If you are wondering what to see in Riga, Latvia, this is the guide for you. It is a small town, but there are really many things to see in Riga!
- What to visit in Riga: places of interest
- 1 The Riga Cathedral
- 2 House of the Blackheads
- 3 St. Peter’s Church
- 4 Riga Castle
- 5 Cat House
- 6 The Swedish Gate
- 7 Cathedral of the Nativity of Christ
- Among the notes of “Riga: what to do” we recommend including the visit to these museums and places of interest.
- Riga in a nutshell: how to get there, where to eat, where to sleep and other curiosities
- 8 How to get around and arrive in Riga
- 9 Riga, nightlife
- 10 What to eat in Riga
- 11 Where to Stay in Riga
A concentration of art and culture that will captivate and conquer you. Thanks to this guide, you can best organize your trip and know what to see in Riga so you don’t miss the main attractions.
What to visit in Riga: places of interest
This list of main places and monuments in the Latvian capital will help you prepare your stay. So here is what to do in Riga and what to visit.
1 The Riga Cathedral
The Cathedral (Doma baznica) is the Riga Cathedral. It is among the largest churches in the entire Baltic region and the most important Orthodox Church in Latvia, with a vaulted nave. It is open from 9:00 to 18:00 every day except Wednesday and Friday when it is open from 9:00 to 17:00.
2 House of the Blackheads
The House of the Blackheads is located in the Town Hall Square of Riga; it is a faithful reconstruction of the original building that was completely destroyed during World War II. It is one of the main symbols of the city. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 17:00.
3 St. Peter’s Church
The St. Peter’s Church is a very colorful and fascinating church. Climbing its bell tower, you can observe the city of Riga, Latvia from above in 360 degrees. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 18:00.
4 Riga Castle
The Riga Castle (Riga Pils) is a medieval building currently the residence of the Latvian President. Built by the crusaders, it has been destroyed several times by the local population. Inside you can find the Latvian History Museum, open from Wednesday to Sunday from 11:00 to 17:00.
5 Cat House
The Cat House is a particular building in Art Nouveau style, characterized by a bronze cat on the top. It is included in the list “Riga, Latvia: what to see” that you have certainly noted.
6 The Swedish Gate
The Swedish Gate (Zviedru Varti) is an ideal destination for history enthusiasts. It was built in 1698 and is the symbol of the Scandinavian occupation of Riga. It is the only city gate that remains intact.
7 Cathedral of the Nativity of Christ
The Cathedral of the Nativity of Christ is the most important Orthodox Cathedral in Latvia, the seat of the Riga eparchy.
Among the notes of “Riga: what to do” we recommend including the visit to these museums and places of interest.
- Latvian Occupation Museum: located in the old town of Riga, it retraces the Nazi domination and the history of the Soviet regime;
- Jewish Museum: situated in a Jewish Ghetto, it tells the history of the Jewish community in Latvia;
- Open-Air Ethnographic Museum: it is an open-air museum set in a park near Lake Juglas. Visiting it will be really interesting and relaxing;
- State Art Museum open from 11:00 to 17:00 except on Tuesdays when it is closed;
- Three Brothers (Tris Brali), three medieval buildings representing Latvian architecture from different centuries.
- Town Hall Square
Riga in a nutshell: how to get there, where to eat, where to sleep and other curiosities
8 How to get around and arrive in Riga
To fully enjoy the wonders that the city of Riga has to offer, we recommend visiting it on foot, also because most areas of the city are pedestrian zones. Riga, how to get there: once you reach Riga Airport, the International Riga Airport, you can reach the city center, about 10 km away, by taking bus line 22 or using the taxi service.
9 Riga, nightlife
There are many venues that at night, especially downtown, will let you experience the true Latvian nightlife. The capital of Latvia has also become famous in recent years for the beautiful and seductive women of Riga, Latvia, attracting tourists from all over Europe.
10 What to eat in Riga
Walking through the streets of Riga’s center, you will find many typical Latvian restaurants. Among the traditional dishes to try, don’t forget the dishes made with fried herring, the Speka Piradzini, the typical bread stuffed with bacon and onion, and the Skabputra, the cold Latvian soup made with sour cream.
11 Where to Stay in Riga
Among the areas to choose your hotel in Riga, we recommend the city center, which offers quality hotels and excellent services. The hotel offer in the Latvian capital is varied, ranging from classic star-rated hotels to extra-hotel options not to be overlooked.
