In the distant Soviet times, the Baltic states were “like a foreign country” for a Russian person. It was there that directors filmed films about Germany or France that were unable to travel to the “decaying West” because of the Iron Curtain.
Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have left the cultural gap from Russia even more since the countries became full members of the European Union. Now, to the narrow streets, tiled roofs and sharp spiers of the cathedrals, gloss and a high level of tourist service have been added.
In this article we will talk about the capital of Latvia, Riga. This city is almost a "megalopolis" by Baltic standards. But all the interesting places are concentrated in the center, which is easy to get around on foot.
Even if you have been to Riga in the old days, now you will find a lot of interesting things in it. Believe me, this city needs to be explored slowly, moving on foot, and not by car. Then he will reveal to you all his secrets.
In this article we will list the best attractions of the city with names and descriptions. Where to go in Riga, if you have at your disposal a couple of hours, evening, day or two days? We will provide a detailed roadmap for exploring the city.
Information for transit travelers
Air Baltic Airlines is a low-cost airline and you can travel the world cheaply with it. Direct flights are sometimes more expensive than with transfers. But such a transit trip has another advantage, in addition to cheapness. You can see the cities in which the transplant takes place.
Of course, if you only have an hour or a half left, you should not leave the airport. But if you have a lot of time, you can see the city to enrich your grand voyage with impressions.
So, you have 3 hours in Riga. Where to go during this time? We leave the bus "Airport - Riga" at the stop "November 11". We find ourselves in the square in front of a black moody building. This is the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia. By the way, his exposition covers not only the period from 1940 to 1944, but also the time until 1991, when the Soviet Union collapsed.
With only three hours left, there’s nothing to think about visiting museums. Therefore, we pass to the Town Hall Square behind the black building. There we will see a lot of interesting things.
Mandatory program. Town Hall Square
Various objects in the historical center of Riga are included in the UNESCO list. And therefore, transit travelers can be limited to a cursory inspection. Tourists who think about where to go in Riga in one day, two or even three should also go there.
The city center is the center of the cultural life of the capital of Latvia. There are also cult restaurants, fairs and festivals are held. And the concentration of attractions per square meter is simply huge. The center of Riga can be leisurely walked around in an hour and a half.
The town hall on the square stood back in the Middle Ages. She is a symbol of Riga city freedoms. But now the building has retained the appearance that was given to it in the 18th century.
Opposite the Town Hall rises the more impressive House of the Blackheads. This is not a tribal residence, as you might think, but a club. Its members were single merchants, who were called "black-headed". Having married, they became members of the Great Guild. In the middle of Town Hall Square stands a sculpture of Roland.
Temples of the city
If you choose places to go in Riga in one day or even several hours, then go around the House of the Blackheads to get to St. Peter's Basilica. This is the oldest temple in Riga, in fact it is the same age as the city.
The first mention of it dates back to 1209. But the building that we see in front of us was built in the 16th century. Those who have enough time can go inside the cathedral.
And transit travelers return to Town Hall Square and look for the small street of Jaunjel. She was easily recognized by those who watched Soviet films about Sherlock Holmes (Baker Street), Stirlitz (Blumenstrasse) and three musketeers (a suburb of Paris). This street will lead you to the Dome Cathedral. Its construction began in 1211 under the leadership of Bishop Albert, who planted Christianity in the lands of the Baltic states with fire and sword.
Therefore, the Dome Cathedral is more like an invader's fortress inside the city. Some of its parts have been rebuilt over the centuries. The cathedral took a modern look in the 18th century.
Characteristic houses of the city
It is no secret that it is medieval buildings that give Riga special charm. Where to go to immerse yourself in the medieval atmosphere? On the opposite side of the square where the Dome Cathedral rises, there is a red brick building of the Exchange.
Near it begins Pils Eela Street. We go along it and turn right at the second intersection. Maza Pils Street will lead us to the Three Brothers. This is the name of a number of houses standing under the numbers 17, 19 and 21.
The oldest in the complex is the White Brother. The house was built around 1490. The living quarters were on the ground floor and were heated by an open hearth with a chimney going through the remaining levels. The middle one, Yellow Brother, was built in 1646, as evidenced by the inscription on the facade.
