Riga is one of the world’s most beautiful cities. This sounds like a very big claim to make but with the world’s finest collection of Art Nouveau architecture, an immaculate UNESCO-listed Old Town, countless parks, no skyscrapers and a river flowing right through the heart of the city, the Latvian capital deserves its tag as one of the world’s most beautiful cities.
Riga is the amazing city it is because of its culture. Cultural Riga life offers world-class opera, theatre, classical music performances and ballet. When Latvia broke away from the Soviet Union, 20 years ago, its ‘singing revolution’ played a big part in helping it regain its independence. Where else in the world would a nation fight for its freedom by singing?
In 2014, Riga will be ‘the European Capital of Culture’ – a fact that once again emphasizes what a truly cultural place Riga is.
To discover more about amazing Riga, read our Riga culture guide for information about where to go and what to see:
Riga’s music culture
Riga is the place to be if you want to experience world-class opera, classical music performances, choral events, traditional folk music, sacred music, dance music, rock music, ballet or international pop music artists performing.
Art Nouveau architecture
Riga boasts the largest collection of Art Nouveau buildings in the world. Art nouveau buildings dating to the end of the nineteenth century onwards can be found in Riga Old Town, the Embassy district and throughout other parts of central Riga. Many art nouveau buildings were designed by Latvian architects, the most famous of whom was Mikhail Eisenstein. Read more about Riga’s Art Nouveau here...
Riga museums
Riga offers dozens and dozens of weird, wonderful and fascinating museums. The best time to see them is probably during the ‘Night of the Museums’ held each spring. However, as Riga’s museums are open all year round, you can enjoy them whenever you are planning to come to Riga. Amazing Riga museums include the Latvian Ethnographic Museum, Arsenals Museum of Art, The Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, Fire fighting museum, History museum of Latvia, Latvian National Museum of Art, Latvian Railway Museum, Museum of decorative art, Museum of natural history, Museum of pharmacy, Museum of Riga’s history and navigation, Museum of War, Paul Stradins Museum of the history of medicine, Riga art nouveau museum, Riga motor museum, Latvian photography museum, and Riga Aviation Museum.
Riga cinema & theatre
Riga boasts excellent theatre performances and is a great place to watch Hollywood and independent cinema. Films are all shown in their original languages with Latvian and Russian subtitles. Choose from northern Europe’s second biggest cinema, Forums, or enjoy independent cinema at K. Suns or the beautifully ornate Riga Cinema.
Jewish Riga
Our Jewish Riga tour is designed to give a vivid insight into how the Jewish community lived in Riga for centuries and preserved their traditions in spite of the tragic events of World War II and harsh repression during the Soviet period. Find out more about Salaspils, the Riga Synagogue, the Great Choral Synagogue and many more places that have helped shape Jewish Riga.
Riga sightseeing
There are so many interesting sights to see in Riga that one visit to the Latvian capital can never be enough. Highlights include Riga’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, Riga’s countless churches, its Art Nouveau district, the Freedom Monument and Riga Central Market. Search through our culture guide for the types of Riga sightseeing places you are interested in or join one of our numerous sightseeing tours. Alternatively, speak to us about organizing a tailor-made sightseeing tour that meets your personal needs or the requirements and desires of your corporate incentives group.
Alternative Riga
Alternative culture means: “A variety of subcultures existing along the fringes of mainstream culture.” In Riga, subcultures exist in the world of art, music, fashion, museums, food and nights out. You can even enjoy an alternative Riga walking tour if you have the feeling you want to experience something a bit...different.
Riga beaches
OK, technically there aren’t really public beaches in Riga itself, but a short journey outside the Latvian capital takes you to Riga-on-sea – otherwise known as Jurmala, where you can enjoy pristine white-sand Jurmala beaches. Alternatively, Vecaki beach is increasingly popular during the warmer months.
Riga churches
Old Town Riga’s skyline is dominated by the spires of countless beautiful churches. The oldest of these such as Dome Cathedral and St. Peter’s church date back to the founding of Riga more than 800 years ago. Other stand-out churches include the atmospheric Riga Orthodox Cathedral and the Holy Trinity Church on the left bank of the river Daugava in Pardaugava.
Riga parks
One of the reasons that Riga is such a beautiful city to live in, work in or visit is because of the countless parks and greenery of the Latvian capital’s city centre. Some of Riga’s most attractive green spaces include Vermanes Park, Forest park, the Song Festival Park, Kronvalda Park, Victory Park and the Esplanade
Riga districts
Riga’s Old Town and Art Nouveau district are world famous. But Riga has many, many fascinating districts worthy of your time and exploration. Riga’s most interesting districts include the up and coming Warehouse District, the fascinating Central Market, Pardaugava, Agenskalns, Mezaparks, Andrejsala and the Embassy District.
Soviet & Russian Riga
Having been occupied by the Soviet Union for nearly 50 years, there is an unmistakable Soviet influence on Latvia’s capital city. For reminders of Riga’s Soviet past visit the Riga Aviation museum, take a peek out the window from the top floor of the Academy of Sciences building, or join our ever popular ‘Back to the USSR’ tour. With around half of its population being ethnically Russian, there are also omnipresent Russian influences with heavily influenced or exclusively Russian theatre, restaurants and clubs.
Riga’s waterways
Riga is all the more attractive for its waterways. The Latvian capital simply wouldn’t be the same without the River Daugava, Riga City Canal or the five bridges that span the river Daugava. Enjoy the very best of Riga’s waterways with river Daugava cruises, riverside dining and canal cruises.
Family Riga
Riga is a fantastic place for families to visit. Riga family highlights include Riga Zoo, Riga Circus, LIDO Family Entertainment Centre, Livu Water Park and the countless city parks.
