News & events
Top sights in Riga
The Old Town
The Old Town is the oldest section of Riga as well as the center of the city. It is the city’s most popular area with tourists. In 1997, Riga’s historic center was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Latvian National Museum of Art
Latvian National Museum of Art is the most significant depository in the nation for works of art. Reopened in May 2016, the building itself has been upgraded, modernized but its majestic beauty from a long-gone era – preserved.
Art Nouveau
Art Nouveau, the distinct style in art of end-19th century and early-20th, was the “father” of modern architecture. Riga is a well-known Art Nouveau mecca.
Freedom Monument
The Freedom Monument has been Riga’s central landmark for almost a century. This 42.7 m tall granite and copper work of art is a symbol of the Latvian nation’s striving for freedom and independence. The woman on top of the monument is holding up three golden stars, which represent Latvia’s historical regions of Kurzeme, Vidzeme, and Latgale. The motto “For the Fatherland and Freedom” is inscribed upon the base. It was unveiled on 18 November 1935 and financed entirely from public donations.
Riga Central Market
Tourist guides in many cities are forced to explain that, “once, in this spot, there was a market!” In Riga we can proudly scratch the “was” and say “is”! A huge one, downtown, on the banks of the Daugava.
National Library of Latvia
Just a bridge span from Old Town, on the left bank of the Daugava, looms an extraordinary, culturally significant edifice, the Castle of Light – the new National Library.
Latvian National Opera and Ballet
Riga’s White House — the Latvian National Opera and Ballet on Aspazijas bulvāris was opened in 1923; an average of six new productions are presented each year, retaining balance between opera and ballet. In total, the opera sees over 200 performances and several symphonic and chamber music concerts a season.
Three Brothers
The oldest complex of dwelling houses in Riga was constructed in the 15th century. Their name — Three Brothers, was given a very long time ago and, according to a legend, the buildings were constructed by men from one family. Today, the premises house the Latvian Museum of Architecture and the State Inspection for Heritage Protection.
Kalnciema Quarter
A unique 19th century’s complex of wooden buildings is now renovated in Pārdaugava. A group of friends and associates are actively involved in a project of preserving the historic atmosphere of the quarter and adapting it to the dynamics of the 21st century. Buildings invite you to enjoy Latvian and European design, fairs, art exhibitions and workshops at court-yards. The quarter’s special feature is old LADA cars to take you into the past.
St.Peter’s Church
Riga’s St.Peter’s Church dominates the cityscape as the tallest spire, and as one of the oldest and most valuable monumental architecture edifices in the Baltic States from the Middle Ages. St.Peter’s is the tallest of the Riga churches, a significant landmark, and a prime example of the 13th century Gothic style.
