Location: Riga
Top Things to do in Riga
Top 10 Free Things to do in Riga, Riga Region
The Latvian capital, the largest city in the Baltics, is a fascinating mixture of proud Latvian tradition and influences of the various countries that have occupied it. Independent once again since 1991, Riga's Art Nouveau center has won it UNESCO World Heritage Site designation. Opened up to mass tourism with the advent of budget air travel, Riga's Old City and its abundance of bars and restaurants can be explored on foot. The New Town is easily reached by an efficient and modern bus and tram network.
Restaurants in Riga
1. Shoe & Clothing Outlet Cetras Zoles
2. House of the Black Heads
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,780 reviews
Closed for Covid-19 at the moment. On the last Saturday of month - join open FREE guided tour at 13:00 on English! Get the 1h tour with guide for free, pay only the entrance fee! Pre-reservation is necessary on website or by e-mail. It is one of the most beautiful buildings in Riga, with a unique legacy of the Black Heads brotherhood that was established here at the end of the 14th century, along with the existing merchants’ guild. The young and joyful foreign merchants united in the brotherhood organized splendid events, later becoming honorable members of the local community. As time passed the house began to host visits of foreign kings and other noble guests and continues to fulfill this task up to today – concerts, balls, gala dinners and diplomatic receptions are frequently organized here. Now every visitor has the chance to explore the exhibition about the history and economic development of Riga City.
Reviewed By Nitvoyodelo - Vineland, United States
The original building was from the 13-14th Century. It was the home of a guild called the Black Heads, merchants, ship owners and foreigners in Riga. The building sustained damage during WWII and later rebuilt, after the fall of Communism.
3. Riga Town Hall Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,030 reviews
Reviewed By malcolmc998 - St. Neots, United Kingdom
Well worth a visit to The House of Blackheads which has an intriguing history going back hundreds of years, plus Workd War2 and the Russian occupation
4. Old City Riga (Vecriga)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,115 reviews
This charming maze of narrow and crooked cobblestone streets is filled with a mixture of architectural styles including Nordic, Gothic, Renaissance, baroque and Jugendstil, plus such historic sites as the 13th-century Riga Castle, St. Peter's Church, the Swedish Gate and the Freedom Monument.
Reviewed By 591raye - Tilburg, The Netherlands
Visited Riga for a long weekend without any expectations. Now I’m convinced, it’s one of the greatest cities with a great architecture, a great atmosphere and just a great ambiance???????? Discover the different squares with a lot of restaurants and bars with live music. Look at the street artists making art with fire , the opera singer , the street music bands and so on.
5. Central Market (Centraltirgus)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,386 reviews
Reviewed By bignbald - Northampton, United Kingdom
Would highly recommend going to the markets it’s awesome Great fruit and veg Fantastic cheeses ( buffalo / mozzarella) Fantastic meats ( all types) Awesome fish displays beluga included As much amber as you could ever want to see Traders are friendly Oh and for goods sake buy some honey ???? Medus? It’s one of the best tasting honeys in the world 5/5 Earlier the better 8am onwards
6. Jauniela
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 305 reviews
Reviewed By Coryy20 - Port of Spain, Caribbean
Jauniela is for sure a very lively street with its winding cobblestone street. This are can lead you into other streets. The street is narrow and I must advice to leave the uncomfortable high heels at home. Please wear comfy cushioned shoes for these roads. Jauniela has lots of charm and many people seem to love this street as well. It just has a lot of charm about it.
7. Bastejkalna Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 530 reviews
Reviewed By vilnisk - Riga, Latvia
Beautifull park next to old town, freedom monument and many other places to see, so it yould be next to impossible to miss it, but it is highly recomended not to rush trough it, but take some time to look around and enjoy the beauty around you. In summer there are some docks where you can take boat trips trough the canal and Daugava river.
8. Riga Ghetto and Latvian Holocaust Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 433 reviews
Reviewed By jocS2773QA - London, United Kingdom
A moving and very personal tribute to those who lost their lives in the holocaust. It is suitable for younger children as the photographs are not too graphic, unlike some of the exhibitions I have visited which are, understandably, very harrowing. It was useful to be able to teach our children about this tragic period and reflect upon it ourselves without completely traumatising them. We met the Rabbi responsible for setting up the museum which made the whole experience even more worth while.
9. National Library of Latvia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 502 reviews
The National Library of Latvia (NLL) is a cultural, scientific and educational centre of national significance. The NNL's mission is to build and maintain a repository of national and world literature, the core of the 4 million items in the massive NLL collection comprises latvian and foreign publications about Latvia and Latvians. The NLL building - Gaismas pils - named after the Castle of Light in a legendary Latvian tale - was opened to the public in 2014. It was designed by world-renowned Latvian-born architect Gunnar Birkerts (USA).
Reviewed By beatrizm115 - Dortmund, Germany
This building is worth checking if you are in Riga. From the Old Town you just have to cross the bridge, basically. It was a struggle because of the wind coming directly from the sides but I managed it. Honestly I did not go to the different floors and instead focused on taking pictures from outside and also inside from the ground floor. Good if it is cold, there are many couches on the ground floor and you can just sit there or work there. So practical.
10. Pilsetas kanals
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 543 reviews
Reviewed By AUSLion - London, United Kingdom
A short walk from the Riga Old Town, a great spot to wander along the canal, explore the bridges and the park.
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