Tourist Places to Visit in Riga, Latvia, Europe

Tourist Places to Visit in Riga, Latvia, Europe

Riga is the capital and largest city of Latvia is geographically positioned at 56°56′56″ N 24°6′23″ E. It is the financial, commercial, industrial and cultural centre of Latvia and it also houses one third population of the country. Riga is one of the member cities of Eurocities and the Union of Capitals of the European Union.

Geography of Riga:

Riga is situated at the mouth of the River Daugava on the Gulf of Riga between 1 and 10 meters elevation. The city of Riga spans over an area of 304 sq. km.

History of Riga:

The origin of the name Riga is uncertain, although, one theory states that, Riga derives its name from the Riege or River Rīdzene which is a tributary of the River Daugava.

According to the historical sources, Riga was founded in the year 1201 and Livs were the original settlers of Riga. The major historical landmarks in Riga include the building of the Brotherhood of Blackheads, the Riga Castle and the Freedom Monument.

How to reach Riga?

Riga is served by its own airport, called Riga International Airport which is located in Marupe municipality, around 10 km away from the heart of the Riga city. Including London, Frankfurt and Moscow, the Riga Airport operates flights to numerous major European cities.

The major airport transfers include:

Baltic Taxi
Riga Limo
Riga Airport Transfers
Airbaltic Airport Express

Riga has a good connectivity to all around the country by both train and bus services and few international connections as well.

Taxis and rental vehicles are very common in the city.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Riga:

Being a cultural capital of Latvia, along with Umea in Sweden, Riga organizes the European Capital of Culture in 2014.

Some best shopping options in Riga include:

Central Market
Konventa Seta
Taste Latvia
Galerija Istaba

The reputed mid range and splurge restaurants in Riga are:

Sweetday Cafe
Alus Ordenis
Rozengrāls
Bergs

Things to do in Riga:

Riga Old Town Walking Tour
Riga Central Market Tour
Classical Old Riga walking tour
Grand Riga Tour

Must see in Riga:

House of the Blackheads:

The House of the Blackheads is very popular building located in the Ratslaukums 7 in the old town of Riga. It was originally erected in the 14th century and the current structure dates back to the 1990s. Don’t miss this twin building.

Riga Castle:

Dating back to 1330, the Riga Castle is the official house of the President of Latvia. It was rebuilt in the beginning of the 16^th century, 17th and 19th centuries after damaged by the opponent attacks.

St. Peter’s Church:

Constructed in 1209, the St. Peter’s Church is the oldest church of Riga. Tourists can enjoy an entire view of the Riga city by climbing up the tower of the church. The entrance fee is 4 Lats.

Other places of attractions near Riga include:

The National History Museum
Latvian National Museum of Art
Rundale Palace
Museum of the Occupation of Latvia
The Big Guild
Wagner Concert Hall
Jacob’s Catholic Church
Arsenal Museum of Art
Latvian Parliament
Museum of Foreign Art
Riga Cathedral
John’s Church
Porcelain Museum
Museum of the Barricades of 1991

Best time to visit Riga:

Throughout the year is best, especially from June to mid September is ideal to enjoy holidays in Riga.

Accommodation Options in Riga:

Riga houses most of the star rated hotels of Latvia along with dozens of modernized mid range hotels and budget options such as camping and hostels. The prominent hotels in Riga are listed below: