Riga Destination Guide

The Monument of Freedom has a special place in the hearts and minds of all Latvians. Originally paid for and built, in 1935, by the citizens of Riga, the Freedom Monument somehow survived four decades of Soviet rule, plus a brief German occupation.

This symbol of freedom was built under a design of a well-known Latvian sculptor Karlis Zale and an architect E.J. Stalbergs.

The Monument is decorated with thirteen allegoric and historical sculptures, portraying images of defenders of the Motherland, labour, family and culture. On the spike of the monument you can see a figure of Milda - a woman, who embodies the freedom. Milda holds three stars aloft, which symbolise the unity of three historically developed regions of Latvia - Vidzeme, Kurzeme and Latgale. An inscription - To Motherland and Freedom - is engraved in the centre of the Monument.

It has recently undergone a major facelift, and, as the tallest monument of its kind in Europe, is quite impressive in both its size and poignancy. The monument neatly divides the Old Town from the New Town, and serves as a place for different meetings and celebrations.

Location: Brivibas Iela and Raina bulvaris

St. Peter’s Church is one of the most significant examples of Gothic architecture in Riga as well as in all Baltic states. First mentioned in 1209, St. Peter’s Church was dedicated to Saint Peter, the patron of Riga. It was built on money of the magistracy on a purpose to serve the citizens of Riga. A wooden church originally stood on the site, which was replaced by the current one in 1408.

The tower of St. Peter’s church was destroyed and rebuilt several times. After the last destruction on St. Peter’s day in 1941 nearly nothing was left. In 1954 reconstruction work began and in 1984 the restoration of the interior was completed.

Today both locals and travellers are welcomed to enjoy this masterpiece as a church and a concert and exhibition hall. A lift takes visitors up to the top of the steel spire and an observation gallery, which offers fantastic views of Riga. This is a good place to start you City Walking Tour.

Location: Skarnu street 19
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00.
Admission: Free to visit the church. The tower: 3 Ls/adults, 2 Ls/students and disabled persons, 1 Ls/children. Photo exhibition: 1 Ls/adults, 0, 50 Ls/children
 

Riga is well known for its German-style Art Nouveau architecture throughout the city, especially in the New Town. Being spared from the same amount of World War II destruction as many German cities, Riga has been allowed to retain much of its pre-war architecture, and is probably the best city in all of Europe to witness Art Nouveau buildings. Elizabetes Street is a good starting point, but the best advice is simply to wander the streets of the New Town with your eyes pointed upwards. We truly recommend you to visit Alberta Street and enjoy the enchantment of it.

In this district you can also find various restaurants and cafes beloved by locals. Wonderful dishes and friendly atmosphere is what you will get here! Restaurant Rossini and The Flying Frog cafe are the ones we are proud to recommend.

With stalls, workshops and various feasts the Town Hall Square used to be the centre of public life during The Middle Ages.

Historians consider that initially it was a market place, but after expansion of the city in 1211 the Town Hall square was formed here. From the balcony of the Town Hall municipal orders used to be read out. Punishments were executed and pageants used to be arranged here as well.

During World War II the luxurious development of Town Hall Square was completely destroyed. Thanks to grand reconstruction works in this century the main buildings - the Town Hall and Blackheads House - have been restored. In the centre of the square you can see a figure of Roland which is a symbol of judicial power, freedom and independence of many European cities.

The Blackheads House built in 1344, is a stunning example of gothic architecture. The original house was the headquarters of unmarried local merchants, known as the Blackheads. The house possesses both a 28 metre gable, rising majestically above the square, and an impressive hall.

Location: Ratslaukums 7
Tel: +37167044300
Opening hours of Blackheads House: Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00 (01.05 - 30.09) and Tue-Sun 11:00 - 17:00 (01.10 - 30.04)
Admission: Adults - 2 Ls, Children, students - 1 Ls

The magnificent building of the Latvian National Opera dates back to 1860. At the beginning it served for needs of the German Theatre, but in 1919 Latvian performers started to act here.

The main facade of Latvian National Opera building is constructed in the style of Classicism, but during the reconstruction works in 1995 an authentic baroque interior was restored.

The best time to see the Opera building is the night time when illumination are turned on and a majestic ambiance of the building highlights.

