Tours

Riga is a beautiful city which has a lot of historical attractions, shops and restaurants with both local and international cuisine. You can tour the city by taking a guided tour or by touring the city on your own.

House of Blackheads (Melngalvju nams)

A great way to explore the city is to tour the area around the House of Blackheads (Melngalvju nams).  The beautiful 1334 historical building was destroyed during WWII and was completely rebuilt in 2001 in honor of Riga's 800th anniversary and has lovely Gothic architecture. St Peter's Church is behind the house. Take the lift up to the observation platform and enjoy the panorama of the city. Stop for a cup of tea at Apsara. Near by is the Rīgas Doms (Riga Cathedral) which was founded in 1211.

St John's Church (Jāņa baznīca)

The St John's Church (Jāņa baznīca) dates back to the 13th Century. Follow into St. John's Yard, through the small door into Covent's Yard. This is complex of hotel premises nowadays as well as galleries and small souvenir shops. Enjoy a meal at Melnie Mūki a modern restaurant in a 13th Century Building. Close by is The Small Guild and The Great Guild, built to house the city's guides at different time periods. After admiring the buildings head to Pulvertornis (Powder Tower), which used to be part of the Riga fortification wall. The Tower also holds the Kara muzejs (Museum of War) which is worth a visit.

Riga Castle (Rīgas Pils)

The Riga Castle (Rīgas Pils) is a 1330 castle and now the Latvia President's residence. The Three Brothers are three houses that capture town's architectural history, the buildings were built at different times from the 15th to 18th Centuries. Near the historic buildings is the Kaķu nams (The Cats' House), where a merchant put cat scuptures on his house with their back to the Great Guild since the merchant wasn't allowed to join. Close by is St Jacob's Church (Jēkaba katedrāle) which has a gothic tower. 

Brīvības piemineklis (Freedom Monument)

Brīvības piemineklis (Freedom Monument) is a symbol of independent Latvia and it survived even the Communist era when laying flowers at the base of it could result in exile to Siberia. Today it is still a symbol of freedom. The Skonto Arēna is nearby and was used to host the 2006 IHF World Championship. On your way you can stop by Laima for chocolate and candy.

If you want to take a guided tour of the city there are a lot of options. You can find your ideal tour whether you want a specialized tour of an attraction or a generalized tour of the city.

Bus Tours

Hop On Hop Off (+371 2 66 55 405 / http://www.citytour.ee/?id=452 )

Mini Bus Tour of Riga (+371 2 923 8267)

Walking Tours

Riga Old Town Walking Tour (+371 6 755 4600)

Alternative City Walking Tour (+371 2 246 9888 / http://www.eatriga.lv/tours/ )