Riga Travel Guide – Tourist Attractions, Sights, Tips & Things to do

Riga is the capital and largest city of Latvia, a Baltic country in Northern Europe. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture and vibrant nightlife. If you are planning to visit Riga, here are some of the top attractions and sights that you should not miss.

1. Riga Old Town: The historic center of Riga, where you can admire the medieval buildings, churches and monuments, such as the House of the Blackheads, the Riga Cathedral and the Freedom Monument.
2. Art Nouveau District: A neighborhood with the highest concentration of Art Nouveau buildings in the world, featuring elaborate facades, sculptures and ornaments.
3. Central Market: One of the largest and oldest markets in Europe, where you can find fresh produce, meat, fish, cheese and other local delicacies.
4. Latvian National Museum of Art: The main art museum in Latvia, showcasing works by Latvian and foreign artists from various periods and styles.
5. Riga Castle: The official residence of the President of Latvia and a former fortress, dating back to the 14th century. It also houses several museums, such as the Museum of Foreign Art and the Museum of Latvian History.
6. Riga Zoo: A popular attraction for families and animal lovers, featuring more than 4000 animals from different continents and habitats.
7. Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum: A museum that recreates the rural life of Latvia in the past centuries, with authentic houses, farms, workshops and crafts.
8. St. Peter’s Church: A Gothic church with a 123-meter-high tower that offers panoramic views of the city. It also hosts concerts and exhibitions.
9. National Library of Latvia: A modern building that resembles a mountain of glass, designed by renowned architect Gunnar Birkerts. It is not only a library but also a cultural center that hosts events and activities.
10. Riga Motor Museum: A museum that displays a collection of vintage cars, motorcycles and bicycles, including some rare and unique models.
11. Latvian National Opera and Ballet: A prestigious venue that stages opera and ballet performances by local and international artists. It is housed in a neoclassical building with a splendid interior.
12. Bastion Hill: A park that commemorates the victims of the Soviet crackdown on the pro-independence movement in 1991. It features a bridge with hundreds of padlocks left by lovers as a symbol of eternal love.
13. Museum of the Occupation of Latvia: A museum that documents the history of Latvia under the Nazi and Soviet regimes from 1940 to 1991. It displays artifacts, photos and testimonies from survivors and resistance fighters.
14. Riga Ghetto and Latvian Holocaust Museum: A museum that honors the memory of the Jews who were persecuted and killed by the Nazis during World War II. It is located in the former Jewish ghetto area, where you can see the remains of the ghetto wall and a memorial.
15. Latvian War Museum: A museum that covers the military history of Latvia from ancient times to the present day. It exhibits weapons, uniforms, medals and other items related to wars and conflicts involving Latvia.
16. Riga Aviation Museum: A museum that showcases a variety of aircrafts from different countries and eras, including fighter jets, helicopters and gliders.
17. Dome Square: The largest square in Riga Old Town, where you can find cafes, restaurants and bars. It is also a venue for festivals, concerts and markets.
18. Esplanade Park: A green oasis in the city center, where you can relax, enjoy nature or visit some attractions, such as the Orthodox Nativity Cathedral, the Art Academy of Latvia and the Latvian National Theatre.
19. KGB Building: A former headquarters of the Soviet secret police in Latvia, where many people were interrogated, tortured and executed. It is now a museum that reveals the dark side of communism.
20. Mezaparks: A large park on the outskirts of Riga, where you can enjoy various outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking or boating on Lake Kisezers. It also hosts concerts and events at the open-air stage.
21. Alberta Street: A street that showcases some of the finest examples of Art Nouveau architecture in Riga, designed by famous architect Mikhail Eisenstein.
22. Laima Chocolate Museum: A museum that tells the story of chocolate making in Latvia since 1870. You can also taste some delicious chocolate products or create your own at the workshop.
23. Powder Tower: A medieval tower that was part of the city’s fortifications until the 19th century. It now houses a museum dedicated to firearms.