A WEEKEND GUIDE TO LATIVIA’S CAPITAL, RIGA

Last Updated on 10th May 2020 by Bejal

One of the reasons I chose to go to Riga is one, because I have no experience of the Baltic countries and secondly was it really only a destination for stag and hen parties? Well I won’t keep you waiting and I can whole heartedly confirm that it is a beautiful city, which has most definitely left me reeling for more insight into the Baltics and seriously, I’ve seen more hen and stag parties in Leicester city centre on a Saturday night!! In our whole three days in Riga, we saw three pre-wedding jaunts! I actually think Riga has just got some bad press in this category!! But hey you know me, if someone tells me somewhere’s no good, then I have to find out why…

So, with this in mind, I’m giving you the low down on where we stayed what to visit, where to eat and what to do on a relaxing city break to Europe’s Art Nouveau capital, Riga.

WHERE TO STAY

For me, there was never going to be any doubt about where I wanted to stay in Riga, The Grand Palace Hotel part of the Leading Hotels of the World group, has an amazing old town location. Everywhere you’ll need to go is within walking distance from this hotel and it is a little oasis of opulence, timeless elegance in the centre of the capital of Latvia. You can read all about the hotel in my review. The hotel also offers a round trip airport service as well as being able to organise a whole host of activities and restaurant suggestions for you.

Grand Palace Hotel.

Pils iela 12,

Centra rajons,

Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia.

Tel +371 67 044 000

PHOTO WORTHY SPOTS

St Peter’s Church

In my humble opinion, this is one of the best viewpoints in Riga. You take a lift to the viewing platform up the tower and once outside at the top you can get a great view of the skyline. It’s nine Euros for entry and there is no time restriction. You will also get access to the church downstairs, which has an interesting exhibition about Riga’s Independence.

St Peter’s Church

Skārņu iela 19

Centra rajons

Rīga, LV-1050

House of the Blackheads

The House of the Blackheads is where single German merchants resided in the 14^th century. The building was bombed in 1941 and demolished by 1948 by the Soviets. The whole place was reconstructed between 1995-1999 and its possible to visit inside to find out more information. The square opposite is a great place, stand and capture the whole building, but get there early as it gets very crowded! It’s literally around the corner form St Peter’s Church.

House of the Blackheads.

Rātslaukums 7

Centra rajons

Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia

 Trokšņu iela

This was probably one of the cutest streets with an interesting story surrounding it’s former life. The street was used as a lookout during the 1800s with guards standing at either side. It was said that in order to pass through you would have to pay the guards a toll in cobblestones, which was then placed on the street, giving it that pretty cobble look it has today. The building at either ride are also brightly coloured and just add character to its cuteness!

Trokšņu iela.

Riga. Latvia

Doma Laukums Square

This is a beautiful open square with cafes to one side and  a lovely cathedral where you can go and listen to organ concerts. The cobblestones provide a nice touch to a photo opportunity of the red bricked cathedral.

Doma Laukums

Centra rajons

Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia

Trīs brāļi

These three buildings are also known as the ‘Three Brothers’ and are some of the oldest buildings in the city. Each house is said to have been built by a brother from the same family but in different years. So the first house is a little bigger with land outside and then the  second and third houses get that little bit taller and smaller.

Trīs brāļi. 

Mazā Pils iela 17

Centra rajons

Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia

Livu Laukums (Square)

One of the most famous and prettiest squares in the whole of Riga and you’ll probably want it on your Instagram feed! It was once the site of the Riga river, which now runs underneath the square, which is now represented by the green grass swirl in the central gardens amongst the flower beds.

Livu square. 

Central District

Riga, LV-1050, Latvia

Elizabetes Iela

If you are into your architecture then this is the street for you! Elizabetes Iela is located in the North of the city and features plenty of Art Nouveau facades. It is not a long walk from the old town on Riga but you can always grab a tram if you fancy.

Elizabetes iela

Centra rajons

Rīga, Latvia

The Daugava River

I got some fantastic shots at sunset of the Daugava River, Old Town skyline, and railway bridge from the Stone main bridge crossing point. Crossing the Stone Bridge or standing halfway down, you can capture great shots of the Vanšu Bridge’s amazing structure.  You can also book boat trips and dinner cruises from the banks of the River Daugava on the side of the old town.

Daugave River

Riga, Latvia

Latvian Academy of Sciences

Being a scientist at heart, a visit to the Latvian Academy of Science’s was inevitable. The academy is located towards the South of the city, in the district behind the central market and the building reminded me a little of the Empire State Building in NYC. It’s 14 Euros to go up in a lift and get a 360 viewpoint of the city and River Daugava. There are various plaques up at the top which provide information about the landmarks you’ll see from up there.

Zinātņu akadēmijas augstceltne,

Akadēmijas iela 1

Latgales priekšpilsēta

Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia.

