Things to Do in Riga

Although the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia is regarded as one of the best museums of Latvia, the museum is considered to be an ugly reminder of what the country went through under the Soviet regime. The details of the devastation caused during the Second World War and the Latvian’s struggle for independence is very well represented in this occupation museum.

True to its type of museum, the Museum of Occupation of Latvia is known to shock its visitors; the displays include a Soviet bunker along with several photographs taken during the annexation of Latvia. Most of these photos are gruesome and use your discretion if you’re traveling with young children.

A visit to Riga Town Hall Square will have you surrounded by beauty and architectural marvels. Having a tragic history however, most of the medieval square and its marvellous and lavish buildings were destroyed during WWII. But the square has now been rebuilt- a mixture of ancient architecture and modern patterns. Head over to the square to capture beautiful memories in your camera along with grabbing a bite at one of the many cafes and restaurants that line the square. There are a few shops selling souvenirs. The Town Hall Square is also a good place for people watching.   

The most lavish housebuilt in the 1300’s, the House of Blackheads is a common photo on many a Latvian postcards. In its glory days, the House of Blackheads was a frat house for unmarried German merchants. The House underwent some destruction during the Second World War and was rebuilt by the Soviets. A fine example of Dutch Renaissance architecture, the House of Blackheads is not to be missed.

The St. Mary’s Dome Cathedral or Riga Dome is a popular tourist attraction in Riga. A prominent feature of the Riga skyline, the construction of the building dates back to the year 1211. A stunning and looming structure, the cathedral is a must visit for everybody- including worshippers, photography buffs, architecture enthusiasts and history fanatics.  Trivia- the cathedral houses one the world’s biggest organs.

A masterpiece of Riga’s skyline, St. Peter’s Church is slated to be around 800 years old. The best part about St. Peter’s Church is its view from the spire. All of Riga can be seen from the view deck and it’s indeed a sight to be reckoned with. Ever since it’s been built, St. Peter’s Church has had a long history of being demolished and rebuilt- the last time it was restored was in 1941.

Don’t invest a lot of time here because although St. Peter’s Church is an important landmark of Riga, there’s not much to see inside the church as it’s rather sparsely embellished. Remember that while entry to the church is free, the ride to the top of the spire does require a minimal charge.

Like most monuments and landmarks that symbolize the lands freedom from its oppressors, the Freedom Monument is a tall structure with a proud lady standing atop the column with three stars in her hand, one for each of the three regions of Latvia.

It’s the coming of these three regions that stood for the independent Latvia. During the time of annexations, the three regions were under different colonies and the Latvian struggle for independence was all about uniting these three regions. Latvia’s lady liberty is one of the city’s landmarks you definitely should not miss out on.

Don’t miss out on the change of guard that takes place on the hour every day, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Riga was the art nouveau capital of the world! To check out this art form, head over to Alberta iela (Alberta Street). The street is known for its art nouveau apartment buildings. Many of these building were designed by famous architect Mikhail Eisenstein. While there, do check out Alberta iela buildings 2, 2a, 4, 8 and 13. The street is a must visit for art, history and architecture enthusiasts. And photography buffs will go crazy clicking photos of the architectural details!   

The Riga Centraltirgus (Riga Central Market) is Europe’s largest market. Housed within a huge 20th century building, the market is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The market is divided into:

• Meat Pavilion
• Vegetable Pavilion
• Fish Pavilion
• Dairy Pavilion
• Gastronomy Pavilion
• Trade Centre
• Farmers’ Market
• Flower night market

The Riga Zoo was established on 14 October 1912.  Since 1992 the Riga Zoo is a member of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA). A highlight of your visit to the zoo is watching an animal feeding show! Feeding shows include animals such as hippopotamus, wild boars, giraffes, reindeers, meerkats, seal and a lot more. If you are visiting Riga with your kids, the zoo should definitely be at the top of your itinerary! Trivia- Riga Zoo is spread across approximately 20 hectares and houses around 3000 animals (excluding insects and other invertebrates). 

If you’re looking for a place to experience some Latvian creativity and talent, which doesn’t involve sight-seeing as such the Latvian National Opera is a wonderful place to being. Home to many a top opera and ballet performances, set aside an evening’s worth of some stellar fine arts performance at the Latvian National Opera.

A little outside the city, the Latvian Ethnographic Open Air Museum is an excellent place to explore the culture of Latvia especially if you’re pressed for time. The open air museum prides itself in covering a wide array of local culture; the local life of the 18th and 19th century is well depicted by way of artifacts such as recreated homes, churches, windmills, etc.

The Latvian Ethnographic Open Air Museum makes for quite a picturesque setting so be sure to take a walk along the lake and take in some Latvian countryside.

To check out the nightlife of this architecturally stunning and historical city, head over to Skyline Bar. Located on the 26th floor of Radisson Blu Hotel Latvija, the bar is Riga’s only cocktail lounge in the sky! Along with wonderful drinks and delicious snacks, the Skyline Bar provides best view of the city.

No tour of Riga is complete without visiting the Cat House! The Cat House is a pale yellow coloured building situated at 10 Meistaru and on the roof of the building is the statue of a cat, angry and ready to pounce!  The local story goes that the owner of the house was refused membership of the Riga Tradesmen's Guild (Great Guild) by the merchants. As a silent protest, he had the cat tail facing the guild! Due to this, he was eventually accepted into the guild and he had to turn the cat around. Today, the cat still stands on the roof and has become an iconic tourist spot.

Experience the art of pampering and relaxation at ESPA Riga spa.

Using an award winning skincare range, treatments at ESPA include:

• Lava Seashell Treatment
• Baltic Body Treatment
• ESPA Iconic advanced back, face and scalp treatment
• Body wrap ritual and many pampering facials along with the regular waxing, manicures and pedicures.

Visit ESPA spa and feel all your worries and tensions mealy away.

One of the largest and oldest museums in Latvia, the Latvian War museum was founded in the year 1916. Back then it was known as the Latvian riflemen museum. Located in a historical building, the museum is housed in the 14th century Powder Tower- a former fortification tower of Riga.

The museum was formed with the aim of educating visitors about the complex military and political history of Latvia, with particular emphasis on the Latvian fight for independence.