Guidebook for Rīga
Sightseeing
The Old Town is the oldest section of Riga as well as the center of the city. It is the city’s most popular area with tourists. In 1997, Riga's historic center was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The Old Town has highly diverse architecture, and the majority of buildings have the status of a cultural monument. The city's architecture represents various periods - Romanticism, Gothic, Baroque, Classicism, and Modernism. After the restoration of the independence of Latvia, many buildings in the Old Town were reconstructed or rebuilt to restore the historic look of the area.
29 paikallista suosittelee
Riga Old town
Herdera laukumsThe Old Town is the oldest section of Riga as well as the center of the city. It is the city’s most popular area with tourists. In 1997, Riga's historic center was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The Old Town has highly diverse architecture, and the majority of buildings have the status of a cultural monument. The city's architecture represents various periods - Romanticism, Gothic, Baroque, Classicism, and Modernism. After the restoration of the independence of Latvia, many buildings in the Old Town were reconstructed or rebuilt to restore the historic look of the area.
The foundation stone of Riga Dome Cathedral was laid on July 25, 1211. The last large-scale restoration took place in the late 19th century when the cathedral acquired its present appearance. Today, Riga Dome Cathedral holds services and provide for rich cultural life — various concerts of popular artists take place here.
Riga Dome Cathedral has been one of the major venues for concerts in Riga for hundreds of years. Also today, official services and concerts feature various musical performances.
71 paikallista suosittelee
Riian tuomiokirkko
6 Herdera laukumsThe foundation stone of Riga Dome Cathedral was laid on July 25, 1211. The last large-scale restoration took place in the late 19th century when the cathedral acquired its present appearance. Today, Riga Dome Cathedral holds services and provide for rich cultural life — various concerts of popular artists take place here.
Riga Dome Cathedral has been one of the major venues for concerts in Riga for hundreds of years. Also today, official services and concerts feature various musical performances.
Kalnciema District
Pardaugava resuscitated restored wooden building block - a unique nineteenth century wooden architectural heritage. Houses invites visitors to enjoy Latvian and European design, while the patios every Saturday fairs, art exhibitions and workshop,
With the slogan "We are waiting for all this time at home and not to sit!" Kalnciema District invites to their events, without histrionics to a friendly atmosphere to spend time together.
here to taste traditional Latvian food, but a completely new forms, whether they are a different way of seasoning, or presentation.
14 paikallista suosittelee
Kalnciema iela 35
35 Kalnciema Iela
Kalnciema District
Pardaugava resuscitated restored wooden building block - a unique nineteenth century wooden architectural heritage. Houses invites visitors to enjoy Latvian and European design, while the patios every Saturday fairs, art exhibitions and workshop,
With the slogan "We are waiting for all this time at home and not to sit!" Kalnciema District invites to their events, without histrionics to a friendly atmosphere to spend time together.
here to taste traditional Latvian food, but a completely new forms, whether they are a different way of seasoning, or presentation.
Arts & Culture
The Latvian National Museum of Art or LNMA's new permanent exposition will be a comprehensive overview of Latvian art for all of the 19th and 20th centuries. This collection will be located in the Museum's historic building on two floors, placed chronologically according to style, to reflect the overall development of art in Latvia, with emphasis on the masterpieces of each period.
171 paikallista suosittelee
Latvian kansallinen taidemuseo
1 Jaņa Rozentāla laukums
The Latvian National Museum of Art or LNMA's new permanent exposition will be a comprehensive overview of Latvian art for all of the 19th and 20th centuries. This collection will be located in the Museum's historic building on two floors, placed chronologically according to style, to reflect the overall development of art in Latvia, with emphasis on the masterpieces of each period.
Art Nouveau, the distinct style in art of end-19th century and early-20th, was the "father" of modern architecture. Riga is a well-known Art Nouveau mecca.
As the population of Riga swelled, so did the demand for new apartment houses. Thus, over 100 high-rise stone and brick buildings went up, creating the city's distinct look. Eclecticism, the predominant style since end-19th century, was gone by 1904, making way for Nouveau (about 40% of downtown Riga). Certainly the Latvian capital stands at the forefront in this regard.
