Listen up, because Riga totally caught me off guard! When I first wandered into the city center, I stood there with my mouth open, staring at the House of the Blackheads. Those black spires against the bright facade literally stopped me in my tracks, and the details get even wilder up close. This city seriously knows how to show off!
From the most beautiful places in Riga to the wild Art Nouveau district on Alberta Street (where the buildings have actual faces carved into them!), I couldn’t stop taking photos of everything. Trust me, when you’re standing at the top of St. Peter’s Church watching the sunset turn the whole city golden, you’ll understand why Latvia’s capital deserves way more attention than it gets. Let me show you 12 spots that’ll make you fall in love with Riga!
Best Things to Do in Riga
Looking for the coolest things to do in Riga? Visit the stunning Rundāle Palace, admire the unique architecture in the Art Nouveau District, and take a relaxing walk through Bastion Hill and Bastejkalna Park. Don’t forget to see the iconic Freedom Monument, a symbol of Latvia’s independence. Whether you’re into history, architecture, or nature, here are the top attractions to visit in Riga.
1. Rundāle Palace
- 🏆 Best For: Architecture enthusiasts 🏛️, garden lovers 🌹, history buffs 📜
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Magnificent Baroque architecture, meticulously maintained French formal gardens, opulent interior with original furnishings
- 📸 Top Experiences: Wandering through the Rose Garden, exploring the Duke’s apartments, admiring the ornate Gold Hall ceiling frescoes
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Rundāle – Charming country hotel just minutes from the palace grounds
Step into Latvia‘s own Versailles just 75km south of Riga! Rundāle Palace has royal vibes without the tourist crowds you’d find at better-known European castles.
I’ve never seen gardens as meticulously maintained as the French formal layouts here, especially the Rose Garden with its 2,400 varieties. Inside, 40 restored rooms display original furnishings and silk wallcoverings that transport you to Latvia’s aristocratic past.
Don’t miss the Grand Gallery and Gold Hall with their dazzling ceiling paintings. Located in the Zemgale region’s countryside, the palace offers a perfect day trip from the capital. Visit during summer when the gardens burst with color and fragrance.
2. Art Nouveau District
- 🏆 Best For: Architecture photographers 📸, design lovers 🎨, urban explorers 🏙️
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: World’s largest collection of Art Nouveau buildings, elaborate facades with mythological creatures, stunning decorative elements
- 📸 Top Experiences: Walking Alberta Street, visiting the Art Nouveau Museum, spotting fantastical architectural details
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Bergs – Luxury boutique hotel in a restored Art Nouveau building with modern amenities
Your Instagram followers will thank you after visiting Riga’s Art Nouveau District, boasting over 700 buildings adorned with screaming masks, mythological creatures, and flowing feminine forms.
Alberta Street serves as the district’s crown jewel. The buildings here reward those who remember to look up with stained glass windows and sculptural doorways. This open-air architectural museum sits just northeast of Old Town, easily accessible on foot.
Visit the Art Nouveau Museum on Alberta Street 12 for insight into period aesthetics. Every corner reveals new details that make this UNESCO World Heritage site a photographer’s dream. My favorite facades feature the hypnotic geometric patterns that seem to pulse with creative energy.
3. Bastion Hill
- 🏆 Best For: Romantic strollers 💑, history enthusiasts 🏰, sunset chasers 🌅
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Peaceful green oasis in the city center, historic fortification remnants, charming canal views
- 📸 Top Experiences: Crossing the romantic stone bridge, feeding the swans, enjoying panoramic views from the observation platform
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Grand Palace Hotel – Elegant luxury hotel within walking distance of the park
Couples seeking romantic spots will fall in love with Bastion Hill (Bastejkalns), a tranquil retreat in central Riga marking the boundary between Old Town and the Art Nouveau district.
The park’s centerpiece is its serene canal, where wooden boats glide under stone bridges during summer. Winding paths lead to moving monuments dedicated to those who died during Latvia’s 1991 independence struggle.
Cascading waterfalls create perfect spots for couples’ photos. The elevated vantage points provide stunning city vistas across the historic center. When I visited at sunset, the golden light bathed the trees and buildings in warm hues that transformed ordinary scenes into magical moments.
In winter, the snow-dusted landscape attracts locals who skate on the frozen canal.
4. Bastejkalna Park
- 🏆 Best For: Nature lovers 🌳, photographers 📷, peaceful retreats 🧘
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Meandering canals with willow-lined banks, sculptural elements, seasonal floral displays
- 📸 Top Experiences: Boat rides on the canal, visiting the Freedom Monument, relaxing by the ornamental ponds
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Radisson Blu Latvija – Contemporary hotel with panoramic views of the park and Old Town
Escape the urban hustle without leaving the city at Bastejkalna Park, a green corridor through central Riga where former fortifications have evolved into gentle slopes and flowing water.
