Even in distant Soviet times, the Baltic states were “like a foreign country” for Russian people. It was there that directors who were unable to travel to the “decaying West” because of the Iron Curtain made films about Germany or France.

Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have moved even further away from Russia culturally since the countries became full members of the European Union. Now, the narrow streets, tiled roofs and sharp cathedral spiers have been complemented by gloss and a high level of tourist service.

In this article we will talk about the capital. This city is almost a “metropolis” by Baltic standards. But all the interesting places are concentrated in the center, which is easy to get around on foot.

Even if you visited Riga in the old days, now you will find a lot of interesting things in it. Believe me, you need to explore this city slowly, traveling on foot and not by car. Then he will reveal all his secrets to you.

In this article we will list the best attractions of the city with names and descriptions. Where to go in Riga if you have a couple of hours, an evening, a day or two days at your disposal? We will provide a detailed road map for exploring the city.

Information for transit travelers

Air Baltic airline is a low-cost airline, and with it you can travel around the world cheaply. Direct flights are sometimes more expensive than connecting flights. But such a transit trip has another advantage, in addition to being cheap. You can see the cities in which the transfer takes place.

Of course, if you only have an hour or an hour and a half to spare, you shouldn’t leave the airport. But if you have a lot of time, you can see the city to enrich your grand voyage with impressions.

So, you have 3 hours in Riga. Where to go during this time? We get off the Airport - Riga bus at the 11 November stop. We find ourselves on the square in front of a black gloomy building. By the way, its exhibition covers not only the period from 1940 to 1944, but also the time up to 1991, when the Soviet Union collapsed.

With only three hours to spare, visiting museums is out of the question. Therefore, we go to the Town Hall Square behind the black building. There we will see a lot of interesting things.

Mandatory program. Town Hall Square

Various objects in the historical center of Riga are included in the UNESCO list. Therefore, transit travelers can limit themselves to a quick inspection. Those tourists who are thinking about where they can go in Riga in one, two or even three days should also go there.

The city center is the center of cultural life in the capital of Latvia. There are also iconic restaurants, fairs and festivals. And the concentration of attractions per square meter is simply enormous. You can leisurely walk around the center of Riga in an hour and a half.

The town hall on the square has stood since the Middle Ages. It is a symbol of Riga's urban freedoms. But currently the building has retained the appearance it was given in the 18th century.

Opposite the Town Hall rises a more impressive one. This is not a family residence, as you might think, but a kind of club. Its members were single merchants, who were called “black-headed”. Having married, they became members of the Great Guild. In the middle of Town Hall Square there is a sculpture of Roland.

Temples of the city

If you are choosing places to go in Riga in one day or even a few hours, then go around the House of the Blackheads to get to St. Peter's Cathedral. This is the oldest temple in Riga; in fact, it is the same age as the city.

The first mention of it dates back to 1209. But the building that we see in front of us was built in the 16th century. Those who have enough time can go inside the cathedral.

And transit travelers return to Town Hall Square and look for the small street of Jauniel. She is easily recognized by those who watched Soviet films about Sherlock Holmes (Baker Street), Stirlitz (Blumenstraße) and the Three Musketeers (suburbs of Paris). This street will lead you to the Dome Cathedral. Its construction began in 1211 under the leadership of Bishop Albert, who spread Christianity in the Baltic lands with fire and sword.

Therefore, the Dome Cathedral is more like an occupier’s fortress inside the city. Some parts of it have been rebuilt over the centuries. The cathedral took on its modern appearance in the 18th century.

Characteristic houses of the city

It's no secret that it is the medieval buildings that give Riga its special charm. Where to go to immerse yourself in the medieval atmosphere? On the opposite side of the square, where the Dome Cathedral rises, is the red brick building of the Exchange.

Pils Jeela Street begins near it. We follow it and at the second intersection turn right. Maza Pils street will lead us to the Three Brothers. This is the name of a row of houses located at numbers 17, 19 and 21.

The oldest in the complex is White Brother. The house was built around 1490. The living quarters were on the ground floor and were heated by an open fireplace with a chimney that ran through the remaining levels. The middle one, Yellow Brother, was built in 1646, as evidenced by the inscription on the facade.

The Green House is the youngest in the complex. It was erected in 1718. A wealthy family of artisans lived on the third floor, with a workshop on the second and a store on the first. Opposite the Three Brothers stands the Riga Cathedral with a sharp spire. It was built in 1225, but since then it has been rebuilt several times.

Walls and gates of Riga

What is a medieval city without fortifications? They are also in Riga. Where can you go to have a quick look at them? Walk around the cathedral dedicated to St. James. Pay attention to the monument to those who died for the independence of Latvia in January 1991.

Along the streets of Jekaba and Torna Iela, passing the barracks of St. Jacob, we go out to the Swedish Gate. They served as the entrance to the city since the 17th century and have not undergone any changes since then. Very close by is a surviving 60-meter fragment of the fortress wall. In the middle of this section of Riga’s defensive system stands Romer’s Tower, known since the 16th century.

There is also an arsenal next to the wall. It is also called the Powder Tower. The round building is almost completely surrounded by ivy, which gives it a romantic look. Those who have enough time can visit the Powder Tower, in the depths of which the Military Museum is located.

And those who have to hurry go along the narrow Meistaru street to the House with black cats.

Guild Square

This is not the end of our opus dedicated to where to go in Riga. There is still a long list of attractions ahead. You just need to know what's included. For example, the House with Cats does not seem, at first glance, something special.

An ordinary apartment building, built at the beginning of the 20th century by a certain entrepreneur Mr. Blumer. What makes this building a landmark of Riga are weather vanes in the shape of cats with curved backs. On this occasion, not even a legend has been preserved, but a real true story.

Mr. Blumer really wanted to become a member of the Great Guild. But I never received membership there. Then he placed weather vanes on the spiers of his house so that the cats' backs were turned towards the window of the Guild elder's office. He went to court, and after much litigation the animals were turned 180 degrees.

Along Amatu or Laipu Iela streets we reach Guild Square. Among the ancient buildings and numerous cafes, do not miss the images of pagan gods - the Livs. Latvians worshiped these stones with petrographs before the adoption of Christianity.

Riga in one day

Those who have three or four hours allotted to explore the city already need to turn from Guild Square to the House of Blackheads and the Town Hall to take bus number 22 there, which will take you to the airport. The same route passes by the train station.

And those who have the whole day at their disposal can continue their walk. In the latter case, take your time and get acquainted in more detail with the sights of Riga, which were described above. For example, visit one of the city's museums.

St. Peter's Church is interesting for its history and beautiful interiors. In addition, it is possible to climb to the observation deck on its spire, from where a charming view of the city, the Daugava River and the Baltic Sea opens. In summer, dusk falls on Riga quite late. What to see, where to go before it gets completely dark? Head to the city waterfront.

There you will see a monument to St. Christopher with the child Jesus on his shoulder. Legend has it that Riga was founded by a certain man named Big Kristaps. This strong man lived on the banks of the Daugava and made his living by transporting travelers across the river (there were no bridges then). One day he heard a child crying from the opposite bank. Kristaps took him to his hut. But the next morning the boy disappeared, and on the bed the strongman discovered a chest with gold coins. According to legend, the first stone houses of the city were built with this money.

From the embankment, turn towards Old Riga. This is a series of neighborhoods outlined by the boulevards Siegfried Annas Meirovic, Aspaziyas and the streets of 13th January and Krasta. You can wander around there, immersing yourself in the atmosphere of the ancient city.

Evening Riga

Museums are closed, beautiful facades of houses are not visible due to the darkness of the night, but are you hungry for new experiences? We will tell you where to go in the evening in Riga. Head to Rue Aristide Briand. There, at number 9A, there is a unique beer pub “Labietis”.

In addition to the interesting interior of the establishment, you can also enjoy the spectacle of the preparation of the foamy drink itself. And of course, you can try a pint or two of the 30 beers brewed on site.

Latvians are extremely fond of music. Many establishments position themselves as places where you can listen to jazz (Gastrobar Trompete, Peldu St., 24), blues (Bites Blues Club, Dzirnavu St., 34A). At the Fiesta wine library you can enjoy both weak and strong alcoholic drinks. Light music is often played here.

Be sure, even if there is no immediate need, to visit the toilet of this establishment. The ladies' and men's rooms are decorated in such a way that they deserve a separate page on Facebook - Inside Fiesta.

Gastronomic Riga

Among gourmets, Latvia is famous for milk soups, fish dishes, puddings with berry sauces, and rye bread. And of course, golden sprats and black “Riga balsam”.

You can have breakfast in the city at one of the countless coffee shops, where you will be offered a lot of delicious desserts. The most authentic of them is profiterole stuffed with delicate curd cream, called “Vec Riga”.

Where to go for lunch? Restaurants in the historical part of the city are quite expensive. The average bill there is 30 euros (2,176 rubles). But as a rule, many of them offer different budget offers such as “Business Lunch”, “Dish of the Day” or “Happy Hour”.