The central location for Art Nouveau style buildings is the downtown quarter known as the "quiet centre" - just a 10-minute stroll from Old Town. It is a vibrant feature in Riga's history, with Albert Street truly the main gem.
30 paikallista suosittelee
Riian Art Nouveau
13 Alberta ielaArt Nouveau, the distinct style in art of end-19th century and early-20th, was the "father" of modern architecture. Riga is a well-known Art Nouveau mecca.
As the population of Riga swelled, so did the demand for new apartment houses. Thus, over 100 high-rise stone and brick buildings went up, creating the city's distinct look. Eclecticism, the predominant style since end-19th century, was gone by 1904, making way for Nouveau (about 40% of downtown Riga). Certainly the Latvian capital stands at the forefront in this regard.
The central location for Art Nouveau style buildings is the downtown quarter known as the "quiet centre" - just a 10-minute stroll from Old Town. It is a vibrant feature in Riga's history, with Albert Street truly the main gem.
Riga's White House — the Latvian National Opera and Ballet on Aspazijas bulvāris was opened in 1923; an average of six new productions are presented each year, retaining balance between opera and ballet. In total, the opera sees over 200 performances and several symphonic and chamber music concerts a season.
137 paikallista suosittelee
Latvian kansallisooppera
3 Aspazijas bulvārisRiga's White House — the Latvian National Opera and Ballet on Aspazijas bulvāris was opened in 1923; an average of six new productions are presented each year, retaining balance between opera and ballet. In total, the opera sees over 200 performances and several symphonic and chamber music concerts a season.
Shopping
The "Riija" design and lifestyle shop offers the very best of Latvian traditional production in one location - from subtle linen bedding, towels and free-style clothing to original furniture, crockery and light fixtures.
22 paikallista suosittelee
RIIJA
6/8 Tērbatas ielaThe "Riija" design and lifestyle shop offers the very best of Latvian traditional production in one location - from subtle linen bedding, towels and free-style clothing to original furniture, crockery and light fixtures.
NELLEULLA chocolate in her soul is wildish, but in the store shelves it appears elegant, relay sophisticated- here is united the Scandinavian design simplicity with the feminine luxury.
The forest chocolate is invented, created and produced by the women full of inspiration from the North capital city Riga. NELLEULLA is North woman name - in ancient tongue it means "light" and "strength". Exactly the same are chocolate producers - true, beautiful, strengthful. NELLEULLA chocolate in her soul is wildish, but in the store shelves it appears elegant, relay sophisticated - here is united the Scandinavian design simplicity with the feminine luxury.
Nelleulla
NELLEULLA chocolate in her soul is wildish, but in the store shelves it appears elegant, relay sophisticated- here is united the Scandinavian design simplicity with the feminine luxury.
The forest chocolate is invented, created and produced by the women full of inspiration from the North capital city Riga. NELLEULLA is North woman name - in ancient tongue it means "light" and "strength". Exactly the same are chocolate producers - true, beautiful, strengthful. NELLEULLA chocolate in her soul is wildish, but in the store shelves it appears elegant, relay sophisticated - here is united the Scandinavian design simplicity with the feminine luxury.
Madara ecocosmetics are cosmetics made in Latvia created exclusively from natural ingredients. They have been obtained in the pure environment of Latvia and other Baltic States, and therefore Madara cosmetics are highly valued not only in Latvia, but also elsewhere in the world.
Natural cosmetics
Philosophy of Madara is based on the belief that cosmetics can be made only from natural ingredients. Thus it is more healthy and effective than synthetic cosmetics since our body and skin more successfully recognise products of natural origin.
Madara ecocosmetics products have voluntarily undergone international certification – ECOCERT prohibiting the use of synthetic ingredients and preservatives. It means that Madara cosmetics contain only natural extracts from the Baltic plants.
Madara Ecocosmetics , veikals
16 Audēju ielaMadara ecocosmetics are cosmetics made in Latvia created exclusively from natural ingredients. They have been obtained in the pure environment of Latvia and other Baltic States, and therefore Madara cosmetics are highly valued not only in Latvia, but also elsewhere in the world.
