St. Peter’s Church

Apparently one of the best ways to start a tour around Riga would be a visit to St. Peter’s Church (address: Skarnu 19; open: 10.00 – 17.00; closed on Monday). It was destroyed during World War II and experienced a renovation later on. The viewing platform constructed around the spire of the church makes it possible for the visitors to enjoy the remarkable view. Moreover, you’ll be able to see practically all the landmarks of Riga before you continue your tour around this charming city, so you won’t get lost.

The Doma Cathedral

Dating from circa 1215, this magnificent cathedral is one of the largest places of worship in the region. It was founded by the Teutonic conquerors and in the course of time the cathedral went through a series of reconstructions, which resulted in a peculiar amalgamation of Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and other styles. The cathedral houses the famous gigantic church organ (the fourth largest organ in the world). The Dome Square is the heart of the old Riga. It has always played a significant role in the life of the city.

The Three Brothers

The Three Brothers can serve as good examples of medieval dwellings (address: Maza pils 17, 19 and 21, i.e. the northwest part of the old town). Maza pils 17 is the oldest stone house in Latvia (built circa 1400). The Architecture museum in Maza pils 19 is worth visiting.

The Powder Tower and the Museum of War

The Powder Tower (Pulvertornis) is part of the original city walls and the only old tower that remains. The Powder Tower houses the Museum of War (address: Smilzu 20; open: 10.00 – 18.00). The exhibits are labelled in Latvian but the museum can provide a guide.

The Freedom Monument

The Freedom Monument has become a recognizable symbol of Riga. It is situated at the beginning of Brivibas Street. The monument was built in order to celebrate Latvian independence and it managed to survive during the Soviet era, even though Stalin wanted to demolish it. The Freedom Monument is 42 metres high, it is topped by the Liberty Statue. The three stars in her hands symbolize Kurzeme, Vidzeme and Latgale (historical regions of Latvia).

The House of Blackheads

The House of Blackheads is also one of the symbols of Riga (location: Melngalvju nams). It was first mentioned in chronicles in 1334, which makes it one of the oldest buildings in the city. During World War II the building was turned into a pile of ruins, it was restored only in 1999, thanks to the wish of the citizens to return the beautiful house to its place.

The Riga Castle

The Riga Castle (Rīgas Pils) is one of the most popular sights in the city. It was built in 1330 and was subsequently rebuilt several times. Today the Riga Castle is the residence of the president of Latvia, it also houses the Museum of history and the Museum of foreign art. The beautiful park makes this place even more attractive.

The Open Air Ethnographic Museum

Located in the outskirts of the city, on the shore of Lake Jugla, this museum helps to recreate the life of people in Latvia in the 18th and 19th centuries (address: Brivibas 440; open:11.00 -17.00). The museum was founded in 1924, it is one of the oldest in Europe (as far as similar museums are concerned). The visitors can get acquainted with the traditional full-scale village architecture of Latvia.

The Motor Museum

The Motor Museum (Motormuzejs) is a treat for motor-car enthusiasts (address: S. Eizensteina 6; open:10.00 -18.00; Monday: 10.00 -15.00). It houses a collection of cars made in the USSR and Latvia. You can also find American and European cars there. You will have a chance to see Stalin’s and Brezhnev’s limousines and other historically significant exhibits.

The Occupation Museum

The Occupation Museum of Latvia tells its visitors about the tragical periods of the complicated history of Latvia (address: Strelnieku laukums 1; open:11.00 -17.00; closed on Monday).

Mežaparks

Mežaparks is a neighbourhood in North Central Riga. Its name can be literally translated as "forest park". This place used to be called Kaiserwald. During World War II a concentration camp was located in this park. Nowadays the park hosts the Latvian Song and Dance festival in July. There is also an amusement park here, which makes this place quite popular.

The Riga Zoo

Home to 3000 animals, the Riga Zoo is also located in Mežaparks (Meza prospekts 1; open:10.00 – 18.00). It is a remarkable place surrounded by a pine-tree forest where you can see an amazing variety of animals. Moreover, it is pleasant to take a walk around the zoo and Mežaparks.

The Riga Circus

Being the only stationary circus in the Baltic States, it is worth visiting (Merkela 4; open from October to April). It is almost 100 years old. Bears, horses, cats and dogs perform in this circus. The building is located in the centre of the city (5 – 15 minutes’ walk from the Old Town).

Domina Shopping Centre

Those who are fond of shopping should visit the largest shopping centre in the Baltic States, it is located in the north-west part of Purvciems (a neighbourhood of Riga). Being focused on fashion and lifestyle products, it is the leading fashion centre in Riga.