Riga is the beautiful capital of Latvia, located next to the Daugava River.
The historical centre of Riga is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
From Greece you can fly to Riga, or drive from countries such as Estonia and Lithuania. I took a bus from Vilnius to Riga for just 9€.
The centre of Riga is quite small and you can see it in a day. Ideally I would recommend staying two days to get lost in the alleys and enjoy the beauty of the city.
Accommodation in Riga
Hilton Garden Inn Riga Old Town
In Riga I stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn Riga Old Town and it was the best choice I could have made.
First of all the location is unbeatable, located in the heart of the old town, next to St. Peter’s Church. All the attractions were close and accessible by foot, I didn’t need any transportation at all.
The room was modern, comfortable and spotlessly clean, the bed was huge and the pillows so soft it was like sleeping on clouds. It has all the amenities a traveler needs. Plus the staff were very polite and willing to help you with anything you needed.
The breakfast had countless choices of savoury and food, while you can also ask them to make you a -delicious- omelette with ingredients of your choice. One of my favorite options on the breakfast buffet was the delicious waffles that you make at that moment. I could eat them every day!
Attractions in Riga
Riga Cathedral
Riga Cathedral is the main Evangelical Lutheran place of worship in the city and the largest medieval church in the Baltic.
It is located in Dome Square, where you will find many restaurants and souvenir shops.
Riga Castle
Riga Castle is the official residence of the President of the Latvian Republic, and also houses the Museum of Foreign Art and the Latvian Historical Museum.
St. Peter’s Church
The impressive Gothic church was built in the 13th century and suffered several damages after World War II.
Entrance is free to get inside, and if you want to get to the observatory deck to enjoy the magnificent view of the city, the ticket costs 9€.
Next to the church you will also find the Bremen Musicians statue.
House of the Black Heads
Located in the heart of Riga’s old town, the House of the Black Heads is one of the most famous attractions. You will find it in the main square of the Town Hall, directly opposite the Town Hall.
The baroque house was originally built in 1334, but was destroyed by bombs in World War II and rebuilt in 1999.
Cat House
The Cat House is one of the most famous buildings in Riga. It takes its name from the two miniature sculpted black cats on the edges of the roof.
The Three Brothers
The Three Brothers is a building complex consisting of three houses. Together the houses form the oldest residential complex in Riga. Each house represents different periods of development of housing construction.
Powder Tower
The Powder Tower was built on the site of the former fortification moat of the Old Town. It was built to replace the ruined previous gate tower, called Horská.
Swedish Gate
The Swedish Gate was built during the period of Swedish rule and is the only remaining gate to the Old Town.
Freedom Monument
The Freedom Monument was constructed in 1935. The woman raising her hands in the sky symbolizes Freedom, while the three stars she holds in her hands represent three historical regions of Latvia, Vinceme, Latgale and Kurland.
Next to the monument is the beautiful Bastejkalna Park where you can visit.
Līvu laukums
A place worth visiting is the Līvu laukums square. Around it you will find colourful shops to sit or just admire.
Nativity of Christ Orthodox Cathedral
The Nativity of Christ Orthodox Cathedral, a Russian Orthodox church, was built between 1876 and 1883, during the period when Latvia was part of the Russian Empire.
In fact, it is the largest Orthodox church in the country.
Latvian Academy of Sciences
If you want another place to see Riga from above – apart from St. Peter’s Church – you can go to the observatory deck at the Latvian Academy of Sciences with an entrance fee of 8€ (cash only).
Eating in Riga
Province
If you want to try local Latvian dishes – at affordable prices – then head to Province restaurant.
I chose potato pancakes with sour cream and pork ribs with sauerkraut. Both dishes were delicious, especially the marinade on the meat. The portions were also quite large and filling.
MĪKLA bakery
One of my favorite things to do abroad is to visit bakeries. In Riga, I went to MĪKLA bakery and it is one of the best bakeries you will find in the area.
It’s a small minimalist bakery with delicious things to try like croissants and other puff pastries at affordable prices.
If you want to see more about my trip to Riga, visit my Instagram profile.