Natural cosmetics
Philosophy of Madara is based on the belief that cosmetics can be made only from natural ingredients. Thus it is more healthy and effective than synthetic cosmetics since our body and skin more successfully recognise products of natural origin.
Madara ecocosmetics products have voluntarily undergone international certification – ECOCERT prohibiting the use of synthetic ingredients and preservatives. It means that Madara cosmetics contain only natural extracts from the Baltic plants.
Rimi grocery store, restaurants, money exchange
The "Galleria Riga" shopping centre is surrounded by Dzirnavu, Blaumaņa, Brīvības and Tērbatas Streets. It's a new kind of conception especially designed to promote pleasant and swift shopping while enjoying the unique interior, show-windows, restaurants, cafes, and the skating-rink which will be located on the roof. The area encompasses 41 thousand square metres; 29.7 thousand square metres of them will hold shops, restaurants and entertainment areas, along with a two-storey underground car park for 150 vehicles.
63 paikallista suosittelee
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
71 Dzirnavu ielaRimi grocery store, restaurants, money exchange
The "Galleria Riga" shopping centre is surrounded by Dzirnavu, Blaumaņa, Brīvības and Tērbatas Streets. It's a new kind of conception especially designed to promote pleasant and swift shopping while enjoying the unique interior, show-windows, restaurants, cafes, and the skating-rink which will be located on the roof. The area encompasses 41 thousand square metres; 29.7 thousand square metres of them will hold shops, restaurants and entertainment areas, along with a two-storey underground car park for 150 vehicles.
Rimi grocery store, restaurants, cafe money exchange, ATM, bank, hair salon, post, beauty salon, Riga Central Railway Station
Origo Mall is located in downtown Riga right next to the city's hub. It features shops, cafes, restaurants and services, and a direct connection to the Riga Central Railway Station
56 paikallista suosittelee
Origo-ostoskeskus
4 Stacijas laukumsRimi grocery store, restaurants, cafe money exchange, ATM, bank, hair salon, post, beauty salon, Riga Central Railway Station
Origo Mall is located in downtown Riga right next to the city's hub. It features shops, cafes, restaurants and services, and a direct connection to the Riga Central Railway Station
The four-floor 'Stockmann' shopping centre offers modern clothing, various delicacies, a restaurant, and other stuff.
The four-floor 'Stockmann' shopping centre features an area of 11,000 square metres and an underground car park for 76 cars. The building has an in-built connection with the 'Kino Citadele'.
The ground floor holds cosmetic, accessory and footwear sections, as well as a flower shop, a cafe, and grocery. The first floor has a wide choice of men's clothing and a selection of the youth brand 'One Way', while the second floor holds a great section of women and children clothing and footwear, and toys. Among offers: world-famous brands Hugo Boss, Moschino, D&G, K. Lagerfeld, and others. A children area is also available where you can leave your kids attended while shopping.
The third floor features the youth brand Seppälä, household items and travel gear and accessories, as well as the 'Fazer Café & Restaurant'. Tailor and stylist's services are also available here.
78 paikallista suosittelee
Stockmann
8 13. janvāra ielaThe four-floor 'Stockmann' shopping centre offers modern clothing, various delicacies, a restaurant, and other stuff.
The four-floor 'Stockmann' shopping centre features an area of 11,000 square metres and an underground car park for 76 cars. The building has an in-built connection with the 'Kino Citadele'.
The ground floor holds cosmetic, accessory and footwear sections, as well as a flower shop, a cafe, and grocery. The first floor has a wide choice of men's clothing and a selection of the youth brand 'One Way', while the second floor holds a great section of women and children clothing and footwear, and toys. Among offers: world-famous brands Hugo Boss, Moschino, D&G, K. Lagerfeld, and others. A children area is also available where you can leave your kids attended while shopping.
The third floor features the youth brand Seppälä, household items and travel gear and accessories, as well as the 'Fazer Café & Restaurant'. Tailor and stylist's services are also available here.
Food Scene
Gluten-free products cafe "Anthill"
Fresh gluten-free dishes prepared on the spot and made to order - pizza, pasta, pancakes, pies and dumplings and more ...
