Riga is an enthralling city with a stunning and glorious cultural heritage and ravishing nightlife. Riga is the capital city of Latvia and is also the biggest city of the country. Being part of the Baltic nations, Latvia has been emerging as a top tourist destination with Riga being the tourism hub in Latvia.
City delights with its bewildering and fabulous architectural marvel, a ravishing mix of ancient and modern European culture and its awe inspiring beauty. City offers incredible and startling things that tourists can engage in here. The wondrous things to do in Riga will ensure you are awe inspired and totally enthralled by the city during your travel here.
10 Top Things To Do In Riga
Here is the list of the best things to do in Riga that you can engage in while on your trip to this wonderful country:
1. Explore The Ethnographic Open-Air Museum Of Latvia
This startling museum is located on the outskirts of Riga. This incredible Ethnographic museum showcases some of the incredible architectural marvels of Latvia – throughout its history and from every region of the country. You will find models of cellar houses, windmills, saunas and a lot more. The museum is situated near the lake and there is also a breathtaking garden around the museum.
Timings: 10 am – 8 pm
Location: Brīvdabas iela 21, Rīga, LV-1024, Latvia
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2. Enjoy The Nightlife At Rivu Square
Situated at the center, this is an incredibly lively square in Riga. Situated in the old town, this area is home to some of the best bars, cafes and restaurants in the city. Surrounded by old buildings and excellent architectural sites of this ancient city, the vibes during night are eclectic here.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Location: Livu Square, Old Town, Riga
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3. Watch Spectacular Change Of Guard Ceremony At The Freedom Monument
This imposing fabulous monument is dedicated to Lativin independence and its rich history. Situated at the central park, this is an important landmark in the city. This almost a century old landmark in Riga is approximately 42 meters tall. The monument has fantastic artwork in copper and granite, the art is a symbol for Latvian freedom movement. Change of Guard keeps taking place at this monument throughout the day. It is a spectacular ceremony to watch and something not to be missed. There is also a ravishing park surrounding the monument. The monument is also known as Milda popularly in the local parlance here.
Timings: 9 am – 6 pm (timings for change of guard)
Location: Central District, Riga, LV-1050, Latvia
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4. Shop At Riga Central Market
This is one massive market – perhaps one of the largest markets in the whole of Europe. One could get a number of exotic fruits, sweets, fresh vegetables and amazing ready to eat items including pastries, cheese and wine. There is a popular food court as well which is popular for its amazingly fresh preparations.
One of the best places to buy Riga souvenirs or the exotic spices of this country. This market is so huge that you will need a good time of the day if you plan to see a major part of the market.
Timings: 7 am – 6 pm
Location: Nēģu iela 7, Latgales priekšpilsēta, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia
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5. Watch A Ballet Performance At Latvian National Opera
Housed in a gorgeous building, this is an old and fabulous Opera House. This monumental historic opera house is situated right between the old town of Riga and the new Riga. Ballet performances here in the Opera house are awe inspiring and exquisite. Whole experience you would get here will be peerless and unforgettable. Also the Opera pricing here isn’t too high as you may find in other European countries. There are regular concerts of classical music, Opera and Ballet performances.
Timings: 10 am – 7 pm
Location: Aspazijas bulvāris 3, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia
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6. Relax With A Warm Cup Of Coffee At Esplanade
This is a ravishing little garden in Riga. Favorite among the locals as well as tourists – the park is extremely well maintained. There is a wonderful playground, Riga Garden which is ravishing. Favorite among locals as well as tourists, the park is extremely well-maintained. There is a wonderful playground and trampolines for children.
Esplanade is one of the best places to relax with a soothing cup of hot tea, coffee or with your favorite beer offered by little outdoor cafe in the garden. Esplanade is also a popular destination for city wide fests. There is also a lovely orthodox church inside the campus.
Timings: 24 hours open
Location: Reimersa iela 1, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia
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7. Admire The City View From St. Peter’s Church
This is a monumental and a marvelous piece of architecture. The church which is dedicated to Saint Peter is one of the most popular destinations in Riga. The church is quite wondrous with its Roman architectural design and decor. One of the best parts of this church is the awe inspiring views that you can have from the tower inside the church.
The huge tower has a lift which takes you to the top and views of Riga city from there are just breathtaking. The church is a good mix of ancient Latvian architecture and modern designs as some parts of the church are as old as the 15th century.
After you visit at the church, you can hit the Golden cafe which is right next to the church. This is one of the most popular cafes here in Riga and serves amazing food at a very reasonable cost.
Timings: 10 am – 7 pm everyday except Monday. Monday closed.
Location: Reformācijas Laukums 1, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia
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8. Be Awe Inspired By 3 Brothers In Riga
An important landmark in Riga – 3 Brothers is an architectural marvel and shows off the architectural style of this lovely city. 3 Brothers is actually a group of three different buildings standing together but each building depicting the architectural genius of Riga of its era. The oldest house is from the 14th century, while the middle era house was built in the 17th century and then the third house is built in the modern era.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Location: Mazā Pils iela 17, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia
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9. Marvel The Beauty Of the House Of The Blackheads
Image Credit: Makalu for Pixabay
House of the Blackheads is situated in the old town of Riga. One must see building in Riga and is one of the most popular landmarks of this city. House of the Blackheads is popular because of its amazingly beautiful architecture. There are sculptures of 4 women on the top of this wondrous building – which is a highlight of this attraction here. Best view of this building is at night when the building is lit up in white light – making one of the best things to do in Riga at night. The architectural design of this building is 14th century old. But this historic building got substantially destroyed during the Second World War. The building was rebuilt again in the late 20th century to depict brotherhood of blackheads. Monument has incredibly impressive decor, silver collection and chandeliers.
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
Location: Rātslaukums 7, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia
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10. Spend Time With Exotic Animal Species At Riga Zoo
This is among the most popular zoos in the country. This bewildering place is home to more than four thousand animals of more than five hundred species. The best part of the zoo is the presence of a huge number of exotic rare animals. There is lush greenery inside the zoo – making the whole atmosphere quite sublime and refreshing.
Timings: 10 am – 4 pm in summers. 11 am – 4:45 pm in winters
Location: Meža prospekts 1, Ziemeļu rajons, Rīga, LV-1014, Latvia
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If this list of intriguing things to do in Riga excites you, then do not wait anymore and plan your travel to Riga – a riveting peerless city. Riga is extremely rich in what it offers to the tourists and perhaps that is why it is one of the most visited cities by tourists in this part of the world. Do provide us with feedback once you have completed your trip.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Riga
What is Riga famous for?
Riga is famous as a cultural center in this part of the world. It is home to some amazing architectural buildings – both old and modern. The city is home to some of the most amazing and unique museums highlighting the ancient culture of this part of Europe.
Are people comfortable with English in Riga?
Latvian is the official and most popular language in Riga. Many people also speak Russian here. English is not as popular but at most of the popular public spaces you will find people who can understand and converse in English.
Are Euros accepted in Riga?
Yes. Euro is the official currency of Latvia. Euro is widely accepted in Riga.
Is Riga expensive for travellers?
Riga is among the least expensive state capital in Europe. Compared to other countries in Europe – Latvia isn’t expensive.
Which is the largest city in Latvia?
Riga is the largest city in this ravishing country. Riga is home to about one third of Latvia’s population.
What is the best time to visit Riga?
Riga can be visited throughout the year. The best time to visit Riga is during summers, that is from June to August. This is also the peak tourism time in Riga.
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Gaurav is an entrepreneur by profession and an avid Yoga enthusiast. He loves to explore and know about Varied traditions, arts and colourful cultures of people at different places around the world. He loves to spend time in nature and to read books.
