The best places in Latvia. The main attractions of Latvia. Winter life of animals

Latvia is a country located in Northern Europe. The state borders Russia, Belarus, Estonia and Lithuania, which has a particular impact on the cultural potential.

Latvia is located on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea, thanks to which many travelers can enjoy amazing nature. In addition, the country is famous for its numerous lakes and rivers, which also flow through the territory of the state. Latvia is famous for its picturesque nature, ancient architectural monuments, and developed infrastructure, thanks to which it attracts a large number of travelers.

Riga Castle is an interesting and important landmark located right in the center of Riga. Currently, the castle complex, which was destroyed and rebuilt many times throughout its difficult history, is the residence of the President of Latvia.

Initially, the castle belonged to the Livonian Order, then to Polish, Swedish and Russian governors. Moreover, at the very beginning of its existence, Riga Castle had a military character. Subsequently, the object began to perform a representative function. Riga Castle acquired its current appearance only at the end of the 1930s.

Currently, the castle premises are given over to the Museum of Foreign Art, the Museum of the History of Latvia, the Museum of Literature, and the Rainis Museum of Art.

House of the Blackheads, Riga

The Order of the Blackheads appeared in Latvia in the middle of the 14th century. The secular association of foreign merchants and shipowners began active activities in Latvia. Initially, the military structure was supposed to protect Riga, but later it turned into a large and important corporation.

I built the first building myself Order of the Blackheads for public needs. It housed a stock exchange where merchants and clerks gathered. Subsequently, the corporation began to have a special influence in Riga. In addition, celebrations and balls were regularly held in the house. These days, the house hosts classical music concerts.

The original appearance of the House of Blackheads is unknown. The reconstruction of the object, which was destroyed during the Second World War, was carried out only according to documents from the 17th – 18th centuries. Now the House of the Blackheads is an important landmark.

Location: Rātslaukums – 7.

The cathedral was founded in 1211, on July 25th, when St. Jacob's Day is celebrated. Currently, the Dome Cathedral is one of the most important sacred sites in all of Latvia.

The attraction was created on the basis of such styles as early Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque. Regular expansion of the religious site contributed to the creation of an amazing attraction. In addition, there is currently an ancient organ located here.

If desired, tourists can not only appreciate the grandeur of the cathedral, but also visit the Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation, which operates right in the ensemble of the religious landmark.

Location: Herdera laukums - 6.

Powder Tower, Riga

The first mention of the Powder Tower can be found in the chronicle of 1330. In the Middle Ages, the object was used for the defense of the city. However, during the Swedish-Polish War, the tower was almost completely destroyed, but it was still rebuilt. After the tower was re-erected, the object began to be called Porokhov.

During the era of the Russian Empire, the tower was not used for its intended purpose, so it ended up abandoned. The reconstruction of the city required the mandatory demolition of outdated defensive facilities, but they still decided to preserve the Powder Tower. After several decades, it was possible to carry out a major overhaul of the tower. Currently there is a Military Museum here.

Location: Smilšu iela – 20.

Turaida Castle, Sigulda

The year the castle was founded is considered 1214 . This great event took place by decree of Bishop Albert. Unfortunately, the castle was completely destroyed, but now government authorities are doing everything possible to restore the former grandeur of the famous landmark.

The remains of the ancient castle have attracted tourists since the end of the 19th century. Even ruins attract travelers. It was the increased interest in the destroyed castle that contributed to the decision to carry out restoration measures. Soon archaeological excavations were carried out, which proved the possibility of restoring the castle complex. Now Turaida Castle is gradually returning to its former grandeur.

Location: Turaidas iela - 10.

Dzintari is one of the best districts of the Latvian city of Jurmala. At the beginning of the 18th century, the place attracted many Russian aristocrats, who bought plots for themselves and small houses. It was according to this scheme that the attractive district of Jurmala developed. Its popularity is also due to the presence of the famous Dzintari concert, which regularly hosts musical and humorous events.

The palace complex was built in the 18th century. Experts note that the building is characterized by architectural monotony and lack of dynamics, but this is precisely what gives the building its charm. It should be noted that Jelgava Palace is a worthy example of the Baroque style.

During the Second World War, the palace building fell into disrepair. Restoration began in 1956. Nowadays, the premises are occupied by the Latvian University of Agriculture, but tourists can still appreciate the beauty of the palace.

Location: Lielā iela – 2.

Gutman Cave is one of the most beautiful and largest in Latvia. It is not surprising that this natural attraction deserves special attention from tourists. The beautiful underground world and walls with ancient inscriptions help ensure that even experienced tourists are convinced of the versatility of the existing caves.

Gauja is a famous park in Latvia. This natural attraction deserves special attention from tourists. The national park is located in the valley of the Gauja River, so you can imagine how amazing the local panoramas are.

