Riga, Latvia: The pearl of the Baltic region invites you to take a city tour
Riga was founded around 800 years ago as a commercial branch in a convenient location. Riga has been the capital of Latvia since 1918 and has a population of over 700,000. The “Pearl of the Baltic States” is located at the mouth of the Daugava and presents itself as the economic, political and cultural heart of the country. Furthermore, Riga has a diverse industry as well as several colleges and universities. Riga is worth a visit at any time of the year. The humid continental climate shows itself with humid summer months as well as in winter with a lot of snow and often with temperatures around minus 20 degrees Celsius. Riga is a popular destination for city breaks and study trips as well as for a short vacation or a weekend getaway.
The most interesting sights in the Latvian capital
The historic old town of the former Hanseatic city is located on the right bank of the Daugava. The new town of Riga was built in the 19th century and is located on the left bank of the Daugava. Both in the old town and in the new town there are many monuments and sights from different stylistic epochs to be admired. The old town is particularly popular with buildings from the Baroque and Renaissance periods, while Art Nouveau predominates in the new town.
A stroll through the historic old town
The historic old town of Riga is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and shines with pretty squares and picturesque alleys. The “Blackheads House” on Rathausplatz is particularly worth seeing. It was built in 1334 in the Gothic style and served as a guild and meeting house. After several changes, the “House of the Blackheads” has had a magnificent Renaissance facade since the 17th century. It is decorated with pretty reliefs and figures. After the destruction in the Second World War, the building was rebuilt true to the original from 1995 to 1999. In front of the house there is a statue of the knight Roland as a symbol of justice and freedom of the cities.
More Attractions:
- Riga Cathedral
- Petrikirche
- Powder tower
- Sweden Gate
Discover the Art Nouveau buildings in the Neustadt
A beautiful park and the 42 meter high Freedom Monument mark the border between the old town and the new town. The “Boulevard Arch” is the central area of Riga New Town. It is dominated by three large boulevards and shines with buildings from different style periods. Everything is represented, from classicism to art nouveau. In the period from 1860 to 1863, the National Opera was built as a classical building. The nymph fountain on the forecourt was added in 1887. The cultural and economic palace can be seen from afar. Its construction dates back to 1955. Today, among other things, the Academy of Sciences is located here. The 386 meter high television tower on the island of Zakusala rises particularly impressively. As the third largest building in Europe, the television tower was built between 1979 and 1986. The 100 meter high viewing platform reveals a wonderful view of the city and the surrounding region.
More Attractions
- Central market with five market halls
- Art Nouveau facades
- Art Nouveau Museum
If you are traveling to Riga with children, you should not miss a visit to the Riga Zoo. Around 3,000 animals live in the oldest zoo in the Baltic States. The highlights include the tropical house, the farm, the giraffe house and the tiger house. After an eventful day, numerous bars, clubs and discos invite you to party. Those who prefer it a little quieter can visit a theater performance or a performance in the national opera. A trip to Riga is an unforgettable experience and visitors will remember it for a long time.
