Things to Do in Riga, Latvia: The Best Places to See and Explore

Looking for things to do in Riga Latvia? Riga is one of those cities where you can spend hours simply walking around and still keep finding something interesting.

One minute you’re looking at colourful historic buildings and cobbled streets. The next, you’re beside a huge market, a beautiful church, a peaceful park or a completely unexpected piece of street art.

We spent time exploring Riga on foot and found that some of our favourite moments came from the things we hadn’t planned to see. There were famous landmarks, of course, but also tiny streets, unusual buildings, hidden courtyards and quirky details.

So, if you’re wondering what to do in Riga, Latvia, this guide brings together the places that caught our attention during our visit, along with some of the city’s best-known sights.

1. Explore Riga Old Town: Things to Do in Riga Latvia

Riga’s Old Town, known as Vecrīga, is the obvious place to start.

This is the historic heart of the city, with narrow cobbled streets, colourful buildings, old churches and atmospheric squares. The historic centre has UNESCO World Heritage status and brings together architecture from several different periods.

We enjoyed simply wandering rather than following a strict route.

There is something to look at almost everywhere you turn. You might notice an ornate doorway, an unusual building or a tiny passage that you would easily miss if you were rushing between the main attractions.

For us, that was one of the best things about Riga.

You don’t always need an attraction marked on a map. Sometimes the street itself is the attraction.

Exploring the Old Town is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Riga Latvia, especially if you like discovering historic streets at your own pace.

Riga isn’t the only Baltic capital where simply wandering through the Old Town can reveal something unexpected. If you’re continuing your journey through the region, take a look at our Vilnius Lithuania travel guide.

2. Walk Along Riga’s Narrow Streets

One of the things we particularly enjoyed about exploring Riga’s Old Town was discovering its smaller streets. Two that stood out to us were Rozena Street and Trokšņu iela, also known as Noisy Street. They are both easy to miss if you’re simply following the main tourist route, but each has its own character.

Rozena Street is known as one of the narrowest streets in Riga. The buildings come so close together that you can almost touch both sides as you walk through. It’s tiny, but that’s exactly what makes it fun to discover.

Trokšņu iela, or Noisy Street, has a different feel. Its cobblestones, historic buildings and quieter atmosphere make it a lovely little corner to wander through. We enjoyed finding streets like this because they make exploring Riga feel less like following a sightseeing checklist and more like discovering the city for yourself.

If you’re walking around the Old Town, keep an eye out for both. Sometimes the smallest streets end up being the most memorable.

Finding little streets such as Rozena Street and Trokšņu iela is one of the simple things to do in Riga Latvia that we enjoyed most.

3. See St Peter’s Church

St Peter’s Church is one of the buildings that dominates the Riga skyline.

Its tall tower is particularly impressive when viewed from the surrounding Old Town streets. The church dates back to the 13th century and has been rebuilt and altered several times during its long history.

We photographed it from several different angles because the surrounding streets give you completely different views of the building.

You can also go up the tower for panoramic views across Riga and the Daugava River.

The observation platform is around 57 metres above the ground, giving you a very different perspective of the city.

If you’re interested in Riga’s history, architecture or simply getting a great city view, this is one of the places we’d put high on the list.

If you’re planning things to do in Riga Latvia, St Peter’s Church is one of the landmarks we’d definitely include.

4. Look Inside Riga Cathedral – Things to Do in Riga Latvia

Riga Cathedral, also known as the Dome Cathedral, is another major landmark in the Old Town.

Its history goes back to 1211, although the building has been changed and expanded over many centuries. As a result, you can see a mixture of architectural influences rather than one single style.

The cathedral is also known for its large organ and regularly hosts concerts.

Even if you don’t go inside, the building is worth seeing from the surrounding streets.

We liked how the different church towers create such a distinctive Riga skyline.

Visiting Riga Castle is another interesting option when planning things to do in Riga Latvia.

5. Discover the Bremen Town Musicians

Near St Peter’s Church you’ll find one of Riga’s more unusual sights.

The Bremen Town Musicians sculpture features the donkey, dog, cat and rooster from the famous Brothers Grimm story, stacked one on top of another.

The sculpture was created by German artist Christa Baumgärtel and was given to Riga by its twin city of Bremen.

Look closely and you’ll notice that the animals are peering through an opening.