Green House is the youngest in the complex. It was built in 1718. A rich family of artisans lived on the third floor, on the second there was a workshop, and on the first - a store. Opposite the “Three Brothers” rises the cathedral of Riga with a sharp spire. It was built in 1225, but has since been rebuilt several times.
Walls and gates of Riga
What is a medieval city without fortifications? They are also in Riga. Where to go to have a quick look at them? Round the cathedral dedicated to St. James. Pay attention to the monument to those who died for the independence of Latvia in January 1991.
On the streets of Jekaba and Thorn Iela, bypassing the barracks of St. Jacob, we exit to the Swedish gate. They served as the entrance to the city from the 17th century and have not changed since then. Very close is a surviving 60-meter fragment of the fortress wall. In the middle of this section of the defensive system of Riga stands the Romera Tower, known since the 16th century.
Near the wall there is an arsenal. It is also called the Powder Tower. The round building is almost completely surrounded by ivy, which gives it a romantic look. Those who have enough time left can visit the Powder Tower, in the bowels of which the Military Museum is located.
And those who have to rush, go along the narrow street of Meistar to the House with black cats.
Guild Square
This does not end our opus on where to go in Riga. The sights ahead are a long list. You just need to know what goes in there. For example, the House with Cats does not seem, at first glance, something special.
An ordinary apartment building, built at the beginning of the 20th century by a certain entrepreneur, Mr. Blumer. Riga's attraction is the building made by weathercocks in the form of cats with curved backs. In this regard, not even a legend has survived, but a true truth story.
Mr. Blumer really wanted to become a member of the Great Guild. But he never got a membership there. Then he placed weathercocks on the spiers of his house so that the cat's backs were turned towards the window of the office of the elder of the Guild. He appealed to the court, and after long litigations, the animals were turned 180 degrees.
On the streets of Amatu or Laipu Iela we reach the Guild Square. Among ancient buildings and numerous cafes, do not lose sight of the images of pagan gods - Livs. Latvians worshiped these stones with petrographs before the adoption of Christianity.
Riga in one day
Those who have three to four hours to explore the city already need to turn from the Guild Square to the House of the Blackheads and the Town Hall in order to catch bus number 22, which will take you to the airport. The same route passes by the railway station.
And those who have at their disposal the whole day can continue the walk. In the latter case, do not rush and take a closer look at the sights of Riga, which were described above. For example, visit one of the museums in the city.
St. Peter's Church is interesting for its history and beautiful interiors. In addition, it is possible to climb to the observation deck on its spire, from where a charming view of the city, the Daugava River and the Baltic Sea opens. In the summer, twilight comes to Riga quite late. What to see, where to go before it got dark at all? Go to the city promenade.
There you will come across a monument to St. Christopher with the child Jesus on his shoulder. Legend has it that Riga was founded by a man named Big Kristaps. This strongman lived on the banks of the Daugava and made his living by transporting people traveling across the river (there were no bridges then). One day he heard a baby crying from the opposite bank. Kristaps took him to his hut. But the next morning the boy disappeared, and on the bed the strongman found a chest with gold coins. According to legend, the first stone houses of the city were built with this money.
From the embankment, turn towards Old Riga. This is a series of quarters outlined by Siegfried Annas Meirovich, Aspaziyas Boulevards and the streets of January 13 and Krast. You can wander there, plunging headlong into the atmosphere of the ancient city.
Evening Riga
Museums have closed, beautiful facades of houses are not visible because of the night darkness, but do you crave new experiences? We will tell you where to go in the evening in Riga. Go to the street of Aristide Briand. There, at number 9A, there is a unique beer labietis.
In addition to the interesting interior of the establishment, you can also enjoy the sight of preparing the foamy drink itself. And of course, you can taste a pint or two of 30 varieties of beer brewed right there.
Latvians are extremely fond of music. Many institutions position themselves as places where you can listen to jazz (Gastrobar Trompete, 24 Peldu St.), blues (Bites Blues Club, 34A Dzirnavu St.). In the Fiesta winery you can enjoy both weak and strong alcoholic drinks. Light music often sounds here.
Be sure, even if there is no urgent need, visit the toilet of this institution. The ladies' and men's rooms are designed so that they deserve a separate Facebook page - Inside Fiesta.