In the park you can see not only plants, but also birds and animals. Moreover, travelers will be pleasantly surprised by grottoes, caves, mounds, ancient sites with rock paintings and even castles. The walk will be remembered for a long time.

Rundāle Palace, a worthy example of Baroque, is located near the town of Bauska. Construction activities were carried out in 1736 – 1768. Unfortunately, the palace complex was subject to threats from Napoleon's army, Bermont-Avalov's soldiers, and refugees during the war and post-war times.

Restoration efforts began in 1972 and are still ongoing. However, even now Rundāle Palace with its park complex is an important landmark of Latvia.

The film town is located in the Tukums region, or more precisely, in the suburb of Slampe. Cinevilla is an open-air set ideal for filming.

Construction of the film town began in the spring of 2004 for the filming of the film “Guardians of Riga”, which was presented to viewers only 3 years later. However, even after the project, the film town continues its history.

Tourists can go on excursions and learn the peculiarities of filming. It is important to note that excursions can even be carried out in a costume format, thanks to which you can be transported to the desired atmosphere.

The film town also houses a military history museum, which displays valuable exhibits related to the Second World War. In addition, you can visit the Postal Museum. Such opportunities will contribute to an even more exciting pastime.

The castle is located on Lake Araiši and is a settlement that has existed since the Middle Ages. Experts conducted special events to better understand the settlement. As a result, it was possible to create a large open-air museum.

Araiš Lake Castle was opened in 1867. This event took place thanks to Count K. G. Sievers. However, a full-fledged archaeological study of the region to create a unique museum with a lake castle began only in the middle of the last century.

Araiši Castle consisted of several rows of large huts, which were separated by a wide street. A log dam was used to connect to the shore. Good protection, which also included the presence of a lake, allowed local residents to successfully develop in interesting areas and be wealthy.

Araish Lake Castle is a unique museum, a visit to which will give you an unforgettable experience.

Valmiera is an amazing city, which is located almost on the border with Estonia. Tourists can see that Valmiera has an amazing atmosphere. At the same time, rock music festivals and fairs are held here. Moreover, travelers can visit the drama theater, bastion and local history museum. It is not surprising that Valmiera is remembered for a long time.

Strenci is one of the most popular cities in Latvia, located in the northern part of the country. Travelers who want to visit here can enjoy water and hiking trips and unity with amazing nature.

The town of Strenci has existed since the 17th century and still attracts with its special atmosphere, peace and quiet, fresh air and picturesque nature. Local architecture will allow you to diversify your leisure time and make sure that the sights of Strenci surprise you with their beauty.

Bauska is a small town located 66 km from Riga. This town is located in the area where the Memele and Musa rivers merge. Bauska was founded by the Teutonic Order in 1443, but the village acquired the status of a city only in 1511. The ancient architecture of the city of Bauska helps the small town attract many tourists.

Slitere, a protected natural monument, has been successfully developing since 1921. This object is located in the northwestern part of Latvia.

The protected area was formed as a result of the activity of a glacier and post-glacial reservoirs. You can guess how picturesque the local nature is. In addition, the moderate continental, maritime climate ensures that the walk is always pleasant.

The protected area is home to rare birds and animals that are protected in Latvia.

Kuldiga is a regional city located in the western part of Latvia. Despite the large size of the city, many tourists dream of visiting Kuldiga. Even numerous wars and fires allowed the city's architecture to remain in good condition. Tourists can appreciate the medieval wooden buildings. In addition, the medieval atmosphere attracts many tourists.

Abavas-Rumba is a truly picturesque waterfall located in Latvia. This natural attraction is located approximately 4 km from the Latvian city of Sabile.

The multi-cascade waterfall, which was created on a dolomite fracture, attracts many tourists. It should be noted that the waterfall is the second widest body of water in Latvia, so it impresses almost every nature lover.

The castle was built in 1897. This castle complex is still considered a worthy example of eclecticism. Tourists can appreciate not only the stylish castle, but also the romantic park, where dozens of varieties of shrubs and trees grow. Today, the castle hosts guided tours.

Latvia is a truly attractive country that boasts famous sights and picturesque nature.

One of the main reasons why a flow of tourists visits a country every year is its attractions. It is very important that the influx of people in winter or summer is not as great as in other European countries, so you can calmly wander through the streets of the cities, taking your time to explore the ruins of medieval castles.

Famous architectural monuments

The sights of Latvia filled the entire territory of a small state. There are many architectural monuments here that have survived to this day and have been turned into museums. The most famous of them include:

1. Famous is the modern residence of the president of the country, it is located on the shore. The building survived more than one war, was slowly rebuilt, and even managed to be a prison for high-ranking nobles. The castle managed to survive the severe fire of 2013. It is considered one of the significant monuments of Latvian history and is valuable both historically and culturally.


2. - another unique attraction of Riga, which is an architectural monument of the first half of the 14th century. It was built to host meetings of various public organizations. At first, the house was owned by foreign merchants, whose symbol was the head of a black hawk. They were nicknamed the “Brotherhood of the Blackheads,” which is where the name of the house itself came from. The original appearance of the house was badly damaged during the Second World War, but it was restored to its former beauty in the late 90s. Receptions are held here in honor of foreign delegations.


3. An interesting story is connected with another house in Riga -. It was built by a merchant who was not allowed into the Guild building. In retaliation, the man installed the cats on the roof, turning their backs to the Guild, for which he received a severe reprimand, and the cats have since been turned in the proper direction.


4. , which was first mentioned back in 1209. It symbolizes medieval architecture. At that time, the church was considered the tallest wooden building in Europe, and for a long time it remained so in Riga, the height of the temple is 123.25 m. The tower has several levels, on the lower (located at a height of 57 m) and upper (71 m) there are observation decks. Once on them, you can enjoy the magnificent view that opens onto the Daugava River. You can climb to the upper observation deck not only on foot, but also using an elevator. If you go to church on Sunday, you can go to the service. On the spire of the tower there is a figurine of a rooster, which is considered a symbol of protection from evil spirits.


5. Dome Cathedral. Famous monuments include the one founded in 1211 by Bishop Albrecht von Buxhoeveden. It is interesting that the bishop personally supervised the construction, inviting only the best craftsmen, so the cathedral took on its final appearance only in the second half of the 13th century.

   On the territory of the cathedral there is a museum of the history of Riga and navigation, which is the oldest museum in the country. The most important attraction of Latvia in this cathedral is the organ, installed between 1883 and 1824, which impresses not only with its amazing sound, but also with its size. You can get to the Dome Cathedral any day, since it is open from 9.00 to 18.00. Opening hours may vary depending on the season and day of the week. Concerts are also held here, tickets for which must be purchased in advance. You can hire a guide who will tell you in detail about the exhibits and history of the cathedral.

Sights in Latvian cities

Latvia, whose attractions attract many tourists, is also famous for its city. This is the second largest city in the country after the capital, built in the Latgalian Baroque style. The atmosphere and charm of Daugavpils was greatly influenced by the fact that it passed from one government to another for a long time. At first it belonged to the knights of the Livonian Order, then to the Swedes, then to the Russians. Such a change of owners could not but leave traces in the architecture of the city.

The most important is the city's fortress. But you should also visit such objects as the Jaunbuve church ensemble. Residents of the city are rightfully proud and show tourists the Ice Palace and the largest open-air swimming pool among the Baltic countries. You can get to the city from Riga by bus. Travelers also get here by train from nearby countries.

Jurmala is regarded not only as a resort town, but also as a place where a unique castle was built in the neo-Gothic style. This is the dacha complex of Kristaps and Augusta Morberg, a famous Latvian entrepreneur and his wife. This building stands out from the rest of the houses. The castle currently hosts luxury weddings and excursions.

Natural attractions

The above and palaces are not the only attractions of Latvia; there are interesting places in Latvia outside the cities. Latvia is known as a very green country with unique nature. You can get maximum pleasure by signing up for a guided tour of the country’s natural places. They are compactly located throughout its territory, making the journey not tiresome.

The most memorable natural objects include the following:

Latvia – attractions in winter

Tourists come to Latvia not only in warm weather, but also when snow falls. At this time, the city is considered the most suitable for travel; it offers entertainment for every taste. The largest ice skating rink is located in Mezaparks, which is located near the center. For ski lovers, there are a number of ski resorts to choose from, the most famous of which include: Baili, Kakisu Trase, Reina Trase, Milzkalns, Zhagarkalns, Ozolkalns. In winter, people also come to Latvia to watch the ice sculpture festival.

Christmas markets in Riga are filled with stalls and fragrant hot mulled wine. Have you already tried a hot currant drink with Riga black balsam? This balm is believed to have healing properties, and when mixed with hot juice in a cocktail, it warms both the soul and the body. If you're in Riga, be sure to try it!

Enjoy Riga's evenings while strolling through the Christmas markets. Try wild boar sausages, homemade piparkukas cookies and hot sauerkraut, and don’t forget to buy souvenirs!

What we eat undoubtedly affects our mood, health and well-being. In winter, it is advisable to eat warm and satisfying food - otherwise you won’t have enough energy for all the fun!

Warm yourself up with national Latvian cuisine, such as gray peas with speck, blood sausage, national potato and barley porridge and potatoes with herring and cottage cheese. In winter, in restaurants you will find turnips, rye bread and rowan cakes - very valuable sources of vitamins C and B.

Do you want to feel the adrenaline and rush at a speed of 75 – 80 km/h? and go sledding Vuchko! This is one of the rare trails that is accessible not only to athletes, but also to visitors. Every turn is an adventure! You can ride the Vuchko every weekend until March. The track is suitable for bobsleigh, luge and skeleton – both for training and competition.

Wooden houses are located in the area of ​​Grizinkalns and Kipsala, as well as in the Moscow suburb, and the center of wooden architecture is Pardaugava, where beautiful wooden houses have been built since the 17th century.

Unlike other European countries, wooden architecture in Riga continued to develop until the outbreak of World War II. Already a hundred years ago there were about 12,000 wooden buildings here.

Wooden architecture is more common in Riga than in other European cities. At the moment, 4,000 buildings were preserved, the oldest of which date back to the 18th century.

#6 Latvians skate like professionals

Do you want to bring out the Olympic figure skating champion in you? During the winter season in Latvia, public skating rinks are opened in the largest parks and squares. A visit to the skating rink is wonderfully combined with a walk through the old town or the Speakers' Promenade, which is located next to the Central Market - the most important market in the Baltic countries.

Latvian museums invite you to look, explore and feel. Meet ! Original, rich in historical heritage, unique - you won’t find anything like them anymore! This is, for example, the Museum “Art Nouveau Center” - the only museum in the Baltic countries that displays the historical heritage of Art Nouveau of the 20th century. This is also a glass museum, which offers the opportunity to learn the ancient craft of glassblowing.

Latvia is proud of world-class achievements in the field of performing arts. Here, world-class stars began their careers - opera soloists Kristine Opoleis, Elina Garanca, Marina Rebeka, Alexander Antonenko, as well as conductors and opera directors in demand in Europe.

The creativity of Latvian artists has no boundaries! It mixed various cultural phenomena and experiences. Get to know the works of Latvian artists, which are in various museums and galleries.

Crowds of tourists flock to Latvia every year– and this is not strange, because this amazing country was rightfully elected in 2012 as the most beautiful country in the world.
Tourists are attracted here by the special Latvian hospitality, mild climate and gentle sea, the wealth of beautiful Baltic nature, ancient cities and villages with narrow cobbled streets and magnificent castles and temples.

Architecture of Latvia

Historical and cultural attractions are generously scattered throughout Latvian territory. Many of them concentrated in the capital city -.
One of the most outstanding architectural monuments of Riga is Riga Castle, which is now the residence of the President of Latvia.

The castle was built in XV century and during its difficult history it has been destroyed and restored more than once.
Initially, the castle belonged to the Livonian Order, then it alternately became the residence of Polish, Swedish and Russian rulers.
Initially built simply as a defensive structure, during its existence the castle was significantly expanded, decorated and equipped. There were additional buildings, a square and a beautiful garden.
Today, a tourist entering the territory of the Riga Castle can not only enjoy the atmosphere of antiquity and beautiful architecture, but also learn a lot of new things by visiting several museums located within its walls.

If you are already in Riga, be sure to wander through the streets of the Old Town, plunge into the atmosphere of the Middle Ages and enjoy the beautiful architecture.

• House of the Blackheads(Ratslaukums, 7);
• Residential complex "Three Brothers"(Mazā Pils iela 19);
• Powder Tower(Smilšu iela 20);
• Swedish Gate(Tornya St. 11);

• Riga TV tower(Zemgales priekšpilsēta);
• City Hall a (Rātslaukums 1);
• Fortress wall with Ramera Tower(Trokshnu and Tornia streets).

But, of course, there are many more beautiful and interesting things to see in Latvia besides Riga.
Latvia is famous for its ancient castles. One of them is the most beautiful Turaida Castle, located on the territory of the picturesque Turaida Nature Reserve near Sigulda.
The beginning of its construction dates back to 1214. At first it was made of wood, then it took a long time to complete construction and acquired its final appearance only in the 16th century.

Did you know? Unfortunately, now we can only guess about the former beauty and grandeur of the castle, because in 1776 the castle was badly damaged by fire and has not been used since then. But even its ruins attracted lovers of ancient beauty so much that already in the 20th century they decided to restore the castle.

In 1973, archaeological research was carried out here and valuable artifacts were found– an ancient brewery, a bathhouse, ancient stoves and household items. And, although the restoration of the castle is still ongoing, this does not stop thousands of tourists every year from admiring its beauty.

• Old Sigulda Castle(Pils street 16, Sigulda);
• New Sigulda Castle(Pils street 16, Sigulda);
• Rundale Palace(The Rundale Palace Museum, Pilsrundale, Bauska);
• Bauska Castle(Bauska Castle, Bauska);
• Venden Cesis Castle(Cesu Jauna pils, Pils laukums 9, Cesis);

• Northern forts(Karosta, Liepāja);
• Oscar Kalpak Bridge(Liepaja);
• Residence of the Duke of Kurzum(Latvijas Lauksaimniecibas universitate Jelgava Palace, Jelgava);
• Jelgava Palace(Pilssalas iela Jelgava);
• Mitava Bridge(Jelgava).