There is also a fun tradition connected with the sculpture. Visitors rub the animals’ noses for luck, which explains why some parts have become noticeably shiny.

It’s a small sight, but one we enjoyed because it is easy to miss when you’re concentrating on the much larger buildings around it.

6. Visit Riga Castle – Things to Do in Riga Latvia

Riga Castle sits beside the Daugava River at the edge of the Old Town.

The castle dates back to 1330 and has undergone numerous changes throughout its history. Today, it serves as the official residence of the President of Latvia.

We loved the contrast between the pale castle walls, red roofs and surrounding greenery.

It’s also a good reminder that Riga isn’t just about churches and cobbled streets. The riverfront adds another dimension to the historic centre.

If you want to visit inside, access is available on selected dates and requires advance arrangements, so check the current information before travelling.

If Riga has inspired you to explore more of the Baltics, continue north with our Tallinn Estonia travel guide and discover another city where historic streets, architecture and everyday life come together.

7. Admire Our Lady of Sorrows Church – Things to Do in Riga Latvia

One of the smaller churches we photographed was Our Lady of Sorrows Church on Pils Street.

Its white-and-blue exterior makes it stand out from the surrounding buildings.

The church was originally built in 1785 and was the first newly built stone Catholic church in Riga after the Reformation. It was later rebuilt and redesigned during the 19th century.

We liked this one because it isn’t necessarily the first church people think of when planning a Riga sightseeing trip.

But when you’re walking around the Old Town, its pale façade and unusual tower are hard to miss.

It’s another example of why we think Riga is best explored on foot.

8. Wander Around the Historic Buildings

Riga has some beautiful architecture, and you don’t have to visit a specific attraction to enjoy it.

We particularly liked the combination of brightly painted buildings, elaborate façades and much older structures sitting alongside more modern ones.

In some streets, you’ll find highly decorated buildings with intricate details around the windows and roofs. In others, the architecture is much simpler.

That contrast is part of what makes walking around Riga so enjoyable.

Take your time and look upwards. Some of the best details are above street level.

9. Discover Riga’s Art Nouveau Architecture – Things to Do in Riga Latvia

Riga is particularly famous for its Art Nouveau architecture, and you don’t have to look far to find it. The city centre is filled with ornate façades, decorative details and elaborate buildings that make Riga’s architecture so distinctive.

One of the best-known places to explore is Alberta Street, where you’ll find some of the city’s most impressive Art Nouveau buildings. Look up as you walk and you’ll notice intricate sculptures, unusual faces, elaborate balconies and plenty of other details that are easy to miss at street level.

But you don’t have to leave the Old Town to see interesting architecture. Kalēju iela is another street worth exploring, where historic buildings and colourful façades create a very different atmosphere among the narrow Old Town streets.

Alberta Street feels grand and decorative, while Kalēju iela has the charm of the historic Old Town. Even if architecture isn’t normally something you seek out when travelling, we’d recommend keeping your eyes up as you walk around Riga. You never know what detail you might spot.

Exploring the Art Nouveau streets is one of the best things to do in Riga Latvia if you enjoy architecture.

10. Walk Around Bastion Hill

After spending time among the busy streets of the Old Town, Bastion Hill was a welcome change.

Bastejkalns is a green area in central Riga, crossed by paths and surrounded by trees, flowers and the City Canal.

It’s an easy place to slow down.

We found several interesting views while walking through the park, including bridges, historic buildings and sculptures tucked among the greenery.

It’s also close to some of Riga’s major landmarks, so you don’t need to make a special journey to see it.

11. Find the Freedom Monument – Things to Do in Riga Latvia

The Freedom Monument is one of Riga’s most important landmarks.

Standing 42.7 metres high, it commemorates Latvia’s independence and remains one of the central symbols of the country.

At the top, a woman holds three golden stars.

The monument is particularly impressive because of its location. It isn’t hidden away behind museum walls. It stands right in the centre of the city, surrounded by roads, parks and everyday Riga life.

We also noticed the bridges around Bastion Hill covered with padlocks.

It’s a lovely little detail to look out for as you walk around the area.

12. See the Nativity of Christ Orthodox Cathedral

The golden domes of the Nativity of Christ Orthodox Cathedral are another unmistakable part of Riga’s skyline.

The cathedral stands beside Esplanāde Park and is one of the city’s most recognisable religious buildings.

We loved the contrast between its pale walls and bright domes.

It also has an interesting history. The cathedral was consecrated in 1884 but was used for other purposes during the Soviet period. It was later restored and returned to religious use.

The building is particularly beautiful when viewed from the surrounding park.

13. Look for the Colourful Birdhouse Tree

This was one of our favourite unexpected discoveries.

In Esplanāde Park, there is a tree covered in a huge number of colourful birdhouses.

At first glance, it almost looks like a strange piece of modern art.

Look more closely and you realise that the little boxes are bird nesting boxes covering the trunk and branches.

The tree has become a quirky sight in central Riga and is particularly fun to photograph.

We wouldn’t necessarily have gone looking for it, which made finding it even better.

It’s exactly the sort of unexpected detail that makes wandering around Riga worthwhile.

14. Visit the Latvian National Museum of Art

The Latvian National Museum of Art is another impressive building near Esplanāde Park.

The museum houses Latvia’s largest collection of visual art, with works covering the development of Latvian art across several centuries.

The building itself is also worth seeing.

It was designed specifically as an art museum and combines historic architecture with modern exhibition spaces following its major renovation.

Even if you don’t have time to visit the exhibitions, it’s worth walking around the area and taking a look at the building.

15. Cross the Daugava for a Different View of Riga

One of our photos shows Riga from across the Daugava River.

The view is completely different from the narrow streets of the Old Town.

From the riverside, you can see the modern skyline, the wide river and the striking cable-stayed bridge.

This is a good reminder that Riga isn’t only a historic European city.

There is a modern side too, and seeing the city from across the river gives you a chance to appreciate that contrast.

16. See the National Library of Latvia

Across the Daugava, you’ll also find the National Library of Latvia, often known as the Castle of Light.

Its angular glass and steel design is a dramatic contrast to the historic buildings of the Old Town.

The building was designed by Latvian-American architect Gunnar Birkerts and was inspired partly by Latvian folklore and the idea of the Castle of Light.

We particularly liked seeing it from across the river.

It makes a striking addition to the Riga skyline and shows just how much the city has changed beyond its historic centre.

17. Explore Riga Central Market: Things to Do in Riga Latvia

Riga Central Market is another place we think deserves a spot on any Riga itinerary.

The market is beside the Daugava and is made up of huge market pavilions that originally had another purpose: they were constructed using former German airship hangars. The market opened in 1930.

Inside, you’ll find food, fresh produce and plenty of local products.

This is a completely different experience from walking around the Old Town.

Instead of looking at historic buildings, you’re seeing a more everyday side of Riga.

If you enjoy food markets, this is definitely somewhere we’d recommend exploring.

18. Take a Look at Riga’s Market Buildings

Even if you’re not particularly interested in shopping, the market buildings themselves are worth seeing.

Their huge curved roofs make them very different from the surrounding architecture.

We found the area interesting because it feels more practical and local than the polished streets around some of the main tourist attractions.

It is also a good place to experience a different side of Riga before heading back towards the Old Town.

19. Discover Riga’s Quirky Street Art

Riga also has plenty of unexpected art hidden around the city.

One example is the huge fox sculpture we found emerging from an old brick wall.

It is the sort of sight that makes you stop and wonder what you’ve just discovered.

We loved the contrast between the weathered historic wall and the enormous modern sculpture.

Riga has several examples of this kind of unexpected urban art, so keep your eyes open while walking.

You never quite know what you’ll find around the next corner.

f you enjoyed Riga’s unexpected street art and sculptures, you might also like our guide to things to do in Kaunas, Lithuania, where we found some wonderfully unusual art around the city.

20. Find the Clock Mural

As you wander through the enchanting cobblestone streets of Old Town Riga, make sure to look up and spot one of the city’s coolest hidden gems: the “Clocks That Count Centuries” (“Pulksteņi, kas skaita gadsimtus”) street mural.

This whimsical piece of urban art beautifully illustrates the march of time, blending the iconic silhouette of the Riga Cathedral tower with a vintage wooden mantel clock and a retro digital wristwatch.

Fun fact for history buffs – this striking hand-painted wall was actually born in the late 20th century as a clever commercial advertisement for a local watch boutique named “Ženēva” (Geneva). The boutique no longer exists but the beautifully preserved painting remains a beloved neighborhood landmark.