Gastronomic Riga
Among gourmets, Latvia is known for milk soups, fish dishes, puddings with berry sauces, rye bread. And of course, with golden sprats and black Riga Balsam.
You can have breakfast in the city in one of the countless coffee shops, where you will be offered a lot of delicious desserts. The most authentic of them is profiteroles stuffed with delicate curd cream, called “Old Riga”.
Where to go for lunch? Restaurants in the historic city are quite expensive. The average check in them is 30 euros (2176 rubles). But as a rule, many of them have different budget proposals such as “Business lunch”, “Dish of the day” or “Happy hour”.
It is worth trying bread soup, dishes of gray peas (it is grown only in Latvia), smoked lamprey and peppercorn cookies.
Where to stay in Riga
The capital of Latvia is also famous for the cheapest prices in the European Union for accommodation. A place in the hostel's dormitory on the outskirts costs 10 euros (725 rubles), and 15 (about 1000 rubles) in a separate room. However, if you are interested in the question of what to see, where to go in Riga, then you should look for a shelter closer to the historical center.
The outskirts of the city are a dull Soviet building, and there is nothing to do there. In the center, hostels are twice as expensive. But you can find a comfortable hotel room at affordable prices.
Directly in the center, a double room in a four-star hotel costs from 3,700 rubles (Europa Royal Riga). A little further away, at a distance of 3-4 kilometers, prices are lower - from 2000 (for example, "Best Hotel").
And just outside the city you can rent very good housing for 1700 rubles. ("Sabina"). In addition, the city has a wide selection of apartments in the private sector.
Practical advice for those who stay in Riga for 2-3 days
As in other European tourist centers, discount cards are available in the capital of Latvia for those who want to get to know the sights of the city in the most detail. And if you are thinking about where to go in Riga, and possibly go abroad, get the City Guid Card.
It entitles you to free use of public transport, discounts at some stores, hotels and gas stations. The second option is the Riga Card. With this card, you can ride in public transport for free, freely visit the bus sightseeing tour of Riga, the walking tour of the Old Center, the Porcelain Museum, the Art Space gallery and exhibitions in the Ziemelblazma Palace of Culture.
In addition, with the Riga Card, visiting other museums will be at half price. The card also provides a 20 percent discount in eight restaurants and bars in Riga.
City beaches
We do not forget that the capital of Latvia is located at the mouth of the Daugava River, where it flows into the Baltic Sea. Therefore, in the list of places to go in Riga in the summer, you should definitely add beaches.
For lovers of sea bathing, there are three beautiful places with golden sand: "Vecaki", "Vakarbulli" and "Daugavgriva". The last two beaches are located on the islet. They can be reached by bus along the dam. Before the "Vecaki" walks the city train. Travel time to the beaches is no more than half an hour. All of them were awarded the Blue Flag for cleanliness.
Sea beaches are well equipped. There is a rental of sun loungers and umbrellas, a shower, a toilet, first-aid posts and lifeguards, volleyball and playgrounds, and water activities. On both banks of the Daugava river beaches stretch. If you are tired of visiting the sights of Old Riga, where to go for a refreshment is an idle question.
Kipsala sandy beach is located nearby. Entrance, like to the sea coasts, is free, there are changing cabins, a small children's slide. For the whole day it’s worth to get to the beaches of “Lutsavsala” and “Rumbula”. There are picnic places, exercise machines, children's and sports grounds.
There is a lake in Riga in the city - on the banks of Babelite. He is also quite well-maintained.
Where to go with children in Riga
The capital of Latvia captivates adults with its medieval flavor. But for little tourists, old pavers and high spiers of cathedrals are of little interest. But there are museums in Riga that will not leave indifferent even the youngest visitors: Chocolate and the Sun.
In the first one you can make, and then eat the sweet tile of your own making. The Museum of the Sun will really appeal to schoolchildren and teenagers. Children of this age category should also visit the Technoannas Pagrabi. In this not at all boring scientific center, you can reveal the illusion of mirrors and see different robots.
And the kids will be delighted to visit the Riga Zoo with cheerful monkeys who love to pose for giraffes, hippos, lemurs, wolves and other animals. In the capital of Latvia there is also a circus where you can take your child.