Religious buildings in Latvia

The two most famous and significant temples are located in.
Cathedral of St. Petra, the first mention of which dates back to 1209, is located in the Old part of Riga at Šķūņu iela, 19.
Initially, the church was built as a folk church - everyone took part in its construction and financing. It took a long time to complete and was decorated with towers, spiers and stucco.

Did you know? The church was so loved by people that, they say, when in 1721 the church tower was struck by lightning and it caught fire, even Peter I himself participated in the fight against the fire.

Unfortunately, most of the temple was destroyed during the Second World War. It took a long time to restore it, and the reconstruction of the spire was completed only in 1973.

Now, in addition to the church beauty and atmosphere, tourists are attracted here by 2 excellent observation platforms located in the church spire.

Another revered temple in Riga is the ancient Dome Cathedral, founded in 1211. He is considered the largest sacred building in Latvia and harmoniously combines the Romanesque style, early Gothic, Baroque and Art Nouveau in its architecture.
This temple, like the previous one, was also completed and expanded for a long time and was also damaged during a fire, but at an earlier time - in 1547, and was later restored.
Here, among other things, you can enjoy organ music and visit the Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation, located in one of the temple premises.

We also recommend visiting:

• Church of St. Joanna(Rīga, Skārņu iela 25);
• Nativity of Christ Cathedral(Brīvības iela Rīga);
• Anglican Church of the Holy Redeemer(Riga, Centra rajons, Anglikāņu iela 2);
• Cathedral of Saints Simeon and Anna(Raiņa iela 5 Jelgava);

• St. Nicholas Naval Cathedral(Liepaja, Student rotas iela, d);
• Boris and Gleb Cathedral(Tautas iela 2, Daugavpils);
• Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary(Andreja Pumpura iela 11a, Daugavpils);
• St. John's Church(Lielā Skolas iela, 8, Cēsis).

Monuments of Latvia

The most famous monument in the country is Freedom Monument, located in . It is a majestic granite stele 42 meters high, located on a pedestal beautifully decorated with sculptures.
Here you will see 13 bas-reliefs and sculptures depicting the rich history of Latvia. And they are crowned by a beautiful female figure with arms outstretched, personifying freedom. In her hands, a young girl holds three stars, symbolizing the three historical and cultural centers of Latvia, as if protecting them and giving them freedom.

Other monuments and sculptures of Latvia:

• Monument to the Bremen Town Musicians(Riga);
• Roland statue(Riga);
• Fountain in Basteikalns park(Riga);
• Monument to Revolutionary Fighters(Riga);
• Monument to the Latvian Riflemen(Riga);
• Monument to Livs(Riga);
• Monument to George Armistead and his wife(Riga);
• Memorial Ensemble Salaspils(Salaspils Lauku);

• Cow Sculptures(Ventspils);
• Monument to Janis Fabricius(Ventspils);
• Fountain "Dune Pine"(Ventspils);
• Monument to the defenders of the city(Daugavpils);
• Monument to the school company of the Cesis Regiment(Cesis);
• Sculptural group “Parade of Knights”(Cesis);
• Monument to Lachplesis(Jurmala);
• Hill Dine(Sigulda);
• Alley of Love(Jelgava).

Museums of Latvia

And for those who want to plunge into national Baltic traditions, we recommend visiting Riga Ethnographic Museum open air. It is located in a beautiful forest and covers an area of ​​87 hectares. Here you will see more than 100 houses that at one time or another were popular in different regions of Latvia.
You will get acquainted with the peculiarities of life, the history of crafts and the region as a whole, and also learn about the local flora and fauna.

On the territory of the museum there is a cafe that serves dishes prepared according to local ancient recipes.

• War Museum(Powder Tower, Riga);
• Daugava Museum on the site of Yaoundole Castle (Daugavas Muzejs Salaspils novads, Doles sala, Riga);
• Paul Stradiņš Museum of the History of Medicine(Medicīnas vēstures muzejs Antonijas iela 1 Rīga);
• Museum of Foreign Art(Riga Castle);
• Museum of Barricades 1991(Krāmu iela 3, Riga);

• Motor Museum(Eisensteina street 6, Riga);
• Art Nouveau Museum(Alberta iela 12, Riga);
• Museum of the History of the City of Riga and Navigation(Riga, Dom Square, 1);
• Munchausen Museum(Duntes Manor, Salacgriva region);
• Gedert Elias Museum of History and Art(Akadēmijas 10, Jelgava);
• Museum of the Garrison Guardhouse(Invalīdu iela 4, Karosta, Liepāja).

Parks and natural attractions

The most famous park in Latvia is Gauja National Park, located near Sigulda in the valley of the river. Gauja. For its magnificent landscapes, the park has long received the status of “Latvian Switzerland”.
Here you can enjoy unique picturesque views, grottoes, caves, forests, get acquainted with local species of birds, animals and plants, and also visit some valuable historical monuments.

