Riga’s Old Town developed from the early 13th century around a trading port that was connected to important trading cities of the Hanseatic League. The historic centre preserves evidence of European influence on the city’s history and has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.
Discover the Old Town and Art Nouveau: two distinct eras
A comparison takes you from the city’s early trading history to the ornate façades of the early 20th century, which line entire streets in the Art Nouveau district. Art Nouveau architecture is concentrated in the so-called Quiet Centre, about a ten-minute walk from the Old Town. The architecture offers a way to understand two distinct chapters of the city’s history without reducing them to a single style.
Riga Central Market also connects architecture and history with a tangible insight into food culture. Its pavilions were created from former Zeppelin hangars converted into market halls. The market grounds are part of Riga’s Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The five pavilions offer Latvian specialities such as smoked fish and rye bread; offerings and vendor selections may vary.
Art, collections and the stage
The Latvian National Museum of Art building was purpose-designed to house art and was built between 1903 and 1905. The permanent exhibition includes Latvian art from the 19th and 20th centuries. The museum houses the largest collection of artworks created in Latvia; the exhibition display may change. The building’s history and collection offer two distinct perspectives on the art institution.
The Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation was founded in 1773 and is located within the historic ensemble of Riga Dome Cathedral. It displays a 13th-century ship known as the “Riga ship”; the display may change. The performing arts are represented by the Latvian National Opera and Ballet, which has operated on Aspazijas Boulevard since 1923. The venue presents more than 200 performances in total each season. Check the current programme and dates before your trip.
Green spaces, riverbanks and routes
Bastejkalns Park has narrow paths, a rock garden, a water cascade and views of the city. The Daugava promenade on the right bank offers a different perspective: it stretches from the Old Town to the Ķengarags district. Riga Zoo is the oldest zoo in the Baltics and adds a different focus for exploration alongside the city’s art and history.
There are also different ways to experience Riga on the water and by bike. Riga by Canal offers boat trips along the City Canal and on the Daugava; trips are seasonal and depend on the operator. Several places in Riga rent out SUP boards, rowing boats and kayaks, though providers and operating seasons may change. A seven-kilometre cycle path connects the city centre with Mežaparks and passes through a lush pine forest. As route conditions may change, check them before setting out.
Seasonal highlights and getting around
The season also changes which nature experiences take centre stage. In winter, Uzvaras Park becomes a cross-country ski trail; access and track grooming may vary. Seasonal displays in Riga include azaleas, magnolias, rhododendrons, roses, peonies and dahlias. Azaleas bloom from February to April, magnolias in spring, rhododendrons at the beginning of summer, roses and peonies in midsummer, and dahlias in autumn. Blooming periods may vary.
Bus No. 22 takes about 40 minutes to travel from Riga Airport to the city centre, depending on traffic. Check the route before travelling. Trams, trolleybuses and buses are Riga’s main forms of public transport; it is also worth checking timetables and network information in advance. The Old Town is about a five-minute walk from Riga Central Station. Routes and conditions along the way may change, so it is worth checking local directions.
Discover more destinations: Baldone, Mārupe, Riga, Strenču Novads, Brocēnu Novads, Liepāja, Kocēnu Novads, Baldones lauku teritorija.
Go to the overview of destinations: Latvia.