If you are thinking about where to go with children in Riga, so that it is both fun and informative, then there is no better place than the Lido Recreation Center. Teenagers will surely like quest rooms, of which there are a lot in Riga.
If there will be at least one child in the excursion group, the guide will certainly build his story about the Old City in such a way that it would be interesting for him to listen.
Riga in two days
We have already outlined the route, following which, in a day and even in a few hours, you can explore all the key attractions of the capital of Latvia. But this is far from all the most interesting in Riga. Where to go if you have several days at your disposal?
We begin an in-depth acquaintance with the city from St. Jacob's Cathedral. The building, built by the Livonian Order, experienced many sharp turns in history. At the time of the Reformation, it was “converted to Protestantism,” but then redeemed by King Batory for the Jesuits. In the cathedral, you should pay attention to the mahogany pulpit in the Empire style and beautiful stained glass windows.
From the church of St. Jacob, we pass to the church of St. Magdalene. Previously, it was a monastery, but the monastery of the Cistercians ("white brothers") did not survive. From the temple of St. Magdalene is just a stone's throw to the Riga Castle. Now it is the residence of the President of Latvia. But in the Middle Ages, the hospital of the Holy Spirit stood at this place. Then it was the throne of the commander of the Livonian Order.
The residents of Riga hated the Crusader invaders and several times revolted against them. As a result, the commander of the Livonian Order settled in another Latvian city, Wieland.
The castle was rebuilt several times. It served as a residence for Polish, Swedish and Russian rulers. For the first time, the president of independent Latvia settled there in 1922.
In the Soviet period, the castle housed the Council of People's Commissars and the House of Pioneers. Now the southern wing of the presidential residence is reserved for the museums of the History of Latvia and Foreign Art.
Second day in Riga
We begin an independent tour with the Dome Museum. We already mentioned him when we talked about where you can go to Riga in one day. But now it's time to get to know the cathedral better.
This temple was built in the 13th century under the vigilant control of Bishop Albert von Buxgevden, who wanted to give the church the appearance of an awesome fortress. The interior of the building is fully consistent with its appearance. Gothic vaults, powerful brick walls and stained-glass windows are only slightly “diluted” with Baroque decor. In the 18th century, the building also acquired a domed spire.
The floor of the Dome Cathedral is below street level. This is due to the fact that after each flood in the Daugava, the townspeople laid a new pavement. In the afternoon, an exhibition of the Museum of Navigation and the History of Riga is open at the Dome Cathedral.
In the evening people come here to listen to organ concerts. The instrument in the Dome Cathedral is not the oldest (it was installed at the end of the 19th century), but it is very unique. Especially for him they wrote works by Johann Reger and Franz Liszt.
Even if you have already visited the middle of St. Peter's Basilica and climbed its spire, go there again. At the altar of the church is a monument to the Bremen Town Musicians, who presented Riga to the German twin city. There is a belief that if you rub the nose of all four figures, then the desire will certainly come true. This is not easy to do. Most are limited to rubbing a donkey's nose.
Do not miss the big city market. Previously, its trading pavilions served as hangars for airships. And once again take a walk along the characteristic street of Jaunjel. After visiting the Museum of Porcelain, go to the island of Bullu to see the oldest Daugavrian lighthouse of the 16th century.
Where to go in winter in Riga
And yet Latvia has one drawback. This is the climate. Even in summer, nature does not pamper the locals with hot days. And in winter, a piercing cold wind blowing from the sea completely discourages hiking. There remains a city tour by bus and visits to museums, since there are many of them in the city.
Where to go in Riga is most preferable? This is an art gallery where, among other works of art, Roerich's works are presented. Museums of china, city history, navigation, architecture and chocolate are also interesting. It is hard to imagine winter Riga without a Christmas market. There you can try local delicacies, warm yourself with mulled wine and hot beer, buy souvenirs.
And of course, you can’t leave the capital of Latvia without the main reminder of the city - bottles of Riga Balsam. This is the most popular souvenir among tourists. In other seasons, interesting places to go to Riga are noticeably added. For example, the Museum of Ethnography. It is located in the open air and more reminds a village in the middle of the city. There are collected rural huts, wooden churches and mills.