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Tourist Attractions in Riga

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Riga

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Riga

The small and proud capital of Latvia is a hub of Northern European heritage and an important cultural centre of the Baltic States. People come here not so much to taste Riga balsam or Baltic sprats, but rather for interesting excursions and informative pastimes. Riga has many museums, galleries, historical monuments and architectural monuments.

The Old Town is filled with interesting cultural sights, elegant cathedrals of various religious denominations decorate the squares, and in the depths of medieval streets tourists are welcomed by hospitable cosy taverns. Riga is a glorious city of old trade guilds, whose traditions are several hundred years old and are still alive today.

Top-30 Tourist Attractions in Riga

Old Town

The historical centre of the Latvian capital, where the most interesting sights are located. Deep in the winding streets of the Old Town you can still feel the inexpressible atmosphere of the Middle Ages. The traditional architecture of Northern Europe can be seen in every building and every curve of the cobbled stone pavement.

Riga Castle

4.3/5
4747 reviews
A 14th century castle on the bank of the River Daugava (Dvina). It was built for the masters of the Livonian Order. As a result of numerous battles fought by the warlike brothers, the castle was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt. From the second half of the 16th century, the castle was owned by Polish, Swedish and Russian royalty. Since 1922, the castle has been the residence of the Latvian President.

Riga City Hall

3.9/5
161 reviews
The historic Riga City Hall dates back to the 13th century, but it was destroyed by shelling and fire in 1941. Only ruins with surviving fragments of the facade remain of the town hall. Restoration began only in the late 90s of the XX century. The new building was completed by 2003. It is an almost complete copy of the historic town hall.
Open time
Monday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:15 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:15 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:15 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:15 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

House of the Black Heads

4.6/5
8707 reviews
A water-hall building built at the end of the 1990s in a manner typical of Northern European cities. From the fourteenth century until 1941, it was the site of a historical building with the same name. It belonged to the merchant brotherhood of Chernogolovs, who adapted it for trade and entertainment. For many centuries, the House of Blackheads was considered one of the most beautiful buildings in Riga.
Open time
Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Cat House

4.5/5
2383 reviews
The house is located within the Old Town and is one of the popular sights of the Latvian capital. The building was erected in the early 20th century according to the project of F. Šefelas. It is believed that the figures of cats on the towers appeared thanks to the idea of merchant Blumer, the former owner of the house. The animals were turned backwards towards the windows of the merchant’s guild, where Blumer refused to be admitted. In this way the cunning merchant took revenge on the guild leadership.
Open time
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Mentzendorff’s House. Rigans' house-museum

4.5/5
290 reviews
A 17th century building that houses the oldest pharmacy in the city. In addition to medicines, it has been selling ink, gunpowder and cosmetics for two centuries. It is believed that the recipe for the famous Riga balsam was invented in this pharmacy. The tincture contains several hundred herbs, oils, berries and fruits as ingredients. It was used as an anaesthetic.
Open time
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Three Brothers, Latvian Museum of Architechture

4.4/5
4180 reviews
A complex of residential buildings in the historical centre of Riga, preserved from the 15th century. It is an example of medieval town planning. The buildings are so close to each other that it seems as if they were one building. Presumably, the Three Brothers were built by artisans from the same family. The houses are still inhabited by people.
Open time
Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

The Small Guild

4.6/5
696 reviews
Structures that once belonged to the most influential Riga craft and trade guilds – the Great and the Small Guilds. In the middle of the 14th century, these two guilds split from the Guild of St. Cross. The premises were built in the 19th century in the English Neo-Gothic style. The interiors are decorated with original chandeliers, beautiful stained glass windows and decorative wall paintings.
Open time
Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Yakovlev barracks

Barracks of the 17th century, built for the Swedish military by the inhabitants of Riga. After the city was conquered by Sweden, the citizens were obliged to maintain a military garrison on their territory. Under Peter the Great, the barracks were demolished and rebuilt in the style of Dutch Classicism. Since the XIX century it has housed administrative services, a school and a labour exchange. Currently the complex belongs to the American Chamber of Commerce.

