Things to do & places to visit in Riga Region, Latvia

Riga Region #1 destination in Latvia 2023. The average rating score is 4.37 based on 45.4k traveler reviews, of 93 attractions. Timezone: Europe/Riga, current date and time: Thursday, May 09, 2024, 23:24.

Top things to do (23)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Dzintari Forest Park (499 reviews)
- Great views
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM Parks • Forests

The park is suitable for both: admirers of active and calm recreation. There are children playgrounds for all age groups, road for roller skating and pedestrian roads, cafes, parking lot and toilets in the park. The park is opened all year round. In winter park is an excellent place for distant skiing on a lighted trail. The access is very convenient; there is a parking place for 200 cars at the park. In 2010 a panoramic tower was opened here. The tower is 33, 5 m high and it reveals unforgettable view of Jurmala. The tower has 12 balconies on different levels so everyone can choose the height. See more..
4.5 Old City Riga (Vecriga) (7.209 reviews)
- Excellent
Neighborhoods • Points of Interest & Landmarks

This charming maze of narrow and crooked cobblestone streets is filled with a mixture of architectural styles including Nordic, Gothic, Renaissance, baroque and Jugendstil, plus such historic sites as the 13th-century Riga Castle, St. Peter's Church, the Swedish Gate and the Freedom Monument. See more..
4.5 Central Market (Centraltirgus) (3.457 reviews)
- Biggest in Europe
Thursday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Flea & Street Markets

We visited this place twice, the first time on a food tasting walking tour and then we went back on our own. Each hangar specialises in certain products from meat, fish, vegetables, dairy and a specialist food hall. The outdoor area has various stalls and we enjoyed our walking tour as our guide handpicked Latvian products to try. There is a kind of bar at the back of the meat market that sells local beer the can be drunk there or taken away in plastic bottles. This was the cheapest place we found in Riga for alcohol with prices ranging from 90p to £1.30 a pint. The toilets here will cost you 50c and the market closes everyday at 6pm. One cautionary note our guide warned us of pickpockets. See more..
4.5 Riga Town Hall Square (3.050 reviews)
- The main square
Points of Interest & Landmarks

For me this is the main square. This is the square where the house of the blackheads is located. Once you have been to this square you feel like you have seen and had a feel of the city. Pity this square didnt have more seating to sit and enjoy it all. More people milling around and enjoying the beautiful square. More cafes and maybe icecream parlour should be erected here because of the traffic passing through. A definite mist see square. See more..
4.5 View of Riga from St Peter's Church Tower (2.596 reviews)
- A beautiful way to see the city
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Observation Decks & Towers

The church is well worth a look around even if you don't intend to go up the tower (which you should), but the tower is the main selling point. I think the tickets to the tower were 9 euro, which is a bit expensive for an elevator ride. When you get to the top the elevator opens straight into the biting cold air (it was December after all) which added to the experience. The snowy views out over Riga were lovely to see and with the city being low lying you could see far into the distance in all directions. A great experience which you should try to do on a clear day for obvious reasons. Highly recommended. See more..
4.5 Jurmala Beach (1.868 reviews)
- Lovely in winter
Beaches

So I was in Riga for a short winter trip and took the train to Jurmala Majori, it cost 1,50 euro so 3 euro for a round trip, the ride takes around 30 minutes, the beach is located 10 minute away on foot from the train station. It was winter and super cold but still a few people taking a stroll by the sea. Beautiful sunset and amazing pictures were taken but the wind was freezing. Don't know if I would consider it as a summer destination, I can't imagine these Baltic waters ever get warm enough and that the wind stops but a lovely city for sure. See more..
4.5 House Of The Black Heads (1.844 reviews)
- Interesting historic building
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

SPECIAL COMBO OFFER! Entrance with included coffee 8 EUR or entrance with sparkling wine 9 EUR. Every last Sunday - open tour in GER at 10.00; RUS at 12:00, ENG at 13.00. Further dates-26.03, 30.04 (pre-reserve your place in open tour via e-mail). Visit one of Latvia's most iconic landmarks, enter the luxurious celebration halls, see one of the largest silver collections in the Baltic States and explore 14th-century historical cellars. Travel through the centuries and explore the legacy of the Black Heads brotherhood. See more..
4.5 Alberta Iela (1.616 reviews)
- The stunning Art Nouveau epicenter of Riga
Architectural Buildings

This street has magnificent historical Art Nouveau buildings located along the entire length. The street was constructed from 1901 to 1908. Each house is decorated by figural sculptures, and facades with protruding balconies, columns, and other elements characteristic of Art Nouveau architecture. This time, we visited in the evening and noticed that only a few buildings were beautifully lit. So the best time to visit is daytime. See more..
4.5 KGB Building (1.543 reviews)
- A must see location
Thursday: 10:30 AM - 5:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums

Towards the north of the city, this inconspicious building sits quietly as the local world goes by. Once inside, you instantly feel a step back in time with no modern conversions have been added. The guided tour is worth the €10 lasting just under a hour, you are taken into various rooms with running commentary that is both informative and respectful to the building history. Humbling at times, a not so long ago reminder of our modern history I would highly recommend See more..
4.5 Musee Art Nouveau (1.066 reviews)
- Worth to see
Speciality Museums

