Riga’s old town, a living museum
There are few other places where you will find such a concentration of well-preserved buildings, not least beautiful timber-framed houses, dating back to medieval times and beyond.
The cathedral
Take in its beauty and style. If you come here during the morning service or some other ceremony you will be able to hear the magnificent sound of the organ, once the largest in Europe.
St Peter’s church
For many centuries, this has been home to the highest wooden church tower in Europe. Unfortunately, it has burned down on several occasions – but has been fully restored every time, most recently in 1973.
The freedom monument
Right in the heart of the city lies the freedom monument – a good 41 metres high!
Arena
Riga’s record crowd figure goes neither to the country’s capable national football team nor to some guest world artist – instead, it goes to is the country’s singers!
Art nouveau district
Did you know that one third of the buildings in central Riga are built in the style of art nouveau? Enjoy all the beautiful decoration to be seen on streets such as Alberta, Elisabeth and Strelnike street (the streets are named in Latvian).
The motor museum
Fancy old cars? Then this is for you! Exhibits include everything from a replica of the world’s first car built by Daimler (1885) to Stalin’s own car.
Open-air museum
At Riga’s ethnographical open-air museum you will find smiths, weavers and other craftsmen at certain times of the year.
The beach at Jurmala
If you come here during the warmest part of the year do not miss one of the finest beaches on the Baltic coast, in Jurmala; popular with the ruling classes and upper echelons since the turn of the last century.
The town of Christmas trees
If, instead, you come during the colder part of the year you will get to see many beautiful Christmas trees. It is said that it was in Riga that the idea of decorating Christmas trees was first born, in 1510.
The market halls
The central market comprises four market halls. One for meat, one for fish, one for cheese and other dairy products and one for bread and baked confectionery. The earlier you get here, the more you will have to choose from.
The National Opera
A beautiful turn-of-the-century building, with performances of countless operas and operetta productions.