The canal system hosts pleasure boats and resident swans that glide beneath graceful bridges. Sculptures by notable Latvian artists add cultural depth to the natural setting. Spring brings thousands of tulips in vibrant displays that I’ve found rival Holland’s famous gardens.
Summer evenings feature occasional outdoor concerts in hidden corners. The park connects the Freedom Monument with the National Opera and other landmarks. Located between Old Town and the embassy district, it’s perfectly positioned for a midday retreat from cobblestone streets.
5. Freedom Monument
- 🏆 Best For: Photography enthusiasts 📸, history devotees 🕰️, patriotic visitors 🇱🇻
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Symbolic Art Deco design, powerful representation of Latvian independence, changing of the guard ceremony
- 📸 Top Experiences: Watching the honor guard ceremony, examining the detailed bas-reliefs, visiting at sunset for dramatic lighting
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel – Modern accommodation with views of nearby Old Town and the monument area
Marvel at Latvia’s symbol of resilience – the Freedom Monument survived Soviet occupation completely intact! The copper statue soars 42 meters above Brīvības Boulevard in central Riga, with female Liberty holding three golden stars representing Latvia’s historical regions.
The granite base displays intricate bas-reliefs depicting Latvian culture and folklore. The hourly changing of the guard adds a solemn rhythm to this busy intersection. Located between Old Town and the Art Nouveau District, the monument serves as a central reference point for navigating the city.
For a moving experience, visit during Latvia’s Independence Day (November 18). Thousands gather to place flowers at the monument’s base, creating a sea of national colors. The adjacent Bastejkalna Park offers a green respite after viewing this patriotic landmark.
6. House of the Black Heads
- 🏆 Best For: Architecture admirers 🏛️, history buffs 📚, cultural explorers 🎭
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Stunning Dutch Renaissance facade, richly decorated interiors, fascinating merchant guild history
- 📸 Top Experiences: Attending a classical concert in the Celebration Hall, exploring the medieval cellar, admiring the astronomical clock
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Pullman Riga Old Town – Sophisticated hotel in a historic building near Town Hall Square
Party like a medieval merchant at the House of the Black Heads, showcasing one of Riga’s most ornate facades in Town Hall Square, the heart of Old Town.
The Brotherhood of Black Heads, unmarried German merchants, hosted lavish celebrations here that once entertained Russian tsars. Today’s visitors explore opulent halls filled with silver treasures and period furniture from Latvia’s golden age of commerce.
The astronomical clock and Roland’s statue guard the entrance. Located just steps from the Daugava River waterfront, this landmark anchors Old Riga’s historical center. I recommend attending a classical concert in the Celebration Hall for unforgettable acoustics beneath glittering chandeliers that have witnessed centuries of Baltic history.
7. Kronvalda Park
- 🏆 Best For: Nature lovers 🌳, families 👨👩👧👦, picnic enthusiasts 🧺
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Serene green oasis in the heart of Riga, picturesque canal views, colorful seasonal flower displays
- 📸 Top Experiences: Strolling along the romantic canal paths, visiting the fountain garden, enjoying open-air concerts in summer
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Bergs – Luxurious boutique hotel within walking distance of the park
Urban adventurers with nature cravings will adore Kronvalda Park, a refreshing sanctuary along the historic City Canal just northeast of Riga’s center.
This 19th-century green space captivates with winding paths past the impressive Latvian Riflemen Memorial and the park’s namesake statue. The meticulously designed flower gardens showcase vibrant spring blooms that create perfect backdrops for travel photos.
Families flock to the playgrounds while couples row boats on the gentle canal waters. Located between the Old Town and the Art Nouveau district, it’s perfectly positioned for a midday retreat. When my feet needed a break from cobblestones, this verdant haven provided the perfect respite.
The nearby Esplanade Park connects seamlessly, creating a green corridor through central Riga.
8. Old Town of Riga
- 🏆 Best For: History buffs 📜, architecture enthusiasts 🏛️, café hoppers ☕
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: UNESCO-protected medieval streets, colorful Art Nouveau buildings, Gothic spires punctuating the skyline
- 📸 Top Experiences: Photographing the iconic House of the Blackheads, exploring St. Peter’s Church tower views, wandering cobblestone lanes
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Grand Palace Hotel – Elegant luxury hotel in a historic building in the heart of Old Town
Time-travel through 800 years of Baltic history in Riga’s Old Town, nestled along the eastern bank of the Daugava River. This UNESCO treasure showcases an architectural timeline from Gothic to Baroque within its ancient city walls.
The magnificent House of the Blackheads dominates the cobblestone expanse of Town Hall Square. Nearby, St. Peter’s Church offers the best city views from its towering spire. Walking these narrow streets reveal hidden courtyards housing artisan workshops selling Baltic amber that I’ve found to be more affordable than in other European capitals.