Situé dans un bâtiment du quartier Art Nouveau de Riga, au 1er étage. Adresse, Alberta Iela (en face de l'ambassade d'Irlande et de Belgique) See more..
4.5 Latvian Ethnographic Open Air Museum (887 reviews)
- Amazing place
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • Historic Sites

A beautiful open air museum in a beautiful setting just a short walk from the centre of Riga (30 minutes). IS one of The older open air museum in Europe. It was founded in 1924. Definitely worth a visit. The open air museum is really very beautiful . See more..
4.5 Panorama Riga Observation Deck (861 reviews)
- Worth visiting for panoramic view
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Architectural Buildings • Observation Decks & Towers

"Panorama Riga" is a circular terrace - observation deck of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, offering breathtaking 360° panoramic views of Riga. The terrace is wide enough, so groups of tourists or companies of friends can feel free on the "Panorama Riga" observation deck. From the "Panorama Riga" observation deck, you can take wonderful photos with panoramic views of Riga, nothing obstructs the view, enclosures and glass reflections don’t interfere. You can watch the most beautiful sunset or have a romantic date in the height of 65 meters. See more..
4.5 Nativity of Christ Cathedral (780 reviews)
- Well worth a visit!
Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

It's free to get in, however they do have donation boxes dotted around the cathedral. They have a small shop inside where you can buy candles to light in the cathedral for less than a euro and other trinkets such a small crosses and crucifixes which didn't seem expensive. The cathedral is immaculate in both cleanliness and maintenance and the art work is lovely. Well worth a visit inside. You are not permitted to take photographs inside and ladies are required to cover their heads with a hat or scarf although there were ladies in there not observing this request who weren't told to cover their heads. There are plenty of benches inside and it was nice to go into the quite tranquil setting away from the busy street for a moment of reflection. See more..
4.5 Riga Motormuseum (687 reviews)
- Simple. Visit here is you are in Riga
Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums

The renovated Riga Motor Museum opened its doors to visitors on the 2nd of July, 2016. At the Museum you can view the largest and most diverse vintage motor vehicle collection in the Baltics, exhibiting more than a 100 unique automobiles and motorcycles. Our exposition is a thrilling and interactive tale of unique cars, notable people and historic events. The authentic motor vehicles are complimented by touchscreen monitors, operable models, videos, interactive exhibits, virtual reality and other information provided by modern technology; making the museum visit into an exciting and insightful adventure. For Riga Motor Museum visitors to feel comfortable, and to have a valuable and productive visit even on an entire day’s visit, we offer a range of additional services - interactive activities in the children's play area, exploratory guided tours, a museum cafe, gift shop and free parking. See more..
4.5 Latvian National Opera (646 reviews)
- Great frame for great art
Operas

The Latvian National Opera and Ballet is an internationally competitive arts centre which aims to develop and support the creative process, cultural enrichment and educational functions. The Latvian National Opera and Ballet strives for excellence in its opera and ballet productions, as well as provides all of society with access to high-quality artistry, promotes creativity and public education. The company has operated under numerous authorities and regimes since October 15, 1918; its continued presence throughout history has always been ensured by its wonderful artists and the performances they’ve put together. Today the LNOB is internationally renowned and competitive in its field; it cherishes audiences in Latvia and regularly participates in tours, and continually gains recognition and professional acclaim in local and foreign media. See more..
4.5 Vermanes Garden (623 reviews)
- Nice park right in the center of Riga
Historic Sites • Parks • Gardens

Very green park with a river going through it and filled with lots of modern statues, with the 42 metre Freedom monument being the most prominent. See more..
4.5 Pilsetas kanals (557 reviews)
- Scenic city center river
Bodies of Water

The canal is flowing through the parks and city sights. It used to serve as a barrier between the town and potential enemies in medieval times. Today, you can take a walk around this scenic area or take a boat. Or you can have a picnic at one of the gardens alongside the channel. See more..
4.5 Jugenda Stila Nami (538 reviews)
- Stunning must-see district
Architectural Buildings

Riga is Northern European's Art Nouveau Capital. The most striking facades can be found on Alberta and Elizabetes Streets. The buildings in this area were mostly built in the early 20th century. Most of them have been restored to their original magnificence. See more..
4.5 Bastejkalna Park (536 reviews)
- Beautiful park even more so with snow
Parks

We visited in early December and the snow on the ground added to the already beautiful park. We were fortunate enough to be based at the Grand Poet hotel which overlooks the park and recommend it highly. The park in my opinion is at its best at night with the lights reflecting off the snow and icy river. A great place to stroll around and enjoy the surroundings. See more..
4.5 Riga Ghetto and Latvian Holocaust Museum (453 reviews)
- Worth visiting to learn about the experience of Latvian Jews in the holocaust
History Museums

Worth visiting if you’re in this part of town. Free to enter, although a donation of €5 is recommended. Much of it involves reading information boards which are outside so don’t go on a chilly day! The story behind the ghetto is well explained in multiple languages and brought to life with stories and photos of real people. The actual ghetto was further out of town and not at this site (although one of the original wooden two-storey buildings which 30 people lived in has vent moved here). I learnt something new about the size and the scale of the holocaust in Latvia through visiting- Allow an hour to visit See more..
4.5 Latvian National Museum Of Art (411 reviews)
- Beautiful venue
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums

The Latvian National Museum of Art is the most important art museum in Latvia and the first building in the Baltics designed specifically for the needs of a museum. The museum's building is an architectural monument of national significance. It is one of the most impressive historicist buildings in the Riga Boulevard Circle. Following the reconstruction from 2013 to 2016, a new permanent exposition, Latvian Art. 19th–20th Century, has been created. It presents an overview of Latvian art history over the course of two centuries. The aim of the exposition is to build a visual and emotional story of the development of Latvian art by highlighting the most important works and personalities in culture-historical, political and social context. See more..
4.5 Jauniela (314 reviews)
- A charming narrow street in the Old Town
Points of Interest & Landmarks

This street between Dome Square and Town Hall Square is lined with colorful old buildings and paved with cobblestone. The Art Nouveau Neiburgs Hotel is the most stunning building on this street. You can find also many cafes and restaurants here. See more..
4.5 Mezaparks (311 reviews)
- We had a great time in the park.
Spent 2-3 hours Parks

Just a 15-minute brisk walk from Riga's Old Town is this wonderful park. There's literally a magnetic lake here that draws you in and doesn't let go. We literally "hung out" for almost an hour. And then there's the zoo - small, but worthy of a lover's attention. See more..
4.5 Kemeri National Park (225 reviews)
- Wetland Wonders
Thursday: National Parks

A masterclass in getting it right in nature. The Latvian countryside at Kemeri National Park is truly spectacular. If visiting Riga and would lije a cheap day out, tgen visit this natural beauty. A 1 hour train trip from Riga for about 4 euros takes you to the Kemeri National park. The wetland wilderness is an essential part of any trip to Latvia. The board walk through the bogs/wetland is a trip to happiness and quiet. Worth a look when in Riga. See more..
4.5 Zanis Lipke Memorial (191 reviews)
- The Latvian Schindler
Thursday: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM Spent < 1 hour History Museums

Hidden amongst the newly restored redbricks, clapboards and picket fences of Kipsala is a testament to how one person really can make a difference. Zanis Lipke had no history of activism or rebellion. He just couldn't see his fellow Latvians through the filter of cold hate the Nazis did, and he couldn't just do nothing. So he saved as many Jews as he could and hid them in bunkers in his garden. After the war the KGB wanted to know what he got for doing it, which is an odd line of questioning for a socialist to adopt. The striking, modern building contains all the frightened claustrophobia of the people he hid, trying to stay quiet, but also all the bravery of Zanis, his family and helpers. He always wondered about the ones he couldn't save, and sadly but rightly this museum does too. The district of Kipsala island around the museum is beautiful, and well worth exploring afterwards. Not that that's really the point... See more..
4.5 Viewing Tower by Architect Bureau ARHIS (165 reviews)
- Great
Observation Decks & Towers

A great experience. Don't miss this place in fantastic surrounding. It is really simple to get up and down in the tower See more..
4.5 Salaspils Memorial Ensemble (154 reviews)
- Where the Earth Weeps
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues • Educational sites

This is a site of a work camp which housed 5,000 people, many of whom died of abuse and exposure. Now, there are huge statues evoking raw emotion. How could something so terrible have happened. The heart beats on despite brutality. The large concrete building houses a very interesting and complete story of this place and the people who were in it. Don't miss it. See more..
4.5 Ragakāpa Nature Park (74 reviews)
- Worth visiting this dune
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks

Nice forest, beach and the dune. I came by train from Dubulti to Lielupe and then had a nice walk through the forest directly to the park with amazing natural 800 m long and 100 m wide 17 m high dune formed out of wind-activity. It is a quiet place for walking, no people on Sunday morning, you can feel the fresh sea air, with viewing platforms and an eco-trail. Nice and not so busy and quiet beach. I went back on foot to Dubulti which took me two hours by the sea. See more..
4.5 Jurmala open-air museum (61 reviews)
- Interesting museum of fishermen life
History Museums

This museum is good to combine with Ragakāpa Nature Park. We arrived by train and had a 1hour walk to the museum. It's free entrance. The museum took us nearly 1 hour. There are many pictures of nets for catching different fish types. And there was interesting musical instrument that is similar to pot but made meditative sounds. Nice place to see how fishermen lived. See more..
4.5 Art Studio 'Inner Light' (60 reviews)
- Nice and amazing.
Thursday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Art Museums

We get here in rainy Day, and our emotions changed to positive and colourfull mood. Audioguide Available in 6 language and takes you to 30 min Journey of magic world of art. Lights autimatically changed and you see other picture than before. Silent, calm place for restore inner Light Coffee and wine available See more..