TOP Attractions of Riga

LANDMARK BUILDINGS

RIGA CATHEDRAL (DOM CHURCH). The largest church in the Baltic states presents various architectural styles from eight centuries and is one of the most important landmark buildings of Riga, almost as old as the city itself.

NATIONAL OPERA HOUSE. The Neoclassicism building was built in the middle of 19th Century as a German-speaking City theatre but in the independent Latvia state it houses National opera.  

HOUSE OF BLACKHEADS. The splendid House of Blackheads - a replica of original building which was built here in 14th Century for unmarried German merchants is one of the most photographed and tourist visited places in Riga.

SAINT PETER'S CHURCH. One of main symbols of Riga skyline, the highest church in the city (121 m) and until World War 2 it's tower was the highest wooden construction in whole Europe. The church contains Gothic, Romanesque and Baroque architectural styles, it offers also panorama observation platform (see Observation points section lower).

RIGA CASTLE. Riga medieval castle was built in 14th Century as a residence for the master of Livonian Order. The castle has gone through many transformations since then and has recently been renovated.

FREEDOM MONUMENT. The symbol of Latvia's independence was built in 20th Century 30ies as a devotion to soldiers who died in Latvian Independence War.

NATIONAL ART MUSEUM. The grand, palace-like building of Latvian National art museum is one of last Ecclecticism buildings in Riga (1905) and the first in Baltic states which was built for the purpose of museum. Recently experienced total renovation as well as underground expansion.

NATIONAL THEATRE. Another Neo-Baroque version of Historicism, National Theatre building was built as a theatre in 1902 and is still the theatre today. It has a special place in history of Latvia - exactly here independent Latvia state was founded in 1918.

NATIVITY OF CHRIST ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL. Impressive Neo-Byzantine style cathedral with 6 cupolas, two of them gold-plated. It was the most expensive building in Riga at the time when it was built (1883).

CENTRAL MARKET. Unusual structure - five huge, semi-rounded hangars (Zeppelin hangars from WW1 time) which houses the largest market in Europe, probably the only market "for the masses" which can still compete with supermarkets in this part of the world.

NATIONAL ART ACADEMY. Large, architecturally interesting Historicism "castle" built from bricks in 1903 as a commercial school, since 1940 the Mecca of art students. Neo-Gothic style was chosen as the best to represent Riga as a historical Hanseatic city.

ALBERTA STREET 4. One of the most famous Art Nouveau masterpieces in Riga, designed by Mikhail Eisenstein. Some elements on it's facade are inspired by Vienna Secession building, nevertheless it's often labeled as the most original and outstanding example of Riga's Art Nouveau.

ALBERTA STREET 2A. Another Art Nouveau pearl of Alberta street which can hypnotize it's observer. The surreal impression is achieved by fake 5th floor - the empty window openings which offers view to the sky but tourists love to take selfies with sphinkx sculptures which are situated in the front of the building's entrance, on the pavement.

ELIZABETES STREET 10B. Another one of the most iconic art nouveau buildings of Riga. Huge sculptural faces which tops this building's facade is often used as a symbolizing picture of Riga from tourism brochures to art history books.

THREE BROTHERS. These unusual looking buildings are the oldest complex of dwelling houses in Riga, the oldest one of them built at the end of 15th Century.

SMALL GUILD. One more treasure of Neo-Gothic style, a rebuilt older house of Riga's craftsmen guild (in 1866).

SWEDISH GATE. The only preserved gate of Riga fortification wall (there were eight of them in total). The gate was made in 1689 when a passage was built right through the dwelling house, in order to join the inner city with Swedish army barracks outside of the city wall.

POWDER TOWER. The main fortification tower in medieval Riga - this version was built in 1650 after the previous tower was destroyed by Swedish army which attacked the city in 1621.

RIGA TV TOWER. The 3rd highest free-standing structure in Europe (368 m) and one of the best soviet time architecture examples in Riga. Traingle-shaped television and radio tower has unique and good looking design. There is also an observation platform to see the city from above (see Observation points section lower).

NATIONAL LIBRARY. The newest landmark building in Riga was opened in 2014 after 25 years old project made by one of most internationally famous Latvian architects Gunars Birkerts. The building symbolizes "Glass mountain" which is motive in the work "Zelta zirgs" of Latvian poet Rainis.

SWEDBANK OFFICE TOWER. World-class architecture design in the first modern highrise in Riga. It was built on the opposite Daugava river bank to Old Town in 2004.

RAILWAY BRIDGE. Riga Railway bridge - one of largest and most iconic structures in Riga - became even more visually appealing after it got it's night lighting in 2009, turning the bridge to blue colors at night.

ZIEMELBLAZMA CULTURE PALACE. Large culture palace in Art Nouveau style, built in 1913. The first reinforced concrete building in Latvia.

SQUARES

DOM SQUARE. One of the most beautiful squares of the city which hosts main Christmas market and many public events (concerts, political gatherings, etc.). The square is surrounded by great architecture - largest cathedral in Baltic states, Museum of foreign art, Latvian Radio building, etc.

TOWNHALL SQUARE. Main historical square, administrative, cultural and political centre of Riga from medieval times until 19th Century. Here tourists gather to wonder about House of Blackheads ornated building, Townhall and Roland statue.
  

STREETS

ALBERTA STREET. Unique area of Riga with excellent Art Nouveau buildings. One can observe an unimaginable flight of fantasy of the weird faces, animals and decorations on the buildings' facades, designed by famous Art Nouveau master Mikhail Eisenstein.

TROKSNU STREET. The most narrow and very charming street in Riga Old Town, leading along former fortification wall with old, authentic houses and some beautiful courtyards.

PARKS AND GARDENS

OPERA GARDEN. The charming garden in front of National Opera is is like a man-shaped nature oasis in the middle of city's hustle. It has a beautiful fontain (made as a sculpture) in small pond, flower plantations, decorative shrubs and trees.

BASTEJKALNS PARK. Bastejkalns, an artifical hill made in 19th Century and Riga canal which flows next to it, is a green, romantic environment where to feel the breath of nature. Winding paths, larger and smaller bridges, water cascade, by-passing boats (in summer) makes it a great place to relax.    

OBSERVATION POINTS

ST PETER'S CHURCH TOWER. St Peter's church offers an observation platform (accesible by an elevator) at the height of 72 meters. It's located right in the middle of city thus provides centrally located panorama point to whole Riga. Ticket is expensive - 9 EUR.

RADISSON BLU SKYBAR. Skyline bar at the highest floor of hotel Radisson Blu offers probably the best panorama of the city, including boulevards, Old Town and all the highrises in one view. The view is seen through windows so the reflections of lights are sometimes disturbing.    

SCIENCE ACADEMY OBSERVATION PLATFORM. Another great view point - the centre is visible from southern side with excellent perspective to Central market, Daugava river, National library, Railway bridge and Old Town. Individual adult ticket costs 5 EUR.

TV TOWER OBSERVATION DECK. Riga TV Tower offers great panoramic views from it's 97 m observation deck - the highest publicly accesible point to see the city. Central part of Riga is a bit farther from here but visible. Ticket price not so expensive - 3,70 EUR.

VIEWS FROM BALASTA DAM. Riverside at Ķīpsala island is offering some of the most beautiful views to Riga Old Town’s skyline. Due to arcuated shoreline Riga skyline is dynamically changing here - just a few steps and you see yet another composition of medieval church spires.