Riga has become the most popular stag party destination for Brits, thanks to cheap flights, affordable booze and famously beautiful women.
But even if you are heading to Riga for a stag party, it would be a crime not to explore its many other attractions. Discover why this capital city deserves its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as people come to the city for its inspiring Art Nouveau architecture, rich history and much more.
Whether you’re visiting Riga with friends, family, as a couple, or simply by yourself, this list offers a diverse range of things to see and do to ensure you get the most of your time in this beautiful city.
1. Vecriga – The historical centre
Any visit to Riga should begin in Vecriga, the city’s historical centre. Home to an oasis of colourful buildings that will take you on a journey through time, back to the days of Baroque, Gothic and Art Nouveau architecture. There’s no better way to explore the cobblestone streets and charming old houses than by foot. Keep an eye out for the Riga Cathedral and St. Peter’s Church that both dominate the skyline. Vecriga possesses a beauty all of its own, rightfully earning its place on UNESCO’s World Heritage list in 1997.
2. Admire architectural designs on Alberta Street
Riga is a mecca for Art Nouveau lovers with over 800 buildings of this style on its doorstep. It has the highest concentration of Art Nouveau architecture anywhere in the world. One of the city’s most prolific art architects of this style was Mikhail Eisenstein (1867 – 1921). He is best known for his collection of buildings on Alberta street famous for its mythical sculptures, fanciful tiles and geometric ornaments.
See this complete guide of where to see the best Art Nouveau architecture in Riga.
3. Art Nouveau Museum
Left wanting to know more about Art Nouveau after your stroll around Alberta street? I have just the place for you: the Art Nouveau Museum. Conveniently located at one end of Alberta street, it was once the residence of a famous Latvian architect Konstantīns Pēkšēns, he designed the entire building from top to bottom as well as a mere 250 other buildings around the city.
Every single room has been renovated and preserved, showcasing a unique collection of furniture and kitchen appliances that date back to the 1900s. However, the showstopper is the stunning spiral staircase, complete with ornamental ceiling paintings.
Opening hours: 10 am to 6 pm – Tue to Sun
Admission: €5 adults, €3 students and seniors
4. Three Brothers
Perhaps only surpassed by the heavenly Hemsworth brothers, I don’t think there’s a prettier trio than these guys. Legend has it that the three houses were all built by descendants of the same family and present a striking timeline of architectural trends. The oldest house was built around 1490 and reflects Gothic and Dutch influences during the time when Riga was a magnet for Dutch traders.
The middle brother, arguably the grandest and most eye-catching one, was built in the mid-17th century. It, too, features Dutch influences and boasts intricate details including an engraving above the door that reads, “Soli Deo gloria!” (“Glory to God alone!” in Latin).
The youngest brother came along shortly after the middle one. It was built in the later half of the 17th century and is the thinnest of the trio. Its green facade is allegedly meant to be a mask to protect the property from evil spirits.
Today, the Three Brothers houses the Museum of Architecture where you will find original blueprints and archives belonging to other historical buildings in the city.
Opening hours: 9 am to 6 pm Mon, 9 am to 5 pm Tue to Thu, 9 am to 4 pm on Fri (Closed on weekends)
Admission: free
5. Climb the tower of St. Peter’s Church
St. Peter’s Church dominates the skyline so its no surprise you can find the best views of the city from the bell tower. Once you enjoy the views, don’t forget to take a look at the church which functions not only as a place of worship, but a classical concert venue and houses a decent exhibition of Latvian history with some stones from the original church which was destroyed in the war.
Opening times: See website for up-to-date opening times.
Admission: My only gripe with this attraction is that it comes along with a €9 price tag, but if your budget allows and its a sunny day, the views are worth it. €7 students, free for children under 7 years.
6. House of the Blackheads
Riga was once a haven for ships and merchants who traveled from the Baltic to the Black Sea. These merchants held their meetings and elaborate banquets in their Baroque style headquarters, also known as the House of the Blackheads. The building was erected in 1334 but it was sadly destroyed in World War II, and so Riga decided to rebuild it and make replicas of the original furniture and portraits that once graced its hallways.
The house now features a museum exhibition and also doubles as a concert venue and a tourist information centre with a 14th-century cellar that managed to survive the horrors of the war.
Opening hours: 11 am to 6 pm – Tue to Sun.
Admission: €6 adults, €3 students and concessions
7. Museum of the Occupation
Visiting the Museum of the Occupation is a sobering experience, but an important one. It teaches you more about Latvia during Nazi and Soviet rule and in doing so presents photographic evidence and recorded testimonies from war survivors to make the information more accessible and memorable.
Opening times: 11 am to 6 pm – Mon to Fri
Admission: Free
8. Riga Central Market
The best place to go for brunch or lunch – like in any capital city – is the Market and this one is huge, in fact it’s the largest market in Europe but, thankfully, no where near the busiest.
Originally used as military airship hangars, the building comprises of five huge pavilions that were transformed into the market you see today. Offering an assortment of tastes and culinary experiences, the possibilities are vast – try Latvian specialties like pelmeņi (dumplings), or if you’re after something a little sweet, get onto pancakes topped with berry jam – they’re super yummy!