Among the Baltic attractions one can highlight one very unusual and interesting place - Walking stick park in Latvia. It is located in picturesque Silguda and is dedicated to the traditional Latvian souvenir – the walking stick.
This is a beautiful green park with paved paths and benches, and its peculiarity is the bright yellow decorative canes that rise above the vegetation here and there and sometimes reach human height.

Well, and of course, when it comes to the natural attractions of Latvia, one cannot fail to mention Baltic coast. Its most popular resort is Jurmala, which delights tourists not only with beautiful and comfortable beaches, but also with a lot of entertainment and cultural events.

By the way, Jurmala is also located Kemeri National Park. Known for its healing mud and mineral waters, the park is surrounded by a pine forest and a forest park. There are several sanatoriums here and there are beautiful cozy squares.

Other natural attractions and parks in Latvia:

• Daugava embankment(Riga);
• Bastion Hill Park(Riga);
• Petrovsky Park – Viestura Garden(Riga);
• Mezaparks(Riga);
• Verman Garden(Riga);
• Rundale Park(Bauska);

• Gutman's Cave(Sigulda);
• White Dune(village Plienciems);
• Waterfall on the Vent River a (Kuldiga);
• Tervete Nature Park(Tervete Parish);
• Sea boulders(Roje coast).

Entertainment in Latvia

In any big city in Latvia you will find many cafes, restaurants, clubs, theaters, cinemas and other cultural and entertainment centers.
But there is enough in this country unusual and interesting entertainment.

• Lido Park in Riga combined a beautiful restaurant complex and an amusement park.
• Riga Zoo will delight you with communication with animals;
• Cinema town Cinevilla in the suburb of Slampe will not only allow you to get acquainted with the history of cinema and the environment on the set, but here you can even make your own film.
• Aerodium in Sigulda will help you feel like a flying bird and learn to better control your body.
• In Jurmala there is a wonderful Livsky Aquapark.
• Amusement Park Ramkalni in Incukalns parish will delight you with beautiful nature and a lot of active and healthy entertainment for the whole family.
• Abandoned missile base in Kekava will amuse lovers of extraordinary holidays.

Aerodium

What to see in Latvia by car

If you have your own car to explore Latvia, you are very lucky, because the sights of this country are “scattered” across its different regions.
Undoubtedly, where you will see ancient castles and churches, you will be able to visit fascinating museums and beautiful parks.
Not all travelers know that Latvia can be divided into 4 historical regions, each of which has its own “zest”.

• In the northeastern part of the country there is Vidzeme region, the main attraction of which is the ancient city of Sigulda with many beautiful architectural monuments. Also located here is the Gauja National Park and another popular tourist town, Cesis.
• Located in the southern part of Latvia Zemgale region, famous for its cleanliness, environmental friendliness and tranquility. The main attraction of this area is considered famous Rundāle Palace.
• In the west is Kurzeme region, especially notable for its natural attractions. Here you can book a tour of the valleys of the Abava and Venta rivers, see the famous Venta waterfall and visit the Forest Museum near Tukumsa. By the way, in this area there are many ancient castles and villages.
• Located in the eastern part of Latvia Latgale, which has long been recognized by Catholics as an important religious center. Here you will see many ancient and modern temples, religious sculptures, the famous Anglican basilica and abbey.

Rundāle Palace

What to see in Latvia in winter

Of course, in Latvia you can successfully visit all architectural sights and museums, parks and entertainment centers in winter - just like at any other time of the year.
But winter has some advantages.

• For lovers of active recreation, we can recommend visiting in winter Gauja National Park, on the slopes of which locals love to ski.
• For those who are close to mountain sports, we also advise you to treat yourself to a visit to bobsleigh track in Sigulda.
• You can also go to With. Kekavu, located near Riga and in Kuldigu.

What to see in Latvia in summer

• Of course, the favorite for summer travel and holidays in Latvia is Jurmala and other towns and villages along the coast.
• Don't forget about other natural attractions of Latvia. From spring to autumn many parks This picturesque country will reveal its lush beauty to you.
• Popular among tourists who love active recreation is town of Strenci. Here is one of the most famous tourist routes in Latvia – Strenč trail.
• Also in summer you can relax at lakes Kišezers, located near Riga.

Latvia - Quick Facts (video)

This is the first part of the video about Latvia. This part contains brief facts about this country. Enjoy watching!

We hope that our story will be useful for you, and that getting to know Latvia will bring only positive emotions.
You can share your impressions of this beautiful country and route options in the comments.
Have a nice holiday!

…What can I say: Riga is a very cool city. We stayed here for three and a half days, and during this time the capital of Latvia gave us many unforgettable impressions. Finding yourself in the whirlwind of its narrow streets, you seem to fall into some other reality, where the air is filled with the amber light of forged lanterns, and the songs of street musicians seem to intertwine with the songs of the Baltic wind. I won’t hide: I liked our trip to Riga. Therefore, writing this article, replaying the memories of those days in my head, is somehow especially warm and pleasant.