Tel +371 67 225 361

Nativity of Christ Cathedral

This is the biggest Orthodox church in Riga and has previously served as a planetarium and a restaurant during the Soviet Era. The building was opened in 1884 and survived both World Wars. However in the in the early 1960s, Soviet authorities closed the cathedral, sawn down the crucifixes, and re-melted the bells, and converted it into a planetarium, called the Republic House of Knowledge. Restoration began in the late 1990s, with the iconostasis consecrated by Archbishop Alexander on 6 May 2000. The renovation is still on going, financed by public donations through the project ‘Svet’.

Nativity of Christ Cathedral]

Brīvības bulvāris 23

Centra rajons

Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia

Tel +371 67 212 901

Old Town Riga

There is no doubt that you’ll be passing through the old world cobblestone streets and cute painted buildings steeped in interesting historical facts. I would recommend walking down the quieter streets that you’ll see down the main restaurant lined areas and major tourist attractions. The smaller alleyways lead to cute hidden photo opportunities and quite cafes where you can enjoy a quick drink or two!

Bastejkalns Park (Bastion Hill)

This is one of Riga’s most romantic and beautiful parks close to the old town and the Freedom Monument. It has pretty narrow paths lined with aged trees, a stone garden and water features, with occasional sculptures. There is a canal running through the centre, where you can take a short barge tour on in the summer.

Bastejkalns Park

Central District

Riga, LV-1050, Latvia

Freedom Monument

The monument is located close to Bastejkalns Park and honours soldiers killed during the Latvian War of Independence. Today it is seen as a symbol of sovereignty and marks the border of the old town with the central district. You can join the small crowds of tourists watching the changing of the guard ceremony and participate laying flowers in memory of those lost in the war.

Freedom Monument.

Central District

Riga, LV-1050, Latvia

Riga Market

Together with old town Riga in 1998, the central Market  was given UNESCO World Heritage status due to its 20^th century notable structure. It is also deemed to be Europe’s largest market. Each of the semi-circular domes houses different goods from food, clothes, homewares and on the weekends even hosts kickboxing competitions as we saw on our Saturday morning visit!

Riga Market.

7, Nēģu iela,

Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia

Bremen Town Musicians

The Town musicians of Bremen is a fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm. It was first published in 1819 depictign the story of four ageing domestic animals, who following a hard life of work are mistreated by their owners. The animals eventually decide to run away and become musicians in the town on Bremen.   The characters never arrive in Bremen and instead trick and scam some robbers and move into their home!

Bremen Town Musicians.

Pēterbaznīcas iela,

Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia

Latvian KGB Museum

This former Soviet torture house brings back the harsh reality of the iron curtain and former Soviet rule in Latvia. The KGB headquarters have now been turned into a museum and still house the former torture rooms downstairs. It’s not for the faint hearted and very tough to digest the imprisonment and death of innocent people who were thought to be spies just because they had opinions and wanted to live freely. A story of basic human rights destroyed by communism.

Latvian KGB Museum.

Brīvības iela 61

 Central District,

Riga, LV-1010, Latvia

Art Nouveau District (Alberta Street) 

Riga has the best Art Nouveau scene in the whole of Europe I’ve been informed! If like me you’re a little confused about Art Deco and Art Nouveau, let me enlighten you. We took an old Town Riga tour with Santa our knowledgeable guide in Riga, feel free to get in touch with her at Baltic Travel Services who explained the difference to me. With Art Nouveau, think Titanic, butterflies and dragonfly adornment and with Art Deco think the Great Gatsby, the Charleston and flapper girls. The Art Nouveau district is located and starts upwards of Alberta street. One third of the buildings in Riga are Art Nouveau.

Art Nouveau District.

Albert St 13,

Central District

Riga, LV-1010, Latvia

Art Nouveau Centre

Located on Alberta Street itself, is the Art Nouveau centre, which houses a former apartment which contains many Art Nouveau artefacts. However for me, the greatest pull to visit this museum was to see one of Europe’s most beautiful staircases.  It totally lived up to every expectation I had and is just exquisite. Entry to see the staircase is free although the museum is at the top, which has ticketed entry. If you want a people free shot of the staircase, get there early!!

Albert St 12,

Central District,

Riga, LV-1010 Latvia.

Tel +371 67 181 464

The World Class Dining Options

If you thought Riga is all about beer, meaty stews and sausage, you have that all wrong. Infact the dining scene in Riga is world class and there are many high end fine dining restaurants as well as mid-range bistros and cafes. My favourite fine dining theatrical experience was at Vincents Restaurant, The Baltics’ second best dining establishment. The other two restaurants Bibliotek No 1 and Riviera Restaurants are also high end. A great mid-range restaurant in the heart of the old town is Domini Canes, which is just behind St Peter’s Church. Feel free to read all about my introduction to the dining scene in Riga. 

So who’s off to Riga then? If I’ve missed anything feel free to comments below, you know how I love a chat!

Á Bientôt…

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