THINGS TO DO IN RIGA LATVIA

Riga is the capital of Latvia and its largest city. Home to 600,000 inhabitants, which is a third of the country’s 1.8 million population. Despite being the largest city in the Baltics, it feels like a small town as the things to do in Riga Latvia are mostly located within its beautiful old quarter. 

Indeed, Riga’s Old Town is the one with the largest number of Art Nouveau buildings in the entire world. A UNESCO World Heritage Site of cobblestone streets packed with highlights of Riga sightseeing. Likewise, as Riga was once ruled by Swedish, Polish, Soviets, and Germans, attractions in Riga also include remnants from those times.

Last but not least, a list of what to do in Riga should also include its churches, markets, and modern sites such as the Freedom Monument. Along with visits to its wonderful bars, cafes, and restaurants offering such a good value for money. Keep this post on the Riga things to do handy when preparing your Riga itinerary and get ready to make the most of this city.

Things to do in Riga’s Old City

The old town is home to most of the Riga tourist attractions and fun things to do in Riga. You’ll be able to visit it within a day, including its great cafes and restaurants. To make the most of this area consider joining a Riga walking tour where a local guide will tell you plenty of interesting stories about the area.

1. Admire the architecture at Town Hall Square

Riga’s town hall square is actually a reconstruction, as the original one was destroyed during WWII. Yet, it’s so similar to its predecessor that it’s undoubtedly one of the top places to visit in Riga.

Here stand the famous House of the Black Heads and the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, described later in this post. And, of course, the town hall itself. The square is also the starting point of most walking tours in Riga. 

The streets leading to the square host with souvenir shops, flower stalls, and cozy cafes. Taking a walk along these cobblestone alleys, enjoying the lovely architecture is one of the best things to do in Latvia Riga. 

2. Take a photo by the House of the Black Heads

The house of Black Heads is a beautiful merchants house from 1330. This gothic building was a trade centre and accommodation hub for upper class merchants. They used to organise business and social meetings here, so the place has wonderful ball halls. 

Despite nazi bombings on WWI, the place was rebuilt in late 1990s and is now one of the must see Riga attractions. Especially its 14th century original basement, statues, spires, hallways, and red facade. The house is open to visitors daily from 10am to 5pm and the entrance fee is $7.

3. Learn at the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia

The Museum of the Occupation of Latvia features the country’s history between 1940 and 1991. The first four years the country was under the German Nazi government. Since then, it was part of the Soviet Union. 

The museum explains the deportation and extermination of the local Jewish population by the Nazi. Along with the further torture, interrogation, and deportation to the Gulags of suspected Latvian Nationalists. It’s somehow similar to the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights in Vilnius, Lithuania and the House of Leaves in Tirana, Albania.

Here you’ll find several documents, photos, and artifacts proof of these atrocities. Together with many testimonials of those who suffered and managed to resist these occupations. It’s a great place to learn about Latvia’s recent past, plus the exhibitions are free to visit. The museum is open daily from 10am to 6pm.

4. Get into the Riga Dome Cathedral

One of the Riga top attractions is the city’s cathedral. This is the largest medieval church in the Baltics. A proper symbol of Latvia, as it’s much bigger than those in Vilnius, Lithuania and Tallinn, Estonia. It serves as the sit for the Archbishop of Latvia’s Evangelical Lutheran Church.

It dates back to 1211 and features a beautiful mix of baroque, gothic, and romanesque styles. Its highlights are a carved pulpit, the ornate tombs, and spire. There’s also a 19th century organ inside. The cathedral is open daily from 10am to 5pm.

5. Walk by the Powder Tower

The Powder Tower is a remnant from Riga’s defensive system. There were once over twenty towers like these, yet nowadays only the powder tower remains standing. However, this is not the original from the 1300s but a reconstruction from the 1650s renovated in the 1940s. 

The tower that once kept the city’s gunpowder is now part of the Latvian War Museum. It’s open to visitors Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm.

6. Shop at the Central Market

One of my favourite Riga tourist attractions is the city’s central market. Walking along its strolls might seem to be among the unusual things to do in Riga. Yet, local markets are great to people-watch and understand the local lifestyle. Therefore, I always add them to the must-do lists. And this market is certainly a Riga must see as it’s the largest marketplace in Europe.

It dates back to 1920 and features several domes covering hundreds of stalls split into five sections. These are meat, fish, vegetables, bread, and dairy. It’s so old and vibrant it makes a UNESCO World Heritage Site.It’s the perfect place to get some local goodies. Top sellers are dark rye bread, smoked fish, cured meats, cheese, black balsam, beetroot soup, and potato pancakes. You can get some free samples as well, so make sure to add the market to your Riga what to do list.