It is worth trying bread soup, dishes made from gray peas (they are grown only in Latvia), smoked lamprey and peppered piparkukas cookies.

Where to stay in Riga

The capital of Latvia is also famous for having the cheapest prices for accommodation in the European Union. A place in the hostel dormitory on the outskirts costs 10 euros (725 rubles), and 15 (about 1000 rubles) in a separate room. However, if you are interested in the question of what to see, where to go in Riga, then you should find accommodation closer to the historical center.

The outskirts of the city are dull Soviet buildings, and there is nothing to do there. In the center, hostels cost twice as much. But you can find a cozy hotel room at quite affordable prices.

Directly in the center, a room for two in a four-star hotel costs from 3,700 rubles (“Europe Royal Riga”). A little further, at a distance of 3-4 kilometers, prices are lower - from 2000 (for example, “Best Hotel”).

And just outside the city you can rent very good housing for 1,700 rubles. ("Sabina") In addition, the city has a wide selection of private sector apartments.

Like other European tourist centers, the capital of Latvia offers discount cards for those who want to explore the city’s attractions in as much detail as possible. And if you are thinking about where to go in Riga, and perhaps even travel beyond its borders, purchase a City Guide Card.

It gives you the right to free travel on public transport, discounts in some shops, hotels and gas stations. The second option is Riga Card. With such a card you can travel for free on public transport, freely attend a bus sightseeing tour of Riga, a walking tour of the Old Center, the Porcelain Museum, the Art Space gallery and exhibitions at the Ziemelblazma Palace of Culture.

In addition, with the Riga Card, visiting other museums will be half price. The card also provides a 20 percent discount in eight restaurants and bars in Riga.

Beaches of the city

Let's not forget that the capital of Latvia is located at the mouth of the Daugava River, where it flows into the Baltic Sea. Therefore, you should definitely add beaches to your list of places to go in Riga in summer.

For lovers of sea bathing, there are three beautiful places with golden sand: “Vecaki”, “Vakarbulli” and “Daugavgriva”. The last two beaches are located on the island. You can get to them by bus along the dam. There is a city train to Vetsaki. Travel time to the beaches is no more than half an hour. All of them have been awarded the Blue Flag for cleanliness.

The sea beaches are well equipped. There are rental sun loungers and umbrellas, showers, toilets, first aid stations and lifeguards, volleyball and children's playgrounds, and water activities. There are river beaches along both banks of the Daugava. If you are tired of sightseeing in Old Riga, where to go to refresh yourself is an idle question.

The sandy beach "Kipsala" is located very close by. Entrance, like the sea coasts, is free, there are changing cabins and a small children's slide. It’s worth going to the beaches “Lucavsala” and “Rumbula” for the whole day. There are picnic areas, exercise equipment, children's and sports grounds.

There is also a lake beach in Riga within the city - on the shore of Babelite. It is also quite well appointed.

Where to go with children in Riga

The capital of Latvia fascinates adults with its medieval flavor. But for young tourists, ancient paving stones and tall cathedral spiers are of little interest. But there are some that will not leave even the youngest visitors indifferent: Chocolate and Sun.

In the first one, you can make and then eat a homemade sweet bar. Schoolchildren and teenagers will really like the Museum of the Sun. Children of this age group should also visit Technoannas Pagrabi. In this not at all boring science center, you can reveal the illusion of mirrors and see different robots.

And kids will be delighted to visit with cheerful monkeys, giraffes, hippos, lemurs, wolves and other animals who love to pose. The capital of Latvia also has a circus where you can take your child.

If you are thinking about where to go with children in Riga, so that it is both fun and educational, then you cannot find a better place than the Lido recreation center. Teenagers will certainly enjoy quest rooms, of which there are many in Riga.

If there is at least one child in the excursion group, the guide will definitely structure his story about the Old City in such a way that it will be interesting for him to listen.

Riga in two days

We have already outlined a route, following which you can see all the key attractions of the capital of Latvia in a day or even a few hours. But this is not all the most interesting things in Riga. Where to go if you have a few days at your disposal?

We begin our in-depth acquaintance with the city from the Cathedral of St. James. The building, built by the Livonian Order, has survived many sharp turns in history. During the Reformation it was “converted to Protestantism,” but then bought by King Batory for the Jesuits. In the cathedral, you should pay attention to the mahogany pulpit in the Empire style and beautiful stained glass windows.

From the Church of St. James we move to the Church of St. Magdalene. Previously, it was a monastery, but the monastery of the Cistercians (“white brothers”) has not survived. From the Church of St. Magdalene it is already a stone's throw to Riga Castle. Now it is a residence. But in the Middle Ages, the Hospital of the Holy Spirit stood on this site. Then it was the throne of the commander of the Livonian Order.

The people of Riga hated the occupying crusaders and rebelled against them several times. As a result, the commander of the Livonian Order settled in another Latvian city, Viland.

The castle was rebuilt several times. It served as a residence for Polish, Swedish and Russian rulers. The president of independent Latvia first settled there in 1922.

During the Soviet period, the castle housed the Council of People's Commissars and the House of Pioneers. Now the southern wing of the presidential residence is reserved for the museums of the History of Latvia and Foreign Art.

Second day in Riga

We begin our self-guided tour from the Dome Museum. We already mentioned it when we talked about where you can go in Riga in one day. But now it's time to get to know the cathedral better.

This temple was built in the 13th century under the vigilant supervision of Bishop Albert von Buxhoeveden, who wanted to give the church the appearance of an intimidating fortress. The interior of the building fully corresponds to its external appearance. Gothic vaults, thick brick walls and stained glass windows are only slightly “diluted” with baroque decor. In the 18th century, the building also acquired a domed spire.

The floor of the Dome Cathedral is below street level. This is due to the fact that after each flood on the Daugava, the townspeople laid a new pavement. During the day, the Riga Maritime and History Museum exhibits in the Dome Cathedral.

And in the evening people come here to listen to organ concerts. The instrument in the Dome Cathedral is not the oldest (it was installed at the end of the 19th century), but very unique. Johann Reger and Franz Liszt wrote works especially for him.

Even if you have already visited the middle of St. Peter's Basilica and climbed its spire, go there again. At the altar of the church there is a monument to the Bremen Town Musicians, who gave Riga its German sister city. There is a belief that if you rub the noses of all four figures, your wish will definitely come true. This is not easy to do. Most limit themselves to rubbing the donkey's nose.

Don't miss the city's big Market. Previously, its trade pavilions served as hangars for airships. And take another stroll along Jauniel's characteristic street. After visiting the Porcelain Museum, go to Bullyu Island to see the oldest Daugavri lighthouse from the 16th century.

Where to go in winter in Riga

And yet Latvia has one drawback. It's the climate. Even in summer, nature does not spoil local residents with hot days. And in winter, the piercing cold wind blowing from the sea completely discourages walking. All that remains is a sightseeing tour of the city by bus and a visit to museums, fortunately there are many of them in the city.

Where is the best place to go in Riga? This is an art gallery where, among other art objects, works by Roerich are presented. Also interesting are the museums of porcelain, city history, navigation, architecture and chocolate. It's hard to imagine winter Riga without a Christmas market. There you can try local delicacies, warm up with mulled wine and hot beer, and buy souvenirs.

And of course, you cannot leave the capital of Latvia without the main reminder about the city - a bottle of Riga Balsam. This is the most popular souvenir among tourists. During other seasons, the number of interesting places to visit in Riga increases noticeably. For example, the Museum of Ethnography. It is located in the open air and is more like a village in the middle of the city. Rural huts, wooden churches and mills are collected there.

Let us immediately note that you can not only read or print this guide to Riga, but also download it to your smartphone. And if you look at the interactive map of attractions, then add more to it! Mark the places you would like to see and spread them over several days of your trip. After that, download the free Ever.Travel mobile application and log in to it using the same account as on the website. This way, your plans are synchronized between the web version and your smartphone, and you will receive a personal guide to Riga, which can be used even without an Internet connection. Questions? , we will tell you everything!

Flickr, mark-jandejong

So, we begin our walk around Riga from the majestic monument dedicated to the Latvians who died in 1918-1920 in the struggle for Latvian independence. This 42-meter-tall structure is called the Freedom Monument and is located in the city center on Brivibas Boulevard. It was erected in 1935 according to the design of Karlis Zale. The vertical monument is crowned by the figure of a woman holding three stars in her hands. They symbolize the unity of the three historical Latvian provinces: Courland, Livonia and Latgale.

At the foot of the monument there is a multi-tiered composition consisting of 56 sculptures that form 13 groups. Architect Ernests Stalbergs perfectly realized the complex design of Kārlis Zale. The stone reflects the traditions of the Latvian people and captures the most important historical events. Bas-reliefs on the theme of work, family and spirituality are interspersed with images of real and fictional characters that local residents are proud of.

It is interesting that Riga residents call the Freedom Monument by the female name “Milda”. There is a version that a certain lady named Milda Winter posed for the sculptor when he sculpted the key element - a woman with stars in her hands. There is no direct evidence of this, but the rumors were enough for the pompous monument to receive such a simple nickname.

