Tourist Attractions in Riga

Riga is the capital city of Latvia, one of the Baltic States. The area and country is rich in history and culture and is well worth a visit. Getyourguide.com offers tours for all.

Riga: Sightseeing Tour by Canal Boat

Seeing the sights of Riga from the perspective of an eco-friendly canal boat on Daugava River gives you a different perspective than seeing it from land.

Your journey begins at the pier by the Freedom Monument at the 18th-century fortifications known as the Triangula Bastion (Bastejkalns) and it will take you to see historic bridges, Europe’s largest market and bazaar (Riga Central Market), the Latvian National Opera and even the UNESCO World Heritage monuments of the Spikeri Quarter.

As you cruise towards the Riga Passenger Terminal and Yacht Club Andrejosta and back the views of the Old Riga (Vecriga district) and the Kronvalda Park offer some stunning and amazing views.

Riga: 2-hour Walking Tour in the Old Town

This 2-hour walking tour starts at what was the central square of the city from the 13th to the 19th century, now known as the Town Hall Square. The Gothic-style House of the Blackheads is the most famous building on the square and it is magnificent.

During the tour you will experience the aura of an ancient city with its narrow streets. The complexes of residential houses and sacral buildings are unique and fascinating.

The tour will also take you to see famous spots such as St. Peter’s Church, the Powder Tower and the Swedish Gate, the beautiful Synagogue of Old Riga, the Convent Yard of the Holy Spirit, the Three Brothers residential housing complex, St. George’s Church and St. Jacob’s Cathedral to name some of them. You also get to explore the 13th century Riga Cathedral.

During medieval times Riga was a mighty harbour and a member of the Hanseatic League, joining traders of the Baltic region with north Germany.

Riga: Self-Guided Audio Tour

If you prefer seeing the sights of Riga in your own pace and on your own schedule this self-guided audio tour is a perfect way to do see the city while also getting all the normal tour guide knowledge. You get to download an audio guide onto your MP3 player as well as a fully detailed map.

Once you are all set up you can begin to explore Riga, a city blossoming of culture. Riga only gained independence from Russia in 1991 and is now quickly becoming a popular spot for tourists, and in 2014 Riga was named the “European Capitol of Culture”.

Riga’s architectural buildings include the Gothic-style House of Blackheads, St. Peter’s Church, the National Opera House and the Swedish Gate, but are not limited to those.

Since you are seeing the sights at your own pace you will also have plenty of time to explore some of the interesting restaurants and cafes with unique drinks only served in Riga.

Riga: Culture and Food Tasting Tour

Combine history with some sightseeing and add some food tasting and you get this fun, tasty and educational half-day tour in the city of Riga, Latvia.

During this 4-hour tour you will get to explore three of Riga’s most essential districts while hearing stories from the city and seeing the world’s largest collection of art nouveau architecture.

The tour begins in the charming Old Town with its beautiful centuries-old buildings while experiencing one of the oldest living cultures in the world, the Latvian culture.

In the remarkable Art-Nouveau district a local guide will explain more about the meaning of the symbols hidden behind the beautiful facades and on almost every corner an art nouveau masterpiece can be found in the architectural buildings housing banks, offices and apartments.

The tour ends in Riga Central Market, Europe’s largest market and bazaar, where you get to sample ecologically-grown local produce that are mouth-watering.

Riga: 3-hour Soviet Walking Tour

A local guide will walk you to some of the must-see places of Riga for anyone interested in the city’s Soviet past. You will learn more about life behind the Iron Curtain and during the occupations. You get to discover the real, off-the-beaten-track Riga.

You will see symbols of Latvia’s desire for independence and learn about the Singing Revolution and the freedom restoration in the Baltic Countries in 1991.

You will also learn more about the local 20th century history, including the 3 occupations, and the miraculous movements that led to the country’s independence.

See some typical Soviet-era monuments and buildings while hearing real life stories from your guide.

The Soul of the Baltic Sea: Half-Day Jurmala Tour

Jurmala is the largest resort in the Baltic States, located 25 km west of Riga in Latvia. The city of Jurmala is well-known for its mild climate, curative mud, healthy sea air and mineral waters.

The typical architectural style of Jurmala can be seen in the charming wooden houses, usually privately owned, from the early 20th century.

Jurmala Beach is a nearly 33 km long white-sand beach and together with the other natural features of the city, like the pine forest and the Lielupe River, the city of Jurmala will surely show you why it has attracted many prominent persons to come here for a breath of fresh air and relaxation.

A simple walk along the pedestrian promenade in the heart of the city will allow you to also feel the atmosphere of the more central parts of Jurmala.

Riga: Nearby Manors and Castles Tour

In the town of Tukums, 70 km from Riga, you can stroll down the historical streets of the old town and it will make you feel like you are in the 19th century. Tukums was only announced as a town in 1795 although people lived there long before then.

Here every house shows information regarding who lived there at that time enhancing the air of past times.

The modern sculpture of Katrina of Tukums is said to impress anyone who encounters it so make sure not to miss it.

You will also visit Hunting Palace, built for the Mayor of Riga in the beginning of the 20th century, before visiting Jaunpils Castle, one of the few medieval castles with its original appearance preserved. Jaunpils Castle was built in the year 1301 and is a typical construction of the Livonian Order fortress. The Castle was built by master Gottfried von Horn and there are many legends about the fearless Matthias von der Recke who owned the castle in the 16h century.

On the way back you will stop at the local “Abavas vini” winery where you get to see the making of the wine as well as taste it.