10 Great Things to do in Riga

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Riga: The Venice of the Baltics

With cute winding streets and plenty of waterfront, it's no wonder why some people have dubbed this the Venice of the Baltics. Riga is a treat for the eye, rain or shine, and is slowly attracting more attention through the years. So here are some things to do in the city.

Nativity Church

10. Riga Church: built in the Romanesque and early Gothic and Baroque style, this church is very different than the others in the city. Its size is impressive and the square in front is lively with plenty of cafes and activities. This medieval church is worth the stop.

9. Nativity Cathedral: this orthodox cathedral is absolutely beautiful with its gold domes. Standing alone in a park, this cathedral appears to be huge. The inside is even more beautiful than the outside, with beautiful paintings covering the entire cathedral.

Powder Tower

8. Riga Ghetto Museum: this museum tells the story of a very dark period in history. While many consider the museum to be run down, it is an important visit to understand the city's past. This museum shows what life was like for so many Latvia Jews and explains the events of the Holocaust.

7. Powder Tower: originally part of the defense of the old city, this tower has since been reconstructed. In the middle of the old town, this tower has a great view of the city. It even houses part of the Latvia War Museum. 

Three Brothers

6. Riga Castle: near the waterfront is the neoclassical castle, built in the 14th Century. Inside houses the presidential apartments but also a history museum. Whether you want to check out some history or admire this castle, there are plenty of things to see here.

5. Three Brothers: this set of three houses attacks a lot of people because they are the oldest houses in the city. Built in a beautiful style, it is nice to see what the architecture of the city was originally like and the work taken to maintain that original style.

St Peter's Church

4. Museum of the Occupation of Latvia: this tells a very important story that should not be forgotten. Latvia was one of the countries that suffered the worst under Nazi occupation. Right in the center of the city, this huge building and museum is a reminder of what happened so that we do not allow it to happen again.

Streets of Riga

3. St. Peter's Church: the spiraled steeple of this church can be seen all over the city. Dating back to the 15th Century, this beautiful church is the most popular in the city. You can even go to the top for some great views of the city!

House of Blackheads

2. House of the Blackheads: this beautiful property right in the city center is currently the house of the President. Tours are available to go and visit part of the old building. The house was originally built in the 14th Century but was reconstructed after World War II to repair damages.

Streets of Riga

1. Bastejkalna Park: this wonderful park in the city center just along a canal is a wonderful place for a stroll or a picnic. The park is packed with locals on a warm summer day, and the winding paths are very inviting. Each turn leads you to a new beauty of the small park.

Bastejkalna Park