In front of the Opera House you can find a beautiful park which was laid in 1881. The fountain of Nymph designed by sculptor August Volz was put here in 1887.

While visiting concerts and ballet performances staged in Latvia National Opera, you can explore the fortune of Latvia culture and intelligence.

Location: Aspazijas Blv. 3
Tel. +37167073777
Tickets purchased on website www.opera.lv

In a fittingly Communist-era building is housed the excellent Occupation Museum of Latvia. Detailing events of Latvia's recent history, from the World War II occupations of both the Nazis and Soviets through to the events of independence in 1991, the museum is definitely worth a visit, in order to gain a clearer understanding of Latvia. A controversial statue of a Latvian rifleman stands outside the museum.

Location:  Strelnieku laukums 1
Tel: +37167212715
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 11:00-17:00 (Jan – Apr and Oct - Dec); Tue-Sun 11:00 – 18:00 (May – Sep)
Admission: Free - voluntary donation

Pulvertornis (The Powder Tower) initially called as Smilsu Tornis (Sand Tower) is the only completely preserved watchtower in Old Riga. It concluded the main land road, which led to the city in the Middle Ages. The tower got its present name after gunpowder was stored here in 17th century.

Today the tower is a home of Latvia War Museum which is one of the most interesting and controversial museums in Riga. It features displays of various wars that Latvia has found itself embroiled in, including the War of Liberation (1918-1920) and World War II. Controversy surrounds the section on the Latvian volunteers who served with the German Waffen SS during World War II. Their role in the atrocities committed during WWII has been the source of much debate.


Location: Smilsu 20
Tel: 722 8147.
Opening hours: Wed-Sun 10:00-18:00 (Apr – Sep) and Wed-Sun 10:00-17:00 (Oct – Mar)
Admission: Free

Riga Castle was established in 1330 as the residence of the Livonian Order. Originally it was a three-story fortress with an inside yard and four towers. In the 15th century the castle was destroyed by Rigans. Afterwards it was restored by them during 1491–1515.

Meeting different powers Riga Castle has had various owners. Due to that the castle has been rebuilt for several times changing the construction at the discretion of particular owner.

Nowadays Riga Castle is the residence of the president of Latvia. Here you can also find the Museum of Foreign Art, the Museum of Literature and Arts History named after J. Rainis and the History Museum of Latvia.

Location: Pils laukums (Pils Sqaure) 3
Working hours: Tue – Sun 11:00 – 18:00 (the Museum of Literature and Arts History)

The Centraltirgus is a huge marketplace located within five old zeppelin hangars. It is a perfect opportunity for visitors to get off the beaten track and see part of the everyday lives of locals, as well as the possibility to haggle for fruit, vegetables, various trinkets or antiques. Some great photo opportunities are likely to present themselves, however, make sure to keep a tight grip on your possessions, as pickpockets are relatively common.


Location: Negu 7 (next to the Riga Central Bus station)
Tel: +37167213103
Opening hours: Tue-Sat 07:00-18:00, Sun and Mon 07:00-17:00

The Sun Museum is the only museum in Europe introducing different interpretations of the Sun among different nations.

It all started with a small sun shaped object, which was brought by the founder of the museum from the sunny Portugal. Quiet soon the collection of various sun shaped souvenirs became a passion to Iveta Grazule and ended up with impressive exposition with hundreds of them.

While visiting the Sun Museum you will have a chance to meet numerous works of craftsmen and artists from almost all countries of the world.

Location: Kungu street 1 (between Riga Town Hall and Blackheads' House)

Working hours: Daily from 10 am till 7 pm

E-mail: info@saulesmuzejs.lv

Web: www.saulesmuzejs.lv

The Pharmacy Museum was founded in 1987 and is set up in a dwelling house, which is an 18th century architectural monument. The museum holds an exhibition that is devoted to the pharmacy laboratory and traditional healing methods. Documents and books from the 17th- 19th century, the tools and containers of an pharmacist, signatures, pill shapes and devices for preparing drugs, as well as drugs that were manufactured in Latvia in the 20 - 30ties of the 20th century are on display at the museum.

Join a tour to the Pharmacy museum and participate in a show performing huge collection of various herbs and ways to prepare them for any needs, starting from health to sexuality.

Location: R. Vagnera Street 13

Web: www.mvm.lv