Riga, A Hidden Gem in the Baltic Region
The travel experts at the Baltic Travel Company share some exciting and relaxing things to do and see in Riga and explain why this city offers a holiday experience like no other
Riga, Latvia’s capital city, is truly an incredible place to visit, with a mediaeval Old Town, spacious parks, the winding canal, a highly eclectic range of restaurants and bars, and some of the best architecture in Northern Europe.
While the city is small and largely walkable, it boasts countless things to do, with a low-cost tram system and trolleybuses that are a great way to get out and about or take a trip to one of the neighbouring forests, lakes and beaches.
Let the travel experts at the Baltic Travel Company share some of the exciting, enthralling and relaxing things to do and see in Riga and explain why this often underrated city offers a holiday experience like no other.
Exploring the Historic Old Town in the Heart of Riga
Our first stop on our tour of Riga has to be the Old Town, where you’ll find a combination of gothic churches and soaring spires, wooden buildings that have stood for generations, and mediaeval homes, shops and cafes first built over 800 years ago.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the historic centre of Riga is characterised by cobbled streets and buildings in every size and shape painted in a rainbow of colours. Within the Old Town you can visit the Saint Mary Cathedral Church and The Three Brothers – a selection of three houses that are the oldest in this fascinating city.
The Riga Radio and TV Tower is the highest structure in the Baltics, at over 350 metres tall, and you can sip a delicious cocktail at the modern Skyline Bar and watch the sunset over the city’s architectural silhouette. Let’s look at some of the top destinations we’d recommend any culture lover build into their itinerary.
The Art Nouveau District
It is impossible to visit Riga without mentioning the architecture, and the Art Nouveau area is always popular, offering amazing photo opportunities and a glimpse into the evolution of the city over hundreds of years.
Albertsa Iela Street is one of the most-photographed roads in the capital, which is packed with gorgeous structures featuring statues, delicate mosaics, stained glass windows and ornate detailing.
Having been remarkably well preserved, the Art Nouveau area is considered the best place to find this style of building across Europe, and you can learn more about the heritage of Riga’s architecture by heading to the Art Nouveau Museum where you can see what the interiors of some of these buildings look like.
Riga’s Central Market
This market is one of the largest in Europe and first opened in 1930, housed in hangers that were once used for German aircraft. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage area, sellers in the busy bazaar offer everything from local honey to fruit and vegetables, freshly cut flowers, handcrafted gifts and souvenirs and, of course, pickles of every variety.
A staple landmark in Riga since the Soviet era, the market is authentic and full of life, found in the Old Town right next to the riverbank, and a great place to browse, explore and wonder at the immense variety of goods on offer.
Visitors can often watch street performers and entertainers around the market, and during the festive period can sample traditional Christmas treats, confectionery and snacks. If you are travelling to Riga from the end of November onward, we’d also suggest a stop at Town Hall Square, which hosts a magical Christmas tree – the Riga Christmas markets are outstanding and often accompanied by a sprinkling of snow.
Riga Castle
Our next place to see is Riga Castle, which is equally stunning during the evening and overnight when the castle walls are illuminated. Built in 1330, the castle is today the official residence of the President of Latvia – and while you cannot go inside, it is well worth a trip.
A popular option is to book a boat tour along the Daugava River, which runs alongside the castle, and see the contrast between the 15th century round towers, the four angular towers and the modern additions that have been added over the years.
If you aren’t as interested in architecture, these cruises remain a brilliant day out – most will take in the Freedom Monument, numerous elegant bridges and the tiny islands that sit within the canal. Boat tours provide a different way to see the city and are a relaxing activity for all ages.
Visiting Riga, Latvia With Children
While Riga is bursting with culture, design, architecture and history, it’s also a lively, modern city with festivals and celebrations. The Latvian Song and Dance Festival is among the biggest with 40,000 competitors from around the country and abroad flocking to the capital.
Latvia is also a mecca for adventure sports and outdoor activities, whether you’d like to try rollerblading through the pine forests, mountain biking around the trails, or joining a guided e-bike tour – you can head to the Mežaparks neighbourhood to the north of the city which is next to the shores of Lake Ķīšezers and a hotspot for adrenaline sports.
The Mežakaķis is in the same area, where kids and adults can try a treetop adventure, with safety clips included.
Other great days out in Riga for families include:
- Visiting Riga Botanical Gardens, with a huge range of beautiful flowers, butterflies, birds and even poisonous plants for inquisitive gardeners!
- Riga Zoo, with an array of rare and protected species. The zoo has been subject to extensive modernisation and redevelopment in recent years, although it still displays old cages to demonstrate how education and animal welfare standards have changed.
- The Ethnographic Open-air Museum of Latvia, on the outskirts of the city sits by Jugla Lake about 30 minutes from the centre of Riga. It houses over 100 historical buildings, recreated traditional Latvian farms, and has plenty of open spaces to walk, relax and stop for a bite to eat.
Finally, Bastejkalna Park is a brilliant place to spend a day. The Freedom Monument is a short stroll from the park, a captivating monument that signifies the independence the country fought for in the Latvian War for Independence between 1918 to 1920, built in honour of the fallen soldiers.
All are focal points, and you can see many of these attractions within a short break.
Should you require any advice about planning your trip to Riga, or need help formulating an itinerary and travel plans for you and your family, please get in touch with the Baltic Travel Company.
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About Baltic Travel Company:
We specialise in crafting unique, tailor-made travel experiences that showcase the diverse wonders of Europe and the Baltic region. With over 15 years of experience, our dedicated travel experts are committed to providing exceptional service and unparalleled expertise to ensure your Baltic adventure exceeds your expectations. From cultural city breaks to the inspiring northern lights and breathtaking natural landscapes, our carefully curated itineraries highlight the very best of the Nordic Region, Scandinavia, The Baltic Region, Poland, Slovakia and more. Whether you're a solo traveller, couple, or group, embark on a journey of discovery with Baltic Travel Company – your ultimate travel partner in exploring the hidden gems of the Baltics.
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