Opening hours: Every day from 7 am to 6 pm
9. View from the Panorama Riga Observation Deck
Only a 5 minutes walk from Central Market is the Latvian Academy of Sciences that also features an observation deck. The building alone is a reason to check it out, dubbed ‘Stalin’s birthday cake’, its formidable appearance demands attention. I didn’t head up to the observation deck because I had visited St. Peter’s tower instead, but I hear this one is also great and access to the view comes in at €5.
10. Join a guided tour of Riga
© Reinis Hofmanis / Latvia.travel
To ensure you don’t miss a thing, join a guided walking tour of Riga where your guide’s expert knowledge brings the city to life through storytelling. Highlights include some of the best examples of Art Nouveau architecture, the Dome cathedral, Latvian Parliament and many other attractions.
11. Freedom Monument
This 42-metre tall granite and copper monument is a symbol of freedom and independence for the Latvian people. Latvia has a long history of being occupied by foreign powers so freedom is a particularly important value for Latvians. The monument pays tribute to the brave soldiers who died in the war and the main focal point is lady liberty who towers over all the other statues carrying three golden stars in her hands.
12. Latvian National Museum of Art
The building itself is a piece of art that fuses traditional architecture with contemporary design. After a 3-year renovation project, the museum re-opened to include a new underground block that consists of a glass floor that enables visitors to look at people exploring the art showcased underneath.
There is a huge collection of Latvian national art. It houses more than 52,000 works by the Latvian masters from the middle of the 18th century until the present time.
Opening hours: 10 am to 6 pm Tue – Sat
Admission: €6
13. Immerse yourself in nature at Mežaparks
Want to escape the city for a few hours? When Riga’s high society had enough of the hustle and bustle of the city in the early 20th century, they decided to build a garden city north of the centre where they could be at one with nature.
You can be as active or as lazy as you want – either rent a bike or rollerskates or you can just take a scenic stroll through the woodlands and laze around the lake. Take a picnic with you!
How to get there: No.11 tram from outside the Opera House (Approx £1 per journey) and it take approx. 25 – 30 mins.
14. Pauls Stradins Medicine History Museum
Into weird stuff? This is just the museum for you. Some of it is really like walking into the lab of a mad scientist – and it really makes you appreciate how far modern medicine has come. Expect to see quite anatomical oddities, spooky-looking medical equipment, and some really bizarre experiments done in the name of science that would have PETA protesting down the streets of Riga if they took place today.
The final room of the museum takes you on a journey through space discovery. Not all of it is about Soviet exploration, it delves a bit into America which seems natural since both parts of the world have been heavily involved in space discovery.
Opening hours: Tue to Sun, see website for up-to-date opening hours.
Admission: €2.50
15. Riga Nativity of Christ Cathedral
This is just outside of the Old Town not far from the Freedom Monument. It is such an incredible-looking Church and it feels like you could well be in Russia. Built between 1876 and 1883, this cathedral is spectacular from the outside as well as the inside (no photos allowed). It has a somewhat interesting history – when Latvia belonged to the Soviets, the cathedral was used as a planetarium and restaurant.
16. Traditional wooden houses & Saturday Market at Kalnciema Quarter
The traditional farmer and artisan market takes place throughout the year at Kalnciema Quarter – every Saturday, 10:00 – 16:00. Enjoy artisan bread (Zala Maize), all sorts of street food, a small art gallery, wine bar and handmade crafts. This corner of Riga also gives you an impression of how the city looked in the past when Latvian houses were made of wood (though the prettiest ones can be found in Jurmala mentioned below).
17. Trip to the beach
Pack your bikini or swimming trunks if you’re heading to Riga in the summer and hit the 12-km long beach of Jurmala. The fine-sand stretch of beach is backed by a pretty pine forest with various nature trails to enjoy after a spot of sunbathing. And don’t worry about food, one of the many restaurants and cafes in the area has got that sorted for you.
Alternatively, another cool beach is Vecaki Beach, it is more of a local hang-out but still has plenty of facilities.
Getting to Jurmala beach: From Riga train station hop on the train and you’ll be there within 35 minutes.
18. Eat like there’s no tomorrow
There are sooooo many good restaurants in Riga to suits all tastes and budgets. If you’re looking for traditional hearty Latvian food, book a reservation at Zviedru Varti located next to the Swedish Gate. Here you can try a variety of local dishes including, potato pancakes (Kartupeļu pankūkas), fish soup (Zivju zupa) and pork cooked in several ways.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for traditional food with a flare for presentation get yourself to the Michelin-recommend Milda. The porcini mushroom soup in a bread bowl is a must. You won’t regret it.
19. Enjoy a boat cruise along the River Daugava
With extravagant Art Nouveau buildings, manicured parks and distinct colourful houses, sightseeing from the water offers a wonderful angle from which to admire the city and take photos. You can book tickets here.
20. Hit the bars & clubs
When in Rome! There are many pubs, cafés, cocktail bars and a few clubs in the Old Town to keep you busy – but it all depends on whether you want to avoid a hangover!
How to get around Riga
Riga is a super walkable city, especially if you plan to stick to the main tourist areas. If you do want to venture a bit further out, you can make use of the public transportation system, which includes buses and trams. Single-use tickets can be bought straight from the driver.
Want to get the most out of sightseeing while exploring the city? Get tickets for the 48-hr Riga hop-on/hop-off bus.
