If you're on a search for a fun, and one-of-a-kind adventure for your next European vacation, fill up your bucket list with these awesome things to do in Riga!
Riga is the capital of Latvia and home to one-third of its country’s population. This city is located along the Baltic Sea and is known for its laid-back atmosphere and medieval architecture.
In the Middle Ages, Riga, Latvia has evolved as a trading center. The city has also become noted for its eclectic combination of architecture, such as the Art Nouveau and other historic buildings.
So, if you're looking for the best of what Riga has to offer, look no further! We've gathered the best attractions, points of interest, cool places to visit, and things to do in Riga to help you get the most out of your time in this beautiful Baltic city.
Read on to find out!
Visiting the Corner House is one of the coolest things to do in Riga, Latvia, so you shouldn’t miss it! If you're interested to learn all about the Soviets, this house is the perfect destination.
It is formerly served as the living quarters of the brutal KGB secret police, where they would torture political prisoners in the 1940s. Presently, this attraction is now a permanent exhibit and a grim reminder of its atrocities. Unfortunately, many people were executed in this corner, while others died out of thirst at 85 degrees.
The Corner House can be found in the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia. If you're an adult, one guided tour of the museum costs 10 euros. Moreover, students can receive a discounted rate of only 4 euros.
If you're looking for an Instagram-worthy destination, the House of the Blackheads is a great attraction. This palace looks gorgeous on the outside, which will definitely suit your Instagram feed.
On the inside, the House of the Blackheads displays royalty and class. This stunning attraction is also open to guests and tours.
The Old Town is one of the most happening places and relaxing things to do in Riga. Not to mention, the old town is also one of the oldest spots in the country. This small city is a historical hotspot, where you can find historical buildings, medieval walls, and narrow cobblestone streets.
One architectural gem you should see is the Riga Cathedral and Riga Castle, which is the most exquisite among its cobblestones.
On the other hand, the old town’s open squares are full of hospitality. Some spots you can also find include restaurants, sidewalk cafes, craft markets, and beer gardens.
The Nativity of Christ Cathedral is a great destination if you're looking for a place to appreciate art and say a quick prayer. One of the titles that this cathedral takes pride in is the oldest orthodox church in Riga. Its most prominent feature is its magnificent dome.
So, if you’re thinking of what to do in Riga that is solemn and relaxing, you should add this Cathedral to your to-do list!
If you're looking for a tourist attraction that will feed your curiosity about the history of this little country, then you might want to see the iconic pieces and take a tour of their Open-Air Ethnographic Museum.
It represents all of Latvia's four provinces' agricultural history. Apart from that, it displays the various religions that have been celebrated in Latvia.
The Latvian National Museum of Art is another great tourist spot for art lovers and is also considered one of Europe's coolest art galleries. This museum showcases a wide range of Latvian art pieces, from traditional art to modern art.
Aside from art, Riga also presents a unique kind of architecture, which they also display in their museum.
Another fine establishment you should visit is the Latvian National Opera and Ballet. One of the best things to do in Riga, Latvia is to admire this opera house. This spot remains loyal to its classical and romantic genres. They also add more new modern work to be displayed from time to time.
It is located at Aspazijas Boulevard 3. It includes performances of ballet and opera from mid-September to the end of May, presenting almost 200 performances and an average of six new productions.
You can visit the Latvian National Opera House on the bank of the Riga Canal, near the Freedom Monument. Its largest area is the Great Hall, which offers 946 seats. Meanwhile, the New Hall, the Dress Circle, and the Red Hall include a maximum seating capacity of 338, 170, and 100 seats.
The Art Nouveau, also known as “Jugendstil” by the Germans, is another tourist district you should check out if you're an architecture enthusiast. This spot is also known as the Centrs neighborhood and offers a style that effortlessly graces the streets of Riga, Latvia.
This creative district began in the early 20th century. The city quickly expanded, and hundreds of structures were constructed in the Art Nouveau style. Its largest collection of art pieces includes mansions, stunningly detailed houses, and multi-storied apartment buildings.
Lastly, Art Nouveau's neighborhood is home to the city’s first public garden, which is also known as the Verdames Garden. Another spot you will find here is the Riga Circus, which is Europe’s oldest circus.
Another tourist destination you should not miss is the Freedom Monument. This spot symbolizes the country's liberty. Hence, the name.
Latvian independence is one of the nation's important celebrations since it's something they've fought for long enough.
An honorary guard, who symbolizes the fight for freedom, protects its granite sculpture.
If you're looking for the best market to do your groceries in the city, it's Riga Central Market. It is located right on the sea of Riga, Latvia, making it the best place to sell and buy fresh foods such as meat and fish.
Intentionally, the central market was made to promote tourism and the local economy. You can also find the market's mission statements and set of goals on its website.
The National Library of Latvia, also known as The Castle of Light, is a great place for bookworms. This library is also welcome for those who want an escape from the city.
You can find thousands of amazing books and little areas where you can spend all your downtime reading. The library's admission charges one euro for the first hour and 0.65 euros for the next few hours.
Another Instagram-worthy spot you can find is the Three Brothers, which are Latvia's iconic houses. These colorful houses can make an artsy background for your next Instagram post.
One interesting fact about the Three Brothers is that they are not homes but a part of the Latvian Museum of Architecture. Its structure is created to show Latvian homes' different stages of development and designs.
Visiting the Museum of Riga is one of the most exciting things to do. This is the museum where you can find the Big Christopher, an icon that combines folklore and religion. Some claim that the statue was made in 1997, but others date it back to the third century.
The Big Christopher is also famous for being the heavy cross that Jesus Christ carried on his shoulder. This cross is also known to have carried the sins of all people.
Riga is a city that has been through a lot historically before regaining independence in 1991. However, Riga's Very Old Oak Tree is an interesting icon of Latvia and has stood the test of time for thousands of years.
Riga's giant old oak tree represents their country's resilience and strength against the foreign forces that have invaded their lands. The tree used to stand on its own, but now it lies on the cobblestone street beside the Town Hall Building and is slowly ossifying.
Riga may be an underrated city, but it's a place where you'll never run out of amazing destinations to visit. Every establishment has a story to tell. Since Europe is a small continent, you can even visit Stockholm from the city of Riga.
There is a ferry that connects Riga, Latvia to Stockholm, Sweden. You can book ferry tickets from different operators such as Viking Line, Tallink, Eckero Line, and DFDS.
Riga is a city that you should definitely include in your itinerary if you visit the Northern Europe region. There are restaurants, museums, markets, and many more attractive places to visit. Aside from tourist destinations and sights to see, you will also find a lot of activities in the city.
Some of our top picks include the Old Town, the Ethnographic Open Air Museum, the Latvian National Opera, the Riga Central Market, the Art Nouveau, and many more.