Further, we will not explain in detail how to get from one object to another - it is almost impossible to get lost in the center of Riga. Moreover, the route of this walk is laid out on the map, which you will find in the free Ever.Travel mobile application. Download and look into it during a city tour to understand how to get from one attraction to another. All places are arranged in the order that is most convenient for walking.

Flickr, Peter Knöferl

What to see in Riga? A few more ready-made walking routes:

Many places in Riga have their own unique history, and the Nymph Fountain is a love story that has become legendary. The famous Riga sculptor August Foltz created his masterpiece in 1887, near the building that is now the National Opera and Ballet Theater.

In 1882, a big fire occurred in the then “German” theater, and the building was rebuilt until 1890. August Folz was in charge of decorating the interior; he also conceived the design of a marvelous fountain with a naked nymph, which was to be located in front of the theater. Suddenly, for some reason, work on it began to drag on for a rather indecent period of time. No one could understand what was wrong with the architect, why such a punctual and responsible person suddenly stopped meeting the deadlines.

It turned out that Foltz fell in love with his model, did not want to part with her, and therefore could not finish the work. But as a result, he still completed the construction of the fountain, and the model became his wife. Although there is a less romantic version - supposedly the model was already his wife at the time of creation of the sculpture.

The Nymph Fountain is a statue of a naked girl holding a shell above her head with water splashing from it. Children are sitting at the feet of the nymph, and you can also see a dolphin and a turtle nearby. A very beautiful sculpture, one of the most elegant in Riga, a must-see on any excursion.

Flickr, Janitors

The history of the Latvian National Opera goes back more than a hundred years. This building was built in 1863 as the City German Theater. However, it had to be almost completely rebuilt after a fire in 1885. Formally, the founding date of the Latvian National Opera is considered to be 1919, but some sources claim that it began its work already in 1912 under the direction of Pavuls Jurjans.

The opera building is a magnificent architectural monument of the 19th century; its façade is decorated with elegant sculptures. Luxurious interiors are represented in Renaissance, Baroque, Classicism and Empire styles. You can go around the entire opera on a guided tour, during which you will even go behind the scenes, and the guide will tell you about the history of both the building and the art.

The concert hall can accommodate about one and a half thousand spectators. Of course, it seems to be the most important and ideally adjusted object in the composition of the opera house from the point of view of light and acoustics. After all, everything here is done so that the audience can appreciate the performances of famous artists.

The Latvian National Opera is also known for its excellent ballet school, which has given the world such talents as, for example, Maris Liepa and Mikhail Baryshnikov.

Flickr, BeeFortyTwo

And finally, from the more modern areas we find ourselves in the geographical and historical center - the Old Town, locally called “Vecriga”. The entire territory of this part of Riga is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and for good reason.

The old town is located on the right bank of the Daugava. It is filled with so many medieval sights and other historical and cultural sites that one excursion is clearly not enough to get acquainted with everything. Each narrow street is shrouded in an aura of antiquity, each building has its own unique history.

In the Old Town you can visit such iconic places as the Riga Castle, the Three Brothers residential building complex, the Great and Small Guilds, the House of the Blackheads and many other attractions. Above the idyllic roofs of the houses rise the spiers of the famous Riga churches: the Dome Cathedral, St. Peter's Church, St. James's Cathedral, decorated on top with golden cockerels - a distinctive feature of the church architecture of the Latvian capital.

Everything here is conducive to leisurely walks and comfortable relaxation. There are numerous cafes and restaurants, museums and souvenir shops. Traffic is prohibited in the Old Town, so it is always quiet and cozy here, and nothing will stop you from enjoying the wonderful atmosphere of ancient Riga.

By the way, the old town of Riga is a great place to choose a hotel. All attractions will be within walking distance from you, and housing prices in the Latvian capital, even in the center, are surprisingly “not too bad”. To search for a hotel, apartment or hostel, it is best to use the website Booking.com.

otzyv.ru, ViknikK

Probably everyone has read the tale of the Brothers Grimm about the Town Musicians of Bremen. And those who haven’t read it have probably seen the popular Soviet cartoon based on this story. Therefore, if, while walking along the quiet streets of Old Riga, you suddenly see a sculptural composition of four animals: a donkey, a dog, a cat and a rooster, perched on top of each other, you will immediately recognize the characters from the famous fairy tale.

This monument is a gift to Riga from its sister city Bremen. The work of the German sculptor Christ Baumgartel was installed next to St. Peter's Church on Skarnu Street in 1990. That period of history was marked by the destruction of the Berlin Wall, Latvia's independence, and the end of the Cold War between East and West. So, according to the sculptor’s plan, the group of Bremen musicians looking into the hut of the forest robbers, in a humorous form, was supposed to symbolize the fall of the “Iron Curtain”.

Nowadays, few people know about such allegorical subtleties. People just love a funny monument. It is very popular: many people believe that if you rub the donkey’s nose, your wish will come true, and if you reach out and rub the beak of the rooster, which is above everyone else, then not just a simple wish will come true, but your deepest wish.

We’ll secretly tell you a company that helps you successfully “destroy” any boundaries and curtains. VisaToHome are the guys who work miracles: they issue a visa so that you don’t even have to leave your home! You send your application by email, and a courier will come to you to pick up the documents. All this is incredibly fast, convenient and, unexpectedly, inexpensive!

livejournal.com, starevil

picasaweb.google, Alexey Vikhrov

All of Riga in one day! Yes, yes, this is real, let's continue our walk!

The Menzendorf House-Museum looks similar in appearance to one of the typical examples of architecture that Riga inherited from the 17th-18th centuries. But once you step inside, the history of the old city comes to life.

This house was built in 1695 by glassmaker Irgen Helms. Later, one of the first pharmacies was located here, which existed for almost 200 years. There is a legend that the famous “Riga Balsam” appeared here, in 1752, thanks to the recipe of the pharmacist Abram Kuntze. Currently, a separate exhibition hall is dedicated to the history of this invention - in the attic.

From 1900 to 1939, the house was owned by the family of August Menzendorf, a wealthy Riga resident, who opened a store here selling groceries, delicacies and coffee. By the way, Menzendorf’s coffee was considered the best in all of Riga at that time!

After many years of neglect, the house began to be restored in 1987 and a luxurious museum was opened here in the early 90s. The restoration work was carried out by the Polish company “PKZ” together with the architect Peter Blum.

The building can be walked around completely - from the basement to the attic. Each room is full of interesting artifacts, interior items, and furniture, which creates a very realistic illusion that you are in the 18th century. All exhibit items are authentic witnesses of those times. We recommend paying special attention to the unique paintings on the walls and ceilings.

They have not forgotten here about the glassmaker Helms, the first owner of the building: today, in the Menzendorf House there is a real glass workshop, where you can see how glass is made and even take part in the process of its production.

Flickr, globetrotter_rodrigo

The House of the Blackheads, one of the most famous architectural monuments of the capital of Latvia, was literally restored from oblivion only in the 1990s, to celebrate the 800th anniversary of Riga. Before that, it was a ruin, into which a beautiful building was turned as a result of German artillery shelling in 1941.

The meticulously restored House of the Blackheads now attracts visitors not only with its appearance, but also with its excellent interiors, which fascinate with their beauty and luxury. The building hosts numerous exhibitions and hosts many special events, both official and for private individuals. Since September 2012, while restoration work is being carried out at Riga Castle, this house has been the residence of the President.

This building was built in the first half of the 14th century for the famous and extremely influential military-trading guild of the Blackheads, which existed until 1940, but in the form of a secular organization. By the way, the name of this brotherhood is not associated with someone’s last name, but with Saint Mauritius, who was depicted on their coat of arms with a black head.

The architectural style of the House of the Blackheads, as we see it now, was formed in the 17th century, after one of the major reconstructions. The original design is unfortunately unknown. Over the many centuries of its history, the House has been repeatedly modified and supplemented with new elements. For example, in 1886, a sculptural group appeared on the façade, symbolizing Unity, the Universe, Neptune and Mercury.

Flickr, Doctor Casino

The history of the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia began in 1993. Initially, it was, and remains to this day, a private non-governmental structure - this is emphasized by its organizers, claiming that the museum is politically and financially independent. It exists solely on the money of sponsors and patrons.

The initiator of the creation of this museum was the famous historian, professor at the University of Wisconsin Paulis Lazda, who was supported by many other Latvian scientists, as well as private individuals.

The purpose of the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia is, first of all, to display the life of Latvians who suffered from Nazi terror during the Great Patriotic War, as well as from the Soviet regime in 1945-1991.

The museum is divided into several sections, each of which shows certain milestones in the history of Latvia. Here you can find information about the struggle of the Latvian people for independence until it was achieved in 1991. The museum has collected a large number of documents and photographs on this topic.

Since its opening, the museum has evoked mixed responses from the Russian public. In particular, equating Stalin with Hitler and the Soviet regime with the German occupation raises many questions.

Flickr, fveronesi1

The very heart of Riga is the Town Hall Square, where all the tourists flock, and the townspeople themselves are not averse to spending an hour or two here in their free time. After the shelling of 1941, it was completely restored and is now a wonderful holiday destination.