Ernesta Birznieka-Upīša iela 15
15 Ernesta Birznieka-Upīša ielaGluten-free products cafe "Anthill"
Fresh gluten-free dishes prepared on the spot and made to order - pizza, pasta, pancakes, pies and dumplings and more ...
In the very center of the city, café La Kanna offers good dishes and beverages in a relaxed atmosphere and unobtrusively sophisticated interior.
Interior & atmosphere
Renovated ancient furniture are characteristic to the interior of La Kanna, giving the café unobtrusive elegance. But the large windows offer a breathtaking view to the street. La Kanna has managed to catch the rhythm of the city – early in the morning you will find dynamic morning atmosphere here when you can have a cup of coffee and light breakfast. Twilight of the evening creates intimate atmosphere, great for dinner and a glass of wine.
Bar & menu
Italian and Mediterranean influence can be felt in the menu and beverage card of La Kanna. Here you can try dishes characteristic to this region – pastas, salads, soups etc. However, there is also a dish like fried Baltic sprats characteristic to Latvia in the offer. In the beverage card, Italian wines prevail.
On Saturdays and Sundays, brunch is offered up until 14:30
19 paikallista suosittelee
La Kanna
5 Tērbatas ielaIn the very center of the city, café La Kanna offers good dishes and beverages in a relaxed atmosphere and unobtrusively sophisticated interior.
Interior & atmosphere
Renovated ancient furniture are characteristic to the interior of La Kanna, giving the café unobtrusive elegance. But the large windows offer a breathtaking view to the street. La Kanna has managed to catch the rhythm of the city – early in the morning you will find dynamic morning atmosphere here when you can have a cup of coffee and light breakfast. Twilight of the evening creates intimate atmosphere, great for dinner and a glass of wine.
Bar & menu
Italian and Mediterranean influence can be felt in the menu and beverage card of La Kanna. Here you can try dishes characteristic to this region – pastas, salads, soups etc. However, there is also a dish like fried Baltic sprats characteristic to Latvia in the offer. In the beverage card, Italian wines prevail.
On Saturdays and Sundays, brunch is offered up until 14:30
Lovely romantic restaurant vintage style, where every detail carefully thought out. The food and service-excellent!
17 paikallista suosittelee
Mio
15 Blaumaņa ielaLovely romantic restaurant vintage style, where every detail carefully thought out. The food and service-excellent!
Wine studio restaurant is special – friendly public and discretion create an exceptional atmosphere. Distinguished selection of wines from all around the world and outstanding cuisine. If you happen to be in Riga, you should definitely visit the Wine studio!
But the Wine studio restaurant is one of the restaurants where leisurely enjoying a glass of wine and talking to friends or even spending time by yourself afternoon or evening will pass by unnoticed. The restaurant offers a choice of more than 700 wines that you can buy for take away or enjoy in the restaurant. If you are confused by the offer of wines, knowing wine experts will help you, recommending a wine for your taste.
7 paikallista suosittelee
Stabu iela 30
30 Stabu ielaWine studio restaurant is special – friendly public and discretion create an exceptional atmosphere. Distinguished selection of wines from all around the world and outstanding cuisine. If you happen to be in Riga, you should definitely visit the Wine studio!
But the Wine studio restaurant is one of the restaurants where leisurely enjoying a glass of wine and talking to friends or even spending time by yourself afternoon or evening will pass by unnoticed. The restaurant offers a choice of more than 700 wines that you can buy for take away or enjoy in the restaurant. If you are confused by the offer of wines, knowing wine experts will help you, recommending a wine for your taste.
"Tam labam būs augt" (What's Good Will Grow) is an open-type restaurant with the most exclusive seats at the bar, which is located in the middle of the room so that the visitors can watch Juris, Ēriks and Mārtiņš make their Gastronomic Happening.
Most meals are served on a paper card or a granite tablet (but there are plates, too!), and in a very artistic manner. The guests are handed their meals by the chef, who also tells them of what the culinary work of art is made of.
