Tourism and Sightseeing in Riga

Tools:

Tourist Offices in Riga

The main tourist information office of Riga is located in the Town Hall Square (Ratslaukums 6). It provides information on leisure activities, guided tours, public transportation, and other questions of interest in English, Russian, and Latvian. In addition, the tourist office offers the following services:

  • guides, books, maps etc. about Riga and Latvia
  • accommodation booking
  • Riga Card that offers free museum entrance and various discounts,
  • tickets for local public transport as well as international bus connections
  • tickets to various events from guided tours to concerts
  • postcards, stamps, and envelopes
  • free Wi-Fi

Other tourist information offices in Riga can be found in the International Airport, the Coach Terminal, and at Kalku iela 16 in the Old Town.

Sightseeing in Riga

The main sights of Riga can be easily explored on foot. Don't miss:

  • Medieval Old Town - With its beautiful old buildings, churches, and outdoor cafes
  • Art Nouveau district - Also known as the "quiet centre", this part of town around Alberta and Elizabetes streets has magnificent buildings in the distinct Latvian art nouveau style
  • Central market - The market is housed in old zeppelin hangars and is well worth a walk-through. Once you have walked through the market, visit the recently refurbished Spikeri Quarter or stop by the Academy of Sciences for best aerial views of Riga
  • Kipsala District- On the left bank of the river Daugava has both gorgeous Nordic style wood buildings and beautiful sights of the city. Just cross the cable bridge, turn right and walk along the little street on the riverside
  • Mezaparks District - Literally "forest park", it is an old residential area nearby a large lake and vast park areas covered in pine forests. You can rent rollerblades and bicycles, walk around, or visit the ZOO. Can be reached by tram Nr. 11 from the city center

Tours in Riga

There are several travel agencies and tour companies that offer quality tours of Riga and Latvia:

  • E.a.t. Riga Tours - a young company with enthusiastic tour guides that offers walking tours, bike tours, photography tours, food & drink tours, boat tours, as well as various activity tours and day trips
  • Free Riga tour - a free walking tour that begins daily at 12 pm in front of the St. Peters Church in the Old Town
  • Tours in Riga - in addition to a free daily tour that begins at 11 am at the St. Peters Church, the company offers a range of other tours like exploring Riga by bicycle, kayak, or Segway
  • Top Riga Tours - a company that offers "adrenalin tours", e.g., AK shooting, paintball, or bungee jumping
  • Discover Latvia - a travel agency that offers a great selection of tours in Riga and Latvia

Festivals in Riga

The Latvian festival season spans the three summer months of June, July, and August with exciting events across the country:

  • 23-24th June - Midsummer celebrations (Jani) all across Riga and Latvia with markets, folk music, and bonfires
  • July - Positivus, the biggest music festival in the Baltic region, takes place in the seaside town of Slacgriva
  • July - Rigas Ritmi, an international music festival that takes place in several venues across Riga
  • July - Saulkrasti Jazz, a beach jazz festival in the coastal town of Saulkrasti
  • July/August - Sigulda Opera Festival, an international opera music festival talking place in the castle ruins of Sigulda
  • August - Riga City Festival, a three day celebration of the city with music, performances, food and drink
  • September - White Night, a unique night-long urban culture forum that brings together art, theatre, music, dance, and literature

Up to date information about upcoming events can always be found on the Live Riga website

Discounts in Riga

Riga Card - can be purchased at all tourism information centers; offers free museum entrance, as well as discounts for bus and guided tours, hotels, restaurants, entertainment, car rental, and other services

Many business offer discounts for holders of International Student Identity Card (ISEC), see more about Discount Cards in the guide section Find Work.

Update 26/08/2015


Tools:

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest WhatsApp Addthis

Recommended Partners

Learn a language

Babbel is an international success with millions of active subscribers and ranked as the world's #1 innovative company in education.

Why Babbel?

Learn and review on your own schedule: Mobile, tablet or desktop compatible, with lessons about 10-15 min.

Expert-made courses: Learn the basics or focus on topics like travel, culture, or business.

Start speaking right away: Learn to speak a new language naturally and conversationally.

Every learner is different: Each course is based on your native language and personal interests.

Remember everything: Babbel employs proven cognitive techniques that move new vocab to your long-term memory.

Refine your pronunciation: Practise speaking and improve your pronunciation with speech recognition technology.

Try Babbel for free today

Registration with Babbel is completely free of charge and the first lesson in every course is FREE to try (Depending on the language you choose, that's 30-80 free lessons!).

If you want full access to Babbel's courses, simply choose a subscription that works best for you. Buy with confidence: 20-day money back guarantee!


Do you have comments or personal information to communicate about this article? Add your comment.


Find more definitions and general answers on expatriation issues in the Expat FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions).

Go to the Forum to talk more about tourism and sightseeing in Riga, entertainment.

Download the full digital PDF expat guide in Riga

Download the guide: Riga, Latvia
  • See in one single booklet all the articles for a city guide for expatriates.
  • Enjoy full colour photos to illustrate each section.
  • Additionnal maps: Region, City view, Neighborhood, Street view.

  • - My Life Abroad -
    A selection of expat stories

    "A fun compulsive read!"
    J. Matcham, Amazon

    "I strongly advise people ready to live abroad to read this book!"
    Patrice, Amazon