This was once the main market square of Riga. Gradually it was built up with elegant examples of architecture, which were also restored to their original form.

From the dark depths of the Middle Ages, Riga Town Hall Square gained an unfavorable reputation as a place of brutal executions. From the bright pages of history, it is worth mentioning that it was here that the world's first Christmas tree was installed more than 500 years ago.

There is a statue of Roland in the center of Town Hall Square. This rather famous commander, the nephew of Charlemagne, who became famous for his political tolerance and respect for the population of the lands he conquered. The monument was erected in 1897, but now the square is decorated with a copy of it. The original is kept in the museum collection of St. Peter's Church.

Flickr, Alex Segre

In the 14th century, Town Hall Square was the central place of Riga. All significant events for the city were held here - from executions to holidays. And, like in any European city, a town hall was built here, in which the Riga City Hall met, and once a year, from its balcony, decrees and laws were read out to the townspeople. Then, however, the square was not the Town Hall, but simply a nameless shopping area.

The first administration building died in fire, presumably from the order's troops. We can only judge what the second town hall looked like from old pictures. They depict a Gothic building under a high roof. This building also failed to survive the war - it was bombed by Peter’s troops at the beginning of the 18th century.

Several decades later, the town hall was restored, decorated in the style of classicism with baroque elements. In the second half of the 19th century, according to the design of the famous architect Johann Felsko, the silhouette of the building underwent further changes - a third floor was added, and in general the outlines were slightly simplified, giving the town hall a certain elegance.

Before World War II, the largest city library was based in Riga Town Hall. The outbreak of hostilities brought catastrophic destruction: the town hall, like many other memorable buildings, was left in ruins. A new project, implemented for the 800th anniversary of Riga, made it possible to restore the magnificent structure, which opened in 2003. Currently, the Riga City Council sits here.

Flickr, ritsch48

You don't have to go to London's Baker Street to visit Sherlock Holmes. The Holmes we all know so well, played by Vasily Livanov, lived with Dr. Watson in Riga, on Jauniela Street.

This place is probably the most recognizable for residents of the former Soviet Union, because it was here that most films about foreign countries were filmed. Riga, like a real actress, played the roles of London, New York, Bern, Paris and many other cities.

In general, not very remarkable in itself, Jauniela Street first appeared in the 16th century, near the Dome Cathedral, and during its existence it changed its name a couple of times until it became a “New” street, starting from Dome Square.

Its length is only 225 meters, but its size does not in any way affect its cult significance. In addition to Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Watson and Mrs. Hudson, the legendary Stirlitz and Pleischner from “Seventeen Moments of Spring” also visited here. The small hotel "Eustace" and the restaurant "Alex" remind us of this even today.

The architecture here has hardly changed since then, so it’s definitely worth visiting this place, simply created for pleasant nostalgia for “our” Baker Street and Flower Street.

Flickr, Khraim The Cheetah

The Dome Cathedral in Riga is a significant architectural landmark not only of the capital, but throughout Latvia. Its construction began in the 13th century and continued for several centuries, resulting in several transformations of the project with transitions from style to style. As a result, the grandiose cathedral, on which entire generations of architects and builders worked, was completed only in the 18th century.

The initial design was discreet and laconic, leaning towards the Romanesque style. At the turn of the 14th and 15th centuries, the volume of the building was increased by adding naves and chapels, a little height was added due to the high octagonal spire - and the Dome Cathedral became a basilica with a Gothic spire.

In the 18th century, after the siege of Riga by Russian troops, the temple was damaged and had to be restored. A little later, the Gothic spire was demolished, replacing it with a Baroque one. The Dome Cathedral still exists in this form, except for minor changes.

But this temple is known not only for its architecture. It houses a unique organ made by the German company E.F. Walcker & Co, installed 1883-1884. The height of the instrument is 25 meters, it contains about seven thousand pipes. The organ is decorated with decorative carvings from the 16th-17th centuries. Now it is considered the largest in the Baltic states and the former USSR, and at the time of installation it was the largest in the world.

Flickr, Fearless Fred

Dome Square in Old Riga appeared in the city relatively recently - in the 1860-80s. Of course, it was named after the Dome Cathedral, which began to be built back in the 13th century.

The square was created with the sole purpose of providing better access to the temple and making it more visible. To achieve this, several groups of ancient houses had to be sacrificed, but the residents of Riga received a rather large and beautiful area, the size of which today exceeds 9 thousand square meters - an indecent amount for the compact Old Riga.

The architectural ensemble of Dome Square is mainly formed by the Riga Stock Exchange and the Latvian Radio building. Both of them appeared at the beginning of the 19th century and are representative examples of classicism with Baroque elements. Many of the local buildings had to be restored after an aerial bomb hit the center of the square in 1944.

Due to its size, Dome Square is often used for various festive events. There is enough space to set up a large stage or hold some kind of thematic festival.

Also on the square there is a point from which three golden cockerels can be seen at the same time, decorating the tops of ancient Riga churches.

Flickr, christeldevelay

The Museum of Foreign Art in Riga, known as the Riga Exchange, introduces visitors to a magnificent collection of Western European, Eastern and Ancient Egyptian art, from the fifth millennium BC to the present.

The largest Latvian museum of its kind is located in the famous Riga Stock Exchange building, which adorns Dome Square. The congregation moved here in 1920, and has occupied it ever since, with the exception of periods of restoration of the historical building.

The Riga Stock Exchange Art Museum is divided into several thematic sections, the exhibitions of which are neatly systematized. The pride of the museum’s collection is Northern European painting of the 17th century, which can be seen in the art gallery.

The Western Gallery will introduce you to delightful examples of the collection of Western European porcelain from the 18th to 20th centuries, including valuable Meissen porcelain. The decoration of these rooms is made in German style with luxurious wallpaper, clocks, furniture, parquet floors and gilded chandeliers.

Next to the Western Gallery is the Silver Cabinet, which houses a small selection of silverware. In the spacious and bright Oriental Galleries you will see art from Japan, China and other Asian countries, mainly from the 19th century.

Flickr, Frans.Sellies

On Malaya Zamkova Street in Old Riga you can see three ancient houses, their side walls pressed closely against each other. These buildings are now considered a single architectural composition, despite the fact that they were built at different times and have different styles.

They call them “Three Brothers”, which echoes the similar Tallinn “Three Sisters”: in the Estonian capital there are also three “fused” buildings of the 14th century.

The Riga “brothers” are a visual aid to the evolution of residential building construction, from the 15th to the 18th centuries. The elder brother, also called “white” because of the color of the walls, appeared on Maza Pils street in 1490. Its architectural style is Gothic with Renaissance elements, traditional for the Middle Ages.

The middle brother doesn't have a nickname, he's just "middle" because he's in the middle. His date of birth is 1646, the era of the decline of Dutch mannerism, which was becoming less and less common in more respectable buildings, but was still relevant for small private buildings.

The younger brother, the smallest in both age and size, is called “green” because of his pale green color. The influence of the Baroque can be felt in its forms - this is especially noticeable if you look at the characteristic curved Baroque gable.

"Three Brothers" was restored in the 1950s according to the design of Peteres Saulitis. At the same time, the back rooms and courtyards of the houses were combined.

One of the main Catholic churches in Riga - the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows - appeared on Castle Square in the form that we know, spontaneously and unexpectedly. In the 1760s, an ordinary modest church was erected on this site, and for some time the townspeople were, if not happy, then satisfied.

Only Archduke Joseph II of Austria was dissatisfied, who in 1780 came to Riga on a visit, visited, as expected, the temple and was indignant at the poverty of its decoration and the low quality of construction work. Without thinking twice, he allocated a decent amount of money for the construction of a new church building.

His example was followed by other royalty, including the King of Poland and the future Emperor of Russia Paul I, as well as many parishioners from lower classes. A new church was built and consecrated in the name of Our Lady of Sorrows in 1785.

The final appearance of the temple was formed in the second half of the 19th century, when, under the leadership of the now famous, but then still very young architect Johann Felsko, the premises were expanded on the northern facade, and a new gate tower was built - stone instead of the old wooden one. It is interesting that this restructuring was made after the dissatisfaction of the crowned person: Emperor Nicholas I considered that the church was too narrow.

The ancient architectural complex of Riga Castle attracts attention not only with its history, but also with its unique style, which has been formed over many centuries. Here at different times different governments were located: Livonians, Poles, then Swedes, and even later – Russians. Currently, the castle is considered the residence of the President of Latvia, but since restoration work is currently underway here, the head of the country temporarily moved to the House of the Blackheads in 2012.

The history of Riga Castle dates back to the beginning of the 14th century. It was built on the banks of the Daugava so that ships heading to the port could be viewed. At the end of the 15th century, during one of the conflicts between the residents of Riga and the Livonians, the castle was destroyed. It was restored only in the first half of the 16th century.

The constant change of rulers of the city could not but lead to a peculiar eclecticism in the architecture of the castle. Everyone rebuilt it to suit their needs. For example, during the reign of the Russian Governor-General of Livonia, part of the complex was allocated for a prison.