The chefs are willing to chat about taste varieties, products, gastronomic experiments, therefore the visitors may, if not become gourmets, learn many interesting things.
The cooking process is also part of the modern concept of the restaurant. Most meals are prepared in vacuum or using the slow cooking method (thermal processing of products at comparatively low temperatures over a long period of time, up to 8 hours, which guarantees preserving the product's natural flavour, texture and valuable ingredients).
The menu is locally patriotic, laconic, seasonal, and very changeable - so it does not bore visitors, nor the chefs.
32 paikallista suosittelee
3 pavāru restorāns "Tam labam būs augt"
4 Torņa iela"Tam labam būs augt" (What's Good Will Grow) is an open-type restaurant with the most exclusive seats at the bar, which is located in the middle of the room so that the visitors can watch Juris, Ēriks and Mārtiņš make their Gastronomic Happening.
Most meals are served on a paper card or a granite tablet (but there are plates, too!), and in a very artistic manner. The guests are handed their meals by the chef, who also tells them of what the culinary work of art is made of.
The chefs are willing to chat about taste varieties, products, gastronomic experiments, therefore the visitors may, if not become gourmets, learn many interesting things.
The cooking process is also part of the modern concept of the restaurant. Most meals are prepared in vacuum or using the slow cooking method (thermal processing of products at comparatively low temperatures over a long period of time, up to 8 hours, which guarantees preserving the product's natural flavour, texture and valuable ingredients).
The menu is locally patriotic, laconic, seasonal, and very changeable - so it does not bore visitors, nor the chefs.
Drinks & Nightlife
The B-Bar restaurant is a safe haven where one can submit to the balmy velvety atmosphere, enjoy a stolen moment and sip possibly the best cocktails in Riga.
33 paikallista suosittelee
B-bars
2 Doma laukumsThe B-Bar restaurant is a safe haven where one can submit to the balmy velvety atmosphere, enjoy a stolen moment and sip possibly the best cocktails in Riga.
Vermanes Garden Park has long been one of the most popular meeting and relaxation places for residents of Riga. Not much has changed since then. Nearby Coyote Fly night club fits right in; it has the best Latvian DJs and VJs, as well as world-famous recording artists every week
53 paikallista suosittelee
Coyote Fly
2 Tērbatas iela
Vermanes Garden Park has long been one of the most popular meeting and relaxation places for residents of Riga. Not much has changed since then. Nearby Coyote Fly night club fits right in; it has the best Latvian DJs and VJs, as well as world-famous recording artists every week
Bar - restaurant. It is located in the station clock tower. From the restaurant fabulous panoramic view of the entire Riga.
Neo
2 Stacijas laukumsBar - restaurant. It is located in the station clock tower. From the restaurant fabulous panoramic view of the entire Riga.
Restaurant, bar and lounge is on the bank of the river Daugava in the Andrejsala area of central Riga, and is the ideal place to enjoy nature, calmness, great food and good music – just a few steps away from the vibrant city centre. Come for a business lunch or dinner in the restaurant, and enjoy some of our original cocktails in the bar or the aroma of oriental hookahs on the summer terrace. On weekends AQUA LUNA welcomes you for party evenings with a great music selection from the best local musicians and DJs and special international guests.
38 paikallista suosittelee
Aqua Luna
5 k-5 Andrejostas ielaRestaurant, bar and lounge is on the bank of the river Daugava in the Andrejsala area of central Riga, and is the ideal place to enjoy nature, calmness, great food and good music – just a few steps away from the vibrant city centre. Come for a business lunch or dinner in the restaurant, and enjoy some of our original cocktails in the bar or the aroma of oriental hookahs on the summer terrace. On weekends AQUA LUNA welcomes you for party evenings with a great music selection from the best local musicians and DJs and special international guests.
Parks & Nature
Vērmanes Garden Park is Riga's second oldest public park; the numerous benches are always occupied by Rigans and visitors to the city, the historic open-air stage features various concerts, and children have fun on the park's playground.
132 paikallista suosittelee
Vermanes puutarha
2D Tērbatas ielaVērmanes Garden Park is Riga's second oldest public park; the numerous benches are always occupied by Rigans and visitors to the city, the historic open-air stage features various concerts, and children have fun on the park's playground.