Find your way to Livu Square for outdoor dining or explore the Three Brothers – the oldest medieval dwelling houses in Riga. The district sits between the central railway station and the river, making it easy to navigate on foot.
9. Riga Cathedral
- 🏆 Best For: Sacred architecture admirers 🏛️, music lovers 🎵, cultural explorers 🔍
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Striking Gothic architecture, one of the world’s largest pipe organs, serene cloister gardens
- 📸 Top Experiences: Attending a pipe organ concert, exploring the medieval cloisters, admiring stained glass windows and religious art
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel – Modern hotel with spa facilities and cathedral views
Music lovers will be awestruck by Riga Cathedral, standing proud in the center of Old Town near Dome Square, housing one of the world’s most magnificent pipe organs with 6,768 pipes creating harmonies since 1884.
Founded in 1211, this Baltic giant combines Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque elements that reflect Latvia’s complex spiritual journey. The cathedral’s peaceful Cloister Gallery now showcases medieval stone carvings and hosts rotating art exhibitions.
Situated just 200 meters from the Daugava River, the cathedral’s 90-meter spire serves as a natural orientation point. The surrounding Cathedral Garden offers shady benches perfect for resting weary feet. The soul-stirring organ performances at noon on Wednesdays and Fridays left me speechless with their resonant power.
10. Riga Town Hall Square
- 🏆 Best For: Photography enthusiasts 📸, history lovers 🕰️, market browsers 🛍️
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Colorful reconstructed facades, vibrant atmosphere, blend of historic and modern Riga
- 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting the striking Black Cat House, enjoying seasonal outdoor markets, relaxing at open-air cafés
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Neiburgs Hotel – Boutique art nouveau hotel with spacious suites near the square
Discover where medieval merchants once haggled at Town Hall Square, the geographic center of Old Riga, where city life has pulsed since the 13th century.
Look for the curious Black Cat House with its feline sculptures positioned defiantly toward the Great Guild Hall – a testament to a centuries-old dispute between merchants. The square comes alive during summer festivals with local folk dancers performing in traditional costumes that I found mesmerizing in their detailed craftsmanship.
Just steps from the Daugava embankment and a five-minute walk from Riga Central Market, the square makes an ideal starting point for city exploration. Don’t miss Rozengrāls, a medieval-themed restaurant housed in a 13th-century wine cellar beneath the square, serving authentic Latvian cuisine by candlelight.
11. Riga Zoo
- 🏆 Best For: Wildlife enthusiasts 🦁, families with children 👨👩👧, animal photographers 📷
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Natural habitats for diverse species, lush wooded setting, unique tropical house exhibits
- 📸 Top Experiences: Observing flamingos at the lake, visiting the giraffe house, exploring the Latvian forest animal area
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Riga Islande Hotel – Family-friendly hotel with easy access to the zoo
Animal lovers rejoice at Northern Europe’s oldest zoo! Riga Zoo, established in 1912, sits in the peaceful Mežaparks district, just 5 kilometers northeast of the city center.
Home to over 4,000 animals across nearly 500 species, this historic institution balances conservation with education. The Tropical House buzzes with free-flying butterflies, while the Hippo House features underwater viewing windows. My favorite spot is the Flamingo Lagoon, where elegant pink birds create stunning reflections in the water.
The zoo’s location within Mežaparks means you can easily combine your visit with the nearby Lake Ķīšezers for a full day of outdoor activities. Take tram #11 from downtown for the most scenic approach. Pack a picnic or stop at the Tiger Restaurant within the zoo grounds.
12. Venta Rapid Waterfall
- 🏆 Best For: Nature enthusiasts 🌿, anglers 🎣, folklore fans 🧚♀️
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Europe’s widest waterfall, spectacular flying fish migrations, pristine Kurzeme countryside
- 📸 Top Experiences: Watching fish jumping upstream during migration, photographing the wide cascade, exploring the surrounding nature trails
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Metropole Kuldīga – Charming hotel in nearby historic Kuldīga town
Adventure beyond Riga to witness Europe’s widest waterfall! Venta Rapid (Ventas Rumba) stretches an astonishing 249 meters across the Venta River in western Latvia’s Kurzeme region.
Located near the picturesque town of Kuldīga, about 150km west of Riga, this natural wonder delivers a breathtaking spectacle. Spring brings magical moments as vimba fish attempt gravity-defying jumps upstream. The nearby Old Brick Bridge, one of Europe’s longest, offers perfect views of both the rapids and Kuldīga’s red-roofed skyline.
I’ve spotted kingfishers diving for prey amid the churning waters on morning visits. Just 800 meters downstream, explore Kuldīga’s Medieval Center with its perfectly preserved wooden buildings. For adventurous souls, Riežupe Sand Caves lie just 5km away, offering Europe’s longest underground labyrinth of hand-carved sandstone tunnels.