I hope yours trip to Latvia you will like ours no less than we do. And in order to help you make your trip a little more interesting and brighter, we have prepared this short review for you, collecting in it all the interesting activities and entertainment that you definitely need to devote time to while traveling around the Latvian capital.

16 things to do during trips to Latvia

• Stay in an old mansion.

This option will allow you to feel like a real resident of this city for a short time, will help you better understand it and feel its atmosphere. By choosing an apartment instead of a standard hotel, you get a chance to “peek behind the scenes” and see the city as the locals see it. Moreover, you can live in one of the houses in old Riga for very little money. You can find a good option, as well as save a little, by using the AIRBNB website (which, by the way, offers a small bonus to all new users of the project. To receive it, just register using this link).

From the window of our apartment, for example, there was such a stunning view. It’s always a special pleasure to greet the morning looking at such beauty.

• Wander around the old town.

Well, there’s probably no need to explain anything here. The Old Town is the real heart of Riga, its soul and its main center of attraction. Therefore, you are unlikely to miss these places. In this place, the present and the past intertwine with each other in the most bizarre way. Replicas of ancient buildings stand side by side with original buildings dating back hundreds of years. And cute street cafes, original art installations and modern cars of wealthy Riga residents surprisingly harmoniously complement the image of old squares and alleys.

However, you will probably note all this without me. Therefore, I will not burden you with all this unnecessary information in vain. Instead, I’d better throw in a few photos here, which will probably convey the atmosphere of these places much more eloquently.

• Take photos on the narrow streets of Riga.

Don't know what to do in Riga? Have a little photo shoot for yourself! The capital of Latvia is a surprisingly photogenic city. Therefore, anyone can find some interesting shots for themselves. In general, all fans of VKontakte and Instagram will definitely like it here.

Dedicated to the upcoming release of the film “Spectre”...

Lady with a handbag

• Feel like a movie character on Jauniela Street.

It just so happened that two cult films were filmed on this picturesque street during Soviet times. At one time, the famous Baker Street from the epic film about the famous detective Sherlock Holmes was located here. And also the Flower Street of “Swiss” Bern, which is familiar to us all from the TV series “17 Moments of Spring”.
Without visiting this place, trip to Riga will definitely be incomplete.

• Make a wish at the monument to the Bremen Town Musicians.

Like in many other cities, there is a place in Riga where flocks of tourists rub/twist something together, hoping that this non-trivial ritual will fulfill some of their deepest desires. To believe in such things or not is everyone’s business. But it’s definitely worth visiting the Riga monument to the Bremen Town Musicians. At least because it is one of the most popular and “photographed” monuments in Latvia.

The monument is located behind St. Peter's Church (in the Sk?r?u iela area). In the photo its location is marked by a group of tourists

His wish fulfillment system is quite simple - make a wish and rub the nose of one of the animals. Well, the higher you reach, the faster your wish will come true. By the way, reaching the rooster is quite difficult (even with my height of 195 cm). But it's definitely worth a try. Even if it takes some time. In general, it will be what to do in Riga.

• See the famous Riga spiers.

In general, there are only four main “high-rise buildings” in the capital of Latvia – St. Jacob’s Church, St. Peter’s Church, Dome Cathedral and Riga Castle. It was these buildings that were the main symbols of old Latvia in Soviet times. Their images were used almost everywhere. And over time, the panorama of the city topped with sharp roofs became so popular that other buildings were often counted among the Riga spiers.

Today, in addition to the four main buildings, the expanded list also includes the spiers of the Riga Academy of Sciences, the Church of St. Magdalene, the Anglican Church of the Holy Redeemer, as well as the thin needle of the Riga TV Tower. Which one should you pay attention to during trips to Latvia– decide for yourself.

Riga Castle

The buildings with the four main spiers of Riga can be found at: Herdera laukums 6 (Dome Cathedral), Skarnu iela 19 (St. Peter's Church), Jakaba iela 9 (St. Jacob's Church), Pils laukums 3 (Riga Castle). The best view of all Riga's spiers opens from the left bank of the Daugava.

• View Riga from above.

By the way, many high-rise buildings in Riga today have observation decks. But most of them have an entrance fee. You can climb the tower of St. Peter’s Cathedral for 7 euros, the observation deck of the “Stalinist high-rise” Academy of Sciences (Academy Square, 1) for 4 euros, and the platform of the Riga TV Tower (Zakusala Island) for 3.70 euros. The last option may seem the most tempting (especially considering the fact that the Riga TV Tower, with a height of 368 meters, is officially considered the tallest building in the Baltics). However, I would strongly advise you not to choose it. If only because the windows in this building are constantly dirty.

Academy of Sciences of Latvia and Riga TV Tower

Instead, it’s better to go to the Panorama cafe, located on the roof of the Galleria Riga shopping center (Dzirnavu iela, 67) or to the pretentious Riga Sky Line bar in the Latvia Hotel (aka Radisson Blu Hotel). You can come here on weekdays completely free of charge. It’s better to spend the remaining money on coffee. All kinds of cocktails there are expensive (9-12 euros).

Hotel Latvia on Brivibas Ave. View from Cafe Panorama

• Listen to the melodies of street musicians.

I don’t know why, but trips to the Old World are always associated in my mind with the music of street musicians. A few months ago we listened to a cool street concert during a trip to Warsaw. This time we came across an equally interesting performance by street musicians in Riga. The guys were playing Pharell Williams' “because i'm happy” on the trumpet. And some small EU citizen was dancing in the background. In general, it was great.

• Wander through Riga's parks.

Autumn in Latvia is very picturesque. We especially liked the park next to the Freedom Monument (on Brivibas Avenue). Ponds, bridges with locks, ducks running underfoot and a huge amount of yellow, red and orange colors around - it looks very beautiful.

• See Riga through the eyes of a local resident. After all, someone like real Riga residents will be able to show you all the most hidden corners of this city, tell you about the legends of old Riga, show the city “from the inside”, the way it appears to ordinary residents of Latvia. In order to move away from the traditional format of excursions, some time ago, on the basis of the Tripster project, a whole series of unusual custom tours from “local residents” were created. Today they enjoy stable popularity in Riga. View the full list of such non-standard excursions. If finances allow, do not miss this opportunity.
• Visit Riga's Art Nouveau neighborhoods(located in the area of ​​Elizabetes, Alberta, Antonias streets and some others adjacent to them).

Latvian Art Nouveau has long been considered one of the symbols of Riga. Pay attention to these areas. There really is something to see there. And in general, trip to Riga– a great opportunity to understand a little the intricacies of architectural styles.

• Take a walk along the banks of the Daugava.

Just dress warmly first. Autumn weather in Riga is some kind of hellish swing! Now it’s rain, now it’s sunny, now it’s fog, now it’s wind... First you leave the house and think: “Why am I dressed like a cabbage.” But after an hour you realize that you did the right thing.

National Library of Latvia. Architecture in the late “anyhow” style. There is also some kind of crown on top.

• Take a photo of the ugliest library in the world.

Do you think we have one in Minsk? I hasten to assure you: not at all. In comparison with the unsightly and somewhat awkward building of the National Library of Latvia, our “Diamond of Knowledge” is simply an architectural masterpiece. In general, you don’t know what to do in Riga- go to the Daugava. There is always a lot of interesting things here.

• Compare Minsk and Riga Lido.

Another object for comparison is two Lido restaurants located in two capitals. As for me, our Lido is even a little better than the Latvian one. At least in Riga, Tanya constantly grumbled that there was some tension with desserts in this place.

But I liked the local dishes of national cuisine. But this should probably be written as a separate paragraph. Sooooo….

• Try Latvian national cuisine.

There are actually a lot of strange things here, but at the same time very interesting. Milk soup with fish, semolina porridge with beaten egg, pumpkin compote and many other strange oddities. Although in reality everything turns out to be very, very tasty. For example, I especially liked the gray peas with bacon. It looks unpretentious, but is actually delicious. You eat and immediately imagine yourself as some kind of Latvian farmer from the Middle Ages. In Lido this dish cost 1.65 euros. Oh, yes... This restaurant also brews very tasty beer (1.95 euros per mug). In short, you won't know what to do in Riga– go on a tour of local gastronomic establishments. This is quite an adventure.

• Treat yourself to Latvian pastries.

The people of Riga simply adore her. And Tanya (our main sweets specialist) really liked it too. At the same time, good pastries can be found both in cafes and in regular stores. For example, we liked the shop at the intersection of Tallinas and Krisjana Barona streets. And also cafe “Martina”. Both places made very cool buns (0.3-0.45 euros).

• Bonus. If you suddenly start to get bored in the Latvian capital itself, go on a tour of its nearest suburbs.

Turaida Castle in autumn

In summer, the numerous beach villages in Jurmala can be a good solution. In autumn (as in our case), a much better option would be Sigulda and the Gauja National Park located in its vicinity.

Filled with myriads of yellow, red and burgundy colors at this time of year, these places become especially beautiful and picturesque. However, see for yourself...

That's all. I hope our article is about what to do in Riga was useful to you. Write comments and share your impressions of your own trips. We will be glad to see you again. Bye!

Some useful information for organizing your trip:

• The average cost of hostels in Riga ranges from 6-12 dollars (for a bed in a shared room). You can view inexpensive housing options on this website. Our personal selection of the best hostels in the Latvian capital is presented.
• Renting a Riga apartment for a day (for two people) costs from 29 to 45 dollars. You can view current options and get a discount on your first booking on this website.
• Approximate cost of hotel rooms (2-3*): 25-50 dollars. You can check prices for several booking systems at once and save a little by using this site.