The Lucavsala park attracts children, those who prefer active recreation and other residents who want to enjoy nature while remaining close to the city centre.
Swimming
The park has a swimming area equipped with changing cabins. The beach has been designed so that both children and adults can swim safely. It is located right across from Zaķusala island, granting a view that will make you forget you are in the centre of the city. There is a shoal in the middle of the river which can be safely reached from the bank and volleyball pitches next to the bathing area.
Playground
The playground has everything children need to have fun - they can jump, slide, climb, or play in a sandbox. They can also make new friends among the many children who visit!
Wakepark
The wakepark is located on the right side of the island, in front of the TV centre. The park has a 230-metre long cable system for wakeboarding. At the moment, the park is equipped with two kickers (trampolines), one 3 metres high, which is perfect for learning air raley and other tricks. It also has a 19-metre long slide for beginners and a 18-metre long slide for more experienced riders.
Next to the park there is a nice cafe that on weekends hosts parties and screens open-air movies.
Equipment rental is available. Life vests, helmets and the advice of an instructor are provided free of charge.
(Link to a wakeboarding record)
On Sundays yoga enthusiasts gather in Lucavsala. On warm summer evenings, the park is frequented by locals who come here for a night swim and romantic atmosphere.
How to get here
By car
After reaching the Salu bridge / Mūkusalas Street roundabout, turn next to the Neste service station and K-Rauta store; then turn left and you’ve arrived.
By public transit
Take trolleybus No. 19 and get off at the “Lucavsala” stop
On bicycle
Cross Akmens or Salu bridge. The ride takes 20 minutes.
20 paikallista suosittelee
Lucavsala recreational park
The Lucavsala park attracts children, those who prefer active recreation and other residents who want to enjoy nature while remaining close to the city centre.
Swimming
The park has a swimming area equipped with changing cabins. The beach has been designed so that both children and adults can swim safely. It is located right across from Zaķusala island, granting a view that will make you forget you are in the centre of the city. There is a shoal in the middle of the river which can be safely reached from the bank and volleyball pitches next to the bathing area.
Playground
The playground has everything children need to have fun - they can jump, slide, climb, or play in a sandbox. They can also make new friends among the many children who visit!
Wakepark
The wakepark is located on the right side of the island, in front of the TV centre. The park has a 230-metre long cable system for wakeboarding. At the moment, the park is equipped with two kickers (trampolines), one 3 metres high, which is perfect for learning air raley and other tricks. It also has a 19-metre long slide for beginners and a 18-metre long slide for more experienced riders.
Next to the park there is a nice cafe that on weekends hosts parties and screens open-air movies.
Equipment rental is available. Life vests, helmets and the advice of an instructor are provided free of charge.
(Link to a wakeboarding record)
On Sundays yoga enthusiasts gather in Lucavsala. On warm summer evenings, the park is frequented by locals who come here for a night swim and romantic atmosphere.
How to get here
By car
After reaching the Salu bridge / Mūkusalas Street roundabout, turn next to the Neste service station and K-Rauta store; then turn left and you’ve arrived.
By public transit
Take trolleybus No. 19 and get off at the “Lucavsala” stop
On bicycle
Cross Akmens or Salu bridge. The ride takes 20 minutes.
A facilitated green area in the city located on both banks of the city’s canal, next to the Riga Congress Center, with more than 100 species of foreign trees and bushes.
In Kronvalda Park you can:
Go on a leisurely walk by the canal;
See the color-changing fountain on warm summer nights; Spend time actively with your children in the playground; Jog in the park;
Attend culture events at the Riga Congress Center
87 paikallista suosittelee
Kronvalda-puisto
12 Kalpaka bulvārisA facilitated green area in the city located on both banks of the city’s canal, next to the Riga Congress Center, with more than 100 species of foreign trees and bushes.
In Kronvalda Park you can:
Go on a leisurely walk by the canal;
See the color-changing fountain on warm summer nights; Spend time actively with your children in the playground; Jog in the park;
Attend culture events at the Riga Congress Center