It is the absolute perfect photo spot for curious travelers looking to capture the delightful intersection of Riga’s deep medieval roots and its colorful, everyday urban history.

21. Step Through the Old Brick Archways

Riga’s historic centre is full of little passages and archways.

One of our photos shows an old brick arch leading into a narrow cobbled courtyard, complete with an old-fashioned sign hanging above the entrance.

This is another reason we wouldn’t recommend rushing through the Old Town.

Some of the most interesting details aren’t on the main tourist streets.

Look through archways, down side streets and into courtyards.

You might find something that isn’t in your guidebook.

22. See Riga’s Beautiful Green Spaces

Riga has a surprisingly green side.

The parks around the Old Town and central districts give you plenty of opportunities to escape the traffic and busy streets.

We particularly enjoyed the areas around Bastion Hill and Esplanāde.

The combination of mature trees, water, historic buildings and open spaces makes these places lovely for a slower walk.

If you’re spending several hours sightseeing, it’s worth building in some time simply to sit down and enjoy the surroundings.

23. Visit the Armoury Bar – Things to Do in Riga Latvia

And then there is Riga’s more unusual nightlife.

We came across The Armoury Bar in the Old Town, and even the entrance immediately caught our attention.

Inside, the bar has a distinctive historic atmosphere, with old-style décor and a collection of historical firearms displayed around the premises.

There is also a cosy cellar-like interior with wooden tables and candlelight.

It’s very different from a modern cocktail bar.

We found it memorable because it felt more like stepping into another world than simply going somewhere for a drink.

If you’re interested in unusual places to visit after dark, this is one to add to your list.

This is where I’d place the internal link to your existing pub article. It feels completely natural here because we’re talking about the Armoury Bar and nightlife.

If you’re looking for somewhere unusual to enjoy a drink, don’t miss our guide to the best pubs in Riga Latvia, featuring some of our favourite quirky bars and nightlife spots.

24. See Riga After Dark

Riga changes quite a lot in the evening.

The historic buildings are lit up, restaurants and bars become busier, and the Old Town takes on a completely different atmosphere.

You don’t need to plan a full night out.

Sometimes it’s enough to have dinner, walk through the streets and stop somewhere interesting for a drink.

During our visit, we enjoyed the fact that Riga had plenty of places with their own character rather than feeling like every bar and restaurant looked the same.

If you’re staying overnight, I’d definitely recommend seeing the Old Town both during the day and after dark.

25. Take Time to Simply Wander

This might sound like an obvious suggestion, but it’s probably the one we’d recommend most.

Don’t make every minute about ticking attractions off a list.

Riga rewards slow exploration.

Stop for a coffee.

Look inside a courtyard.

Walk down a street because the buildings look interesting.

Cross the river simply to see the skyline from another angle.

Sit in a park for ten minutes.

Some of our favourite memories from Riga came from exactly those moments.

If you want to discover more interesting things to see visit the official Riga Tourism information website here.

Our Favourite Things to Do in Riga

Riga gave us much more variety than we expected.

Of course, there are the famous sights. St Peter’s Church, Riga Cathedral, the Freedom Monument and the Old Town all deserve their place on a Riga itinerary.

But what made the city memorable for us were the smaller discoveries too.

The narrow streets.

The colourful birdhouses.

The strange clock mural.

The old brick archways.

The market.

The churches we hadn’t specifically planned to see.

And the unexpected places we found while simply walking around.

That combination is what makes Riga such an enjoyable city to explore.

You can spend the morning surrounded by medieval architecture, wander through a peaceful park in the afternoon, cross the Daugava to see the modern skyline and finish the evening in one of the city’s quirky bars.

If you visit Riga, don’t rush.

Give yourself some time to wander.

You might find that the places you weren’t looking for become the ones you remember most.

Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Riga Latvia

More from JourneyJoy.org

If you enjoyed exploring Riga, why not discover some of the other European cities we’ve explored? From historic streets and medieval architecture to beautiful views and hidden corners, here are a few more destinations to inspire your next trip.

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Things to Do in Luxembourg – Discover Luxembourg’s historic Old Town, dramatic scenery, impressive fortifications and charming streets.

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