In addition to the President, Riga Castle houses the Latvian National History Museum, the Museum of Literature and the Museum of Foreign Art. Unfortunately, in 2013 there was a fire that destroyed several thousand unique exhibits; More than 3 thousand square meters of territory burned out. It is expected that restoration work will be completed by 2015.

Flickr, HBarrison

The Cathedral of St. James is the main Catholic church in Latvia. It appeared in Riga in the 13th century, at the same time as the Dome Cathedral and St. Peter's Church. However, its architecture is noticeably simpler than its peers, since it was intended not for the city, but for a rural parish. However, the Gothic pyramidal spire of this temple is better preserved than the others.

The main construction of the Cathedral of St. James was completed by the beginning of the 14th century. Initially, it was given the early Gothic style. Later, the temple was rebuilt several times, which is not surprising - after all, it is already more than seven centuries old. He survived wars, changes of governments, and conflicts between faiths.

In the 16th century, the cathedral became the first Latvian Lutheran church, but not for long: in 1582 it again passed to the Catholics, even later - to the Jesuits, and during Swedish rule in the 17th century - again to the Lutherans. During the Napoleonic wars there was even a food warehouse here. The cathedral was finally given to Catholics in 1923.

The interior of the temple is eclectic. Elements characteristic of different eras were constantly added here. The pulpit, made of rare mahogany, was installed in 1810. The new organ appeared in 1913. The stained glass windows, made in the Art Nouveau style and dating back to 1902, look very interesting.

The 80-meter tower of St. James Cathedral is decorated with a golden cockerel, traditional for Riga churches.

livejournal.com, starevil

The monument to those who died on the barricades in 1991 is made in the form of a symbolic bonfire. The author of the project, Ojars Feldbergs, did not invent unnecessary forms; the monument is strict and symbolic, as befits a memorial sign for tragic events.

January 20, 1991 is a day that is inscribed in the history of Latvia in red letters and stained with the blood of 5 people who laid down their lives in the name of freedom of the country.

In honor of the dead, wounded and hundreds of thousands of those who defended the streets of Riga around the clock in the cold January of 1991, this day is called the Day of Remembrance of the Defenders of the Barricades.

Throughout January, celebrations are held in Latvia in memory of the sad events of those times; funeral bonfires are lit in all squares, around which people gather. The pyramidal bonfire became a symbol of the events at the barricades, because when the protesters stood on the streets of the capital in 1991, it was very cold and the same bonfires were burning everywhere, where freedom fighters were warming themselves. More than half a million people took to the streets then, many even came from villages with their own agricultural machinery, for lack of a car.

The purpose of the confrontation was to give the Lithuanians time to form their own government, legislative branch, police force and escape from the control of the USSR.

On the night of January 19-20, after provocative actions by riot police, a shootout began; riot police captured the suspected instigators of the shooting and wanted to take them to the pro-government prosecutor's office. By the time the convoy arrived in the city, the protesters had erected barricades near the Ministry of Internal Affairs building and greeted the vehicles with heavy fire. A brutal shootout began, during which 5 people were killed and 8 were wounded.

Flickr, joeriksson

The Swedish Gate in Riga appeared as an alternative to the main entrance to the city. In the 17th century, construction of the fortress walls was actively underway, and some enterprising residents independently made passages in the walls so as not to travel around half the city and not pay taxes for transporting goods.

Perhaps this was done with the permission of the city authorities, who still had a share from the owners of houses with gates. They were locked at night and opened only during daylight hours. Of the eight such gates located on the territory of Riga, only one has survived to this day.

There are no ancient places without a legend. The Swedish Gate also has a mystical and dark history. Once upon a time, a young girl ran through the gate at night to see her lover, a Swedish soldier. And when she talked to him about the wedding, he got scared and betrayed her. The girl appeared before the city court and was walled up in the wall as punishment for forbidden love. Since then, in the doorway at night you can hear the crying of a girl and the laughter of a vile soldier.

The Swedish Gate has been reconstructed several times. In the 1920s, 50s and 80s, many lost Baroque elements were recreated. In addition, the three buildings were combined into a single architectural complex. Nowadays there is a library, a studio and the Union of Architects located here.

Flickr, Bernt Rostad

The longest building in Riga appeared in the second half of the 18th century. They became the Yakovlevsky barracks, built to house Russian soldiers. Previously, there were also barracks on this site, but for Swedish soldiers, who had previously been housed for a long time in simple residential buildings, which was not convenient for either the residents of Riga or the subjects of Charles XI.

When Riga was captured by Russian troops, the issue of resettling the garrison was resolved by itself, only a little later the dilapidated Swedish barracks were rebuilt. They got their name from the Yakovlevsky bastion, which was located nearby.

Thanks to the versatility of the premises, various organizations managed to visit the barracks: a statistical bureau, a school, a labor exchange, and in Soviet times, a Military Projects Bureau and a flight school. Major repairs and restoration of the 237-meter building took place in 1995-97 and cost $6 million.

Currently, the Yakovlevsky barracks belong to commercial structures. There are various shops, beauty salons, bank branches, as well as several very cozy cafes where you can have a pleasant time with a cup of coffee, while getting to know this interesting architectural monument in the style of Dutch classicism.

geolocation.ws, Toms Grinbergs

The medieval Riga fortress was once framed by 28 towers. The only surviving one is Porokhovaya, built at the beginning of the 14th century. Then it was also called Peschanaya, as it protected the main entrance to the city from the Great Sandy Road (modern Smilshu Street).

During the Swedish-Polish War, gunpowder was stored in the tower, which is how it received a new name. The Swedish army thoroughly damaged the fortification and in 1650 it had to be restored. As a result, the height of the tower was more than 25 meters, and the thickness of the walls was 2.5 meters.

After this, the building withstood all subsequent assaults on Riga, including the capture of the Latvian capital in 1710 by the troops of Peter I, in memory of whom nine cast-iron cannonballs are still “kept” in the walls of the tower.

For almost two centuries, the tower was empty and dilapidated, and at the end of the 19th century it was rented out to private individuals, who restored the interiors, organized a beer hall, a fencing hall and dance halls.

Since the 1920s, a military museum has been located in the Powder Tower, which was transformed during Soviet times into the Museum of the Revolution. Today, the building again belongs to the Latvian War Museum, whose exhibitions introduce visitors to the military-political history of the country in the 20th century.

Flickr, Tania Ho

The house with cats could have remained one of the many examples of Art Nouveau in the architectural ensemble of Old Riga, if not for its special history. It was erected at the beginning of the 20th century by order of a wealthy local resident named Blumer. The building turned out, of course, elegant and beautiful - the architect Friedrich Scheffel worked on its construction.

However, the ambitious Blumer acted in an original way - on the roof of the house he placed sculptures of black cats with arched backs and raised tails, turning their backs towards the building of the Great Merchant Guild. With this action, he expressed his dissatisfaction with the refusal to be accepted into the community where he passionately wanted to go. After numerous disputes and frictions, Blumer was finally accepted into the company of the Riga rich, and the cats were turned in a “decent” direction. Today they still decorate the building, being one of the calling cards and symbols of the Latvian capital.

Above the facade of the house there is a sculpture of an eagle with outstretched wings. The entrance is decorated with floral decorations characteristic of the Art Nouveau style.

Currently, on the ground floor of the House with Cats there is a jazz restaurant and casino called “Black Cat”.

At the intersection of Kaleju, Zirgu and Amatu streets in Old Riga there is the Great Guild building - one of the oldest and most interesting in the city. Nowadays the concert hall of the Latvian Philharmonic is located here. You can attend one of the concerts to enjoy the wonderful harmony of music and architecture.

The Great Guild building begins its official history back in the 14th century, although there are suggestions that back in the 13th century there was a structure on this site adjacent to the Riga fortress wall. Over many centuries, the building was rebuilt several times depending on the needs of the merchant class.

In all of Latvia, only Riga merchants had the right to sell goods abroad, so the local Guild of St. Mary or the Great Guild, consisting mainly of Germans, was considered a very authoritative organization.

The first building of the Great Guild, two-story, with a late Baroque superstructure, was demolished in 1853. In its place, a new one was built - in the Gothic style, larger in size and more modern. However, unique rooms remained untouched - the Münster Chambers and the Fireplace Hall.

The next restructuring affected the Great Guild building in 1963, when it was adapted into a concert hall. Nowadays, this magnificent architectural monument pleases the eye both with its appearance and with its original interiors.

Flickr, missyjessie

The Small Guild is located in Old Riga exactly opposite the Big Guild. This beautiful building in the form in which we know it now appeared in the city in 1866.

Nowadays, it is no longer members of the merchant guild that sit here, but the Riga Center for Culture and Folk Art, under whose auspices concerts, conferences, festive and official celebrations are held. The center houses arts and crafts and theatrical art studios, and folklore groups perform.

The Small Guild, also known as the Guild of St. James, was founded in the 14th century and was a union of artisans, as opposed to the Great Guild of St. Mary, which accepted merchants. The guilds were not very friendly with each other - entry into the building of “competitors” was, if not prohibited, then categorically undesirable.

In the second half of the 19th century, the outdated two-story building of the Small Guild, which had stood for more than 500 years, was rebuilt according to the design of the architect Johann Felsko.

The interiors of the Small Guild deserve special attention. Hanoverian stained glass windows are installed in the windows, and the floor is covered with terracotta mosaic tiles. A distinctive feature of the building is the façade tower, decorated with the image of St. John with a lamb, the patron saint of artisans.

Flickr, infra_milk

This legendary bar is located in an old building on Kalku Street. Previously, this place was the pharmacy of Abraham Kunze, the same alchemist who created the Riga Balsam. Perhaps it would have remained a little-known drug, but chance helped.

In 1789, Russian Empress Catherine II stayed in Riga. She felt unwell and was advised to visit Dr. Kunze's pharmacy. Abraham was not at a loss and offered the empress his miracle herbal balm. Catherine liked its action so much that she allowed it to be officially released.

As local legend has it, even during renovations the room smelled of mint, lavender, cinnamon and rosemary. This magical aroma is present here and now. The cafe has a safe with 24 types of herbs that are part of everyone's favorite drink. For 20 euros you can even watch how it is prepared, and at the same time get a glass of balm, a cup of coffee, nuts and surprise sweets.

The display window and interior of the bar are made in the spirit of antiquity. Forged lamps hang under the stone arches, and there is massive wooden furniture all around. The waitresses are dressed in appropriate mid-18th century attire, giving the place a unique flavor. On the shelves you can see original books of the 18th century, glass vessels from the laboratory and various copper utensils. Visitors to the bar can purchase souvenirs and, of course, an original bottle of Riga Balsam, or even two.

This concludes our walk around the city. We hope we have fully answered the question “What to see in Riga in one day” :) And we remind you that you will find this route on the interactive map of attractions, where you can add it to your favorites, shorten it, or vice versa, add it. And then synchronize with the free Ever.Travel mobile application and walk around the city without carrying bulky books and maps. For more information on how convenient it is to travel this way,

If you want a change of scenery for a couple of days and are thinking of flying to Riga, winter should not scare you. We’ve compiled a damn dozen life hacks that will help you spend your time comfortably and interestingly. Go!

House of the Blackheads

One of the most famous and “postcard” buildings in Riga is the unique and elegant House of the Blackheads on Town Hall Square. Since October 2017, it is finally open to tourists. Now you can not only take a selfie against the background of the facade and look at its textured details, but also go inside. Beautiful halls await there, in which the current leadership of Latvia still holds diplomatic receptions. You can explore the interiors on your own or with a guide. The new museum is open daily except Mondays, but may be closed for private events.

The history of the House of Blackheads is long and interesting. It was built in the 14th century and almost immediately passed into the use of the Blackhead Brotherhood - an association of merchants and shipowners. For hundreds of years, the building hosted musical concerts, dance balls and special events. It was heavily damaged during World War II and was almost rebuilt in the 2000s. And almost immediately it was occupied by the President of Latvia, whose palace was under restoration until 2016. Now the presidential offices have been vacated and are available to visitors. The entrance ticket costs six euros.

Christmas markets

In Riga, Christmas is celebrated for real - just like in Germany or Switzerland. In the central squares of the Old Town there are stalls with New Year's souvenirs and decorations, Christmas music is playing, and there is a delicious smell of sweets and mulled wine.

Riga History and Navigation Museum

The streets of old Riga are too nice to spend time indoors. But when it’s cold or wet, museums become a good alternative to walking.

Where to ski, skate and sled

Mezaparks is the closest place to Old Riga for real winter fun. This is a forest walking area in the north of the city, on the shore of Kišozero (in Latvian - Kišezers). There are paths and picnic areas here. In winter, a skating rink is poured here and slides are built, a cross-country ski track is laid out, and equipment rentals are organized. The entrance ticket will cost two euros. Equipment rental - from two euros per half hour. Detailed price list is available on the website sniegaparks.lv; The Russian and English versions are quite abandoned, but the Latvian one works.

Another interesting place for cross-country skiing enthusiasts is the track in Bikernieki Forest. In winter, it runs along the Bikernieki Ring automobile racing track, so the environment is quite unusual. In the evenings, the lights above the ski complex are turned on. Equipment rental operates in the building of the Riga Motor Museum. The ski center welcomes visitors until 21:00 on weekdays and until 22:00 on weekends.

Winter life of animals

The zoo in Riga is not bad, and it is especially interesting there in winter. There are usually few people, and you can calmly walk around the pleasant, clean area. It is curious that in cool weather they are especially active. Enclosures with wild cats and forest birds are very interesting. And you will also see that llamas, alpacas and even zebras and peacocks are not afraid of snow. If you want to warm up, go to the “Tropical House” - to see exotic animals. The zoo is open every day. Admission for adults is six euros, for children four euros.

Ice Sculpture Festival

45 kilometers southwest of Riga is the city of Jelgava, which annually hosts the only ice sculpture festival in Latvia. Not only amazingly beautiful sculptures are built here from ice, but also a bar for adults and slides for children. In the coming season, the ice show will take place from February 4 to 11, 2018, for the 11th time.

Sabji and Dal

You can dilute the laconic Baltic atmosphere with something exotic in the Indian restaurant Indian Raja (Skarnu street 7). It is located in the heart of the Old Town, right at the entrance to St. Peter's Cathedral, next to the monument to the Bremen Town Musicians. Book a table by the window to admire the cold Riga from a warm restaurant, while the enticing aromas of paneer, dal, malai kofta and hot flatbreads are lavished on your table. Hot and spicy dishes provide great warmth in cold weather. At the Indian Raja restaurant they speak Russian. Opening hours: daily from 12:00 to 23:00.

Baltic weather

In winter in Riga, the air temperature can be anything from -20°C to +10°C. Remember: there is a sea nearby, from which there can be good wind. Therefore, you should dress as closed, warm and comfortable as possible. And choose waterproof shoes. Even if the forecast looks good to you, it will most likely feel colder, since the humidity in the city is high.

However, in nature in winter it is usually white and very beautiful. Therefore, many people prefer to quickly do what they need or want in central Riga and go out of town.

Meditative Jurmala

Jurmala is a resort area of ​​several villages on the shores of the Baltic Sea, about 20 kilometers from Riga. Easy to get to by minibus, train or taxi. The most popular place is the village of Dzintari, where the famous Jurmala concert hall is located. There are no special attractions in Jurmala, but if you are attracted by cute resort houses, tall pine trees, an endless sandy beach and the absolutely incredible Baltic Sea, which is even more impressive in winter than in summer, be sure to come. And before your trip, have a snack in Riga; Jurmala is quite deserted in winter and you may not find a pleasant cafe or a suitable restaurant right away.

From winter to summer

The Livu water park in Jurmala is open all year round. Inside there are swimming pools with fresh and sea water, fun slides, a water bar, saunas, a jacuzzi, and also a warm outdoor pool. Spend your time here actively and happily. The water park is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. In winter, tickets for adults cost 18.5 euros for two hours, 22 euros for four hours and 25.5 euros for the whole day. Discounts for children, pensioners and families.

A complete spa holiday

Riga residents know a lot about spa holidays. You will be offered to warm up in saunas, relax in a jacuzzi or enjoy a massage in several spa hotels, the best of which are located in the already mentioned Jurmala. If we exclude the New Year holidays, prices in spa hotels are lower than in summer, and the atmosphere is much calmer and conducive to complete relaxation.

Shopping: profitable and practical

Riga is a great place for shopping at any time of the year. The city has many shops - both familiar international chains and unique ones - with designer clothes and jewelry, cosmetics and accessories. Prices are usually more reasonable than in Russia or Western Europe. Sales usually take place before Christmas and New Year's holidays, as well as towards the end of February.

Shops are also a great place to temporarily shelter from bad weather or warm up if you've been walking a lot and are cold. In shopping centers - for example in Stockmann next to the train station or in Galerija in the very center of the Old Town, you can not only shop, but also have a tasty snack. In Galerija, check out the Vina Studija wine bar on the ground floor.

After our trip, I have accumulated many reasons why it is worth coming to Riga, getting to know this city, falling in love with it and coming back again. Riga is truly one of the few cities where you want to return!

1. Climb the tower of St. Peter's Church and look at the old city from above

The church is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00, the cost of climbing is 9 euros for adults and 7 euros for students. On holidays, the schedule must be confirmed. You can also find a church choir in the cathedral itself. It is better to climb the tower in the late afternoon - there are fewer tourists and the sun will not be so bright and will not illuminate your photos.

2. Visit the old city market

The market buildings, which are visible from many points in the city, are former hangars for airships. Previously, they were much larger and were located outside the city, but the Riga City Council bought them at auction and brought them to the city. In the market buildings, between the counters, you can find ancient photographs where huge aircraft were located inside the structures. At the market you can try sanctioned cheeses, buy selected meat, and also try delicious dumplings with all kinds of fillings - from beef to venison.

The market also sells a variety of flowers - tulips, daffodils, roses and many more!

3. View the city from the deck of a ship

In the Bastion Hill park, which is almost in the very center of Riga, you can find a small boat pier and for 18 euros (9 euros for students) you can ride along the city canal and even swim out onto the Dvina River, from where you can enjoy a beautiful panorama and an excellent view of the city bridges. This tour lasts about 50 minutes and is perfect for a sunny, warm day. Also pay attention to an interesting kayaking trip along Riga's canals - Luzumpunkts.

4. Take a walk in the park next to Japanese houses

After a walk along the city canals, you will again find yourself in the city park, where among the fluffy green lawns and flower beds there are many Japanese gazebos that Japan gave to the city. They fit well into a city park and create the feeling that you are already in another country.

5. Marvel at the clock at St. Peter's Church

Walking around the city, you will almost always be able to see the spire of St. Peter's Church. Take a closer look at the clock: firstly, this is the first clock in Riga since 1352, secondly, the clock has one hand, and thirdly, the number 4 on the clock is not Roman.

6. Visit the best fish restaurant in Riga and try the signature dessert Le Dome

12. Take a walk through Victory Park (Uzvaras park), especially when the cherry blossoms are in bloom there

In the Uzvaras city park, located on the left bank of the Daugava River, sakura blooms in spring! The trees were donated to the city by the Japanese Embassy in Latvia in 2012 and since then residents have enjoyed the stunning pink flowers every year. The park has a large green area, equipped with benches and paths, both for bicycles and for walking with children. If you didn’t see the flowering, then come here for a picnic.

13. Get acquainted with Riga Art Nouveau

If you are interested in architecture, head to Rue Alberta, considered the pearl of Art Nouveau. Gorgeous facades decorated with female sculptures, Viking helmets, torches, screaming masquerons, standing sculptures of women with open mouths expressing concern and anxiety, Apollos, phoenix birds and much more. This street is called the street of millionaires, because the cost of apartments here is quite high, and throughout history the most famous personalities have lived here - from opera singers to political figures.

14. See the most beautiful staircase in the city

After looking at all the houses on Alberta Street, visit the Art Nouveau Museum, located here at Alberta iela 12. The luxurious interiors of the museum jugendstils.riga.lv start from the front door, where you will find the most beautiful staircase in the city! Be sure to look at it from below, and then climb to the very top to enjoy a different pattern.

15. Sit with a book in a cozy cafe

Not far from the famous Alberta Street there is an art cafe Siena. Antique furniture, beautiful china and lots of books! Every morning you will find fresh croissants, French desserts, teas from all over the world, high-quality coffee, as well as French wines, champagne and even cognac. Siena is a pleasant place to sit and enjoy an interesting book or a pleasant conversation.

Photo from instagram @veroveronika

16. Ride a bike

Almost the entire city can be explored on foot or by public transport or by calling a green taxi. But how many cyclists are there in Riga? Feel free to rent a bike and go see areas remote from the center, cross bridges and enjoy the beauty of small streets!

17. Stroll along the most hipster street in the world

Miera iela street (translated into Russian as Mira Street) received the title of the most hipster street in the world according to the travel portal SkyScanner, which identified the 20 most popular hipster neighborhoods in the world. Miera Street beat out its competitors - New York's Williamsburg, London's Dalston and Berlin's Kreuzberg. Here you will find many cafes and art galleries, modern barbershops, as well as bookstores and specialty teas. Here - mieriela.lv you can virtually walk along Mira Street, and here delfi.lv see photos of its visitors.

18. Reach for the rooster on the Bremen Town Musicians statue

Walking through the old town, you will definitely come across the statue of the Bremen Town Musicians. This is a gift to Riga from the German city of Bremen. There is a legend that the higher you reach, the more your deepest wish will come true, which is why the noses of the donkey, dog, cat and rooster became shiny.

Photo from instagram @veronikakas

19. See the faces on the facade of St. John's Church

Diagonally from the statue of the Bremen Town Musicians is the oldest church, in the foundation of which volunteer monks were walled up. They wanted to be canonized, but after the foundation was done, their desire was considered pride. On the facade of the church you can see the masks through which the preachers spoke to the people, inviting them to worship.

20. Find out Flower Street from the series “17 Moments of Spring”

Riga's Jauniela Street (namely house 25/27) was filmed in the famous TV series 17 Moments of Spring as Flower Street (Blümenstraße). It was from the window of this house that Professor Pleischner jumped out, swallowing an ampoule of poison when, while visiting a meeting place in Bern, he did not check the established signals - a flower in the window. Pleischner remembered Stirlitz's instructions too late. Instead of the store of birds that the professor admired, the Eustace Hotel has been opened, where cages with birds hang on the facade. The name of the hotel corresponds to the pseudonym with which Stirlitz signed his coded messages from Berlin to Moscow.

On the same street is one of the most famous facades - the house with cows or restaurant 1221.

21. Go into the courtyard of the house of Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson

To the side of the roadway on Jauniela Street, in a small cramped courtyard, is the house of Homs and Watson. Entering the courtyard, you will immediately notice the same door at 221b Baker Street.

22. Admire the Three Brothers

The famous "Three Brothers", named by analogy with the "Three Sisters" in Tallinn, show the periods of development of residential building construction in medieval Latvia. The White Brother, Middle Brother and Green Brother were each built in their own century, the oldest being in the 15th century. Try to get into the courtyard of the buildings, and then go to the cozy veranda of the nearest cafe Parunasim kafe"teeka.

23. Get lost in the city and find the most beautiful front doors

While walking around the city, turn into any alley, then go straight, turn right, and somewhere here you will find a beautiful front door. It was when we got “lost” in the city that we came across the most beautiful porches!

24. Drink a glass of wine in one of the best bars in Riga

26. Go on an excursion with a yellow suitcase

Every day at 12:00 a man with a yellow suitcase comes to the main entrance to St. Peter's Church, and a bunch of people from different countries also gather - this is Free Walking Tour Riga. The tour is free, lasts 2.5 hours, at the end of which you can pay as much as you want. The tour is in English and is always conducted by local residents who know the most interesting places in their city. They won’t show you tourist sites, but they will definitely take you somewhere that is not written about in any guidebook. I highly recommend visiting."

27. Listen to the organ in the Dome Cathedral

The Dome Cathedral is the largest religious building in Latvia; it houses many artistic and historical values. The Dome Cathedral is famous for its organ. The concert schedule and other information can be found on the official website of the cathedral - doms.lv.

28. Drink Riga balsam and visit Abram Kuntze’s pharmacy

Abram Kunze is the inventor of the famous Riga balsam. A pharmacist mixed 24 ingredients to make a medicine. Riga balsam became famous during the time of Catherine II, when she visited Courland and felt unwell, she was offered balsam, after which the disease went away. In Riga, the pharmacy where the pharmacist worked has been preserved, where they made a beautiful design and now it is the Black Magic Bar, where every visitor can get a “portion of fear” and buy surprise candies.

29. Find “waves” on the lawn of Livov Square

The square was formed in the middle of the 20th century, after the Second World War. Here is the Big Guild (of merchants), the Small Guild (of craftsmen), where dance balls are held, as well as a complex of buildings from the 18th century, when houses were added to existing walls. Waves are depicted on the lawn because the city river used to begin here.

30. Find out the story about the house with black cats

Not far from Livov Square, namely to the right of the Great Guild, there is a house with two black cats on the roof, and the cats are in such a position that they are ready to defecate. The story of the appearance of cats is as follows: one of the Riga merchants really wanted to join the guild, but he was not accepted, then he decided to buy the house opposite the guild and ordered cats to be placed on the spiers of the roofs, with their backs to the guild. After this there was a trial, the merchant was called upon to remove the cats, but the court decided to turn the cats in the other direction. The cats were deployed, and the merchant was accepted into the guild.

31. Laugh at the name of the Stalinist high-rise building

The Academy of Sciences of Latvia is a 21-story building modeled after Moscow's "Stalinist high-rises." Locals call the high-rise building birthday cake:) The building has an observation deck, so from it you can look at the city from a new angle.

32. Take a photo of the powder tower

This is the only surviving tower of the Riga fortress wall. In summer the tower is covered with green ivy, and in spring you can see 2 cannonballs stuck in the wall of the tower since the 17th century. The tower was abandoned for a long time until German students rented it. Having opened the tower, they discovered mountains of pigeon droppings, but the students were not taken aback, sold the droppings to farmers, and used the money to carry out restoration.

33. Find a monument to photographer Philippe Halsman

On the side wall of the Museum of Decorative Arts and Design on Skarnu Street, a monument to the famous photographer Philip Halsman, born in Riga, was erected in 2011. Halsman is considered the founder of surrealism in photography, because it was he who came up with the idea of ​​jumping in photographs. While jumping, he captured more than 200 portraits of famous people such as Marilyn Monroe, Sophia Loren, Selvador Dali, Henri Matisse.

