Riga: Old Town, Art Nouveau and Riverside Walks
Accommodation in Riga
Riga can be explored through a variety of interests: the Old Town tells the story of Hanseatic history and European influences, while Art Nouveau, museums, market history and riverside walks offer other highlights. There are also activities that suit different seasons. Your plans for each day can help guide your hotel choice: culture and the Old Town, a visit to the market or time outdoors each offer a different focus.
Old Town and Art Nouveau
The historic centre preserves evidence of European influences on the city’s development and has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. The Old Town began to develop in the early 13th century around a trading harbour linked to important Hanseatic trading cities. This part of Riga brings together different layers of the city’s history.
The architecture also offers different perspectives. In the Art Nouveau district, elaborately decorated early 20th-century façades line entire streets. Riga’s Art Nouveau architecture is concentrated in the so-called Quiet Centre, about a ten-minute walk from the Old Town. Those interested in architecture can consider these two aspects separately when planning: the historic city centre and the façades from the early 20th century.
Museums and performing arts
The building of the Latvian National Museum of Art was purpose-designed to house art between 1903 and 1905. Its permanent exhibition features Latvian art from the 19th and 20th centuries; the presentation may change. The museum also houses the largest collection of artworks created in Latvia.
Founded in 1773, the Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation is located in the historic ensemble of Riga Dome Cathedral. It displays a 13th-century ship known as the “Riga ship”; the presentation may change. The Latvian National Opera and Ballet has been operating on Aspazijas Boulevard since 1923 and stages more than 200 performances in total per season. As the seasonal programme may change, it is worth checking the latest dates before your trip.
Markets, parks and riverfront
At Riga Central Market, five pavilions offer Latvian specialities such as smoked fish and rye bread. Selection and availability at the stalls may vary. The market’s history is also evident on site: the pavilions were converted from former Zeppelin hangars. The market area is an integral part of Riga’s Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Bastejkalns Park combines narrow paths with a rock garden, a cascade of water and views of the city. The Daugava promenade offers a different connection to the city: it runs along the river’s right bank from the Old Town to the Ķengarags district. Riga Zoo is the oldest zoo in the Baltic states. This gives visitors a choice of city history and park design, as well as an excursion destination with its own institutional history.
The season also shapes what is in bloom in Riga. Azaleas are on display from February to April, magnolias in spring, rhododendrons at the start of summer, roses and peonies in midsummer, and dahlias in autumn. Exact display and flowering times may vary. If plants are important to your trip, take this seasonal sequence into account when planning your dates.
Getting around on land and water
Riga by Canal offers boat trips along the City Canal and on the Daugava. Services are seasonal and depend on the operator. There are also several places in Riga where you can rent SUP boards, rowboats or kayaks; providers and seasons may vary. These water activities are different options for a stay and do not have to be tied to the same location.
A seven-kilometre cycle path connects the city centre with Mežaparks and runs through lush pine forest. As route conditions may change, check them before setting off. In winter, Uzvaras Park becomes a cross-country ski trail; use and grooming of the trail may vary. Activities therefore differ not only according to preference but also by season.
Getting there and finding your way
Bus No. 22 takes about 40 minutes from the airport to the city centre, depending on traffic. Check the route again before your trip. Trams, trolleybuses and buses are the main modes of public transport in Riga; network details and timetables should also be checked in advance. The Old Town is about a five-minute walk from Riga Central Station; specific route conditions may change.
You can use your planned visits as a guide when choosing a hotel: those mainly interested in the Old Town, museums and architecture will plan their days differently from those who prioritise the cycle path, riverfront or seasonal activities.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Baldone, Mārupe, Riga, Tukuma Novads, Naukšēnu Novads, Vecumnieki Municipality, Ciblas Novads, Strenču Novads.
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