Things to do in Riga outside the Old Town

7. Tour the KGB Building

There’s an old KGB building among the Riga things to see that history and military enthusiasts will find interesting. As in Tallinn and Vilnius, the soviet surveillance police controlled Latvian population aiming to suffocate any potential rebels. 

Thus, in this building many locals suffered interrogations and torture by the Soviet state. Visitors can now walk through the old cells where opponents were imprisoned, interrogated, and even executed. It’s a great palace to learn about this bit of the country’s past, yet not an easy one to handle. The KGB building is open daily from 10.30am to 5.30pm and guided tours can be booked here.

8. Enter the Nativity of Christ Cathedral

There’s another cathedral away from the old town that makes it to the list of Riga what to see. This is the Nativity of Christ Cathedral, an orthodox church from 1884 in Neo-Byzantine with a stunning golden dome. 

The history of this cathedral si very tight to Russia, as it was both supported and mistreated by this country. Back int he 19th century, Tsar Alexandre II aided its construction and gifted it 12 bells. Later on, the soviets melted such bells and destroyed all the iconostasis as they used the cathedral as a planetarium. After the independence the cathedral was restored and walking by its ornate towers is now one of the best things to do in Riga Latvia. 

9. Watch the guard change at the Freedom Monument

The Freedom Monument is among the Riga places to visit as it represents so much of the country’s history. It honours those who died during the Latvian War of Independence and symbolizes the nation’s sovereignty and independence. The monument was built in 1935, before the Soviet invasion, and it’s quite an achievement that it wasn’t destroyed. However, visiting the same was prohibited and everyone paying their respects or leaving flowers by the monument was prosecuted. 

The monument consists of a 42-meter liberty figure of red granite and copper holding three golden stars. This is surrounded by fifty six sculptures depicting Latvian history and culture grouped into thirteen sections commemorating different aspects of the independence struggles. There’s two guards protecting it all day with a changing of the guards happening hourly between 9am and 6pm. This is indeed one of the most cool things what to see in Riga. 

10. Feel the Soviet Vibe at the Latvian Academy of Sciences

The Latvian Academy of Sciences is one of the most unique places to see in Riga. This remnant of the city’s Soviet times was built in the 1950s. With its height of 103 meters, it still dominates the city’s skyline.

One of the best things to do in Riga Latvia is climbing to its 17th-floor. There, the observation deck offers stunning views over the city. The place is open daily from 10am to 10pm and the entrance fee is $6. 

11. Find the famous Three Brothers

The three brothers are a group of houses built by the same family in Riga. More precisely on numbers 17, 19, and 21 of Mazā Pils Street. The houses are called brothers because of their resemblance, yet these were not built by brothers as they’re from different times. 

Number 17, the white house, is the oldest and of gothic style as you can tell from its arches. The yellow one, number 19, blends Renaissance and Dutch styles. Finally, the greenish number 21 is Baroque and features a very special roof. Admire them all is a must do in Riga.

12. Relax at Bastejkalns Park

Watching sunset from Bastejkalns Park is one of the coolest activities in Riga. This park and canal were built to fill the void left by the demolition of Riga’s defensive walls. And now make one of the nicest places in Riga.

Locals love to run, walk, sail and relax here. Especially in the evenings during the summer time, where many families and friends enjoy a picnic on its grounds. Joining them is among the top things to do in Riga.

13. Attend a show at the Latvian National Opera

As in every ex-socialist country, one of the best things to do in Riga Latvia is attending a show at the opera. These are great and incredibly affordable. Tickets can be booked here. 

If you are not into opera or there are no shows during your visit, checking out the building is still one of the best things to do in Riga. It’s the biggest theater in Latvia and dates back to 1863. A perfect photo stop during your trip to Riga.

Recap on the best things to do in Riga

Riga is a beautiful Baltic city that makes a great city break and an awesome stop along a Latvia and/or Baltics road trip. There’s lots of interesting attractions in Riga, both in the old city and along its modern neighbourhoods.

Riga’s Old City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of Art Nouveau buildings and cobbled streets that delights visitors. When exploring it make sure to visit the Town Hall Square, paying especial attention to the House of the Black Heads. The Dome Cathedral, Power Tower, and Central Market are also Riga must see spots. Beyond the old town, the city hosts highlights such as the Nativity of Christ cathedral, the Latvian Academy of Sciences, and the Latvian National Opera.

Additionally, Riga is home to interesting museums such as the KGB Building and the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia. Travellers will also enjoy relaxing at Bastejkalns Park or taking a scenic sunset cruise by the river. There’s lots of great things to do in Riga Latvia and this post recaps them so you can tailor your ideal Riga itinerary.

Any further questions on what to do in Riga? Leave a comment below or reach out through my Instagram and/or Tiktok pages. Have a wonderful trip to Riga!