No doubt that there are numerous things to see and do in Riga so it’s quite complicated to put it in one post. To see Riga as good as is it gets you can book Riga tour and meet your personal and local guide to Latvia.
So here are some Riga sites I would like you to know more about:
- St. Peter's Church is another significant example of Gothic architecture in Riga as well as in all Baltic states. This most favoured travel site was first mentioned in 1209 and dedicated to Saint Peter, the patron of Riga. After several reconstruction works locals and travellers are welcome to enjoy this masterpiece as a church and a concert or exhibition hall. A lift takes visitors up to the top of the steel spire and an observation gallery, which offers an amazing view of Riga.
- Mentzendorff's House is a 17th century architectural monument once owned by a rich Riga’s merchant. Since 1992 a museum is housed here to introduce its visitors with the social culture and traditions of Riga inhabitants during 17-18th century. Here you can find various antique furniture, beautiful frescoes and household items.
- The Dome Square, also known as the heart of Riga, is the place hosting most of city’s feasts and fairs. Here several architecture monuments are settled, including the Riga Cathedral (Rigas Doms) which is the most photographed religious building in the city. It was built in 1211 as a new residence of Bishop Albert, the founder of Riga. Today one of the most famous organs in the world is located within the Cathedral, and is a key highlight of any visit.- The Riga Castle is the residence of the president of Latvia in nowadays. Meeting different political powers the Riga Castle has experienced various owners. Due to that the castle has been rebuilt for several times changing the construction at the discretion of particular owner. In the premises of the castle you will find the Museum of Foreign Art, the Museum of Literature and Arts History named after J. Rainis and the History Museum of Latvia.
- Three Brothers – that’s how locals call the oldest stone houses still standing here, in the very heart of Riga. This is the greatest example of medieval architecture built between the 15th century (White Brother) and the middle of the 18th century (Yellow Brother). Don’t forget to visit the Latvian Museum of Architecture housed in the White Brother, number 19.
- The Powder Tower (Pulvertornis) initially called as Smilsu Tornis (Sand Tower) is the only completely preserved watchtower in Old Riga. Today it is a home of Latvia War Museum which is one of the most interesting and controversial museums in Riga. It features displays of various wars that Latvia has found itself embroiled in, including the War of Liberation (1918-1920) and World War II.
- The very special one to locals - The Monument of Freedom was originally paid for and built, in 1935, by the citizens of Riga. Somehow it survived four decades of Soviet rule, plus a brief German occupation. It is decorated with thirteen allegoric and historical sculptures, portraying images of defenders of the Motherland, labour, family and culture. On the spike of the monument there’s a figure of Milda - a woman, who embodies the freedom. As the tallest monument of its kind in Europe, it’s quite impressive in both its size and poignancy. The monument neatly divides the Old Town from the New Town, and serves as a place for different meetings and celebrations.
- For travellers wishing to get off-the-beaten track we can recommend to visit The Central Riga Market (Centraltirgus). This huge marketplace located within five old zeppelin hangars, gives you an opportunity to see part of the everyday lives of locals. Here you can also haggle for fruit, vegetables, various trinkets or antiques. However, make sure to keep a tight grip on your possessions, as pickpockets are relatively common. Check out the local cuisine tour, which includes an interesting market visit.
- Spikeri – the warehouse complex located next to Riga Central Market. This is a comparatively new and creative area evolving into an amazing neighbourhood of Riga art and culture scene. In the red brick buildings of the 19th century The Museum of contemporary art KIM? and Museum of Doll Art are housed. The territory has been included into the World Heritage Site by UNESCO already. With great ideas in the future the reconstruction of the complex is planned to be completed in 2012. It is planned to have a space for the best College of Gastronomic Arts in the Baltic region and a farmers' eco-market. By the way, a busy night market between the red brick buildings can be found here already.
Outside the Old Town you will find the famous Art Nouveau area – one more place you should not miss while staying in Riga. More information about that you can find in older posts of this blog.
After a nice Old Town stroll you can settle down in some funky Riga bar or cosy cafe or even candle-lit Riga restaurant. Either you want to have a nice dining or just a cup of great coffee; you will find something to fit your needs and wishes. - Cafe Amelie is a small and really cosy confectionery located right in the heart of Riga Old Town. Cheerful and friendly ladies will serve you with delicious cup of coffee and home made cookies. (Zirgu Street 7)
- El Primero is the first Spanish restaurant in Riga situated in the very heart of Old Town. Live flamenco music, authentic Spanish atmosphere and friendly waiters always glad to offer exotic dishes from a classic Spanish menu. Prices and special offers are as even friendlier as its staff! (Smilsu Street 6 - entrance from Aldaru street)
- Austrumu Robeza inspires an ironic about communism and the totalitarian regime. The interior is decorated with numerous Soviet style features; meanwhile the menu offers traditional Soviet dishes. Busts of Hitler, Stalin, Lenin and Putin make the atmosphere even weirder. There is also a tiny stage frequently hosting local band concerts or stand-up theatre performances. (Riharda Vagnera Street 8 - entrance from Gleznotaju Street)
And finally here are some nice Riga hotels if you’re looking for a place to stay in the Old Town.
A very romantic place to stay is Ekes Konvents settled in a small 15th century building on one of the oldest streets of Riga - Skarnu Street. It occupies 3 stories of the house where the city's first hostel was opened in 1435. For those willing to sense Riga’s history entirely, Ekes Konvents is really a good choice.
For almost 15 years Hotel Radi un Draugi has been favoured among locals and Riga guests. It’s housed in one of Old Riga Town genuine buildings on the junction of four historical streets of the city - Grecinieku, Audeju, Marstalu and Skarnu Streets. The hotel has a good reputation because of its homey atmosphere and good quality services for a reasonable price. The name of the hotel signifies the warm and welcoming atmosphere of it – Radi un Draugi or Relatives and Friends.
A luxury city break you can enjoy at Old Riga Palace Hotel. It is a newly opened four-star hotel settled on a quiet street of Riga Old Town. Its location is really convenient for leisure or romance seeking travellers. To explore Riga’s nightlife you just stroll around the area and find great deal of clubs, pubs, local cafes or chic restaurants. Easy reachable Riga business centres and banks make Old Riga Palace Hotel highly suitable for Riga corporate travellers as well.
Hope the information was useful, but in case of any questions about Riga Travel do not hesitate to ask!
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