Location: Riga
Top Things to do in Riga
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10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Riga That You Shouldn't Miss
The Latvian capital, the largest city in the Baltics, is a fascinating mixture of proud Latvian tradition and influences of the various countries that have occupied it. Independent once again since 1991, Riga's Art Nouveau center has won it UNESCO World Heritage Site designation. Opened up to mass tourism with the advent of budget air travel, Riga's Old City and its abundance of bars and restaurants can be explored on foot. The New Town is easily reached by an efficient and modern bus and tram network.
Restaurants in Riga
1. Riga Motormuseum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 660 reviews
The renovated Riga Motor Museum opened its doors to visitors on the 2nd of July, 2016. At the Museum you can view the largest and most diverse vintage motor vehicle collection in the Baltics, exhibiting more than a 100 unique automobiles and motorcycles. Our exposition is a thrilling and interactive tale of unique cars, notable people and historic events. The authentic motor vehicles are complimented by touchscreen monitors, operable models, videos, interactive exhibits, virtual reality and other information provided by modern technology; making the museum visit into an exciting and insightful adventure. For Riga Motor Museum visitors to feel comfortable, and to have a valuable and productive visit even on an entire day’s visit, we offer a range of additional services - interactive activities in the children's play area, exploratory guided tours, a museum cafe, gift shop and free parking.
Reviewed By Ravennor - Stockholm, Sweden
Highly recommended for all types of people of all ages.m Good for people with mobilty issues. The exhibition is beautiful and also very educational. Not only vintage cars but also vintage bicycles, motor bicycles, telephones and radios are exhibited as well as fire vehicles, ambulances, lorries and buses, with plenty of information, yet not too overbaring.. Some parts also exhibits and explains life under Soviet rule, and how Latvian technological production survived during that time. Many of the vehicles are extremely high priced collector's items. There are quite a few interactive features that work for adults and children alike, For us who remember the times before the wall came down, there is a section with cars belonging to famous Soviet leaders, such as Stalin and Brezjev, together with a wast collection of many other Soviet vehicles. You can have your picture taken, receiving hail from the masses as you pass as the leader of the 1st of May parade in Comrade Brezjevs place. You get the picture for free if you provide your e-mail address. The bar/ cafe/ restaurant is relatively price worthy. You CAN go by bus to the door! Bus no 5 leaves from the Central station area and back with a stop on the street just outside the museum. Thebus ride takes about 35 minutes from the Central station area while the taxi takes 15 minutes, but the bus ride only cost 2 euros. No need to walk for 15 minutes to the bus stop as Google tries to trick you into!
2. House of the Black Heads
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,780 reviews
Closed for Covid-19 at the moment. On the last Saturday of month - join open FREE guided tour at 13:00 on English! Get the 1h tour with guide for free, pay only the entrance fee! Pre-reservation is necessary on website or by e-mail. It is one of the most beautiful buildings in Riga, with a unique legacy of the Black Heads brotherhood that was established here at the end of the 14th century, along with the existing merchants’ guild. The young and joyful foreign merchants united in the brotherhood organized splendid events, later becoming honorable members of the local community. As time passed the house began to host visits of foreign kings and other noble guests and continues to fulfill this task up to today – concerts, balls, gala dinners and diplomatic receptions are frequently organized here. Now every visitor has the chance to explore the exhibition about the history and economic development of Riga City.
Reviewed By Nitvoyodelo - Vineland, United States
The original building was from the 13-14th Century. It was the home of a guild called the Black Heads, merchants, ship owners and foreigners in Riga. The building sustained damage during WWII and later rebuilt, after the fall of Communism.
3. Riga Town Hall Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,030 reviews
Reviewed By malcolmc998 - St. Neots, United Kingdom
Well worth a visit to The House of Blackheads which has an intriguing history going back hundreds of years, plus Workd War2 and the Russian occupation
4. Old City Riga (Vecriga)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,115 reviews
This charming maze of narrow and crooked cobblestone streets is filled with a mixture of architectural styles including Nordic, Gothic, Renaissance, baroque and Jugendstil, plus such historic sites as the 13th-century Riga Castle, St. Peter's Church, the Swedish Gate and the Freedom Monument.
Reviewed By 591raye - Tilburg, The Netherlands
Visited Riga for a long weekend without any expectations. Now I’m convinced, it’s one of the greatest cities with a great architecture, a great atmosphere and just a great ambiance???????? Discover the different squares with a lot of restaurants and bars with live music. Look at the street artists making art with fire , the opera singer , the street music bands and so on.
5. Central Market (Centraltirgus)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,386 reviews
Reviewed By bignbald - Northampton, United Kingdom
Would highly recommend going to the markets it’s awesome Great fruit and veg Fantastic cheeses ( buffalo / mozzarella) Fantastic meats ( all types) Awesome fish displays beluga included As much amber as you could ever want to see Traders are friendly Oh and for goods sake buy some honey ???? Medus? It’s one of the best tasting honeys in the world 5/5 Earlier the better 8am onwards
6. Jauniela
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 305 reviews
Reviewed By Coryy20 - Port of Spain, Caribbean
Jauniela is for sure a very lively street with its winding cobblestone street. This are can lead you into other streets. The street is narrow and I must advice to leave the uncomfortable high heels at home. Please wear comfy cushioned shoes for these roads. Jauniela has lots of charm and many people seem to love this street as well. It just has a lot of charm about it.
7. Latvian Ethnographic Open Air Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 874 reviews
Reviewed By SolihullTony
We took one of the very efficient buses from Riga on a gloomy day at the end of December and thoroughly enjoyed our few hours at the open air museum. Even without the craftsmen who are there in the summer, it was so interesting seeing the lovely old, wooden buildings, mostly with mossy roofs.
8. Musee Art Nouveau
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,042 reviews
Situé dans un bâtiment du quartier Art Nouveau de Riga, au 1er étage. Adresse, Alberta Iela (en face de l'ambassade d'Irlande et de Belgique)
Reviewed By LadislavBA
I appreciated the lady from staff going to play piano when someone entered a particular room - it made you feel the atmosphere while viewing the historical interiors. For the winter season price (5 euro) definitely worth it even if you're a casual tourist rather than an art nouveau connoisseaur.
9. Latvian National Opera
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 639 reviews
The Latvian National Opera and Ballet is an internationally competitive arts centre which aims to develop and support the creative process, cultural enrichment and educational functions. The Latvian National Opera and Ballet strives for excellence in its opera and ballet productions, as well as provides all of society with access to high-quality artistry, promotes creativity and public education. The company has operated under numerous authorities and regimes since October 15, 1918; its continued presence throughout history has always been ensured by its wonderful artists and the performances they’ve put together. Today the LNOB is internationally renowned and competitive in its field; it cherishes audiences in Latvia and regularly participates in tours, and continually gains recognition and professional acclaim in local and foreign media.
Reviewed By Mhldavies
Got to the box office just before 6pm two seated tickets for Sleeping Beauty 15 euros each Great seats brilliant performance highly recommend
10. View of Riga from St Peter's Church Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,563 reviews
Reviewed By The_Oj1 - Nairobi, Kenya
Viewing Riga from atop St. Peter's church gives an in-explainable feel of being omnipresent and all over Riga from a single point, you get to have the feeling that explains the omnipresence of God ... being everywhere ... as you can see so many corners of Riga from one high point. I torched the city of Riga from the tower, and enjoyed the view. I could see my hotel, and other buildings as well as bridges, I could not get enough of it. Must visit when you travel to Riga.
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