reception venue and cultural center, where concerts, exhibitions, and state events take place.
Livu Square also features a replica of the Roland statue, which is a symbol of city rights. In summer, outdoor concerts and events are held on the square, while in winter, a Christmas market and ice skating rink make the area festive. Among the surrounding buildings is the Lesser Guild House, which is also a valuable historical monument.
Swedish Gate
The only remaining original city gate from Riga’s medieval fortifications, built in 1698 into a section of the city wall. The gate’s name comes from the fact that it was cut through the city wall during Swedish rule to facilitate military movement. Passing through the narrow arched passageway, one enters the historic Jēkaba (Jacob) barracks.
Above the gate is a residential building that originally served as quarters for the city wall guards. According to locals, if couples pass through the gate and kiss each other, their love will last forever. This legend makes it a popular photo spot for newlyweds.
The area has retained its authentic medieval atmosphere with old cobbled streets and remnants of the original city wall. On Torņa Street, which starts from the gate, there are several historic buildings and museums. Near the Swedish Gate, the Jacob Barracks building can also be seen, which now operates as a museum. The city wall section connected to the gate is one of the longest remaining fragments of Riga’s medieval fortifications, extending for about 300 meters.
Powder Tower (Pulvertornis)
The defensive tower built in the 14th century is one of the most imposing remaining parts of Riga’s medieval fortifications. Originally called the Sand Tower, the structure is 25 meters high and has 3-meter-thick walls. In the 17th century, it received its current name when it was used as a gunpowder storage.
The tower’s history was turbulent: it survived numerous sieges, and its walls still bear the marks of Swedish and Russian cannon balls. In 1919, it also played an important role during the Latvian independence struggles. Today it houses the Latvian War Museum, which presents Latvian military history from the Middle Ages to the present day.
The museum’s collection contains weapons, uniforms, documents, and personal items from different eras. Particularly valuable are the World War I relics of the Latvian riflemen and documents from the independence struggles. The square in front of the tower is decorated with a small park and statue, which preserves the memory of Latvian soldiers. The tower’s interior spaces display the original medieval vault and the structure of the ancient stone walls.
Vērmanes Park
The city’s oldest public park opened in 1814 from a donation by the widow Anna Vērmane, who left land in her will to the city’s poor. The 5-hectare green area is an English-style romantic garden, decorated with promenades, a lake, and fountains. At the center of the park is the music pavilion, where free concerts are held in summer.
The park contains numerous sculptures and monuments, including the monument to Krišjānis Barons, the Latvian folk song collector. For children, a playground and small amusement park await families. The park is especially spectacular in autumn.
Vērmanes Park is a popular resting place for both locals and tourists, especially for visitors to the nearby opera house before or after performances. The park also contains a small lake where you can go boating in summer. In winter, an ice skating rink is set up in the central part of the park. Along the edge of the park are cafés and restaurants that provide a pleasant environment for a coffee or lunch.
Latvian National Museum
The country’s largest and most significant historical and cultural museum, which gives a comprehensive picture of the Latvian nation’s past and present. The original building was built between 1869 and 1870, but the museum’s current modern home opened in 2016 near Riga Castle, on the banks of the Daugava River. The new building’s contemporary architecture creates an interesting contrast with the historic environment.
The museum’s permanent exhibition, titled „The History of the Latvian Land, People and Nation,” presents the history of Latvia’s territory in chronological order from the Ice Age to the present day. The exhibition makes learning about the past experiential with interactive elements and modern multimedia solutions. Particularly valuable are the medieval objects, folk costumes, and documents related to 20th-century history.
Its collection contains more than one million objects, including archaeological finds, historical documents, ethnographic materials, and artworks. The exhibition deals in detail with Latvian independence movements, and the periods of Soviet and Nazi occupation. On the building’s roof is an observation terrace from which there is a beautiful panorama of the Old Town and the river.
Riga Art Museum
Latvia’s largest fine arts collection is an institution founded in 1869, which moved to its current neo-baroque building in 1905.
The monumental palace standing in the middle of Esplanade Park was designed by Vilhelm Neumann and Wilhelm Ludwig Bockslaff and was one of the most modern museum buildings of its time. The facade is decorated with allegorical sculptures symbolizing the arts.
The museum preserves more than 52,000 works of art, encompassing Latvian and Baltic art from the 18th century to the present day. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, graphics, and applied art objects. Particularly significant is the 19th-20th century Latvian painting collection, where works by masters such as Janis Rozentāls or Vilhelms Purvītis can be seen.
The permanent exhibition presents the development of Latvian art in chronological order from Romanticism to Socialist Realism. The museum also organizes temporary exhibitions of contemporary Latvian and international artists’ works, and the building houses a research library and restoration workshops.
Riga weather: when is the best time to travel?
Spring (March-May):
The spring period arrives with gradually warming temperatures; by the end of March, the snow melts and nature comes back to life. In April, daytime temperatures are already around 10-15 degrees, and in May between 15-20 degrees. The days are getting longer, with up to 17 hours of sunshine possible in May. Rain is still frequent in spring, so it’s worth bringing a raincoat or umbrella. The blooming of parks and gardens is particularly spectacular in May.
Summer (June-August):
The summer months are the warmest and most pleasant period in Riga, when daytime temperatures average between 20-25 degrees. At the end of June and early July, the longest day is experienced, when the sun is up almost until midnight, thanks to the northern location. In July and August, showers occur more frequently, but they are usually short. The summer period is ideal for outdoor programs, terrace sitting, and exploring the city. The Baltic Sea water reaches 17-20 degrees at this time, which is suitable for swimming.
Autumn (September-November):
September is still pleasant, often with daytime temperatures of 15-18 degrees, and it’s one of the best times to visit the city. By October, the weather becomes cooler with 8-12 degrees, and precipitation increases. November is usually a gray, rainy month with average temperatures of 3-5 degrees. Autumn’s special charm lies in the golden foliage, when the city’s parks and tree-lined streets shine in beautiful colors. By the end of November, it gets dark early, and the first snowfalls appear.
Winter (December-February):
The winter period is cold and snowy, with average temperatures ranging between -5 and +2 degrees, but periods with cooling down to -15 degrees can occur. The days are short, with only 6 hours of sunshine expected in December. Snowfall is frequent, and the city is wrapped in a beautiful white blanket. The winter months are excellent for visiting Christmas markets and winter sports. In January and February, the cold is strongest; it’s worth bringing a thick winter coat and warm clothing.
Best time to travel Riga:
The most ideal period to visit Riga is from late May to mid-September, when the weather is most pleasant. In May and June, the days are long, with temperatures of 15-20 degrees, and there are fewer tourists than in July-August. The peak summer season is July and August, when 20-25 degree warmth is expected, although showers may occasionally occur. September is particularly recommended due to the „golden autumn” when the temperature is still pleasant (15-18 degrees), there are fewer tourists, and the city shines in beautiful autumn colors.