AC Hotel by Marriott Riga

4.5/5
726 reviews
An architectural monument of the XIV-XVIII centuries, which used to be the seat of the Order of the Sword Bearers. It is located in one of the oldest neighbourhoods of Riga. Several centuries ago, the Order’s castle stood here, which was later destroyed. Due to the relocation of the brother monks to another place, a convent (otherwise known as a shelter) was opened on the territory of the complex.

Albert Street

4.8/5
81 reviews
A small street built in an interesting architectural style called Jugendstil (the German name for Art Nouveau). Most of the buildings were erected in just two years according to the designs of M. Eisenstein. Riga Art Nouveau Museum, embassies, offices and administrative buildings are located here. Albert Street is called “the pearl of Art Nouveau style”.

Powder Tower

4.5/5
1374 reviews
A part of Riga’s ancient city fortifications, which has survived to this day in quite good condition. The tower appeared before the Livonian Order conquered the city, but the structure was destroyed in the 17th century (but was soon rebuilt). During the reign of the Russian Empire, it was decided to destroy the entire fortification system of Riga and leave the Gunpowder Tower as a memory.
Open time
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Zviedru vārti

4.4/5
1763 reviews
A gate created in the early 18th century during the Swedish occupation of Riga. It is now a recognised architectural monument of Latvia and the whole of Europe, as it has survived almost in its original form. A Swedish garrison was stationed near the gate, so the passage was used mainly by the military.

St. Peter's Church

4.6/5
6177 reviews
A medieval temple famous for its tall bell tower. The height of the tower is 123.5 metres and the spire is 64.5 metres. The facade of the bell tower is decorated with an ancient clock, and the top is crowned with a golden cockerel weathervane. The tower of St. Peter’s Church dominates the buildings of Riga’s historical centre and stands out against the background of lower buildings. The monument to the Bremen Musicians is located near the church.
Open time
Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Riga Cathedral

4.6/5
5358 reviews
The 13th-century cathedral of Riga, one of the largest churches in the Baltic States. The cathedral belongs to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia. The building is an example of the transition from the medieval Romanesque style to the Northern European Gothic style. Some fragments of the interior decoration are made in the Renaissance style. One of the main attractions of the church is a grandiose organ 25 metres high, consisting of almost 7 thousand pipes.
Open time
Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 2:00 – 5:00 PM

Riga Nativity of Christ Orthodox Cathedral

4.7/5
2324 reviews
Cathedral of the Orthodox Church of Latvia. The funds for its construction were allocated by the Russian Emperor Alexander II, and the Emperor also donated 12 bells to the future cathedral. In the 60-ies of the XX century the interior decoration was almost completely destroyed, on the territory of the cathedral were placed cafes, planetarium and other institutions. Restoration began in the 90s after the collapse of the USSR.
Open time
Monday: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 6:00 AM – 6:30 PM

St. Jacob’s Catholic Cathedral of Riga

4.7/5
385 reviews
The main Catholic church in Riga, first mentioned in documents from the early 13th century. The building is made of brick and represents the transition from Romanesque to Gothic architectural style. During the Reformation, the cathedral suffered many pogroms and arson attacks, as a result of which many cultural treasures were lost.
Open time
Monday: 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:30 – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:30 – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:30 – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:30 – 6:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:30 – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:30 – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 7:30 PM

Latvian National Opera

4.7/5
6155 reviews
The most famous and renowned musical theatre in the country, where leading soloists perform and world masterpieces of ballet and opera are staged. The stage was opened in 1919 with a production of R. Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman. Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman. Every year the opera hosts up to 200 performances, five to seven of which are premieres. Both classical productions and modern interpretations of operas by young authors are staged with equal success.

Art Academy of Latvia

4.8/5
156 reviews
An architectural monument of the early 20th century in the historical centre of the Latvian capital. At first it was a German gymnasium, then a commercial school, and only by the middle of the 20th century the Latvian Academy of Arts was opened. The project of the building was designed by V. Bokslaf. According to the architectural idea, the complex should symbolise Riga’s strong connection with the Hanseatic League (a trade and political association of North-Western European cities).
Open time
Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation

4.6/5
1071 reviews
The museum is located on the territory of the architectural ensemble of the Dome Cathedral. It is one of the oldest expositions in Latvia, founded in the 18th century. Collections gathered by various historical and archaeological communities of the Baltic States are exhibited here. The museum funds contain more than half a million exhibits. They are arranged in halls according to subject and chronology.
Open time
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Mākslas muzejs RĪGAS BIRŽA

4.6/5
1818 reviews
The Art Gallery of Latvia, which has the most impressive exposition from ancient Egyptian art to the latest modern period. Paintings by representatives of the German Romanticism, Belgian and Dutch schools are stored and exhibited here. It will also be interesting to look at artefacts from the Ancient World and art objects from Medieval Europe.
Open time
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Latvian National Museum of Art

4.7/5
4453 reviews
The official name of the gallery is the Latvian National Museum of Art. More than 52 thousand exhibits are exhibited here: extensive collections of Latvian masters, paintings by European and Russian artists. Among the famous paintings are works by N. Roerich, J. Rozental, I. Aivazovsky and V. Purvītis. Temporary exhibitions of famous masters of brush painting are constantly organised on the territory of the gallery.
Open time
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Museum of the Occupation of Latvia

4.3/5
1415 reviews
A museum dedicated to the period of Latvian history from 1940 to 1991. The main part of the exposition is devoted to the Soviet period of Latvian history, the period 1941-1944, and the German occupation. – German occupation. The exposition of the museum puts the personalities of Stalin and Hitler on the same level, and actually equates Nazi Germany and its destructive activities with the USSR. Because of this, some visitors have a very mixed opinion of the collections of the Museum of the Occupation.
Open time
Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: Closed
Friday: Closed
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Riga Motor Museum

4.8/5
9483 reviews
One of the best car museums in Europe. The exposition is based on the collection of the Latvian Antique Car Club. The museum was created thanks to the efforts of enthusiasts who were keen on restoring old cars and dreamed of a separate building to house the results of their labour. The first models of Moskvich, Fiat, Mercedes, BMW and many other famous and not so famous brands are exhibited here.
Open time
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Riga Central Market

4.3/5
44937 reviews
A real “gastronomic paradise” of the Latvian capital, where you can buy the freshest and tastiest products. The market is divided into five pavilions: meat, vegetable, fish, dairy and gastronomic. The area outside the pavilions sells flowers, clothes and everyday items. Tourists are in particular demand for all sorts of smoked meats: poultry, a countless assortment of fish, sausages and other delicacies.
Open time
Monday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM

The Freedom Monument

4.7/5
9625 reviews
Monument erected in honour of Latvia’s independence in 1935. It is a sculpture of a woman standing on a high pedestal. In her hands she holds three stars symbolising the historical regions of Latvia. At the foot of the pedestal is a sculptural group of historical characters from various periods. The monument is located on one of the central streets near Old Riga.

Arcadia Park

4.7/5
3585 reviews
One of the most picturesque and popular landscape parks in Riga, founded on the territory of a private garden in the 19th century. Arkadia Park has undergone several reconstructions – first it was an exotic garden with unusual plants and greenhouses where rare palm trees were grown, then it turned into an entertainment complex and eventually became a public city park for walking and recreation.
Open time
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Vērmane Garden

4.6/5
10578 reviews
The city park, funded by the widow Anna Vērman and named in her honour. At the beginning of the 19th century, the site was a swampy area that caused much trouble and inconvenience to the inhabitants of Riga. The authorities had the idea to drain the swamp and create a public park, and the wealthy widow donated a large sum of money for this good cause.
Open time
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Riga Radio and TV Tower

0/5
The TV and radio broadcasting tower is 368.5 metres high, the tallest structure of its kind in the Baltic States and the third tallest in Europe. The tower is located on the island of Zakiusala. Inside the structure, at a height of 99 metres, there is an observation deck, from where one can admire the panorama of the Gulf of Riga and the views of the city itself. The Riga TV Tower was built between 1979 and 1986.

Stone Bridge, Riga

4.5/5
414 reviews
A graceful engineering structure, one of the symbols of dynamic modern Riga. The bridge was built in 1981. At that time, it was the longest suspension span over the river in the Soviet Union. The main pontoon is more than 300 metres long and the total width is more than 28 metres. The bridge is used by car and public transport, and trolleybus lines are also laid.
Open time
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours