Location: Riga
Top Things to do in Riga
Top 10 Things to do in Riga, Latvia
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. Riga Motormuseum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 332 reviews
The renovated Riga Motor Museum opened its doors to visitors on the 2nd of July, 2016. At the Museum you can view the largest and most diverse vintage motor vehicle collection in the Baltics, exhibiting more than a 100 unique automobiles and motorcycles. Our exposition is a thrilling and interactive tale of unique cars, notable people and historic events. The authentic motor vehicles are complimented by touchscreen monitors, operable models, videos, interactive exhibits, virtual reality and other information provided by modern technology; making the museum visit into an exciting and insightful adventure. For Riga Motor Museum visitors to feel comfortable, and to have a valuable and productive visit even on an entire day’s visit, we offer a range of additional services - interactive activities in the children's play area, exploratory guided tours, a museum cafe, gift shop and free parking.
Reviewed By mWrite - Helsinki, Finland
This excellent museum is located outside of the city. You can reach place with public transportation or by taxi.
Museum consists three floors and most of the place you get with a guide, but we were a group.
In the basement you have cars dedicated to Latvia, most interesting in virtual bus ride in a Soviet time bus. Drivers speak is dubbed in English also and gives a realistic glimpse to Soviet time bus ride at country side. There are also several rarities.
On the ground floor there are cars from 1920-30's most interesting were two cars, basically same two cars, other one original and second repaired at Soviet times with available parts. You can imagine, that the BMW parts were not available.
Top floor has more modern cars, including donations like Stalin's armoured car and Brezhnev crashed Rolls Royce.
As a modern part, you have also interactive, you can have yourself integrated into Soviet parade and get your picture emailed to you, for free.
Summary: I highly recommend this time travel.
2. Jugenda Stila Nami
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 348 reviews
Reviewed By Bernardo F - New York City, New York
So many beautiful old historical buildings to see in this neighborhood. Fantastic examples of architecture. Great walking and sights.
3. Old City Riga (Vecriga)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 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 lsweetl - Stockholm, Sweden
Should be a good weather for walking. Check internet for free excursions. Coz you will be able to learn so many little things and myth about old town. Something similar to Gamla stan in Stockholm, Sweden just 10 times smaller. On the pictures: three brothers and St. Peter church
4. Alberta Iela
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Bruce M - Sydney, Australia
Our free walking cultural tour guide took us down Alberta leta and it contains around 4 different styles within a very small area.
Take the Free Walking Cultural Tour to get a full and detailed explanation of the styles and history behind the architects who dreamed up the buildings in the area which would otherwise have been lost to us as casual visitors
5. Mezaparks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 226 reviews
Reviewed By Sami V
We visited Mezaparks mostly because of geocaches hidden in the park. I had a false impression that Mezaparks would be more like a park, but it was more like a forest... Geocaches are average level, some harder to find due to inaccurate coordinates, some found easily. We did not visit Zoo, so it does not affect to my review.
6. Zanis Lipke Memorial
Overall Ratings
5 based on 117 reviews
Reviewed By NicLeeds - Leeds
It's well worth seeking out the Žanis Lipke Memorial on Ķīpsala island on the left bank of the Daugava river. It's a small museum housed in a simple, yet striking, wooden structure, designed by a prominent local architect. It's particularly poignant, as it's built in the grounds of Žanis Lipke's former home, where he and his wife, Johanna, sheltered people from Riga's Jewish Ghetto during WWII, in a bunker in their garden. Entry to the museum is free (donations understandably welcome) and audioguides in several languages are available. Interior lighting is very subdued to evoke the atmosphere of life in the bunker. Each display case is linked to the audioguide commentary. I found the museum to be a moving and thought-provoking experience, not least because I had also visited the Riga Ghetto & Latvian Holocaust Museum earlier that day. A fitting tribute to Žanis & Johanna Lipke and a timely reminder that, despite the many problems in the world, past and present, there were and are many good people, who devote their lives to helping others.
7. Jauniela
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 198 reviews
Reviewed By lonewolf44 - London, United Kingdom
This street winds through the Old Town and is a good hub from which to explore the Old Town's intriguing buildings, museums, galleries, shops and churches.
8. Vermanes Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 389 reviews
Reviewed By theresalwaysone - Lyme Regis, United Kingdom
Following the water along wandering paths is a delight - even in winter the Gardens were teaming with gardeners removing leaves from paths and keeping everything in perfect order. It is a delightful way to walk into parts of the town, serene, quiet and well cared for.
9. Latvian National Opera
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 527 reviews
Reviewed By Ole G
The opera is very nicely built - the acoustics were phantastic and the ornaments, equipment and style make you feel going back in time!! Drinks and food for breaks are served in a stylish room underneath the main hall.
We watched Carmen - definitively an experience we will aim to repeat...
10. Nativity of Christ Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 462 reviews
Reviewed By DavidMay1945 - Montrose, United Kingdom
This orthodox Cathedral is not only worth visit it is so photogenic from the outside,and quite beautiful even from a distance. Inside the building are amazing frescos, candelabras and ceiling. it is free to enter and the only downside is that photography is not allowed inside,
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