Travel Guide to Riga, Latvia

Tourists, who are familiar with the history of Riga, will surely understand the meaning of the expression "Riga is the city that must be freed all the time". This shopping center, founded by German merchants, had to survive in different conditions and endured sharp changes in its development. Independence in 1918, arrival of the Red Army in 1940, the second independence in 1991, and, finally, Latvia's joining the EU in 2004 – the history of the city is really rich.

The political, cultural and economic center of the country is defined by luxury buildings in the modern style, beautiful park complexes, as well as standard buildings that have remained in the city from the Soviet era. The Old Town (show on map ) is full of wonderful houses, small shops and restaurants. Nowadays, this part of Riga is included in the list of world heritage sites by UNESCO. The city on the bank of the Western Dvina, or, as the river is called in Latvia, the Daugava, is home to numerous museums (map of museums ) that traditionally attract numerous fans of culture and art. Riga is traditionally known as the most expensive city of the Baltic. Despite this fact, tourists are still recommended to visit the city. The extraordinary hospitality of Riga is one of reasons for that.

The Great and the Small Guilds.
The Great Guild was founded in the 14th century. The building was reconstructed many times in the following years. Currently, the building hosts the National Philharmonic Concert Hall.

The current building of the Small Guild was constructed by the city architect of Riga Johann Daniel Felsko in 1866. The last renovation of the building took place in 2000. The interior of the Small Guild is particularly posh. Visitors will find here wonderful stained glass windows, rich chandeliers, and walls decorated with paintings of the city.

Rigas Doms.
Rigas Doms (view photos ) is a wonderful church, which design is an intricate mix of romance, gothic, Renaissance, baroque and classics. The church is the embodiment of the Old Town, of its diversity and uniqueness. The cathedral is equipped with one of the largest organs in the world. Many years ago Franz Liszt himself composed music specifically for this organ.

Three brothers.
The architectural ensemble named Three Brothers , created in the XV, XVII and XVIII centuries, consists of three houses. These are the oldest stone buildings in Riga. The ensemble gives an idea of how people used to live in one of trading and artisan quarters of Riga. After a major restoration that was made in the 50s of the previous century the houses have been turned into architectural museums.

Church of Maria Magdalena.
The small church of Maria Magdalena was built in the XIII century. In the XVII century, it was used as a Swedish garrison church. During the Northern War the church was destroyed, but later it was rebuilt again.

The Sweden Gate.
The Sweden Gate is the youngest and the only surviving gate from the 25 gates that once existed in Riga.

St. Jacob Church
The church of St. Jacob is the only church in Riga with "the bell on the balcony". The first mention of the church dates back to 1225. The thin and slender tower of the church is really unique because of the church bell that is located outside, and not inside the church. During its long history, the church managed to serve both the Catholics and the Lutherans. After the Reformation in the XVI century, the church hosted first divine services of the Latvian Lutheran community in Riga. Currently, the church belongs to the Catholic Church.

Riga is beautiful in any season, but tourists are usually recommended to visit it in the fall.

Read more about Riga:
Restaurants and cuisine in Riga
'Must visit' places in Riga
Nightlife and attractions in Riga
Preparing for Riga: Advices
Riga photogallery