34. Drink coffee with delicious ice cream

37. Watch the sunset overlooking the city at SkyLine Bar

One of the best views of the city opens from the 27th floor of the SkyLine bar, located at the Radisson Blue hotel. Book a table by the window in advance and you will be treated to the most beautiful view of the city during sunset. The bar has an excellent cocktail list!

38. Buy souvenirs with Latvian ornaments

The Latvian ornament is many thousands of years old and, they say, secret information is encoded in it. There are many interesting souvenirs in Riga, ranging from designer postcards to ceramic houses and clothes.

39. Take a photo near the Stenders soap store

This porch remains a mystery to me personally! Why is everyone taking pictures with him I don’t understand?! You will definitely come across a store while walking around the city, and you will have to take a photo.

40. Visit the luxurious ESPA spa

Swimming in the pool, lying in the sauna and attending treatments is an obligatory part of the program after walking around Riga! You can’t get there on holidays, so book your visit in advance - www.espariga.lv

41. Take a photo - a postcard

Floating along the river on a boat or walking along the city bridge, you will have a stunning view of the city, its ancient towers, Riga Castle, and you can catch the point that all the towers are lined up in one row - this is a postcard view photo.

42. Walk to the Academy of Arts

The building of the Academy of Arts with neo-Gothic forms will not leave you indifferent! The building was built in 1905, and in 1919 the Academy of Arts was founded here. Around the building there are unusual sculptures and a small park.

43. Go to the zoo

Hop on the tram and head to the Riga Zoo! There is also the greenest district of Riga - Mežaparks, as well as Lake Kišezers. Entrance ticket to the zoo for an adult is 6 euros, for a child - 4 euros. The official website of the zoo is rigazoo.lv.

45. Fly with Air Baltic

Air Baltic calls itself the most punctual airline. On board the plane you will be offered a delicious menu from famous chefs. The flight to Riga is only 1 hour and 20 minutes, so it’s really easy to get here.

If you have free time, go out of town:

46. ​​Jurmala - take a walk along the sea and in the pine forest, sit on the cozy veranda of the 36 Line and Faces restaurants. You can get to Jurmala in 35 minutes by train from the city railway station.

47. Rumene Manor - country residence (100 km from Riga) of the Hotel Bergs for relaxation, various events, banquets and conferences with the opportunity to spend the night in 5 spacious apartments.

48. Trek through the swamps in Kemeri National Park.

49. Turaida Museum-Reserve.

50. City of Sigulda. The city is located 50 km from Riga. This region of Latvia is rich in nature and interesting sights, including Turaida Castle, cable car, caves, estates and others.

See you in Riga!

Today we will have a fascinating and informative tour of the capital of Latvia. We will try to take a one-day trip to get acquainted with all its sights and look into the darkest corners of the history of this city. We'll tell you what you can see in Riga in one day.

A nice bonus only for our readers - a discount coupon when paying for tours on the website until June 30:

• AF500guruturizma - promotional code for 500 rubles for tours from 40,000 rubles
• AF2000TGuruturizma - promotional code for 2,000 rubles. for tours to Tunisia from 100,000 rubles.

And you will find many more profitable offers from all tour operators on the website. Compare, choose and book tours at the best prices!

According to good tradition, getting to know Riga begins with a visit to the Freedom Monument. The memorial is dedicated to those residents who heroically defended the right to state independence in the 20s of the last century. The monument is located on Brivibas Avenue in the central part of Riga. The monument reaches 42 meters in height and is presented in the form of a woman, in whose hands three symbolic stars fit. A separate part of the exhibition is a group of additional figures at the foot of the pedestal, each of which reflects the culture, history and values ​​of Latvians. By the way, according to rumors, a certain Milda invited the sculptor to pose, in whose honor the monument received its second name.

Famous Lime clock

The Laima clock holds a special place in the hearts of the townspeople and is located in a high tower on one of the central squares of Riga. This is a favorite place for appointments and dates. Although today the tower is decorated with recognizable logos of the local sweet manufacturer, it did not always have this appearance. Initially, this place was a regular tram stop, where a clock was installed for the convenience of Riga residents rushing to work. In 1924, the first tower appeared on this site, which also contained a place for a clock. The tower was dotted with socialist and communist slogans for a long time, and its original appearance was returned only in 1999. If you are in Riga for the first time, then the best place to make an appointment, which every city resident knows, will be the Laima watch.

Nymph Fountain

This architectural delight is located at the entrance to the famous Opera and Ballet Theater. It was created in 1887 by the brilliant master of his time A. Volz.

The history of the creation of the fountain is no less unique than the final product itself. According to legend, the author of the fountain, in the process of creating the figure of a naked girl, fell in love with his model. The sudden feelings that overwhelmed him did not give him peace, and the completion of the construction was constantly postponed. As a result, the beloved nevertheless reciprocated and agreed to become the wife of the brilliant architect, and the fountain, to the great joy of the residents of Riga, was completed. Today it is a statue of a naked girl holding a shell in her hands, from which a stream of water bursts out. Next to the nymph there are figures of children, a turtle and a dolphin. Each element of this sculpture is created in the smallest detail. Therefore, it is highly recommended to include this attraction in your excursion program.

Monument to the Bremen Town Musicians

As children, we all watched with interest the adventures of the Bremen Town Musicians and sincerely rooted for them, sitting in front of the TV screens. It seems that in Riga there is a special attitude towards the heroes of this fairy tale, because there is a real monument to them on one of the streets. On the pedestal, one on top of the other, there are four recognizable characters - a donkey, a dog, a cat and a rooster. It should not be surprising that the author of the monument was a German sculptor from Bremen. After all, this city is considered a sister city of Riga. By the way, according to the sculptor’s idea, the monument carries a deep historical and philosophical thought and is dedicated to the end of the Cold War between the West and the East. Of course, modern Riga residents and guests of the city do not think about such “high matters”. They prefer to believe that if you rub the nose of a donkey or the beak of a rooster, your deepest desires will certainly come true.

House of the Blackheads

This historical building was restored after war devastation only in the 90s and became a kind of gift to the city for its 800th anniversary. Today this house attracts tourists not just with its unique appearance, but also with its luxurious interior. Exhibitions and private events for high-ranking guests are held here. According to historical information, the house was created in the 14th century and belonged to the famous merchant guild of the Blackheads. By the way, the name is not at all connected with the surname of the traders. The coat of arms of the house depicted St. Mauritius with a black head. Unfortunately, it is not possible to check whether the current appearance of the building corresponds to the historical prototype.

Museum of Occupation

In 1993, the Museum of Occupation opened its doors, which, from its very creation to the present day, has stood out for its political and financial independence. His collection is replenished exclusively with funds from sponsors. The main idea of ​​the exhibition is to convey to modern society the life of Latvians who suffered from Nazi terror during the war, and were also persecuted by representatives of the Soviet regime. For the convenience of visitors, the collection is divided into several sections, each of which is dedicated to a separate historical period of the country. Many Russians have a contradictory attitude towards the gallery, because its creators actually equated Stalin with Hitler.

The Dome Cathedral

One of the most significant attractions in all of Latvia is the Dome Cathedral, the construction of which continued over 5 centuries, starting from the 13th century. It is not surprising that the project, which was worked on by several generations of architects, has such a mixed style. This is where the unique organ from the German manufacturer E.F. is located. Walcker & Co, which reaches a height of 25 meters! The musical instrument is decorated with decorative carvings, and when a rending sound bursts out from its seven thousand army of pipes, the heart begins to pound furiously in the chest. Even today, this instrument is considered the largest in the territory of the former USSR. And in 1883, when it was installed, there were no analogues in the whole world.

Art Museum

The gallery called “Riga Stock Exchange” includes a huge collection of the best examples of European, Oriental and Ancient Egyptian art. The oldest exhibit dates back to the fifth century BC. A huge collection of works and contemporary artists is presented. The gallery with works by Northern European authors is especially popular among art connoisseurs. Near the Western Gallery there is the Silver Cabinet, where you can enjoy an impressive collection of products made from this noble metal, which came to Riga not only from Europe, but also from the Asian region.

Government Castle

This ancient complex deserves to take its rightful place in the excursion program. Tourists will be amazed by its unique appearance and rich history, which dates back several centuries ago. At one time, it was in his offices that the historical decisions of numerous “occupation” governments of the country were made. Since each new owner of the castle adapted it to their needs, we can contemplate a rather interesting interpretation of its exterior and interior decoration. Today this building is the residence of the head of the Latvian state. But there was also room for several museum galleries.

Bar Black Magic

We recommend finishing the day's program at the Black Magic bar on Kalku Street. It was here that the legendary Riga balsam was invented, the author of which is considered to be the alchemist A. Kuntze. By the way, this drink owes its popularity to Empress Catherine II, who not only appreciated its refined taste, but also allowed the launch of a full-fledged production of herbal tincture. Even today, the bar has a safe containing 24 types of herbs needed to create the drink. And for 20 euros, each visitor can see how it is actually created. The interior decoration of the bar is also attractive - antique lamps swing under the stone arches, and the furniture is made exclusively of wood.

Hotel Garden Palace

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