Riga! The capital city of Latvia – you’ve made it. Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. With so much to see and do, the city of Riga is slowly becoming one of the most popular destinations for a city break. Admittedly not as busy as the neighboring city of Stockholm, but most definitely just as exciting, Riga boasts a multitude of fantastic things to see and do. Complete with its own world-famous old town that exhibits incredible Hanseatic and Art Nouveau architecture, the city is rich in architectural beauty. Not only this, Riga is known for its extensive history, stretching from the Middle Ages to the arguably still apparent specters of the Soviet Union.
Riga sits at the mouth of the Daugava River, where it meets the Baltic Sea, and is actually the largest city in the three Baltic States. With a lot of lands to cover and a myriad of fantastic things to do, it can be hard to whittle it down! So, if you’re looking to start planning your Latvian adventure, you’re in the right place. Listed below are this author’s top eight things to do in the capital city of Latvia. Have a read and start getting excited!
Admire the View from St Peter’s Church
There is a multitude of churches and even a few cathedrals in the city of Riga. But, if you want this author’s opinion, St Peter’s Church is the one you want to visit! The views from its magnificent spire are truly breathtaking. I’m talking unmatched, panoramic views of the beautiful city below. Choose from taking a flight of stairs or the lift to the very top and get ready to admire Riga from one of its highest points! Look on in awe at the red rooves and quaint cobbled streets of the Old Town, and gaze at vibrantly blue waters of the Daugava river that so elegantly separates the right and left banks of the city. For the very best views, make sure to explore St Peter’s Church and its wonderful spire on a cloudless, sunny day. You won’t be disappointed! Plus, on your way back down, why not explore the church’s interior? St Peter’s Church very often holds temporary art exhibitions, displaying some wonderful pieces of world art.
Location: Reformācijas laukums 1, Centra Rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia
Explore the Art Nouveau District
Just to the north of Riga’s Old Town lies the fascinating Art Nouveau district. Here, the traditional red brick and grey stone of the Old Town are replaced by colorful and tall nineteenth-century buildings, decorated with wonderful sculptured details, predominantly of Classical influence.
They are truly awe-inspiring! The Art Nouveau district is both centrally located and large in size, making for an excellent location for starting your Latvian journey or even just taking a leisurely stroll. There is so much to see and do, so the area can sometimes be a little crowded with tourists! So, if you’re wanting to avoid the crowds, make sure to arrive early. The heart of the Art Nouveau district is Albert Street – a road full to the brim of architectural beauty. It is also the location of the Art Nouveau Museum, which boasts one of the most impressive staircases in all of Europe.
Location: Alberta iela 13, Centra Rajons, Rīga, LV-1010, Latvia
Discover Riga’s Nightlife
Your trip to Riga demands a trip out on the town to experience its infamous nightlife! Complete with both friendly tourists and locals, a huge choice of bars and nightclubs, and more than fair prices, Riga has been put on the map as a fantastic European party destination. If you’re not sure where to start, or even if you’re just wanting to experience as many venues as you possibly can, many of the local hostels organize bar crawls across the city.
For instance, the local hostel named ‘Naughty Squirrel’ provides this service. Whether you’re a party animal looking for a super loud venue or simply wanting to sit down for a drink, there is a venue for you to enjoy in Riga! Why not try your hand at karaoke at the ‘Rock Cafe’? Or, have a sit-down drink at ‘I Love You’ or ‘Chomsky’? Fancy a dance? Head to one of the many clubs! Great examples are ‘Nabaklab’ and ‘ONE ONE’.
Taste Test Riga’s Black Balsam
When in Riga you simply must have a taste of their most traditional drink! So, what is this mysterious beverage? Riga’s traditional drink consists of a liquor that in itself is made up of vodka and a multitude of different types of plants. It is named ‘Riga Black Balsam’. The drink itself is sometimes described as possessing a medicinal taste, with legend stating that when Russian Empress Catherine II became ill whilst visiting Latvia, only Riga Black Balsam would relieve her symptoms.
Though the truthfulness of this tale is unlikely, it remains true that a trip to Riga is incomplete without experiencing this fantastically unique beverage. What’s more, it’s everywhere! You can find Riga Black Balsam in restaurants, bars, and shops not only across the city but across the entire country. Drink it on its own or pair it with some other ingredients to fashion a quirky cocktail. Though, be warned! Riga Black Balsam is very strong and not for the faint-hearted.
Go Shopping at the Riga Central Market
With so much architectural beauty, the Riga Central Market is worth visiting for its fabulous buildings alone. That is, five wonderful pavilions built upon old German Zeppelin hangars that have been constructed in Art Nouveau style. Truly awe-inspiring! But despite how long you could spend admiring its magnificent structure, there is so much more to discover and see at Riga Central Market.
The market is the largest in Europe with stall upon stalls of souvenirs, Latvian cuisines, and unexpected treasures. Not only is Riga Central Market a fantastic location for tourists, but it is also very popular amongst locals. Providing a real place of trade for Latvians, many locals buy their everyday products from Riga Central Market, providing a sense of authenticity.
Location: Nēģu iela 7, Latgales priekšpilsēta, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia
Discover the Kalnciema Quarter
Riga’s Kalnciema Quarter exists as a magnificent ensemble of nineteenth-century buildings, sitting quietly just half an hour out of the center of the city. There is so much here to discover! Venture through both open-air and inside concerts, experiencing wonderful music performed by local and international musicians. Not only this, the area boasts a multitude of other wonderful things to see and do! Choose from a trip to one of the many outdoor markets, the breathtaking art exhibitions, or entertaining movie nights.
There always seems to be something happening in Kalnciema Quarter, so it’s a great place to start if you’re stuck for things to do! The very best time to visit the area is between the months of April and September when the sun is shining and the open-air events are in full swing. Plus, with an impressive array of restaurants and bars, Kalnciema Quarter makes a fantastic place to sit and have a nice meal or a glass or two of wine. Location: Kalnciema Iela 35, Zemgales priekšpilsēta, Rīga, LV-1046, Latvia
Explore the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia
Standing beside some of Riga’s most famous architectural landmarks is the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia. If you are struggling to find the museum, remember, that it stands out as a large, black, modern building! The Museum of the Occupation of Latvia recalls the period dating from 1940 to 1991 when the country of Latvia was occupied by Soviet Russia, then Nazi Germany, and then once again by Soviet Russia.
In light of this, the Musem of the Occupation of Latvia is described as a ‘’haunting memorial’ to the victims of Soviet repression and the Holocaust. Exploring this museum is a truly eye-opening experience and is one that this author recommends all visitors take. Not only will you feel your mind-expanding, but you will also begin to understand the emotional history of Latvia and feel more so connected to the fascinating country in which you stand.
Location: Raiņa bulvāris 7, Centra Rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia
Take a Day Trip to Jūrmala
Just half an hour from the city of Riga lies the stunning seaside resort of Jūrmala. Jūrmala has existed as a fantastic choice destination for Eastern European holidaymakers for well over a century! In fact, some of the highest-ranking Communist officials often used to relax there. So, you can imagine how wonderful the resort is.
There is so much to see and do here, but the main attraction is of course the Jūrmala beach! Over thirty-three kilometers in length and covered in white sand, the beach is truly beautiful. As well as the sea and sand, there are many green spaces to choose from. Why not go for a picnic in the stunning Dzintari Forrest Park and admire the Art Nouveau style, wooden architecture. To get to Jūrmala, take a short train from Riga Train Station and get ready for a relaxing beach day, surrounded by natural beauty.
Location: Jūrmala, Latvia
